As a Toy Story lover from day one, I’d been excited for this long-awaited restaurant to open in Toy Story Land. But as a vegetarian of 10 years and counting, I’ll admit, I was a bit disappointed to learn the restaurant would be barbecue-themed. Sure, I would go for a meal despite the menu simply for the magical atmosphere (Be Our Guest, anyone?), but paying for a family-style dining experience just to not eat the food isn’t always rational.
But after learning Roundup Rodeo BBQ offered not only several vegetarian options, but an entire vegetarian main course, I knew I needed to get my play time in at Hollywood Studios on my most recent trip. After taking a ride on Alien Swirling Saucers before our reservation, we were led into the restaurant and seated just below where Bo Peep watches over the rest of us toys. Our server explained the menu and asked if a meat-based meal was okay with us, and that was when I told her that I was a vegetarian. She immediately assured me that was fine and she would make a note of it so I would receive the plant-based option for the main course.
First up was the trio of salads and Prospecter’s Homemade Cheddar Biscuits, which were really good, but filling. The Rootin’ Tootin Tomato Salad contained cucumbers and onions, but I personally wasn’t fond of the plant-based white balsamic vinaigrette it was slathered in, so I left that salad for my guest to enjoy. Rex’s Romaine and Kale Salad was good; a typical Caesar salad tossed in dressing and mixed with kale. As for Wheezy’s Watermelon Salad, that one was the winner for me. Yes, I know it was merely cubes of watermelon on top of a mint leaf, but son of a building block, was this good watermelon! I ate practically the entire bowl!
The rest of our food arrived all at once, filling up our little table for two. For our four sides, we chose Slinky Doooooooooog’s Mac and Cheese, Mean Old Potato Salad, Campfire-roasted Vegetables and The Claw! Veggie Slaw. I’m not big on cole slaw, so I served myself helpings of the other three. Although I’ve heard all good things about Slinky’s Mac and Cheese, I wouldn’t say it was my favorite, the cheese just a bit too rich for my liking. The Mean Old Potato Salad was enjoyable, and the Campfire-roasted Vegetables had an unexpected kick, and I was surprised to see cucumber included in the bowl. Roasted cucumber sprinkled with seasoning isn’t something I would have seen myself eating before, but it became a memorable part of the meal.
When it came to my plant-based main course, Trixie’s Plant-based Trio, I was given a basket consisting of a vegetable helping, an Impossible helping, and a Beyond helping. The first was a Beyond sausage, similar to the plant-based link you’d find at Casey’s Corner or Flaming Tree Barbecue, so I already knew I’d like it. Next was a roasted cauliflower head – rightfully named the Combat Carloflower – with harissa drizzle and walnut gremolata, of which I left no crumbs.
Last was the Rip Roarin’ Rib Chop, which resembled an actual rib chop on the bone, but made from Impossible meat on an edible sugarcane stick, and this was the one that got me. I’ve eaten Impossible dishes before, but this rib chop on the “bone” dipped in barbecue sauce was so meat-like, I asked our server to explain it to me before I took a bite. But when I finally did, it was delicious. I opted to wipe a bit of the barbecue sauce off of it just because it was heavily covered in it and I’m not super fond of barbecue sauce, but eating this was what made me feel most like I was at a true barbecue.
As for dessert, though I’m not a big dessert person, I went with Cupcake à la Forky. It’s labeled on the menu as the dessert option for “lil’ riders,” but I had no problem ordering it as an adult.
The food options paired with the playful Pixar ambiance and the announcements every so often to freeze when Andy’s coming or dance like a Partysaurus Rex left me eager for the day I get to come back on my next WDW trip, because after this dining experience, this restaurant’s definitely got a friend in me.
Editor’s Note: DIS Contributors review meals, resort stays, and entertainment that they have paid for during their own vacations. They only utilize discounts and offers that are available to the general public, such as annual passholder discounts or DVC membership discounts. They receive no additional compensation for dining experiences or events so that they may give their honest opinions about price and value.
