So many times when Walt Disney World opens a new restaurant, Disney fans gripe about one thing or another, whether it’s the type of food, location, or value. I like to pick out the things I enjoy about anything that’s new at Disney first and then think about ways that would make it even better: a little armchair imagineering, if you will.
Personally, I think Roundup Rodeo BBQ, the newest table service restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, was just what Toy Story Land was missing. I can’t, however, seem to work out why this fabulously-themed dining location doesn’t offer character dining. It would be so perfect in so many ways. Surely Disney Imagineers must’ve discussed this when planning this restaurant, right?
Some Toy Story characters would be fun to meet but might be more difficult to portray than others. For example, I don’t think they could do Rex, Hamm, or Forky. But the obvious ones like Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Emperor Zurg would be so fun in the dining room, wouldn’t they? I think they could even make Lotso happen! Who wouldn’t love to hug that strawberry-smelling bear?
For my family, character dining has always been our favorite way to meet Disney characters. Some of us are slower eaters, and oftentimes, we’d get to see characters twice during a meal if we were lucky. That doesn’t always happen, but it did back when our kids were little.
This restaurant would make the most perfect experience for the whole family, in my opinion. The first Toy Story film was released during Thanksgiving in 1995, so most parents and grandparents are familiar with all the characters. I love how the restaurant has a fun few minutes when Andy’s coming, and everyone in the place freezes – they all know what to do. How fun would it be if toys, err.. official characters who would also freeze were present? I’m getting excited just thinking about how fun that would be and imagining my niece and nephews’ faces smiling from ear to ear.
Have you ever eaten at Roundup Rodeo BBQ? Why do you think Disney didn’t make this a character meal? How would you feel if Disney were to turn this into character dining? Would you be annoyed that the price would likely increase, or would you be excited too? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
