We’re getting our very first look inside Disney World’s newest restaurant. Does the theming appeal to you all families though… or just Toy Story fans and small children?
Back when we had our last good look at the Toy Story-themed restaurant coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Rodeo Roundup BBQ — we were a bit perplexed. Why was a children’s restaurant being given such glamorous food items? And why did a restaurant centered around barbecue seem to be lacking in… well… barbecue?
Here’s an excerpt from that story:
Fresh, delicious salads for all to enjoy!
- Tomato Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled red onions tossed in a white balsamic vinaigrette and garnished with fresh dill (plant-based)
- Rex’s Romaine and Kale Salad: Romaine and kale mixed with green apples, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries tossed with green goddess dressing
- Watermelon Salad: Cubed watermelon garnished with freshly torn mint leaves (plant-based)
Enjoy a hearty serving of house-smoked meats, including:
- Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, slow-cooked for hours in our onsite smokehouse
- Buttercup’s Beef Brisket: Hand-sliced beef brisket, smoked then slow-cooked to juicy perfection
- There’s a Sausage in My Boot: Spiced pork sausage fire-grilled over live oak to give it an added kick
- BBQ Chicken – with Style! Chicken brined for 48 hours, rubbed with our secret backyard BBQ spice and smoked to tender juiciness
Now, we’re getting a look at the interior decorations and theming of the restaurant via Walt Disney Imagineering. And again, I’m still a little confused. If you look at the above items, they’re very grown up tastes. Yet the interior is distinctly small children and families with Toy Story aficionados. The odd pairing is from the fact that those food items are almost certainly expensive compared to many Disney restaurant offerings, yet the design of the restaurant calls out to more of a Pizzarizzo vibe instead. It’s like the Polite Pig plopped down inside a Pizza Planet.
Could it work? Sure. Will this potentially make parents happy with good food while kids look at the sights and sounds of Woody and Buzz? You bet. But for my tastes, it feels just a little bit disjointed. I’ll still definitely make a trip over, and you can bet there will be a review forthcoming once it is open!
Here’s to hoping it’s really, really good.
For all the latest news that should be fun, keep reading That Park Place. As always, drop a comment down below and let us know your thoughts!
