Rodeo Roundup Restaurant Review
Stepping into Disney’s latest dining sensation, Rodeo Roundup, feels like tumbling headfirst into Andy’s backyard – if Andy had a penchant for throwing the ultimate barbecue bash, that is. From the moment I set foot inside, the atmosphere enveloped me in a world where quirky waitstaff and family-style feasts reign supreme. It’s not just a meal; it’s an adventure into the heart of a Toy Story-themed rodeo, and folks, it’s adorable.
The Feel
Disney, in its unparalleled wizardry, has once again blurred the lines between dining and storytelling. At Rodeo Round Up, the decor is a playful nod to the beloved Toy Story universe, crafting an environment that’s as visually engaging as it is immersive. The staff, decked out in their rodeo best, aren’t just servers; they’re part of the story, each one bringing a unique flair to the table that makes the meal not just fun, but memorably so.
The Fare
Ah, the food – the heart of any dining experience. Rodeo Round Up serves up its meals family-style, meaning you’re in for a smorgasbord of meats with the freedom to pick your sides. Now, I’m the kind of gal who usually beelines for the mac and cheese at any given opportunity, but the salads here – the Rootin’ Tootin’ Tomato and Wheezy’s Watermelon – had me rethinking my life choices. They were that good.
Biscuits are my Achilles’ heel, especially when there’s red pepper jelly involved. My brother, a connoisseur of sauces, was in his element, exploring a variety of flavors to complement his meaty selections. While I typically steer clear of ribs, and found the sausage somewhat disappointing, the brisket was the star of the show– tender, flavorful, and downright incredible. The chicken, however, left no lasting impression, which, in a place like this, says something.
Sides are usually where I find my joy in a meal, but they didn’t quite hit the mark here. That said, the unique offering of being able to select just one dessert – and then being treated to one of each by our waiter upon discovering I was a travel advisor – was a sweet surprise. Of the desserts sampled, the peach-strawberry pie stood out as a clear favorite, its flavors harmonizing in a symphony of summery goodness. The apple pie and blueberry cheesecake, while eagerly anticipated, didn’t quite live up to expectations.
The Fun
Rodeo Round Up isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a playground of imagination, seamlessly blending the act of dining with the magic of play and performance. From the moment you step into Andy’s backyard, transformed into this dining adventure, you’re not just a guest; you’re part of Andy’s world, where toys come to life and every meal is an interactive experience.
The playful spirit of Toy Story permeates every corner of Rodeo Round Up, inviting guests of all ages to engage with their surroundings in a way that’s uniquely Disney. The restaurant is dotted with clever play elements that capture the essence of being a toy in Andy’s vast, imaginative universe. It’s these details that transform a simple meal into an immersive adventure, making you feel as though you’ve shrunk down to toy size and are exploring the world from a whole new perspective.
One of the most captivating aspects of the Rodeo Round Up experience is the quasi-show, brought to life through overhead announcements that fill the restaurant with excitement and anticipation. Among these, the most thrilling is undoubtedly the alert that “Andy’s Coming!” – a phrase that sends a ripple of excitement through the room, prompting everyone to freeze in place, just like the toys in Andy’s room when they come to life. This interactive element not only adds a layer of fun to the dining experience but also deeply immerses guests in the Toy Story narrative, blurring the lines between storytelling and reality.
The combination of playful design elements and the quasi-show aspect of Rodeo Round Up creates an atmosphere that’s both lively and engaging, encouraging guests to let their guard down and embrace the joy of imagination. Whether you’re ducking under tables adorned with giant toy blocks or marveling at the creativity of the “toy-made” decor, every moment at Rodeo Round Up is an invitation to play, laugh, and create memories that extend far beyond the realm of traditional dining.
A Call for Toy Story Characters
While Rodeo Round Up excels in atmosphere, thematic execution, and a menu brimming with potential, there’s an element that could elevate it from outstanding to legendary: the addition of a Toy Story character dining experience. In a world abundant with princess-themed meals, the introduction of beloved characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the Toy Story gang would not only complete the immersive experience but also fill a gap, offering a dream come true for countless cowboy and space ranger enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts
Rodeo Round Up might just be Disney’s most well-rounded dining experience yet, offering a blend of playful theming, engaging service, and a menu that, while it has its highs and lows, delivers on the promise of a memorable meal. It’s a testament to Disney’s ability to create spaces where food and storytelling intersect, inviting guests of all ages into a world where every meal is an adventure.
While the restaurant excels in atmosphere and thematic execution, there’s room for growth in culinary consistency. However, the brilliance of Disney dining lies not just in the flavors on the plate but in the magic of the experience – and on that front, Rodeo Round Up delivers, but could hit it out of the park with the addition of our favorite toys.
In the grand tapestry of Disney’s dining offerings, Rodeo Round Up stands out as a testament to the imaginative possibilities of themed dining. It’s a place where families can gather to share a meal and a laugh, basking in the glow of Disney’s storytelling prowess. Whether you’re a die-hard Toy Story fan or simply in search of a unique dining experience in the heart of Disney World, Rodeo Round Up invites you to pull up a chair, tuck into a feast fit for a cowboy, and let the magic of the moment take hold.
Who is Christina?
Meet Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.
She specializes in Disney, Caribbean, Europe and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
