We’re Serving Up Fun, Family Style!

WDWNT on April 2, 2009

Disney has released more information on Celebration Round-up and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch, which is scheduled to open tomorrow:

“Hey, howdy, hey y’all!” On April 2, as part of “What will you celebrate?” Big Thunder Ranch will transform into Celebration Roundup and Barbecue. Serving up family-style barbecue dishes, live entertainment and Disney characters, Guests can celebrate their special occasion with a unique outdoor entertainment experience, filled with western Disney flair.

Stepping into the newly enhanced ranch, Guests will be greeted by Woody or Jessie at a special Disney’s Photo Image location near the entry. Also on hand to welcome everyone is the “owner” of Big Thunder Ranch, Miss Chris, who helps create the festive atmosphere. While interacting with the crowd and finding out who’s celebrating what, Miss Chris and the musicians will sing songs and invite a few young Guests to ring the bell (an old western-style bell mounted on the stage) to commemorate their special occasion.

Hot off the grill and fresh out of the oven is a new line of tasty treats for everyone to enjoy. From chicken and ribs, and vegetarian dishes to Miss Chris’ Celebration Sensation Cupcakes and everything in between, the new restaurant is sure to create a party for your taste buds.

Here’s a sampling the menu items:

  • Barbeque Chicken & Ribs – with Miss Chris’ Special Secret Sauce
  • Cookie’s Cole Slaw
  • Corn Cob Wheels
  • Ranch Beans
  • Cornbread (with real corn!)
  • Barbeque Tofu and Vegetable Skewer – mushroom, red onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, squash, zucchini, potato and tofu with Miss Chris’ Barbeque Rub and tangy sauce
  • Lil’ Buckaroo Watermelon Slivers
  • Miss Chris’ Celebration Sensation Cupcakes

“The overall thought is that Guests can come to the park and enjoy all the great things Disneyland® has to offer as part of the celebration, but if you really want to make the moment special, come to the ranch,” said Joey Michaels, Entertainment producer.

Meanwhile, over at the critter corral, merriment of a different sort will be going on as the barnyard animals recognize their own milestones. Whether a cow has been declared a State Fair Winner or a goat has lost his first tooth, the critters will be celebrating up a storm with Chip ‘n’ Dale at the forefront to greet everyone and pose for photos. Guests will also be able to pet goats in the petting farm at the corral.

Celebration Roundup and Barbeque was brought to life by a varied group of Cast Members from Food & Beverage, Entertainment, Photo Imaging, WDI, Circle D Corral, Horticulture, Custodial, Resort Enhancement, Sales, Safety, Special Events, Environmental Affairs, Industrial Engineering, Architecture & Facilities Engineering and Facilities Asset Management.

Numerous activities, entertainment and interaction with Disney characters and Cast Members ensure there is never a dull moment at Celebration Roundup and Barbecue. Whether it’s an actual holiday or a Guests’ birthday, there’s always a reason to “Celebrate Today!”

Celebrate! Only If You Have The Money…

WDWNT on March 24, 2009

The latest addition to Disneyland’s rather small list of table service restaurants is Celebration Round-up and Barbecue at Big Thunder Ranch. Lunch and dinner at this new restaurant will cost $28.99 for adults and $18.99 for children. The meal consists of my favorite kind of food, meat, and lots of it. Basically traditional barbeque fare, such as chicken and ribs, with sides such as beans, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. Your meal also comes with a special “Cowboy Cone Cake” dessert. And of course, drinks are included with your meal.

While the menu looks absolutely spectacular, the price does seem a bit hefty to me for the kind of food they are offering. I would expect this kind of price only from some of the more upscale restaurants at the Resort, such as the Blue Bayou, Napa Rose, and Steakhouse 55. I was hoping for a counter service option as well, but it looks like that won’t be the case. The restaurant opens April 2 and you can now make your Priority Seating Reservations by calling Disney Dining at (714) 781-DINE.

D23 News Round-up

WDWNT on March 18, 2009

D23’s website has so far proven to be a great source for news and information for the Disneyland Resort, posting some tidbits we haven’t even heard mentioned elsewhere. Here’s a round-up news from the last 2 days:

  • 03.18.09 — Golden Farewell
    Golden Dreams, one of the original attractions at Disney’s California Adventure, is closing to make way for a brand-new attraction themed after The Little Mermaid. The final showing will take place at a special event for Cast Members on March 22.
  • 03.18.09 — It’s a Round-up!
    Celebration Round-up & BBQ is set to open April 2! Guests can book priority seating now.
  • 03.17.09 — Easter Bunny Arrives Early At Fantasyland!
    In addition to happy passengers, the Storybook Land Canal Boats are carrying Easter/Spring flowers and, if you look closely, you can see baskets of pastel eggs in front of some of the homes along the canal.
  • 03.17.09 — Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Accepting Reservations
    Beginning yesterday, Guests can book reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disneyland. The boutique, which transforms little girls into princesses and boys into knights, will be nestled inside Fantasyland next to Sleeping Beauty Castle and is set to open April 17.