Disney World will soon be opening a new Table Service restaurant in Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios called Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Not a ton of details are known about the project other than it will be Toy Story-themed and serve BBQ. We just recently learned that the spot DOES plan on opening this year, though!
While a new restaurant is exciting, we have been wondering if a BBQ joint is the best choice for Disney to be making. Especially because there are a lot of other Disney movies and characters that deserve some love! In particular, we’ve seen Disney’s newest movie Encanto become very popular, so would the people rather see the Madrigals get a food spot of their own? Well, we asked our readers to find out, so let’s look at what they said!
We asked our readers on Facebook which themed restaurant they would prefer, and we got some pretty interesting responses!
Remember, we weren’t asking if you think an Encanto restaurant should go in the actual PLACE of Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land, because that wouldn’t make any sense theming-wise, obviously. We were asking if you would rather Disney spend the time, money, and energy on an Encanto-themed restaurant offering somewhere else in the parks, instead of adding another BBQ place!
When we asked our readers their preference, the overwhelming response was “¿porque no los dos?” or “why not both?” Which is an excellent point! Both restaurants would be awesome. The best of both worlds, as Hannah Montana would say!
A lot of people actually suggested that they want to see Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land, but they also think it would be cool to see an Encanto restaurant in EPCOT! And, not just a restaurant, but an entire new Colombian pavilion in World Showcase! Which would be SO COOL. A whole new country?! We know that EPCOT has the space for it, so yes, please!
Plus, it would be great to have some South American representation in World Showcase, since there are no countries from the continent there. One reader said, “There needs to be a South American pavilion at EPCOT!!!! So much good food, so much beautiful culture and heritage. Plus with Encanto! It would be phenomenal!” We also read suggestions for a ride and character meet and greets, so the idea has some potential!
Another reader said, “as long as the food is good, I’ll take either one!” We definitely agree! And, one reader had a similar sentiment, saying “they need more table service in Hollywood Studios period. Don’t really care about the theme!”
One person said they were “excited” for Roundup Rodeo BBQ, but “would rather Encanto. It’d have much better food choices,” which we think is a good point. The reason we even asked the question, to begin with, is because there is a decent amount of BBQ in Disney World already, especially with Regal Eagle Smokehouse only opening about 2 years ago.
A few similar comments from readers included “so many BBQ options on property, all for Encanto,” “Encanto 1000% we don’t need more BBQ,” and “Encanto! Enough of the BBQ.” So, while we do love us some lip-smackin’ BBQ, it’s safe to say we’re not alone in our feeling that there seems to be a lot of BBQ joints in Disney!
Plus, BBQ is an interesting choice by Disney already, because Florida is in the South (or, connected to the South, depending on how you feel on the subject!). And, the southern states are known for having famously delicious BBQ from all over the region. Carolina pulled pork, Texas brisket, Kansas City burnt ends…each area has its own style and they are all very proud and protective of their BBQ. So much so, that many southerners may not even consider eating at a BBQ joint at Disney, because it’s not authentic enough for them. For example, one reader said, “I live in NC, I can get good BBQ any time.” Exactly — so why would you eat it at Disney?
We think the feelings toward the matter could be summed up by what this reader said — “Hollywood Studios needs another good restaurant and Toy Story Land is a good place for it. But, I’m just not excited about BBQ. Meh.” We feel ya, we feel ya.
When we polled on Instagram, the winner was an Encanto restaurant!
One reader said “If the Encanto restaurant is anything like the Festival of the Arts booth…Encanto 100%.” And we definitely see where they’re coming from!
Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina is a booth open at the EPCOT festival right now and it had some of our FAVORITE dishes! Just give us about twelve of those empanadas and let us savor the delicate flaky crust, the hearty filling, and hum “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” enjoying our bliss!
Click here to see our review of Encanto Cocina!
Some other thoughts from readers included, “Encanto themed restaurant please! Arepas and empanadas for the win!” and “Encanto! The food in the movie looks so good, we have seriously tried to figure out what they are eating at certain meals.” So, the demand for the food is definitely there!
But, there are some people that are totally here for Roundup Rodeo BBQ! One reader said this was because Toy Story Land “needs indoor seating and AC.” AGREED! Toy Story Land can be HOT as there’s hardly any shade and not really any air conditioning unless you’re inside Toy Story Mania. So, the restaurant would be a good addition to the land solely because it would be a place to cool down.
More people who were in favor of Roundup Rodeo BBQ expressed opinions like “all things Toy Story Land, for sure,” “love me some BBQ,” and “looking forward to a sit down restaurant in Toy Story Land.” Another reader said, “should hopefully be very well themed, and decent BBQ if they do things like they do over at Regal Eagle. We will be excited to try it once it is open!” So, we guess there are definitely still some BBQ fans out there!
Another reason people voted for Roundup Rodeo is because they think it might lessen the demand for Woody’s Lunch Box, the Quick Service option currently in Toy Story Land. One reader said, “I am looking forward to Woody’s Roundup so that maybe it makes Woody’s Lunch Box less busy. Then I can have a place to sit and eat my tots & (Lunch Box) tart!”
And, some people said they are excited for Roundup Rodeo, but also expressed the desire for a character meal. A reader wrote “love love love Toy Story!!!!!!! Can’t wait for it to open — a character meal would be even better!”
Then there were some fun responses that we just had to include! Some people didn’t want to talk about these two options at all. Instead, there were several who said they want to see a The Princess and the Frog restaurant in Disney World. We would LOVE this as well but remember that Disney did (or does?) have this in the works for Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge, the Disney Vacation Club resort that was announced in 2018 and began construction. But…we haven’t really heard any updates on if the hotel is still happening or not since the pandemic began. So, it’s up in the air!
Another reader commented, “I would like The Snuggly Duckling please.” Yeah, same! Because Rapunzel deserved waaaay more than just a bathroom area, Disney! Give the people (us) what they want! Cold drinks, musical ruffians, Vladimir with his ceramic unicorns, and all of us singing about our dreams!
And finally, one reader said, “I just want the dining plans to come back.” We understand! It’s hard to talk about restaurants when we don’t even know when the Disney Dining Plan will return. But, Disney has said it WILL return, so that’s good news at least.
So, there you have it! That’s what our readers think when it comes to Roundup Rodeo BBQ and the idea of a possible Encanto-themed restaurant in Disney World. We’ll be on the lookout for any updates on Roundup’s upcoming opening, as well as other Disney news, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
Click here to read everything we know about Roundup Rodeo BBQ!
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What other countries would you add to World Showcase in EPCOT? Let us know in the comments!
Michelle Arena says
I would love to see an Encanto themed restaurant at Animal Kingdom in a new South America section.
Megan says
Definitely think there needs to be a whole new pavilion in Epcot for Columbia, if not, I agree with the comment above about a South American section of animal kingdom. Also, I’m hoping woody’s round up is a character meal!! And will be open by May when we go 🤞🏼
Marcus says
I’d like to see both. Woody’s Roundup is a great concept. EPCOT needs a Columbia pavilion with an Encanto attraction.
Bernadette says
I am all for Encanto over bbq – I live in Texas & can get all the bbq I want at home – looking for something different & Encanto would be a great idea – a South America pavillion would be an even better idea!
McKell says
I would like to see Encanto and Pizza Planet. They also better put in Tiana’s Palace when they re-theme Splash.
Jessica says
Encanto 100%! I would love to see the characters from Encanto in Florida too!