LP Lotion: Big Thunder Ranch Welcomes Celebration Roundup and Barbecue
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Disneyland’s Big Thunder Ranch is back in operation, now offering guests the Celebration Roundup and Barbecue. The Barbecue adds another table seating option for hungry
Regular visitors may find a slightly different look for the Ranch. A new structure graces the entrance, and freshly planted shade trees, paving and an entirely new stage have transformed the area into a more upscale dining experience. Meals are served to the table, while continuous entertainment is offered on stage, as well as in the dining area itself.
As guests enter the Ranch, they are first offered a character greeting opportunity with a member of Woody’s Roundup. Guests are welcome to use their own camera, or may opt to purchase a souvenir photo, made available during the meal in a specially designed folder.
A member of the Ranch staff then shows the party to their table. A server arrives to explain the meal, take beverage orders, and leave plates, serving utensils, and a bucket for chicken and rib bones.
The meal is served family style. Initially, there are two ribs and two pieces of chicken for each guest. Bowls of ranch beans, cole slaw, and corn cob “wheels” are accompanied by cornbread. An extra pitcher of barbecue sauce is provided, along with moist towelettes.
The barbecue is a mild sauce, which does not overwhelm the flavor of the chicken and meaty pork ribs. The cole slaw is a tangy, original recipe. Corn cob wheels are thick slices of sweet corn, cooked in butter. The ranch beans are vegetarian. A vegetarian entrée is also offered. It consists of a vegetable skewer, with mushroom, potato, squash, tofu, peppers and onion, cooked in the barbecue sauce.
The childrens’ Celebration Gift Bag has several items for table play. There is a magnetic board with Fab Five characters, a coloring book with crayons, a Mickey shaped straw, and a punch-out celebration crown with a card matching game. The sipper cup is a design exclusive to this location. These are packed in a small, decorated cloth bag with handles.
Dessert is a delight for both the eye and the palate. “Miss Chris’s Cupcake Sensation” is a selection of Cowboy Cone Cakes. The presentation is a celebration itself, as the cone cakes appear to spring out of a gift box, accompanied by swirling streamers. There are four choices. Each cupcake is served in a waffle cone, on a bed of mousse, with an appropriate topping. There is a red velvet cupcake with raspberry mousse, a chocolate cupcake with dark cherry, a blueberry cupcake with lemon, and a strawberry shortcake cone cake, with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.
While portions are ample, guests may request seconds (or even thirds) on the menu items. Beverages are also kept refilled. The entire menu was developed for the Celebration Barbecue, and is unique to this location.
Entertainment is offered by a combination of Woody’s Roundup characters and live performers. Miss Chris, the “owner” of the Ranch is the hostess for the show. She is joined by Woody, Jessie and Bullseye, who also perform short plays and musical numbers. Miss Chris jokes and sings, accompanied by “Sarasparilla Sam” on the piano, or a strolling guitar player. All of the performers also stroll through the dining area, entertaining and greeting guests.
The Celebration Roundup and Barbecue is open for lunch and dinner during regular
Videos
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Big Thunder Ranch again welcomes guests�
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�to the Celebration Roundup and Barbecue
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