Other messsage board lighting up over no more characters at LTT

[ShellyLynn3630]

Boy the other message really are lighting up about no more characters at LTT next year. I kinda thought this may just be a rumor, but theres a lot of credible sources over there it seems that say its true. I am kinda glad I got a ressie here during our Free Dining trip in September for my three year old daughter. And there saying that the price will remain the exact same. I believe this could be a money cutback for 2009.

[mickaholic4077]

I'm glad I've gone the times that I had,then.

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

Yeah, while it's not official, I too have seen credible sources of info confirm the rumor. I am hoping that the fact that John Lassiter was there doing some research recently means that while we may be losing LTT's current character dinner, that maybe it could be the new rumored Ratatouille themed restaurant.

Time will tell. I am just glad that I am going to get a chance to dine there in December.

[eeyoresnr]

wow...now I'm rethinking my ADR's...maybe I should change one to LTT before they take them away:confused:

[ShellyLynn3630]

Ya, there saying without the characters, tables will turn over more quickly. More people served, more $$$$ for Disney.

[ShellyLynn3630]

Isn't it also a rumor that the Garden Grill won't be having character lunch after October 08? There are many people who have already booked for that time...

Thats a rumor too and yes I have read where people already have a ressie here. I don't know just yet. Who really does? We'll see.

[jpeka65844]

Hmm....I can't see how a Ratatouille restaurant would fit with the theme of Liberty Square. Surely the Imagineers aren't THAT stupid????

[Tricia1972]

Ya, there saying without the characters, tables will turn over more quickly. More people served, more $$$$ for Disney.

I agree, and it's also expensive to pay characters and handlers at these restaurants. So they'll make more money by having less staff/characters.

[kadesha]

Isn't it also a rumor that the Garden Grill won't be having character lunch after October 08? There are many people who have already booked for that time...

[MUDisneyCouple]

When is this change rumored to be happening? We have an ADR for this Dec, so my DM can meet some characters...will the characters still be there then??

[kadesha]

When is this change rumored to be happening? We have an ADR for this Dec, so my DM can meet some characters...will the characters still be there then??

According to what I've read, Garden Grill in October 08' but not Liberty Tree until next year.

[ktdaiwik]

Wow if that is the case about garden grill I am sad because I booked a lunch there for my DS to see characters in december and was not told this??!!Maybe I need to give the Dining line a call....:confused3

[kadesha]

Wow if that is the case about garden grill I am sad because I booked a lunch there for my DS to see characters in december and was not told this??!!Maybe I need to give the Dining line a call....:confused3


If you do, let us know what they say!! I've been debating about calling, but decided to wait until I saw an official announcement. (We have a GG reservation in November for lunch)

[ktdaiwik]

Ok just got off the phone.Garden Grill is not stopping character dining.They are still taking reservations for it out to January.
On a side note the T rex restaurant is now ? for opening in December but I was told to phone back in the next couple of months to check on this.
Hope this helps some ppl out.:)

[aprince&princess]

I was told this morning by Disney Dining that they had an email today about no more breakfasts or lunches at the Garden Grill starting in Oct. I said that I made a reservation yesterday for lunch on Christmas and the woman told me that we would be notified that those reservations are no good. According to the CM the breakfast and lunches ends in Oct.

[disneyin2008]

If this is true then it must be an EXTREMELY recent decision. Garden Grill is listed as a lunch option for the Candlelight Processional package, which of course was just announced last week.....they've been taking reservations for the GG CPP all week. I have no interest in paying $27 for lunch with no characters. :(

[kadesha]

Ok just got off the phone.Garden Grill is not stopping character dining.They are still taking reservations for it out to January.


I was told this morning by Disney Dining that they had an email today about no more breakfasts or lunches at the Garden Grill starting in Oct. I said that I made a reservation yesterday for lunch on Christmas and the woman told me that we would be notified that those reservations are no good. According to the CM the breakfast and lunches ends in Oct.

Well geez! I guess they dont know what is going on either then...

[ktdaiwik]

Hm how weird!!!well if I have to phone back again I guess I will....lets see where a third opinion can get us....

[ktdaiwik]

OK so thrid time lucky???lol
Ok as of October 6th there will only be character dining in the evenings at Garden Grill.So if you want to see characters I would suggest changing reservations now as there was not alot of choice left for the night we wanted.I just had to change my dinner reservations at San Angel to lunch then made Garden Grill our dinner reservation but could not get in till 6.05.
I also asked if people who had booked would be contacted about the changes and she was not sure...I guess it is up to us to find out what is going on....wow this is hard work for a first time trip.Thank goodness for DISERS!

[Pumbaa_]

There is a rumor board and all rumors are being kept to the rumor board.

This thread is being moved to the Rumor Board form the Dining Board. Please feel free to bring all rumors there.

Once there is official confirmation posted on the Disney website, or confirmed here on the DIS, it will be opened again on the Restaurant Board.

[kadesha]

yep. I just called and they confirmed that it would be changing on October 5! Thankfully, I was able to reschedule for that evening! It's not a rumor, so if you have a lunch reservation and are hoping to meet the characters, call and try to reschedule!!

[cmf06]

I also called to check as I have reservations on 12-2 for lunch at Garden Grill, the CM told me also that as of 10-5 there will be no lunch served, and I had to reschedule my lunch to a dinner! Jump on it if you have lunch reservations! I am glad I have this board to keep me informed!:thumbsup2

[Katiebell]

If Disney is making these changes to cut costs, I wonder if they realize they could be killing their goose that lays golden eggs? LTT and GG aren't really known for fabulous food (I know, there are some folks who are fans, but just as many who say that the food at LTT tastes like frozen Stouffer's entrees :laughing:) So...if people are primarily making ADR's for here just to have a character meal...unless the menu changes to something more exciting and appealing, I would think that Disney will lose money at these two locations. :confused3

[RichmondTiggerFan]

If Disney is making these changes to cut costs, I wonder if they realize they could be killing their goose that lays golden eggs? LTT and GG aren't really known for fabulous food (I know, there are some folks who are fans, but just as many who say that the food at LTT tastes like frozen Stouffer's entrees :laughing:) So...if people are primarily making ADR's for here just to have a character meal...unless the menu changes to something more exciting and appealing, I would think that Disney will lose money at these two locations. :confused3

That's exactly right! Even though the food at LTT isn't bad, IMHO, it's not worth what they charge for it (by itself). However, the characters make this meal worth its cost. Without the characters, I probably won't go back to LTT again.

[Tricia1972]

That's exactly right! Even though the food at LTT isn't bad, IMHO, it's not worth what they charge for it (by itself). However, the characters make this meal worth its cost. Without the characters, I probably won't go back to LTT again.


I agree, and if enough people stop eating there then they'll bring the characters back or improve the food.

[tarheelmjfan]

We're eating at LTT, before MNSSHP, for the festive atmosphere. After going once, we know the food's going to be edible, but that's about it. Without the characters & the party atmosphere, we definitely wouldn't be going there. I wonder how many people would go for the food & location alone? My guess is not nearly enough to fill the restaurant. They'll have to change something.

[pigletto]

Yeah, while it's not official, I too have seen credible sources of info confirm the rumor. I am hoping that the fact that John Lassiter was there doing some research recently means that while we may be losing LTT's current character dinner, that maybe it could be the new rumored Ratatouille themed restaurant.

Time will tell. I am just glad that I am going to get a chance to dine there in December.

Geez ... good plan. Everyone wants to see a giant rat while they're dining in a restaurant:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

ETA... though it just occurred to me I have no issues dining with a giant mouse. I think I need a nap! LMAO

[stitchlilo]

If this is true then it must be an EXTREMELY recent decision. Garden Grill is listed as a lunch option for the Candlelight Processional package, which of course was just announced last week.....they've been taking reservations for the GG CPP all week. I have no interest in paying $27 for lunch with no characters. :(

I read on another site that the Garden Grill is not participating in the Candlelight Processional at lunch time.

[Katiebell]

Yeah, while it's not official, I too have seen credible sources of info confirm the rumor. I am hoping that the fact that John Lassiter was there doing some research recently means that while we may be losing LTT's current character dinner, that maybe it could be the new rumored Ratatouille themed restaurant.

Time will tell. I am just glad that I am going to get a chance to dine there in December.

Cafe Orleans at DL is "Ratatouille-themed", but only in the vaguest sense. The menu and the atmosphere are essentially the same -- cajun-creole-New Orleans influenced -- but there is a cute window display with a Ratatouille figurine, and the kids menus also featured the character. At least that theming makes a little sense in New Orleans square, with the ties between New Orleans and France, but I'm having a hard time seeing the links for that character in Liberty Square :confused:

[Laumau]

I called Disney Dining today to confirm some of my ADR's for our trip. The lady I talked to said that she was just informed today that LTT will not have character dining as of 1/05/09. The last day of character dining will be on 1/04/09. Ironic, considering how we were planning on booking LTT for dinner on 1/05/09. Figures. :rolleyes:

[TheRustyScupper]

Ya, there saying without the characters, tables will turn over more quickly. More people served, more $$$$ for Disney.

1) I don't know many people who think that Disney does things solely for profit.
2) Oops.
3) Sorry.
4) Must be a "Senior Thing".

[Wendy31]

Oh, wow. I'm so sad about LTT. LTT was our traditional "first night in Disney World" dinner. And we always ate lunch at Garden Grill on our Epcot day - it was a nice break in the middle of a hot day.

Will Garden Grill still be open for lunch (just minus the characters), or will Coral Reef be the only sit-down lunch available in Future World now?

Like others have said, the food at LTT & Garden Grill is not nearly good enough for the price (DP or not) w/o the characters. And the character interaction was so good at both LTT & Garden Grill too! Even if we went back to either restaurant, our kids would be so disappointed to discover that the characters weren't there any longer.

Hmm... maybe they have secret plans to turn LTT into a pirate character meal! :idea: I would so be there for a meal w/ Jack Sparrow! :dance3:

[disnyfan89]

For those of you looking for an official announcement, starting July 6th the Dining Reservation should have updated info that confirms that LTT will no longer feature Goofy and friends!

Don't expect people to vote with their feet however when the characters leave Liberty Tree. The fact of the matter is the Disney Dining plan is well over sold to point where people will take any reservation they can get.

There is still time however to stop this minor change from happening at LTT. As some of you may know I have started a petition and the link to that petition can be found in my signature.

[paulh]

Yeah, while it's not official, I too have seen credible sources of info confirm the rumor. I am hoping that the fact that John Lassiter was there doing some research recently means that while we may be losing LTT's current character dinner, that maybe it could be the new rumored Ratatouille themed restaurant.

Time will tell. I am just glad that I am going to get a chance to dine there in December.

its bad enougth with a mouse around the food,well what infections will a rat bring:rotfl:
Paulh

[Tricia1972]

For those of you looking for an official announcement, starting July 6th the Dining Reservation should have updated info that confirms that LTT will no longer feature Goofy and friends!

Don't expect people to vote with their feet however when the characters leave Liberty Tree. The fact of the matter is the Disney Dining plan is well over sold to point where people will take any reservation they can get.

There is still time however to stop this minor change from happening at LTT. As some of you may know I have started a petition and the link to that petition can be found in my signature.

I in NO way mean any disrespect. However, I just don't see Disney's motivation for changing it if they can make more money by not offering characters.

I think your petition is a good thing, it's good to let Disney know how you feel - I just don't see it having a big effect on their actions unfortunately.

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

http://www.allears.net/din/restnews.htm

[Luv2Roam]

"Official" on an unofficial web site.
However too many guests have been told the same this week and had to rearrange ADRs for this not to be taken as the truth.

[raidermatt]

I in NO way mean any disrespect. However, I just don't see Disney's motivation for changing it if they can make more money by not offering characters.

I think your petition is a good thing, it's good to let Disney know how you feel - I just don't see it having a big effect on their actions unfortunately.

The problem is that it's not as simple as saying "turn tables over faster and don't pay the actors so they will save money".

If that were the case, there would be no characters meals at all.

The character meals carry a premium price that apparently makes up for slower turnaround and actor salaries. It also is a general satisfaction thing for guests who can't get enough of the characters and don't want to wait in lines elsewhere to meet them.

In general, character meals have been on the increase so it seems pretty clear Disney is happy with the money they make from them.

But, apparently something is causing them to change their mind with LTT (assuming the rumor is true). While I don't doubt that the reason is bottom line related, it's certainly not as simple as saying character meals cost more to put on than non-character meals.

[Tricia1972]

The problem is that it's not as simple as saying "turn tables over faster and don't pay the actors so they will save money".

If that were the case, there would be no characters meals at all.

The character meals carry a premium price that apparently makes up for slower turnaround and actor salaries. It also is a general satisfaction thing for guests who can't get enough of the characters and don't want to wait in lines elsewhere to meet them.

In general, character meals have been on the increase so it seems pretty clear Disney is happy with the money they make from them.

But, apparently something is causing them to change their mind with LTT (assuming the rumor is true). While I don't doubt that the reason is bottom line related, it's certainly not as simple as saying character meals cost more to put on than non-character meals.

I agree that it's not simple, and actually over many posts have more fully explained my POV on this.

The PP that I was quoting in my reply (that you quoted) stated that Talking by Walking wouldn't work because the restaurant will sell out anyway and asked us to sign the petition. I was saying that the petition was good to voice your feelings, but Disney is more money driven than opinion driven. Only when our opinions affect their bottom line will they really listen.

Maybe Disney feels that they'll sell out LTT even more when they are not a character dinner. This is a double bonus for them - more money overall (same price - no entertainment)

[Luv2Roam]

If Disney were truly swayed by public opinion and uproar, Mr Toad's Wild Ride would not have had it's demise way back when.
So yes, I think petitions are fine as a voice or outlet. However Disney is not a democracy.

[disnyfan89]

You also have to keep in mind many petitions sent to Disney are about major changes that have been in the works for years. In the case of LTT, this is a minor change in operations. You have a high chance of saving the character dining at LTT than you do saving PI because all they have to do is continue to offer the characters. They lose no money by keeping them present.

My petition is trying to show Disney that they are making a mistake on removing this particular character dinner. It is a popular tradition for many individuals and the characters really truly enjoy working there. It is also one of the best quality interactions that you can have with characters. There are so many character dining locations that focus only on the characters getting through their rotation as fast as possible. What would you rather have, a character meal where you see each character two or more times and they spend time playing with your kids and or members of your group or a character dinner where Goofy swings by, motions for your kids to come to him, takes a photo, signs your books IF they are open and ready and is gone with in less than a minute?

[Tricia1972]

I totally agree. This was our favorite character meal and one that I've recommended to many of my friends going to Disney. The interaction is fabulous and I LOVE just sitting there dining and having the characters come to me. No worries about quick running to the buffet to beat Mickey back to the table, and no worries about dragging out your meal because you need to wait for Minnie, you thought she'd be right there, but now she's posing for her 50th picture with the table next to you. You just eat and enjoy your meal and the characters come to you.

I would LOVE for this meal to survive. I just am pessimistic that it's not going to happen because Disney will make more money by not having the characters there.

It really is a bummer that it's going though.

[tikimimi]

Hmm....I can't see how a Ratatouille restaurant would fit with the theme of Liberty Square. Surely the Imagineers aren't THAT stupid????

To be sure they are smarter than that! That would be a travesty! Everything at LTT fits Liberty Square and Adventure Land - the decor, the costumes, and the food! I would hate to see them change the menu of LTT to fit with Ratatouille.

[disnyfan89]

Don't forget. It is still not to late to sign the petition in my sig.

[swarlock]

This is my take on it.

The Character dining experience is a bonus for the kiddies and it's nice to see it done every once in a while. I don't mind it so much.

But I'm the kind of person who wants to eat my meals without distractions either.