2TS restaurant rumor to be dropped from DDP 2007

[dizfanz]

I know that it is on the list for 2007, but my DW dined there alone last week. We do not use DDP, but she was chatting with a CM and asked her perspective of it. She was not overly pessimistic of it, but said the chef was not very happy with it. He felt strongly that it restricted what he could work with to keep resonable cost. He definitely felt he was not working with the best products. As such, this popular 2TS is being dropped from the plan in 2007 even though it is on the list for right now. She said those that are using the credits there right now are very lucky because it is not widely known that they will not be accepted there next year. It is a resort restaurant and I would rather not list it because of this possibly being seen and getting back to the chef. Then again, it is only a rumor from one CM.

The CM also commented that the servers generally size a table up by the drink order. My wife thought is was unusual that she was getting very attentive service as a single diner compared to a family of four next to her. She overheard their DS complaining about the kids menu and asked if they were on the DDP. My DW really got the impression she was getting great service simply because she started with an expensive glass of wine versus ordering off the DDP menu. I mean we are both in the restaurant biz and honestly as a server I would not be excited about getting a single woman that orders 2 appetizers versus a guaranteed tip from a party of 4. But she had a great meal and great service while she noticed the family was being a bit neglected. Go figure.

 

[jjohnson]

Can you PM me the name? I have a good idea of which one it is. Thanks.

 

[mama2ella]

interesting

 

[saschab]

We do not use DDP, but she was chatting with a CM and asked her perspective of it. She was not overly pessimistic of it, but said the chef was not very happy with it. He felt strongly that it restricted what he could work with to keep resonable cost. He definitely felt he was not working with the best products.

This has been my biggest concern with the DDP. Being rabid foodies, it was obvious that it was going to impact quality, quantity and creativity. There is no way Disney's going to give you a $100 meal for $25 (based on theoretical dinner amount from $38.99 daily charge) for several nights of stay/dining.

I have no problem with the signature restaurants moving off of the DDP.
It's all about choice. I choose to experience fine dining, and will pay for it. I don't like going to a "fine dining" establishment and having a menu that has been dumb-downed or marginalized.

 

[dizfanz]

I feel the same way saschab. I believe a few signature restaurants should be left off of the DDP list. Otherwise it will lead to marginalized food overall or seperate menus for DDP participants. From what I understand, they went with a generic kids menu for all sitdown restaurants now and I bet some DDP paying folks will not be too happy about that. I had a friend go down there 2 weeks ago during that roll-out. His kids loved the original kids menu at Spoodles. They went back a few days later and the kids hated the new one. Seperate menus do not work. Hopefully the Signature restaurant menus will endure this.

 

[Rhongepooh]

The CM also commented that the servers generally size a table up by the drink order.


Am I the only one who has a problem with this statement? I mean one reason that I LOVE Disney is they treat everyone special. It doesn't matter if I'm staying at one of the value resorts or one of the deluxe hotels (for the past 2 it's been the CR). To think that the cast members are "sizing me up" is really disheartening. I hope this doesn't happen alot. Disney is expensive no matter where you stay-- it would be bad to be looked down upon by what you order to drink!!! I have a health problem where I cannot drink alcohol and cannot drink most caffinated drinks or tea. I am able to drink root beer and normally drink this with meals. It's bad to think that I wouldn't get the same treatment as someone who ordered wine!

 

[everest]

The OP said that they thought that it was odd too. But have been in that Business many moons ago I can tell you with most certainty that ever server that has ever waited on you has sized you up according to their own experiences. I not saying this is right or not but I’m saying this is human nature, Disney or not. If you want good service let them know that you used to be in the bussiness, you are now a universal great tip prospect and worthy of extra attention. say a server gets caught up and they have a couple minutes to spare they will generally go to a high prospective tip table accordingly to thier experances.

 

[honeymo78]

I don't mind if some higher end restaurants move off the DDP however I hope they stay for the premium and platinum plans - can you imagine being able to dine at V&A every night on platinum but not at locations such as Citricos, Artist Point or CG I remember back in the day there were many locations which were not included on the basic dining plan but were included on the higher end dining packages (I think Rainforest Cafe wasn't available with silver but it was okay if you were on gold and I remember something about the upstairs at wolfgang puck).

 

[Lostgirlz]

I would love to know which one it is. We have a reservation during our honeymoon in feb at one of the signature places, and it is in a resort. This is our first time at WDW, so all this turmoil with things is causing me some worry. I would love to be able to change the reservation if it is a place we had planned to dine at.

 

[Lewisc]

The signature restaurants are owned by Disney. The chef might not like it but I'd be shocked if Disney deleted restaurants that were already listed in the official brochure.

 

[jjohnson]

The signature restaurants are owned by Disney. The chef might not like it but I'd be shocked if Disney deleted restaurants that were already listed in the official brochure.

I had the same thought. I do not think any restaurant owned by Disney has a choice. It's up to management.

 

[cobbler]

Ok which restaurant is this??

 

[Amyrlin]

I would be very surprised if it happened as the details for 2007 have already been published, I know they are wring, and more need to be added, but I doubt Disney would take anyu of thier own off.

They may makes changes for 2008 though.

I'd love to know which restruant this was.

 

[bicker]

They actually can change the list of restaurants at any time. The 2007 brochure makes it clear that details of the plan can change. Guests should not become proprietary about anything in the brochure, or they're just setting themselves up for disappointment.

 

[Amyrlin]

I was not sayng they couldn't (nor did I imply it), just than in my opninion it would be unlikey.

If they decided to 'take TS restruants away from DDP users' (as that is how it would be percieved) all the signatire dinning then it would be a bad PR move.

 

[fromscratchmom]

This has me confused. Some are chatting as if all of the restaurants that require 2 credits will be removed and some are chatting as if the 2 credit restaurants get the same reimbursement as the 1 credit restaurants. Am I misuderstanding? Don't the 2 credit restaurants get double?

I'm among those that would be willing to pay more for better quality. I would still love the idea of the DDP because we could go and not worry about it while we are there. We would know ahead of time exactly how much we had budgeted. This really works with my family. But if the DDP went up in price or we investigated the plans that I've seen mentioned here such as the Platinum plan, I'd appreciate having restaurants that worked with top quality ingredients and would make us all happy, whether through substitutions or unique offerings or what have you.

To the OP, can you please let me know which restaurant you meant? It isn't very likely to affect my plans for my December trip, but I'd especially like to know if I understood correctly.

 

[dizfanz]

I did not consider the fact that all 2TS restaurants are Disney owned. It does seem unlikely to me that Disney would allow one of these to pull-out of the DDP. I mean, if one goes, what is to keep the rest from pulling out. That would greatly devalue the plan IMO. I guess the thing to take away from this is that this is the word from one CM. We will see.

 

[Lewisc]

Disney sells the dining package through foreign tour operators. I understand those kinds of disclaimers are much more restricted in other countries.

Disney could even close the restaurant for a few days and re-open under a new name. I'm sure Disney could drop a restaurant, my point is I don't think they will.

Guests can make dinner restaurants 6 months in advance. It would be poor customer service to book reservations, have dining guests show up only to be told the restaurant isn't on the plan. Disney made the changes to CRT more than 6 months in advance. Guests making reservations were told about the changes when they made the reservation.

I can see Disney deciding they don't need more than one participating waiter service restaurant in a resort. The Contemporary as the Concourse Steak House, I guess Disney could drop CG. The Grand Floridan has Narcoesee, I guess they could drop Citrios.

I can't see Disney dropping a restaurant during 2007. The brochure is out and Disney will get far more complaints from dining plan customers then compliments from "foodies".

Guests looking for more of an exclusive dining experience have Bistro, V&A and 2 (soon to be 3) restaurants in the Swan/Dolphin.

DIZFAN--I'm sure the restauant has no say in the decision to participate with the dining plan. The chef may not want to participate but Disney will make the decision. I wouldn't be shocked if a restaurant like CG is deleted, but not until 2008.

They actually can change the list of restaurants at any time. The 2007 brochure makes it clear that details of the plan can change. Guests should not become proprietary about anything in the brochure, or they're just setting themselves up for disappointment.

 

[saschab]

This has me confused. Some are chatting as if all of the restaurants that require 2 credits will be removed and some are chatting as if the 2 credit restaurants get the same reimbursement as the 1 credit restaurants. Am I misuderstanding? Don't the 2 credit restaurants get double?

It's all just speculation, fromscratchmom. As with any major change (ie. DDP) there are some bugs to work out and some evaluation to be done.

OP's post is from one CM's understanding. It's really nothing more than a rumour until Disney announces something different.

And although 2 credit restaurants do get 2 credits, it's still a concern of some (myself included) that the DDP credit program hampers the experience/options of those willing to pay more for a lavish meal.

No matter how many credits, a chef is restricted by the amount of money per credit he gets. He can't give away a $20 appetizer and take a loss. For example, I love fois gras. It's really expensive, but it's my idea of a real treat when vacationing. It is either cost prohibitive to keep on a menu as a DDP appy option, or the size must decrease considerably to remain in the margin.

Unless Disney has seperate menus for DDP and non-DDP (which I'd be surprised if they would...) the menu is impacted by the program.

Maybe the CM rumour relates to Disney hearing some of these complaints (also regarding folks on Platinum plan, etc) and considering options to deal with them. Again....It's just speculation!

 

[Castillo Mom]

They actually can change the list of restaurants at any time. The 2007 brochure makes it clear that details of the plan can change. Guests should not become proprietary about anything in the brochure, or they're just setting themselves up for disappointment.

Correct Bicker, the disclaimer is quite clear.

Personally, if I were on the dining plan I wouldn't mind paying OOP at one or two signature restaurants. I feel that we would still get good value out of the plan, especially if they offer free dining next Aug.

My three teenage sons have ravenous appetites are not "meat and potatoes only" types so we can rack up quite a bill when dining out.