Am I The Only One Mad At Disney Dining?

[lugnut33]

I guess one possible solution would be to vote with our feet, and our wallets, and vacation somewhere else.

Well, I am voting with my wallet by taking my food dollars somewhere else. Does that count?

I don't see the value in eating on-site, so I'll go off-site. Does that mean i have to vacation somewhere else?

 

[eliza61]

You could work for Disney corporate with that spin! There is an overabundance of crab and lobster supply and the prices have actually dropped! To make the excuse that Disney cant get quality crab legs or lobster, especially in this economic environment with their buying power in a coastal state, but cheap chains like Joes crab shack can is inexcusable excuse making.

Replacing the Prime Rib with inferior cuts of meat and justifying it as a health issue or being a more consistent cut of meat...Really? NY strip is a much fattier cut of meat than Prime Rib, its also easier to overcook an can be tough at times, but its also a cheaper cut, relatively speaking (there is nothing inherently wrong with a good NY Strip steak!) There can be no other justification, there is no supply shortage of Beef, and the Prime Rib is the better cut of meat.
credit.

ITA I think that's how Disney gets away with a lot of crap. we make excuses for them. No way, no how am I buying the line that a huge, powerful (as far as buying power) company like disney cannot find a reliable seafood supplier. I come from a family of restuarant owners, believe me for a contract at the world I know suppliers who would darn near sell their first born child.

I guess one possible solution would be to vote with our feet, and our wallets, and vacation somewhere else.

Which we do, we eat in our villa and go off site. While we use to do almost 95% of our meals on site, we are now maybe 45-50% on site. We passed on free dining because the meals are not worth dealing with the crowds.

Its not only the restuarants, any one remember when you could buy nice original merchandise in the gift shops? Haunted mansion had it's own shirts and things, now every thing is homogenized every gift shop sells the same stuff. Hannah Montana, POTC or the nightmare before Christmas. Maybe a cup or two with the rides logo but basically all the same.

I think perception is at work, we American consumers are suckers when it comes to what we percieve as a "bargain".

 

[Tjkane28]

I haven't read all 7 pages, so please forgive if this has been covered.

Obviously, from the number of posters who are jazzed, pumped, stoked, and otherwise loopy for the "Free Dining" promotion, this little marketing gem works well on people.

However, it must be understood, and it is by all of us, that "Free" is a come on in all marketing strategy. "Free Dining" is accurate and applies to those travelers who would otherwise be willing and ready to pay "full rack rate" for their entire trip which would include the dining experience.

In other words, as a consumer, if you had been willing to pay Disney full price for your trip, and would have spent your money on dining in the very way they offer you in the promotion, it works perfectly. For any others, it is not free at all.

You are paying for a trip. The trip costs $XXX. There is nothing free about it. It is priced at what the market will pay for the experience.

There's an old joke: Free Concert by the Rolling Stones! Parking is $500. Parking is mandatory.

Same thing.

If, as a consumer, you are happy with the deal, it is great! If, as a consumer, you can make a deal that better fits your experiential desires, you don't go with it.

But let's not swallow too much of the pixie dust on these promotions. They reflect market adjusted prices, and include nothing for free (save for the consumer who is willing to pay full rack rate for the time the promotion is offered.)

All Disney promotions are a good deal when YOU think they are a good deal.

 

[ntsammy5]

All Disney promotions are a good deal when YOU think they are a good deal.

Yup - you hit the nail on the head. It's all in how you perceive it.

 

[floydfamily4]

Honestly, if I was as bitter about Disney *making me an accessory to dumbing down quality in order to make a profit* as you are, I would seriously consider choosing to spend my vacation money elsewhere.

I usually try to stay out of these conversations because well, they are generally not nice but I have to say just a couple of things. First in response to the quote above. I really wish the disboards were a place where people can complain and celebrate without being told to not go to Disney. I see it a lot where people who LOVE disney and can't stand for people to share a dissenting view about even one part of disney like dining. The OP didn't say she didn't love disney just that the dining was an issue for them. Second, for the people who have lots of $$ and get to go to disney all the time and are frankly, quite snooty about it. Please get over yourselves. I know that is a little harsh but those of us who can't go every year or twice a year and want to risk coming during hurricane season to enjoy the free dining should be able to do so without being "in the way" of those of priviledge. Finally, I am so excited for my trip in Nov. We can't come during FD because my husband can't travel during hurricane season. Will we use the DP? Not sure yet, still working the numbers but its likely if for no other reason I want to have it paid in advance. Will I miss having the option of higher end food, well not really because my twin 4 year olds won't do well. Am I really excited about Boma, Ohana, CM, and CRT. Heck yes, and if any of you hated those restaurants don't tell me. Just send me some pixie dust and hope I have a great vacation for my kids and hubby. Have a great day!

Dawn

 

[BEASLYBOO]

LUGNUT33 I totally agree. The prices are ridiculous, DDP or no DDP. Disney, IMO cannot services the masses and create exceptional food on a regular basis. Some restaurants, like Le Cellier, though I love the Cheddar Cheese Soup, herd you in and out, delivering your soup, salad, appetizer and meal all at the same time, that's not how we enjoy dinner. I find the food at most Disney restaurants acceptable not exceptional, however what they are able to charge for the food is ridiculous. Orlando has many top notch restaurants, charging the same prices as Disney, but they're serving top notch food! Disney wants you to come using ME, don't rent a car, stay on-site, keep all the money in the family! and for some that works. ( Guess what, we go to Universal & Sea World & Cape Canaveral too) We drive in, we love Disney but we also love Orlando and we make choices that work for us. I don't want to eat in a restaurant every night for a week, 3 meals a day, with sauces that end up all tasting the same. I'm certainly not paying for my 12 yearl old the adult fee for the buffet at Boma, it's good but IMO not worth the cost, other's may feel differently. We have a villa, we cook some of the time, make a couple of ADR's (Jiko), go to Timpano's Chops House and we're happy! With that said, some people with big families in hotel rooms without cooking facilities love the DDP and the Free Dining, it works for them and Disney's pockets, it tries to cater to everone, at a premium. What you're willing to pay for is up to you! Everybody has an opinion and a choice, and every one should be free to express it without having to be condemmed for it!

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Well, I am voting with my wallet by taking my food dollars somewhere else. Does that count?

I don't see the value in eating on-site, so I'll go off-site. Does that mean i have to vacation somewhere else?

I'd say just do what works for y'all, whatever you feel the best about. Sure it counts!

But, I also can't help but think one of the best ways to express displeasure would be to abandon the brand altogether. Maybe folks could throw all their theme park vacation money in a different direction and do an "everything but Disney" trip - go to Universal, Sea World, Wet & Wild, Busch Gardens, and eat in those parks.

ETA - We're pretty crazy about Texas de Brazil ourselves, and if you'll sign up at their website, you'll get periodic emails with promotions that are real $$$ savers. We go to the one in Memphis occasionally.

 

[lugnut33]

LUGNUT33 I totally agree. The prices are ridiculous, DDP or no DDP. Disney, IMO cannot services the masses and create exceptional food on a regular basis. Some restaurants, like Le Cellier, though I love the Cheddar Cheese Soup, herd you in and out, delivering your soup, salad, appetizer and meal all at the same time, that's not how we enjoy dinner. I find the food at most Disney restaurants acceptable not exceptional, however what they are able to charge for the food is ridiculous. Orlando has many top notch restaurants, charging the same prices as Disney, but they're serving top notch food! Disney wants you to come using ME, don't rent a car, stay on-site, keep all the money in the family! and for some that works. ( Guess what, we go to Universal & Sea World & Cape Canaveral too) We drive in, we love Disney but we also love Orlando and we make choices that work for us. I don't want to eat in a restaurant every night for a week, 3 meals a day, with sauces that end up all tasting the same. I'm certainly not paying for my 12 yearl old the adult fee for the buffet at Boma, it's good but IMO not worth the cost, other's may feel differently. We have a villa, we cook some of the time, make a couple of ADR's (Jiko), go to Timpano's Chops House and we're happy! With that said, some people with big families in hotel rooms without cooking facilities love the DDP and the Free Dining, it works for them and Disney's pockets, it tries to cater to everone, at a premium. What you're willing to pay for is up to you! Everybody has an opinion and a choice, and every one should be free to express it without having to be condemmed for it!

I like how you explain it, the food is acceptable but the prices are exceptional. I remember a time when the food was exceptional and the prices were acceptable. (I've eaten at Le Cellier and was not impressed with the food.)

And as excited as people are about the DDP because it's a "bargain", Disney is equally excited to have you choose it. Ever wonder why? I bet they really like it when a 10 year old has to purchase the adult DDP.

What happens next year when they raise the price to $45 per person for the DDP? You'll pay it, it's only $5 more which is no big deal. And some how you'll get less whether it's a change in meats or eliminating some of the more expensive dishes. This is going to be a great revenue stream for WDW.

 

[lugnut33]

I'd say just do what works for y'all, whatever you feel the best about. Sure it counts!

But, I also can't help but think one of the best ways to express displeasure would be to abandon the brand altogether. Maybe folks could throw all their theme park vacation money in a different direction and do an "everything but Disney" trip - go to Universal, Sea World, Wet & Wild, Busch Gardens, and eat in those parks.

ETA - We're pretty crazy about Texas de Brazil ourselves, and if you'll sign up at their website, you'll get periodic emails with promotions that are real $$$ savers. We go to the one in Memphis occasionally.

I still enjoy the time in the parks with my family. I could have fun in the parks by myself also. Do I think the parks are overpriced? Well I think it's expensive, but not overpriced because when I see people paying $400 a ticket for an Eagles concert that will last 2 hours, I know I'm still getting a good deal on all day entertainment in the parks. Heck, out tickets to the Daytona 500 go for $185 per person... OUCH!!

However, when I compare food prices in Disney to other comparable restaurants, then I feel that we are being overcharged for the meals.

As for Texas, just got an e-mail coupon for a free meal to celebrate our anniversary. Will probably use that now when my wife and I are in WDW at the end of the month for the new Kidani Village opening. And yes, we have ressies for opening day of Sanaa restaurant. Don't matter how much it costs, I atleast have to try it and see if it's worth the money.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Disney dining is a moving target, isn't it? I remember DDP in its earlier incarnation, with apps, entree, dessert, and drink, and your pay one price cost included tax and tip. I didn't think Disney was losing money by any stretch, but I did think, "Dude, I'm guessing they aren't clearing as much as they'd like to."

So the DDP is back, with some significant adjustments. I think what has happened is that the DDP has lulled guests into forgetting what the actual OOP cost of a meal is. It's like the DDP is a loss leader - it gets folks in the door and feeds them adequately, but for folks not on the plan, they look at the menu prices and KNOW what its costing them.

We'll see what the future holds. It's readily apparent that there are PLENTY of folks who are perfectly content with the DDP, the food quality and quantity and value, and our discussion would be pretty irrelevant to them. And if our friends at Disney think there is a way to improve profits, they'll do that, too. They're good like that.

So far, we're content with the DDP, although I miss those apps and the included gratuity. There might be a point down the road I'd say, "hold on, partner," and not use it - I do have a threshold already in mind - but to date, it works for us.

Everybody's gotta choose what serves them the best, y'know? One size does not fit all. I can lament what I perceive I've lost, but I also know these are someone else's good ol' days.

 

[lugnut33]

Disney dining is a moving target, isn't it? I remember DDP in its earlier incarnation, with apps, entree, dessert, and drink, and your pay one price cost included tax and tip. I didn't think Disney was losing money by any stretch, but I did think, "Dude, I'm guessing they aren't clearing as much as they'd like to."

So the DDP is back, with some significant adjustments. I think what has happened is that the DDP has lulled guests into forgetting what the actual OOP cost of a meal is. It's like the DDP is a loss leader - it gets folks in the door and feeds them adequately, but for folks not on the plan, they look at the menu prices and KNOW what its costing them.

We'll see what the future holds. It's readily apparent that there are PLENTY of folks who are perfectly content with the DDP, the food quality and quantity and value, and our discussion would be pretty irrelevant to them. And if our friends at Disney think there is a way to improve profits, they'll do that, too. They're good like that.

So far, we're content with the DDP, although I miss those apps and the included gratuity. There might be a point down the road I'd say, "hold on, partner," and not use it - I do have a threshold already in mind - but to date, it works for us.

Everybody's gotta choose what serves them the best, y'know? One size does not fit all. I can lament what I perceive I've lost, but I also know these are someone else's good ol' days.

I hear ya brother.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

I still enjoy the time in the parks with my family. I could have fun in the parks by myself also. Do I think the parks are overpriced? Well I think it's expensive, but not overpriced because when I see people paying $400 a ticket for an Eagles concert that will last 2 hours, I know I'm still getting a good deal on all day entertainment in the parks. Heck, out tickets to the Daytona 500 go for $185 per person... OUCH!!

However, when I compare food prices in Disney to other comparable restaurants, then I feel that we are being overcharged for the meals.

As for Texas, just got an e-mail coupon for a free meal to celebrate our anniversary. Will probably use that now when my wife and I are in WDW at the end of the month for the new Kidani Village opening. And yes, we have ressies for opening day of Sanaa restaurant. Don't matter how much it costs, I atleast have to try it and see if it's worth the money.

That's a huge point - comparing WDW park prices with a sporting event, a Broadway show, etc. - it's actually a signifcant bang for your entertainment buck.

I'll concede that when we're on vacation anywhere, it seems that food costs are the one area that can get away from us. We do routinely have breakfast in our DVC villas, but it's more of a time saving and convenience thing for us.

Just to take one more swipe at that dead horse, though ... compared to other theme parks (assuming there is even a comparison) food quality and prices at Disney shine over similar offerings elsewhere. I do think Mythos at Islands of Adventure is quite good, though.

To all various and sundry readers: Find what works for you, and do it, and don't give a hoot about anyone who disagrees with you. If it gets to the point you're paying $38 for a burger made with Spam at Disney, and you're content with that, that's terrific.

 

[lugnut33]

That's a huge point - comparing WDW park prices with a sporting event, a Broadway show, etc. - it's actually a signifcant bang for your entertainment buck.

I'll concede that when we're on vacation anywhere, it seems that food costs are the one area that can get away from us. We do routinely have breakfast in our DVC villas, but it's more of a time saving and convenience thing for us.

Just to take one more swipe at that dead horse, though ... compared to other theme parks (assuming there is even a comparison) food quality and prices at Disney shine over similar offerings elsewhere. I do think Mythos at Islands of Adventure is quite good, though.

To all various and sundry readers: Find what works for you, and do it, and don't give a hoot about anyone who disagrees with you. If it gets to the point you're paying $38 for a burger made with Spam at Disney, and you're content with that, that's terrific.

Their food and prices may shine over other theme parks, but I can't choose to eat at those theme parks when I'm at WDW. It's not the only competition that WDW has. WDW must compete with all the restaurants nearby.

Oh, and if there ever is a $38 spamburger at WDW I will think people are crazy for buying it and voice my opinion as such. If it's on the dining plan though I'm sure it will then be considered a bargain since one would be getting a food item for almost the entire cost of the DDP daily fee.

 

[lucas]

I would never go off property to eat. It would take too much time away from Disney! Plus, waaaaaaaay too much traffic to deal with off property.

But, I do think Disney food is overrated and sometimes I don't see what all the fuss is about.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We just returnes a couple of weeks ago and I must say that I enjoyed my meals more on this trip than I had in a long time. We did the dining plan for the first time( there were 7 adults in our party) and it was really the best way to go for us. We ate at California Grill, Le Cellier, 50's Primetime, Crystal Palace, San Angel Inn & Raglan Road. This was the first time that I ever enjoyed my meal at San Angel Inn.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

You could work for Disney corporate with that spin! The real reason is that everyone on the DDP was ordering the lobster tails at Capn Jacks and the Prime Rib where offered. That probably messed up their food supply and they wanted to balance out what would be ordered on the menu. By adding items that are much closer in value, diners are less apt to go for the most expensive everytime. Lobster and Prime Rib are splurge items in most restaurants in the real world, so its easy to see how they became so popular within the grasp of anyone with a DDP credit.

I would love to work for Disney Corporate - know of any job openings?

So why did it take 3 years for Disney to remove the lobster tails and Prime Rib? Was it not popular when the plan started? Was there a sudden increase last year in the desire of DDP guests to scarf up these two items over the previous 2 years?

And prime rib was removed from Buffets - it is still available at several sit down restaurants like Kona and Olivia's.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

This was the first time that I ever enjoyed my meal at San Angel Inn.

I enjoyed it in years past but no so much in the last 3, perhaps it's time to give it another try!

 

[lugnut33]

We just returnes a couple of weeks ago and I must say that I enjoyed my meals more on this trip than I had in a long time. We did the dining plan for the first time( there were 7 adults in our party) and it was really the best way to go for us. We ate at California Grill, Le Cellier, 50's Primetime, Crystal Palace, San Angel Inn & Raglan Road. This was the first time that I ever enjoyed my meal at San Angel Inn.

Glad to hear that.

One thing that scares me also is if I signed up for the dining plan and we are there at the same time everyone has free dining, I feel like the service won't be the best. I could be totally wrong about that.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I hate the Basic Disney Dining Plan with the heat of 10,000 suns!

Unfortunately, many people on the DDP, whether they pay for it directly or paying a higher rate for their room and getting "free" dining, look to the highest price items on the menu. This is based either on the attitude of "I paid for it and can get whatever I want" or "as long as it's free, let's get the best items".

For example, at Le Cellier where is a $22.50 difference in price between the lowest price adult lunch entree and the highest price dinner entree. Each restaturant receives a fixed dollar amount credit for each meal sold under DDP. Each restaurant has to make a profit.

As food costs go up it takes more money to operate a restaurant.

So as things progress more and more of the higher end cost items will vanish.

The signature restaurants do not have so much of a problem as they get paid double the regular restaurants.

If they ever do away with the Basic DDP within about six months you will find a lot more high end selections at all the restaurants.

 

[Myhappythought5]

Yup, we have never received a pin or discount code. We like going in September, FD or not. Since we usually stay at Pop anyway... if we did get a 40% off or 4/3 deal, it's still be cheaper to use the FD deal since we would normally eat similar to we get on the DDP... although we do eat at a lot of 2TS places.

I have to disagree. We are paying out of pocket for our dinning plan because it is cheaper for us since we are pass holders. If we had to by tickets then it would be a whole different story. Since to get the free dinning you have to by at least a one day ticket. we would have had to pay like $40 more. We have the 40% off.

But that being said. I still think it is a really good deal for those who are buying tickets with their package. We would have totally done it that way if we had needed to.