Am I The Only One Mad At Disney Dining?

[patsal]

That's an overly simplistic POV, though. Location has a lot to do with pricing when it comes to dining. McDs in NYC isn't better than McDs in small town Michigan, but that Big Mac is sure going to cost you more at the former than the latter!

And a few dollars for it is one thing but to make up holidays with surcharges is quite another. If I have to settle I may as well walk away. With a car it isn't a big deal to get off site for an hour or so. Relying on disney transport is time consuming as well.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

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.

C.F., I always enjoy your posts for that little insider track thing you've got going.

I'm wondering if with the DDP, Pandora's Box is open, and we'll continue to see it as an option - perhaps with modifications, knowing Disney's love of tinkering - from here on out.

It is still, this year, a value to us. So we'll be using it in a month. I still like my idea of offering higher end selections with a surcharge for folks that want it, but I can see the logistical nightmare it would be, and maybe the DxDP has addressed that.

I don't think about going for the top dollar item just to get the most bang for my buck - I'll just order what I want. At the end of the trip, if I've broken even based on menu prices, then I'm fine with that.

I WANT Disney to make a profit (shareholder, y'know.)

 

[PaulaSB12]

I'm curious...You are going during the 'free dining' period and choosing NOT to get the free dining at all and pay 100% OOP for the deluxe plan?

I booked the Beach Club with free ddp and upgrading to deluxe. Then disney uk had a deal pay 10 nights and get 4 nights free this gave me the opportunity to stay at the Grand Floridian for about the same price so I choose to pay and stay at GF because it was the better deal for me.

 

[lugnut33]

I booked the Beach Club with free ddp and upgrading to deluxe. Then disney uk had a deal pay 10 nights and get 4 nights free this gave me the opportunity to stay at the Grand Floridian for about the same price so I choose to pay and stay at GF because it was the better deal for me.

Actually, I think it's wise of you to upgrade to the Deluxe plan because you'll be able to eat in restaurants that should have less people because they'll be expending two of their credits if they want to eat there. I recommend you eat as much as you can at the deluxe dining establishments.

 

[Ava]

It looks like most people posting on this thread are frequent visitors to the World, which is fine and wonderful. I'm sure Disney loves you all for giving them so much of your money.

But from the perspective of someone who does not visit very often, it seems like that is part of the reason you've become dissatisfied with the dining (or any other aspect of WDW, but this thread is about dining). You recognize the changes more keenly than someone who only visits once every few years. For me, the most frequently I ever visited WDW was once every other year, in '02, '04, & '06. If I ate at the same restaurant on each of those visits, I didn't remember exactly how it was the time before. Even if I remembered a specific menu item from a previous trip and it was no longer there, that wouldn't bother me much. I expect restaurants to make some changes to their menus in the course of two years.

Now it's been 3 years since I've been to WDW, and it will likely be 3 more before I get to go back. I'm sure a lot will have changed in 6 years, but that's okay. Whatever kind of dining plan they offer, or restaurants they have, I'll just be happy to be in WDW and sharing the magic with my daughter for the first time.

The only thing I won't stand for is a $38 Spamburger! LOL.

Anyway, just trying to offer a different perspective/opinion on the "debate."

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Thank you, Ava. I genuinely appreciate your perspective. Did you feel like you'd stumbled into an enclave of spoiled brats?

This May, we're taking someone with us as a guest that has never, ever been to WDW in his 22 years. I can assure you that from the time we check in, he'll feel like he's been marinated in pixie dust. He won't give a rip that crab legs are missing.

For my family, Disney is a gift, and I hope I never take it for granted. I am aware that Disney is not perfect, there are things I miss from earlier years, but keeping it "real" here ... is there anywhere else I'd rather be? Heck, no.

* I might add, fwiw, that we are a family firmly entrenched in the middle class, of modest means. But early on, we determined that vacationing was a priority, and Disney was part of that priority (for me, anyway!) So we drive cars with 120K + miles on 'em, live in a decent but not extravagant house, shop at Wal-Mart and Target and J.C. Penny, clip coupons ... you get the picture. I sure don't want to give the impression that I think I'm "entitled" or anything, or a Disney snob.

* I sure got defensive there, didn't I?

 

[Ava]

^ I didn't mean to imply that anyone posting here thinks they are "entitled" or are Disney snobs! I only meant to point out that those of you who visit more frequently notice the changes (both good and bad) more than those of us who don't visit as often.

FWIW, it's my choice not to go to WDW again until 2012. Our daughter will be almost 3 then, and we want to wait until she's that age to take her for the first time. On the plus side, we should be able to save enough in 3 years to really go all out! Deluxe Dining, here we come!

 

[angelmav]

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.

They removed them to save money and move more of the other items on the menu as i stated before. They also used to give an appetizer and tip for a dollar more than they charge for the DDP now, but that was another profit making move that was done that is not reflective of what you could get in past years, and it had nothing to do with reducing peoples calorie intake, giving them the control over their tip or their inability to aquire a proper supply chain of food.

The powers that be know what capacity they operate at and have made it pretty clear that they know they can charge holiday surcharges year round, up the price on menu offerings and reduce or eliminate the more expensive offerings without it reducing the traffic into their restaurants, especially by those on the DDP.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

^ I didn't mean to imply that anyone posting here thinks they are "entitled" or are Disney snobs! I only meant to point out that those of you who visit more frequently notice the changes (both good and bad) more than those of us who don't visit as often.

FWIW, it's my choice not to go to WDW again until 2012. Our daughter will be almost 3 then, and we want to wait until she's that age to take her for the first time. On the plus side, we should be able to save enough in 3 years to really go all out! Deluxe Dining, here we come!

It's all good!

I'm a bit of a dissenting voice here, granted, but I have been to WDW a buncha times, and have eaten at Disney restaruants since the early 70's. That may give me "experience", but it doesn't mean my opinions are any more or less valid than anyone else's. So I can say - JMO, mind you - that I simply have not seen a decline in food quality or service that so many have. Really, truly I haven't. I WILL objectively say that some higher-end items are missing from the menus. I WILL objectively state that prices are higher (we stayed at the Contemporary on our honeymoon in a tower room in 1980, at the astronomical price of $90 ... ate our first dinner as a married couple at the old Gulf Coast Room which REQUIRED jackets, and our meal together was almost $45!!).

Only once in hundreds of dining experiences have I had what I felt like was shoddy service. That was probably ten years ago, way before dining plans. I think a lot of times value and service are in the eye of the beholder. It's like lima beans; I like 'em, maybe you don't. Who's right? We both are.

 

[Colleen27]

I booked the Beach Club with free ddp and upgrading to deluxe. Then disney uk had a deal pay 10 nights and get 4 nights free this gave me the opportunity to stay at the Grand Floridian for about the same price so I choose to pay and stay at GF because it was the better deal for me.

We've pretty much lost interest in the basic DDP with the loss of appetizers, since it wasn't a very good fit for us to begin with, but the DxDDP is wonderful! Lots and lots of lovely signature meals and room service, and nary a CS meal to be found!

 

[eliza61]

Thank you, Ava. I genuinely appreciate your perspective. Did you feel like you'd stumbled into an enclave of spoiled brats?


For my family, Disney is a gift, and I hope I never take it for granted. I am aware that Disney is not perfect, there are things I miss from earlier years, but keeping it "real" here ... is there anywhere else I'd rather be? Heck, no.


* I sure got defensive there, didn't I?

Really?? you think of it as being spoiled? I think of it as the total opposite. I think when you have the gumption to charge top dollar especially in these economic conditions you have a morale obligation to offer product that meets that charge.

The number of time some one visits is moot. Whether I'm at Disney, traveling to the beach or buying a new car, I simply expect the best quality for what I pay for. That's where the old adage "You get what you pay for" comes from.

I think because I do love Disney so much is probably why I hate seeing the decline in overall value. NO matter the area (I hate the decline in mousekeeping and the transportation just as much) it's very sad to see the mediocracy.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

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

I completely respect the OP in his decision to eat offsite. He has stated (and stated well) his points of view and I completely understand where he is coming from. I was stating my opposing point of view. This has been a very interesting thread with lots of opinions. It has provided a wealth of information from many viewpoints for people considering their dining options. As you so kindly pointed out, the disboards is a place to share opinions, in any shape or form. My opinion was, "if I felt strongly that a company was 'victimizing me or using me' in any way, I would consider not giving them any of my hard earned vacation money". I am not telling the OP he shouldn't go to Disney. Again, I am stating my point of view. I think the OP has very valid points for people in his situation. As I believe I do, from another perspective. And I am also sure you were not telling me that I was being snooty and to get over myself.

 

[perla75]

I'm sorry but I just don't see the value in eating on-site anymore (even with free dining). I'm disappointed with the choices and really upset by the prices. With them offering the DDP they have chopped out a lot of the higher end foods from the menus and buffets, all to make more money. Then on top of that they keep raising the prices for inferior food. Then to really top it off, they offer free dining so unless you plan ahead you have no shot at getting an ADR.

Come this August, we are eating all our meals off-site (sort of, we'll eat at Earl of Sandwich in DTD). I'm excited at the possiblities of the off-site restaurants.

Personally, I would never bother eating off site unless I was on my way to/from Universal or leaving the parks anyways. It wastes way too much time to travel to/from off site. I'd rather do a quick service and then head right back to the fun!

We don't do the DDP by the way. We added up our food costs w/tip during our last trip & it was actually cheaper for us to pay OOP.

 

[inkedupmomma]

I am sure that the current version of the DDP is not the deal that it was a couple of years ago. It was pretty exciting to have apps, entrees, dessert, tax, and gratuity all taken care of in advance.

But I try to keep things in perspective. While it isn't completely fair to compare WDW to other theme parks, prices are in line with what I've seen elsewhere, and the quality of food available is significantly better than, say, Six Flags (I know, that's apples and oranges.) I also consider the price of eating an an airport or sports stadium - or buying concessions at the movie theater - and again, the prices seem almost a bargain. I think the quality of food at the best of WDW restaurants is fine, if not necessarily superb. We'll do the DDP again this year; it still offers us a significant savings, and I will be content.

There are some good places to eat in the Orlando area, and if leaving the parks, hopping in your car or a taxi to go farther afield for a meal, is what is necessary to have a great vacation, then I think that's a good plan. Do what works!!

The complaints I have with Disney Dining are minimal, but that's all subjective on all our parts. When I'm walking down Main Street USA, I'm mindful that there are hundreds of folks all around me who've scraped and saved for their one-time-shot, vacation-of-a-lifetime, and are so thankful to even be visiting Disney that food is the least of their complaints or concerns. I try to put myself in their shoes -it's a healthy exercise for me, since I don't want to take anything for granted.

This will be one of those threads that there is no definitive right or wrong opinion. That's OK, too.

as usual, I absolutely love your reply! You're the sweetest most level headed diser!

 

[Dreamfinder2]

You are too kind. Actually, I'm a sniveling, bitter, paranoid, dried-up pathetic excuse for a human. See how misleading cyberspace can be?


Actually, you are kind, and I trend toward the positive, and for the most part, I choose the condition of my heart and soul without letting externals bother me too much. I am surprised daily by joy.

We're all different, y'know? And since this is largely a subjective discussion, no one posting is right or wrong. Simple opinions, is all, and in the grand cosmic scheme of things, just a fun way to spend some free moments with my Disney friends.

 

[lugnut33]

Personally, I would never bother eating off site unless I was on my way to/from Universal or leaving the parks anyways. It wastes way too much time to travel to/from off site. I'd rather do a quick service and then head right back to the fun!

We don't do the DDP by the way. We added up our food costs w/tip during our last trip & it was actually cheaper for us to pay OOP.

Totally understand that if you're going commando then it's not worth leaving hte parks to eat. Matter of fact, if we are having a ton of fun, we'll probably eat a counter service meal or two. Other wise, we'll just fit our off-site meals into the 5 hours per day we are spending away from the parks.

LOL about spending less OOP. I believe it, especially if you're light eaters.

 

[lugnut33]

You are too kind. Actually, I'm a sniveling, bitter, paranoid, dried-up pathetic excuse for a human. See how misleading cyberspace can be?


Actually, you are kind, and I trend toward the positive, and for the most part, I choose the condition of my heart and soul without letting externals bother me too much. I am surprised daily by joy.

We're all different, y'know? And since this is largely a subjective discussion, no one posting is right or wrong. Simple opinions, is all, and in the grand cosmic scheme of things, just a fun way to spend some free moments with my Disney friends.

You're wrong, I'm right!!! Just kidding.

This discussion is subjective and ultimately does come down to a number of factors. I do think this has been a really well thoughtout thread with lots of great responses and not much name calling.

When my wife and I are down in a few weeks we are only going to go to one park for one day. That's it. Other than that it'll be hanging around the pool, checking out Kidani Village, and watching the animals on the Savanna. I do have ressies lined up at Sanaa, Les Chefs (because DVC members get 20% off for lunch), and Boma. Also have a dinner and dancing lined up at The Samba Room which is just north of the WDW (with the closing of Pleasure Island it's a no brainer to head off property)

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Your Uncle Tony (aka Dreamfinder 2) likes it when everyone tries to get along!

This has been/is a pretty civil discussion - Lord knows I've seen plenty of 'em in DISWorld go south.

When we're down in May, we've got a total newbie with us, and so we'll get to the parks when they open and bust our chops to get as much in as we possibly can. I'd love to try Saana on this trip, since we're staying at Kidani Village, but DW took a look at the menu and rolled her eyes - never a good sign. So I'll just have to sneak by when I'm down on a business trip or something. As we eat a broad swath through the World, I'm gonna settle in my own mind if there has been a decline in quality, service, etc. Whether I can convince others of the total "rightness" of my views is another matter. I'm the guy that's just as happy at Waffle House as I am with Emeril, depending on what I'm hungry for.

It's all good.

 

[patsal]

Totally understand that if you're going commando then it's not worth leaving hte parks to eat. Matter of fact, if we are having a ton of fun, we'll probably eat a counter service meal or two. Other wise, we'll just fit our off-site meals into the 5 hours per day we are spending away from the parks.

LOL about spending less OOP. I believe it, especially if you're light eaters.

Exactly, so when my sister who only goes once every five years takes her girls this summer the basic DDP has been added, and when my parents who go every three years go they will do the DDP as well. If I go with either of these groups I'd have to get the DDP as well since paying OOP for character dining is just too hard on my bank account.
I do not try to fit it all in, every summer is 14 or more days just so we get down time and off site time. They are up and in the parks for nearly their entire day. When I go sometimes I don't even have park passes and just do the road less travelled thing. In that case going off site is our big plan for the day! If I want to go out at night beyond park closing time I have to go off site as well, so again going off site is necessary. We went without the DDP last year and ate where and what we wanted and it cost less OOP. This time we had a family discussion and since we are going on a cruise immediately after the 14 days at WDW we are going to eat one signature meal and two other TS and then just go back to the room or do CS. This is possibly our last just all four of us together vacation, we may spend just a bit more time in the parks and want more flexibility for DD and DS to split up and go their own way so the QSDP may be a good way for us to go. Will it be next year, I don't know; first because I don't know what disney will do to the plans next year and second because I do not know the particuliars of my next trip--could be 4 of us, could be 5, might be 3.
I do miss some of my favorite dishes and I do miss the Disney that always tried harder, did more and went the extra step. I don't like that they settle for being less than their very best. It bothers me when I hear "ok for a theme park" because Disney used to be better than that.

 

[DisneyDewdrop]

We had ADR for all of our table service meals. Don't be frustrated that you can't get ADR we were there last week and saw plenty of walk-ups getting in. they don't turn you away. You just might have to wait a little bit longer for a table than if you had the reservations.

Yes, they do turn many away. If the restaurant is booked solid and everyone shows up for their ADRs, and there is no room, you will be turned away. I have seen many disappointed people walk away from a podium after being told there is nothing available, even if they are willing to wait. So, please do not think Disney's policy is that "you will not be turned away." You will be turned away more times than you will be seated if you do not have an ADR.