Am I The Only One Mad At Disney Dining?

[Cinderella]

Hi - since the Dining Plan and free dining, I have noticed that the quality has slipped a lot at some restaurants. Last time I ate at Chefs De France the experience was v mediocre compared to what it used to be like.

But - I do love the experience of some of the restaurants more than the food anyway - especially places like Chef Mickey's and Sci Fi. And I'm pleased that we're finally going to be able to take advantage of free dining next year - they've released it already for folk from the UK.

If only they would offer free dining and a room discount - maybe they will with the economy the way it is.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

And let's face it, the pizza inside WDW is pretty awful and expensive. Actually most pizza in Florida is terrible, so if I'm going to have pizza it better be cheap. Well, I can actually get whole large pizzas at the Hess gas station near downtown Disney for $7 to $8 each. I'll be able to feed all 8 of us for under $24. Compare that to going for pizza at Spoodle's pizza window and a large pizza with one topping costs 19.50 ea. So there's a savings of $35. Now I'll admit, the Spoodles pizza is pretty good, but it's actually not that much better than the Hess pizzas (yes I've tried both).

I am not going to be an accessorie to the dumbing down of menus and quality in order to make that $40 per day you are spending more profitable to the Disney company.

You are missing one HUGE factor in your theory that may not apply to you, but does to thousands of others vacationing in the World. Convenience.
No one is arguing that you cannot eat off property for less money. $ for $ eating off property may save you money. We get it. But you fail to factor in the TIME issue which is just as important to many families.
No way am I taking hours our of my families vacation to drive to Hess to eat a pizza.
Not to mention in all of your examples, I don't see you traveling off property to indulge in some of the *higher end* items that are missing from Disney's menu's, which seemed to be a pretty important factor in your OP.
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.

 

[skater]

I don't have time to read this whole thread, but I agree that dining has slipped somewhat. Maybe its sort of socialized . But I do benefit from it with free dining in Sept. Free dining allows my family to eat at better restaurants on vacation than we could normally afford. We used to pack snacks and mostly eat CS. We would usually choose 1-2 character meals and maybe a dinner show for our whole trip. Eating at various sit downs and not having to monitor our kids menu choices makes it a much more fun vacation. Its also nice to be able to say yes to snacks.

Is it worth the decline in menu choices? I don't think it is for everybody. But I guess for our family, it has worked out OK. I will say, we are done with a few places that used to be wonderful. But there are still lots of good choices.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

As DVC members, we aren't eligible for free dining, but we do routinely use the DDP. Works for us.

As for a decline in food quality over the years ... I haven't noticed it, and paraphrasing Mr. Frankin in the American Adventure - my glasses are neither rose colored nor Mickey-shaped. True, there are some high-end items missing in some spots, but what is left is pretty tasty, by and large.

I do miss going to Epcot, riding Spaceship Earth, and then being able to walk up to those video kiosks with touch screens and make reservations at World Showcase restaurants for the day of.

I've wondered if one possible solution would be to leave (or place) some high end options on menus - crab legs, lobster, whatever - and put a surcharge on those items. I know that at Restaurant Marrakesh, the big ol' everything platter - I forget the name - is available on the DDP for an additional $5 or so. While that might complicate an already convoluted system for the uninitiated, it might satisfy some folks who want more.

Of course, that's assuming some folks can even be satisfied. There are people out there who can't be pleased with anything. (No one posting to this thread, of course.)

One more thing: There was once a poster on the DVC boards - I forget his/her name - who used to routinely complain that the value resorts brought "undesirables" on Disney property. It was hard to understand that, but I do catch a whiff of "entitlement" from time to time in DISWorld. As I've said earlier, I am reminded as I stroll through the parks that I am surrounded by folks who have virtually taken out second mortgages to experience the vacation of a lifetime, in contrast to our family who visit WDW once or twice a year. Their one-time meal at Le Cellier might be the very best dining experience they've ever had, and the discussion we're having here would be meaningless to them.

I'm not scolding - I'm just trying to keep it real.

ETA - I do understand that Disney is a gigantic, forboding, corporate colossus, and they have to turn a hefty profit. I'm fine with that - capitalism rocks. And I also understand that if they don't turn that profit, they don't stay in business. I'd hate that.

 

[clutter]

It is also my contention that I can get better quality food for a better price outside WDW and therefore that is what I'll be doing in August. Let me give you an example. On Sunday the 16th, for my mothers birthday I will take her (actually there will be 8 of us) to Texas De Brazil rather than going to O'hana at the Poly. The idea is similar between the two restaurants as servers go around the room with skewers of meats and it's all you can eat. However here is the difference, there is a much larger selection of meats to choose from at Texas, including quality choice cuts of steak (filet). Also, there is a 50 item salad bar. Pricing for the two places is actually very similar, around $27 per person. However, I can get coupons for Texas that are going to reduce my cost per person down to $15 per person. Now spread that over 8 people and you're looking at a $96 savings, for one meal only.

The fact of the matter is that there will always be better, and cheaper, food outside of disney. The fact that you are willing to leave the parks, get into cars and get to it simply states how important that is to you. To most others, even though the quality may be deteriorating and the prices increasing, it is a good value because of the convenienct.

To me, I can't think of anything worse than having to pack people up to go to a restaurant off site, especially in August. I'd go to o'hanas instead, and neither my dd or I like the place!!!

I think the real point is that when go stay at DVC on points, your access to the DDP is different, and you don't have FD available. We're doing the same, staying at DVC in August during FD. We'll still eat on-site, either with the DDP or TIW. Then we're moving to a room for FD for the last few nights (not enough points, lol). And we're looking forward to it. Yeah, I can eat better at home. But at Disney, I can eat better than at any other amusement park. (For example, we were at the National Zoo last week. Four of us bought the children's combo for lunch - it was $38.80!!! For children's meals!!! And the food was way worse than CS at disney.)

 

[lugnut33]

You are missing one HUGE factor in your theory that may not apply to you, but does to thousands of others vacationing in the World. Convenience.
No one is arguing that you cannot eat off property for less money. $ for $ eating off property may save you money. We get it. But you fail to factor in the TIME issue which is just as important to many families.
No way am I taking hours our of my families vacation to drive to Hess to eat a pizza.
Not to mention in all of your examples, I don't see you traveling off property to indulge in some of the *higher end* items that are missing from Disney's menu's, which seemed to be a pretty important factor in your OP.
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 agree, there is a convenience factor in eating on-site. And there is also the coolness factor of Character meals. Me and my family enjoy them, but they have gotten very expensive. Last year at Disneyland we actually left Goofy's Kitchen when the host said how much it was going to cost (I think it was almost $80 per person).

Honestly it's not that big of an inconvenience to leave the property. If you and I left the Magic Kingdom to go and eat, you by bus and me by car, I bet I'll have my food at about the same time you do. (as for the Hess gas station, it's located about 1 minute from the Tree House Villas). I don't think the time factor is that important, atleast not to us since we take an afternoon break anyways. Now, if we were commando at the parks for 12 hours straight, then eating on-site in the park is most important.

I'll definitely give you the convenience factor. Of course, is it really that convenient? Look at what happens when you go for a ressie. You have to call in 90 day or you risk not getting it. Even then you might not get a place like Le Cellier. When you do get your ressie and show up to eat, it can take up to 40 minutes sometimes (took us an hour to get a table one time at Coral Reef). Unless you have a very early or late ressie you will be waiting quite a bit for your table.

And understand, I'm not saying the restaurants are horrible inside WDW, I'm just saying they are not what they used to be.

Also, I repeat, this is not a discussion about the merits of the DDP!! EVERYONE LOVES "FREE" FOOD!!

 

[lugnut33]

I see the OP's point about certain things being taken off menus -- for example, Coral Reef no longer has their king crab legs , and Captain Jack's no longer has their twin lobster tails . I would guess the reason for this is that a lot of people on the dining plan order these, making them not-cost-effective to offer. Then those paying OOP can no longer select these items, either. I think Boma now has a sirloin cut instead of their prime rib, as well.

Can't resist adding, though, that I do LOVE the dining plan! As a PP mentioned, it may just be a perceived value, because in the "real world", our family would never each order a dessert at every meal, etc. But that's what I LOVE about it. It's an adventure!! We get to try a bunch of the different desserts instead of just one or 2 to share! Since we always do the dining plan, it doesn't matter to me what weird prices they put on stuff like $24 lasagne, because it all costs the same. I do sympathize with those who pay OOP and are forced to make up the difference, but I still don't think the prices are that bad for a theme park/resort. How much is lasagne at Carraba's (yum) or Olive Garden? Maybe $8 less?

This is valid only if paying out of pocket, but lets say a family of 5 goes to Carraba's and saves $40 in one meal. If they are at WDW for 5 days and save roughly the same each day, that's $200. Not a bad difference is it?

 

[eliza61]

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.

I'm 1/2 way feeling the same. Eating on site was never really a value but at least there use to be some very good menu choices. Lately the menus have in a word, sucked. Now there is a lot of debate as to whether it's because of the DDP or the economy but either way I find myself eating more and more off site.
The menus have been watered down, the kids menus are atrocious and basically you see the same items on every menu. Some of the signature restuarants have interesting dishes but that's about it.

We still eat on site but for our upcoming trip in August we plan on going off site a number of times. Heck if I'm going to have badly prepared pasta I might as well drive less than 1 mile go to Olive garden and pay way less.

Convienence use to be a big factor for my family but now with so many restuarants popping up right down the road from DTD, it's really not at all hard for my family to get a great pizza in 10 minutes.

The 2nd thing I hate now, is that even with ADR's you are waiting 30 minutes for a table. Disneys' prices are on par with other tourist places it's just the quality that I'm having a problem with. Now that I'm a dvc member some days I may cook in house. How sad is that when you'd rather cook on vacation just to insure you get a 1/2 decent meal for your money.

Op,
If you are looking for a fabulous seafood restuarant right outside of DTD pass the good neighbor hotels there is the crossroads at Disney. There is a slamming seafood restuarant. It's a bit pricey but I swear it has the best flounder, crab cakes and lobster bisque in the world!!

 

[sharadoc]

I am really surprised that free dining this year is the TS/CS plan and not the QS plan. I'd be perfectly happy with the QS plan if I was able to use two QS credits for a character buffet.

Then, the folks who want to upgrade to the TS plan can do so and there won't be a problem with ADRs.

I generally have no problem with the food at WDW - they are theme parks after all! Some of the resort restaurants are nicer and that's also a good thing.

 

[skater]

I am really surprised that free dining this year is the TS/CS plan and not the QS plan. I'd be perfectly happy with the QS plan if I was able to use two QS credits for a character buffet.

Then, the folks who want to upgrade to the TS plan can do so and there won't be a problem with ADRs.

I generally have no problem with the food at WDW - they are theme parks after all! Some of the resort restaurants are nicer and that's also a good thing.

Why are you surprised about the free dining offer? Its an ingenious way for Disney to fill their rooms during an "off" season. I wouldn't have taken the offer without the TS aspect. That's what has been drawing us back every year - the chance to enjoy more sit down meals than we could (or would) otherwise afford. I guess we're the "riff raff" that is clogging the TS every Sept. .

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

That is right free dining is not totally free. You give up the room discount plus have to buy a ticket.

I don't think I will eat at the resturants but maybe 1 or 2 times on my next 12 day trip to Disney in June. I don't like the $4 a person surcharge either. We ate at Chef Mickey January 2nd and paid the $4 person surcharge. We paid over $100 for sub par food for my family. No more. I'd rather just make a sandwich in the room. Eat out when we get back home.

 

[KKB]

We did DDP our first trip 2 years ago; I researched thoroughly, reading reviews and checking menus.
DH was SHOCKED that we could have such GOOD meals in Disney! We all expected mediocre food at best.
Biggest reason for us was convenience...I am not taking hours to go eat off site. And I loved being able to order whatever I wanted from the entrees, and not worry about the price. (but honestly, we had excellent meals everywhere...Ohana, Le Cellier, Le Chefs, Boma, Kona, Wolfgang Pucks)

 

[MusicMouse]

I would also like to point out that for those of us who have to save rigorously for a family trip to WDW, the DDP is great for budgeting. It is ENORMOUSLY helpful to know that most of our meals are already paid for before we get there. We like, and expect, food that is decent, but does anybody REALLY go to WDW and expect five star dining (aside from at places like V and A)?

 

[DisneyBunny15]

I love Disney dining..its one of the things I look forward to most when planning our vacation

My only concern: we are DVC members and are not eligible for free dining and because I teach throughout the summer, end of Aug. is the only time we can really travel - I'm worried that with the free dining plans, ADRS will be very hard to come by..but I find out on May 24th! wish me luck!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

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.

Forgive me, but this seems to be a bit of overreaction. I think the DIS often gets this way. It reads to me a bit like displacement. We are angry/upset about the state of the economy, etc., and since it's hard to focus blame on abstract things (or those in power over us), we turn our displeasure towards something unrelated, and easy to pick on. If getting angry at Disney DIning is your solution, okay. It's better than taking your frustration out on your kids or your neighbor. I'm not picking on your per say - I think this sort of thing has been rampant on the DIS. (and not just when the economy was bad)
I think eating all your meals offsite while at WDW is impractical, but if you want to do, go for it! On the flip, you could always just take your vacation elsewhere, which is also part of why this sounds a little like displacement to me...

Now as for me, my own gripe with Disney dining is that I booked the bounceback offer, with the idea that I'd get my 180 day bookings. Now that it's 90 days, and they've already released the free dining promo - well, my advantage in completely blown.

I did think the food quality last fall was slightly reduced, shall we say, but this spring I felt it was up agian. At least the places we dined were very good. Maybe I'm just getting better at picking 'em. I think the one thing we can all do is take time to fill out Disney surveys. Let them know what we like and dislike. Personally, I miss the days of walk ups, and last minute TS dining choices. But I also like the convenience of having our food prepaid. With a large group, it really made things easier.

 

[M5ward]

Well,well,well;What have we got here? It's really great you can buy the "Deluxe",but everyone,including myself cannot afford BASIC dining!!!! I guess Disney should just forget about us "PO-FOLK",and let only those who can afford to buy the dining plans,AND THEIR FAMILIES enjoy the character meals and other restaurants!!!!!; Boy am I glad that I live in the U.S.A,where EVERYONE get's a little consideration now and then;especially those of us who work hard all year,and care enough about our families to save some of our hard-earned cash to be able to take a nice vacation ONCE a year!!!!!!

I assume your comment is at least a little sarcastic. Living in the USA gives clc053103 the right to voice that opinion just like it gives you the right to voice yours.
Okay...enough preaching.
DisneyBunny, I'm with you. As DVC members, we don't qualify for the free dining, and yes, I have to believe that it makes it more difficult to make ADRs when the FD plan is offered. Good luck when it's time for you to make your reservations. I have that to look forward to in July which is only going to be complicated by the fact that I have a split reservation.

 

[sharadoc]

Why are you surprised about the free dining offer? Its an ingenious way for Disney to fill their rooms during an "off" season. I wouldn't have taken the offer without the TS aspect. That's what has been drawing us back every year - the chance to enjoy more sit down meals than we could (or would) otherwise afford. I guess we're the "riff raff" that is clogging the TS every Sept. .

I'm not suprised about the offer overall, but if Disney is losing so much money at the same time as they offering something free, I'm surprised they didn't cut back. Free dining is wonderful, but I would think it would be less out of their pocket to give room discounts, that's all.

I hope you don't think I was implying anything about "riff raff". I was looking at it from the Disney money perspective.

 

[lugnut33]

I would also like to point out that for those of us who have to save rigorously for a family trip to WDW, the DDP is great for budgeting. It is ENORMOUSLY helpful to know that most of our meals are already paid for before we get there. We like, and expect, food that is decent, but does anybody REALLY go to WDW and expect five star dining (aside from at places like V and A)?

I gotta agree with you on the budgeting front also, you know what you are going to spend, which is $40 per day per person, unless you're on the free dining. That being said, I know we can eat for less than $40 per day per person, but then again the food isn't that bad at WDW.

It doesn't take hours outside the world to go and eat. It's not like we have to trek to downtown Orlando to find food. There are places within 5 minutes of the Tree House Villas. The sports bar that Kevin form the Dis Podcast recommends is close by.... and cheap. Of course for convenience nothing beats eating in the park you are touring. However, as soon as you eating in one of the hotels, it's a different story. Imagine going from MK to Boma at AKL, you're looking at 45-60 minutes using disney transportation.

Boma is a great example. That is by far and away my favorite place to eat. However, the price is $27 per person, which makes me think twice because I know I can go eat at a pretty darn nice place for less money. For me, that's a tough decision, made even more difficult by them cheapening some of the items made available.

 

[lugnut33]

I'm not suprised about the offer overall, but if Disney is losing so much money at the same time as they offering something free, I'm surprised they didn't cut back. Free dining is wonderful, but I would think it would be less out of their pocket to give room discounts, that's all.

I hope you don't think I was implying anything about "riff raff". I was looking at it from the Disney money perspective.

That might not be entirely true. If they are able to charge you $10 more per room and give you $5 in free food (honestly, how much can it cost to serve you mass produced food), then they come out ahead. They also come out ahead because they were able to serve you $5 of food for $35, which you believe is a great deal because you got it for free.

 

[eliza61]

That might not be entirely true. If they are able to charge you $10 more per room and give you $5 in free food (honestly, how much can it cost to serve you mass produced food), then they come out ahead. They also come out ahead because they were able to serve you $5 of food for $35, which you believe is a great deal because you got it for free.

See for me that's the problem. Maybe because I've been visiting the world for 15 years now (never gets old to me) and the food quality has seriously dropped. Look at some of our responses, "it's ok for theme park food", or "it's ok" we have lowered our standards. I remember when people use to RAVE about the food they would get, heck some times you would get huge kudos on the CS food. Now we say things like "it's not bad" or "I'll accept it because it's free"

I think this is one of the issues I'm having with disney overall, they keep lowering and lowering the quality while raising the ticket prices and as long as they offer a so called discount we accept it.

Have you read reviews of Cinderallas royal buffet? NO One talks about the food being great and that place is ridiculously expensive. $35.00 bucks for breakfast and almost all the recent reviews have been terrible. How they rush you in and out and how the food is mediocre and we accept it. EVERY review is about "Oh well, it was worth it to see the joy on little Janneys face"

Nope, sorry Disney is expensive, ok I accept that but if you are going to charge me I'm demanding the quality.