Bad Food

[tony67]

I usually wind up showing up on these discussions right about now to say that San Angel is no longer serving chips out of a bag, before anyone gets the idea they still do.

They make them in-house now, confirmed by my friend who is a vegan, unless they lied when they told her they're cooked in oil containing lard (or reading it off the bag).

True.

As I understand it they stopped with the chips out of a bag after the warning from Disney about the food last September/October.

That does not excuse serving them for several years though.

I did mention that on the San Angel Inn thread, but not here when I replied to the comment that people who don’t like San Angel Inn don't know real Mexican food.
I was not as clear on that in this thread since it was more about bad food and experiences in general, I'll try to be more fair when it comes to that one.

 

[rsimon]

I always find it kind of funny how many comments there are here about "lower quality", "bad food" ect. Now I've been going to Disney at least once a year for over 20 years, so basically from childhood to adult. Sure there have been some changes, some not for the better certainly, but I really don't see all these big quality issues others see.

What I find most interesting about it is that I was raised by a chef, who owned and operated resaurants in places such as London and New York. I grew up on 5 star cuisine and had never even seen a Big Mac, let alone ate one until I was 17. With that said, I can't say I have ever had true quality issues at Disney. Honestly, beyond V&A the food at Disney has never truly been 5 star gourmet cuisine. It's all theme park resort cooking. Yes there are the signature places but even they were placed in either the parks or hotels for theme park guests. Yes, these signature places are well above par for typical theme park resort resaurants, but they are not 5 star dining. I always keep that in mind. Yes they are expensive but you're paying for the location, theme and convience not the meal. A hot dog doesn't normally cost $6 but it does in Yankee Stadium and the hot dog is just a normal hot dog. It's the same thing.

I find this statement hard to believe if you have eaten at Disney for that long. I wasn't raised by a Chef, but I am a very good gormet cook and know the difference between good food, okay food, and garbage. I believe that Disney establishments at time think we don't know the difference and try to pass things off on us or flat out don't care about quality.

The reality is, these places charge a price that is expensive and pass themselves off as quality food based on their menu. This is not theme park food, go to a counter service place at Disney, Six Flags, or Sea World if you want to see theme park food. When you eat Disney table service, you expect at least the quality of an average restaurant. Signature dining should be at least a nice restaurant. We aren't talking 5 star here..

 

[tortoni]

Like anywhere else we vacation, we sometimes have had a few less than wonderful meals at Disney in the last 20+ trips. We have also enjoyed some very good food. This summer we vacationed in beautiful Quebec and had some hits and misses with our food. DS (14) said he prefers Disney dining because he knows what he is going to get and looks forward to certain foods there. I think that sums it up for many of us. I can get an ice cream sundae in a lot of places, but sharing a fudge mudslide with my kids in Beaches and Cream somehow tastes better than it would if I scooped one up at home. And there is nothing extraordinary about hibachi food at Teppan Edo but it is still a must do. So, the food may not be gourmet, but the whole experience makes it work for some of us.

 

[matheke]

Apparently you don't know what Tex-Mex is if you think that taco bell and chi chi's style food is what we eat here. That's insulting actually because what I call that food is junk food. It has absolutely nothing in common with what we eat down here.

.

Sorry if that offended you but I lived in Texas for five years. I should have used the term "low grade" in front of TexMex.

A quick search of Tex-Mex restaurants in the Orlando area shows Don Pablos, Chilli's and Qdoba. So it is not just me that classifies that type of food as Tex-Mex but also the Orlando Sentinal dining guide.

During the five years I lived in Dallas I found the best Mexican food were in the small mom and pop places that had names like "Don Juan's, Mamacita's, and of course "Jose's Romantic Food". They do not spend money on decor and really put there heart into their food. I wish I could get a meal like that at San Angel.

 

[rsimon]

Sorry if that offended you but I lived in Texas for five years. I should have used the term "low grade" in front of TexMex. Just remember where Nachos were invented. Texas. And most people think that is a Mexican style food.

A quick search of Tex-Mex restaurants in the Orlando area shows Don Pablos, Chilli's and Qdoba. So it is not just me that classifies that type of food as Tex-Mex but also the Orlando Sentinal dining guide.

During the five years I lived in Dallas I found the best Mexican food were in the small mom and pop places that had names like "Don Juan's, Mamacita's, and of course "Jose's Romantic Food". They do not spend money on decor and really put there heart into their food. I wish I could get a meal like that at San Angel.

Don't worry.. I wasn't personally offended..Lived here 21 years and just don't like people thinking Tex-Mex is the "low grade" garbage served in most of the country and called "Mexican" or "Tex-Mex"..

Actually a quick serch verified what I thought.. Nachos originated in the city of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, just over the border from Eagle Pass, Texas, at a restaurant called the Victory Club. Actually most Tex-Mex is really inspired by northern Mexico.

Nachos are also really a form of tostada which is authentic Mexican and a smaller form of which is called a totopo. Depending on where you get "Nachos" in Texas, you get something that looks and tastes a LOT like a totopo or mini tostada. Somewhere along the way, someone decided to just dump a bunch of corn chips on a plate, throw some meat and cheese on there (beans too at times) and called that nachos..

Okay.. now that food history is over.. San Angel Inn does serve a very good tostada or totopo or nacho depending on what you want to call it.

 

[DisGirl23]

I have to say that we've used the DDP and have never once been made to feel like a 2nd class citizen. I have a hard time believing that they would treat one better than the other. They still need to earn their tips.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

We have had 2 very poor experieces, spoke with a manager on both and got compensated in a way that was welcome to us.

First was many years ago at Garden Grill. The service was so slow, our food came cold and no drinks or food were replenished, it was awful. We asked to speak with a manger and waited, and waited, and finally gave up, paid or bill and left. I called the next morning but we were headed home and he didn't get a hold of us before we left. When we got home there was a message from him and when I called back he appologized for the experience and the waiting that night for the manager, he had not been told we were waiting. Anyway, we were home already so I wasn't expecting anything and not necessarily looking for anything, but just wanted them to know we were disapointed and likely not to return. He invited us to return on our next visit which was 2 years later. 2 years later not only was the free meal indeed "in the book" but he came over and introduced himself and comped grandma and grandp (though they had not been ther the first time and we asked to pay for them. He insisted on treating all of us.) Dinner was hot, wonderful and the service was top notch. I was half expecting to get there and there be no record of our free meal, but I was willing to try it again, but sure enough, it was and he was still the manager and was there the night we were as well. I as more then pleased with the way it was handled.

Second was at ABC Commissary in 2006. The food was so beyond bad but the worst was my grandma's fish. The tarter sauce tasted awful and was grey on color, the fish itelf was still a bit frozen on th inside. Everything was just BAD!!! I asked to speak with a manager and he agreed saying it was an off day for them and they were working on it. He refunded me in cash because he said he didn't know how to give me back DDP credits. I didn't object, that was just fine. I again was happy with the way they handled it however I alwasy did wonder if it really was an "off day" cause I hear people all the time say how bad it is there. We have not been back to know.

Beyond that we have had great meals and great staff, but I will say this. DH is in the restaurant buisness. He says all the time they want to hear what is wrong becasue for everyone one person who will tell them, many more will leave without saying anything and feeling unhappy and will likely not return. They would rather know what needs to be fixed and even cop you a meal then have you leave and not come back.

So yes, I will compain at Disney if it is necessary, but I have found it is not often necessary. Either they are doing a great job or my mind gets cloudy with the Disney magic. Whatever it is, 2 complaints in allllll those meals they are doing something right.

 

[Millie12591]

\
I really get a kick out of reading reviews also. Most people are disappointed at San Angel because they think Mexican food is Taco Bell or Chi Chi's style of food. Folks that is TexMex not Mexican.

Dan

Dan,
just so I can clear some things up....San Angel Inn is FAR from authentic Mexican (I've had plenty to know the difference) Taco Bell and Chi Chi's are FAR from Tex-Mex. (Living in Texas has sure shown me the ways of Tex-Mex ) I ASSURE you Taco Bell and Chi Chi's are neither!
Taco Bell is fast food and far from what is known as Tex-Mex and Chi Chi's is an abomination to all that is Mexican food much like San Angel Inn. Which was inedible, I refused to eat any of what was served.

 

[Millie12591]

I don't want to get in a back and forth argument with you, but these are the kind of comments that tends to turn off a large portion of the DIS boards people.

It becomes and elites vs. common people argument on here and I don't want it to degrade into that.

I think most people know what truffles are these days and you’re not giving them enough credit.
Those are the chocolate things by Lindor JK

As for the Dole Whip - it may be a chemical-based powered ice cream insta-mix, but you know what it still tastes good.
I love foie gras, sweet breads and I enjoy the texture of shark fin soup, but I can also really enjoy a nice all beef (unlike Disney) hot dog or ribs from a dive bar.

I’m not expecting 5 star food, but the pastas should be better than Olive Garden.
The fish should be better than Red Lobster.
I don’t think it is wrong to expect good quality for the price.

A $27 pizza should never disappoint.
How hard it is to make good pizza?
In Venice you can get pizza at numerous stands for 3 Euro where they just reheat it in a microwave toaster oven and it is still better than 90% of the pizza we get here.
Is it really that hard?

And yes I hate the whole idea of walking around gnawing on a turkey leg.
Some people love it and some don’t.
I’m not going to look down my nose at them as long as they don’t have an issue with me expecting more.

If you’re going to charge me 85 to go into Epcot, which is mainly world showcase to most people, I expect a lot more from the food.

AMEN!

Sorry if that offended you but I lived in Texas for five years. I should have used the term "low grade" in front of TexMex.

A quick search of Tex-Mex restaurants in the Orlando area shows Don Pablos, Chilli's and Qdoba. So it is not just me that classifies that type of food as Tex-Mex but also the Orlando Sentinal dining guide.

During the five years I lived in Dallas I found the best Mexican food were in the small mom and pop places that had names like "Don Juan's, Mamacita's, and of course "Jose's Romantic Food". They do not spend money on decor and really put there heart into their food. I wish I could get a meal like that at San Angel.

Sorry, but even in Dallas they lack big time in true Tex-Mex and Mexican food. I do bet the mom and pop places were the best around, but up there your not going to find to many places that will be truly authentic and when you do it will be far and few between.
Livingin S.A. for five years and then living here in Austin I can see for certain a huge difference in the food quality when it comes to true Mexican and Tex-Mex foods. And that's less than two hours from one another, imagine what another three hours added on will do to it.

As far as quality goes, I've not had to complain as of yet. But I will say there will be a few places I won't go back to from our last trip. I have seen a huge difference between the foods from our last visit in 2007 to this recent visit in 2010. It's sad and uncalled for and I hope that Disney will get their poop in a group concerning this. I am one to complain if it's needed, we just never found it to be needed when we were there. I can honestly say my favorite surprise and best meals came from Wolf Gang Puck Express this time. What does that tell you? I'm just sayin.

 

[Poohbear5]

We had a really lousy meal at Tonys in MK. It was our first time there. Service was not great, food was not great.
We very seldom complain about restaurant service, we just don't go back again.
The few times we have complained in restaurants, they usually take the same piece of food back, throw it on the grill, bring it back on the same half chewed bread and look agitated with us for complaining..

On another note, we recently went to Longhorn on a Sat. night. We got extremely slow service, when our steaks came out my husband did not get what he ordered. He politely pointed it out to the waitress.
Apparently, she "hit the wrong button" on a computer to put her orders into the chef. We were a bit irritated as it took so long but remained polite. While we waited for the second steak, the manager came over and insisted they would take care of the whole bill and told us to be sure to order deserts too!

 

[gillian67]

Everywhere sometimes gives bad food/service and Disney is no different. You're not paying a fortune to eat there so you can't really expect 5 star dining. It's easy to expect magical food from magical Disney but they're a business after all.

 

[VeganCupcake]

I've seen a few comments on this thread & others about people saying "I wish we hadn't paid for the food" or "I don't know why we paid for the food" etc. Please excuse my ignorance and please please please do not take me for being snarky, I rarely eat out at home, but how do you just not pay the bill? Is it a figure of speech or do you literally just leave and not pay the bill?

 

[Cherinva]

I've only had one meal at WDW that I didn't care for...I didn't complain because we had somewhere to be right after dinner, and I just figured that the place (Tusker House) was having an off day. I don't intend to go there again, for awhile at least.

 

[Planogirl]

How do you decide what is true Tex-Mex? It all developed from the cowboys cooking food over the fire on the range and the Mexican natives adapting their food to fit Texas ingredients. Tamales and the humble taco and fajitas are all Tex-Mex. What Taco Bell serves is certainly Tex-Mex, it's just the fast food version. Sometimes even that stuff hits the spot. I won't comment on Chi Chi's.

As for Tex-Mex at WDW, I don't think that actually exists except for the food at the Cantina. I haven't tried their food in years so I don't know if it's any good or not. I personally don't care if the food is Tex-Mex or real Mexican or fast food - I just want it to taste good and be reasonably priced.

 

[enchantingodin]

Ok people. I think we've gotten a little off topic with the what is tex mex and what isn't. Or weather Disney food is decent or not. Those are all personal preferences. And that's not what this thread is about.

This thread is about my astonishment in people who constantly complain on the disboards. And my wondering if they actually take the time to complain while at the restaurant. If for example 100 people have lunch at ABC Commissary (a big offender here on the boards), say 40 of them have a bad meal. But only 10 complain - then in eyes of the restaurant 90 people had a good meal. See my point?

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Ok people. I think we've gotten a little off topic with the what is tex mex and what isn't. Or weather Disney food is decent or not. Those are all personal preferences. And that's not what this thread is about.

This thread is about my astonishment in people who constantly complain on the disboards. And my wondering if they actually take the time to complain while at the restaurant. If for example 100 people have lunch at ABC Commissary (a big offender here on the boards), say 40 of them have a bad meal. But only 10 complain - then in eyes of the restaurant 90 people had a good meal. See my point?

And that was exactly my point. As I said, my DH works in the restaurnat buisness and they much prefer people speak up then not, cause if you leave and don't com back it's lost revenue for them, if you speak poorly to your friends, even worse. So they much prefer to hear the bad expriences and so, both bad experiences we have had at Disney we have spoken up. They can't fix what they don't know is a problem.

 

[rsimon]

I've seen a few comments on this thread & others about people saying "I wish we hadn't paid for the food" or "I don't know why we paid for the food" etc. Please excuse my ignorance and please please please do not take me for being snarky, I rarely eat out at home, but how do you just not pay the bill? Is it a figure of speech or do you literally just leave and not pay the bill?

No, you don't just get up and don't pay. A GOOD place and a manager that wants to keep you as a customer will appologize and will take off the bill the food that was bad. Many times, they comp the whole bill, but I am not looking for a free ride, just don't charge me for food that is not edible. That just makes me mad and I will never try it again.

 

[VeganCupcake]

No, you don't just get up and don't pay. A GOOD place and a manager that wants to keep you as a customer will appologize and will take off the bill the food that was bad. Many times, they comp the whole bill, but I am not looking for a free ride, just don't charge me for food that is not edible. That just makes me mad and I will never try it again.

Ok I just misunderstood what people were saying then thanks! I saw on another thread, someone said "I don't know why I/you paid for the meal" after the manager came out and did not compensate them for the bad meal, I think that's what threw me off.