Breakfast Buffet at Trails End

[des1954]

To put it bluntly...it sucks. We thought we'd give it another chance this morning before we broke camp and left. What a bad mistake. Here's what you get for $13.99

Watermelon
Grapes
Bananas
Dried Out Corn Muffins, Chocolate Chip Muffins, Bran Muffins
The following lukewarm items:
Breakfast Pizza
Scrambled eggs that look like they were baked instead of scrambled
Discusting Potatoes with dried onion flakes and lots of garlic
Discusting and uneatable sausage patties
So thin you can read a paper thru it bacon.
Cold Mickey Waffles
Cold French Toast
3 Toppings
Dried out & hard bisquits
Sausage gravy - which tastes like canned and not fresh made
Wheat bread or White bread for toast
lukewarm oatmeal
lukewarm grits
3 cold cereals for which you had to ask the server for milk

What used to be on the buffet but is no longer there was...

Cantelope, Honeydew, Sliced Pineapple, Mixed Fruit Cocktail, Apples
Assorted Bagels with Cream Cheese
Freshly scrambled eggs and scrambled eggs with cheese
Terrific Hash Browns
Sausage Links, Sausage Patties, Thick Sliced Bacon
Corned Beef Hash
An omlet station
A person making fresh waffles.
Pancakes
Donuts & all sorts of pastries

What you get now is nowherenear as good as what you can get at Ponderosa for $3.99. Phyllis was our server (she's been there about 10 years and is as delightful as Ken). When we told her how disappointed we were, her first question was "Are you prone to writing letters?" Uhhhh.....YES I AM!!! So.... here's who you need to write to if you think T.E. buffets have turned to crap, and if you think a food court would better serve the guests at FtW & turn T.E. back to a full service restaurant.

Jean Gallager
Food & Beverage Manager
Fort Wilderness
PO Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, Fl 32830

Also....think about this. If you are at a resort that has a food court, once you buy the all you can drink mug you don't have to pay for a beverage after that. If you eat at T.E., you cannot use the AYCD mug in the restaurant - and the buffet price includes a drink whether you want one or not.

And TCD & I were BOTH correct about the Muffins and Pasteries to go at T.E. They quit serving them from July 6th until August 24 - which would explain why TCD said they weren't available & I said they were available.

Last, but not least, according to Pat who has been a loop attendant at FtW for 30 years and one I've gotten to know quite well, FtW bookings are down by 40% since April. The weekends show a little improvement, but overall the Fort is suffering to the point they might start offering incentives once again for FtW - such as "stay 3 nites get 4th free".... go back to full hook-up and preferred pricing only with 100-300 & 1600-1900 being the full hook-up sites, 1500 & 2000 remaining partial, and the rest preferred. There is even discussion about offering winter settler rates again. The greed of FtW management has finally caught up with them. Originally loops 600 thru 900 (4 loops) were only supposed to be upgraded to premium - but a short term manager used the theory "If we build it they will come". Well .... they aren't coming & they have all this concrete sitting empty.

So.... get those letters flying to Jean Gallager stating what changes you would like to see regarding food services.

Also - the same address can be used for FtW suggestions/complaints in general, but for the Fort use the name:

Jason Cho
Guest Service Manager
Ft. Wilderness

(Yes Pete.....same Jason!)

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Good info, thanks.

After a similar meal at TE in April (we usually have breakfast after we load up to head home) I questioned why I would spend $100 (with tip) for a breakfast for 5 that I could get on the road for 1/4 of that.

TE has become very mediocre food at any price let alone what Disney charges.

 

[stacktester]

Jason Cho
Guest Service Manager
Ft. Wilderness

(Yes Pete.....same Jason!)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ASIAN JASIAN, AH HA Not very nice review you give Trails End, you shall pay in the fucha when you stay again. Perhaps you haven't heard of the Japanese torture chamber we have in the old River Country. We put you in with large alligators and snakes and you try to escape.

 

[DaveInTN]

This is great information! I've wanted to write a letter regarding dining options, but without specific information on who to send it to that's tough. Emails to general customer service addresses may or may not get where they need to be. Thanks for sharing this!

And as far as the premium loops go, I certainly hope they make some changes. We are 500 loopers typically as I just like that location and the feel of the loop, but to be honest I've considered trying another loop now that it has been converted. We've stayed on 500 once since the conversion, and while we had a great stay I can't say we enjoyed it any more than before the work. But I paid a heck of a lot more to stay than I did six months before.

 

[ob1quixote]

We had breakfast for 4 at TE in August. Sure, it was pricy, but what WDW meal isnt? I had no big complaints with the foods, I have definitely had worse at a Shoney's buffet. We did arrive during the rush, so the foods werent out long enough to "age" to unpalatability.

Would I do it again? Yes! Every day? Never. Just a refreshing change from coffee, cold cereal and Pop Tarts.

But, would I do it every day if the price were halved? Probably, and so would a lot of others. Then the complaints would be about crowds and service staff rushing customers along...

 

[ob1quixote]

We had breakfast for 4 at TE in August. Sure, it was pricy, but what WDW meal isnt? I had no big complaints with the foods, I have definitely had worse at a Shoney's buffet. We did arrive during the rush, so the foods werent out long enough to "age" to unpalatability.

Would I do it again? Yes! Every day? Never. Just a refreshing change from coffee, cold cereal and Pop Tarts.

But, would I do it every day if the price were halved? Probably, and so would a lot of others. Then the complaints would be about crowds and service staff rushing customers along...

 

[FlaFortCampster]

Thanks Des, I FINALLY have to agree with all of you folks that have trashed the TE here in recent months, you are correct, it's PITIFUL.
It seems that after mousesavers and some folks here, including myself, said about 2 years ago, it was the best deal at Disney, it has totally changed. It's almost as if the Fort management read the info and figured to do something about it. At that time, the price was 8.99 (out of season) and had all the items des1954 listed. Then the price went to 11.99 and items were removed and then to 13.99 and more items removed and you now have the VERY SAD offerings at a hefty price of over $15 after tip and taxes.
I ate there last week and the ONLY thing that was worthwhile were the sticky buns. As Des1954 said, much of the food was cold and not tasty at all. I swear they changed the recipe for the Mickey waffles as well. In Feb., they were very tasty, this last trip, I ate one and left the other one. YUCK!!!
So, I shall be writing that letter tomorrow.

 

[des1954]

We had breakfast for 4 at TE in August. Sure, it was pricy, but what WDW meal isnt? I had no big complaints with the foods, I have definitely had worse at a Shoney's buffet. We did arrive during the rush, so the foods werent out long enough to "age" to unpalatability.

Would I do it again? Yes! Every day? Never. Just a refreshing change from coffee, cold cereal and Pop Tarts.

But, would I do it every day if the price were halved? Probably, and so would a lot of others. Then the complaints would be about crowds and service staff rushing customers along...

We were there at 8:00am, just 30 minutes after they open. Food sitting out too long with no turnover wasn't the problem. What they were serving was pure crap. We've been regular guests of FtW since 1974 (by regular, I mean several times a year for 35 years and some trips were 3 or 4 months at one shot), and it breaks my heart when the younger/newer guests settle for the low quality meals they are being served and think "Oh, it's Disney - you expect to pay high prices." Yes, Disney has always been a little higher than a lot of places as far as food goes, but Disney always set higher standards for themselves. Unfortunately, their standards have sunk to new lows.

 

[starbuc71]

Does anyone know if they changed anything with the dinner buffet? I agree with all of you on the breakfast. Working in the food industry for 20 some years I know breakfast can be prepared for pennies. (actually anyone should know that). The money for eggs and pancake batter they charge is ridiculous. I know Disney is always higher than a normal rest. but it seems to be getting out of hand. When we were at the fort back in July we gave the dinner buffet another try since we were not inpressed the last time. I have to say, we really enjoyed it. The food was fresh and service was great. We usually always try to have dinner there the night we arrive (relaxing and no cooking after setting up) and usually the night before we leave ( relaxing not getting pots and pans dirty before we leave). I hope dinner stays the same or gets even better

 

[PaPa Doc]

I have been following the comments on TE food service with some interest - we are pretty regular FW guests since we "discovered" the cabins in the late 70's or early 80's when they were actually something of a "secret" and a reservationis steered us to "what were trailers for construction people"

Thanks for posting the food and beverage manager's access - thought I'd share the letter I am about to mail (cleaned up some of my retired uncle (Air Force Steward turned hotel banquet master)'s comments from the last trip - he had a more organic description for the quality of the food):

Dear Ms. Gallager:
My family and I have enjoyed staying at the Fort Wilderness Cabins on at least eight occasions since the late 1970's. In 2006 we began renting 2 cabins for our average 9 or 10 day trip to Disney, and plan a late January stay in 2010. Part of our enjoyment, at least up till the most recent trip, was the meal service (breakfast most days, occasionally dinner) at Trail's End.
Sadly, the quality and variety of food and the type of service has steadily declined during our visits - beginning with the transition from a full dinner menu to total buffet service only (though at first the buffets were attractively served, varied and tasty), and continuing with the progressive decline in the freshness, quality and the variety of food available. The dinner service has become just plain overpriced and unattractive, and the breakfast setup on our last visit was just altogether sad. That this decline in quality was accompanied by fairly steep price increases made eating "out" at the Fort a "not doing this again" experience during our last trip, and not even an option at all in 2010 unless there is a major improvement.
We'll miss the servers, but the best wait staff can't polish dull, dry, low quality "take or leave it, the kitchen just laid it out there" food.
I have gotten acquainted with the DisBoard postings in the last five years, and note with dismay that guests (most of whom I would describe as diehard Disney fans) report there ps no apparent improvement, and most describe even more decline.
My extended family includes folks who are in the large venue hospitality business (even a banquet master with a large hotel / banqueting concern), and I can tell you that if they were writing, these comments would be unprintably graphic - cooks and restauranteurs being...I'm sure you know.
I would like to hear (via future guests) that your kitchen and setup improves. Otherwise, it'll be cereal in the cabins, or even Denny's. Both will be less fun, but fresher, and for sure a better value, unless you can find a way to turn Train's End around.

Hoping there is some hope,
Sincerely,

 

[ob1quixote]

Well, like I said, my breakfast wasnt bad, it was overpriced, I can live with that. Did my time in restaurant kitchens back in the day, not exactly a stranger to food service, but thankfully it has been a while.

It is a tough game to play, to price foodservice to maximize the seating availability while maintaining worth. They do not want to serve breakfast to EVERY camper. I'm sure they hope to please those that they do serve.

Mine wasnt bad, others evidently were, both are possible.

 

[Pirate-Jeff]

I have saved the addresses and will be writing again after our visit next month. Unless it is fixed by late October. Last fall the lunch menu was, get this cold cuts and stale breads. I complained and walked out. I can have that in my MH.. Just 2 days later the fried chicken was back on the lunch buffet but the lunch buffet was still lame. We did try the Diner buffet later in the week but it was only luke warm. The Ribs were dry and hard as a rock the mashed potato's were runny (like they were yesterdays). There wasn't much else on the buffet other than some kind of mixed veggy's and soggy pasta the salad bar was only 1/2 way filled. I should have walked out again. If the buffet doesn't look better on this trip I'll be eating somewhere else again. It's only a short ride to WL or DTD. It's only 10 minutes by car to the Crossroads area and the restaurants around there. There is a Ceci's Pizza, Golden Corral, Steak and Shake, Hooters, Denny's and several others. Those are just the one's I have been to.
If Disney wants Us to stay on property and not to travel off to spend money elsewhere they better get there act together or we will be leaving.

Maybe someone should copy this thread and all of the other bad food reports and forward them to Jean Gallager

 

[stacktester]

We went to WL on our arriving day a couple trips ago. It's not a buffet at Roaring Fork but for about $6 you get a good plate of food that's edible. Whispering Canyon you do get a skillet with refulls and it's much better than TE. The sad thing is, I'd like to stay at the campground instead of going to WL. I guess Disney figures it all goes in the same pocket so who cares.

The wait staff at TE is the victim of this too. Some of them have been there for 25 years plus. It's embarrasing I'm sure for them to see the slop they serve.

 

[des1954]

The wait staff at TE is the victim of this too. Some of them have been there for 25 years plus. It's embarrasing I'm sure for them to see the slop they serve.

Most of us frequent Fort visitors have gotten to know Ken, Phyllis & Darnell - all servers at T.E. - with Ken winning the prize of 30+ years. When I spoke with Phyllis & Ken yesterday, I asked them how all this was affecting their pockets. Well...along with occupancy at the Fort being substantially off...so are the diners at T.E. Their hours have been drastically cut back & the tips are way off. Because they rely mostly on tips, it's been very hard for them. Pauline - who is a hostess & paid by the hour - has had her hours cut from 38+ to some weeks only 20. She's a full time cast member! Same goes for the loop attendants. The ones that have been with Disney the longest are getting their 40 hours, but have more loops assigned to them. The newer attendants are lucky to get 15 to 20 hours even though they are termed "full time". Some are taking hours in the parks or other resorts to make up the difference if they can get the hours.

It's sad all the way around.

 

[stacktester]

I'm going to write a letter to Jean later today. If not for the customers, for the servers. Usually when business slacks off you try to provide something better. In this case it get's worse. I hope when she see's a lot of letters at one time she'll make some changes. Her hands could be tied. I'm sure she answers to many higher ups. Maybe with some letters in hand she can have some ammo to show WDW that people aren't happy.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Deb-

Very interesting and informative post!

And, how about that, we were both right about Trail's End takeout! So, what is the status now? Is there take out for breakfast and lunch?

Although you always have to take information from castmembers with a grain of salt, I think the information from the castmember about the decision to make so many premium sites rings true. I have not been able to understand what management was thinking when they decided to make over half the sites in the Fort premium. Did they really think there would be that much demand? Based on what? It is a real shame, because the damage is done. So many trees have been removed, and so much concrete has been added unnecessarily. It is sheer stupidity! I believe that some ding-dong thought they could get away with adding what amounts to minor improvements, and then charging a ridiculously inflated price. Well, now they have a mess on their hands, and lots of empty sites. Great going!

Good luck with the letter writing campaign, folks. The problem with Trail's End is not unique. In my opinion, all of the restaurants at WDW are overpriced and the quality has declined drastically. I had the privilege of eating at the breakfast buffet at Boma at AKL when the AKL first opened in 2001. And I have visited more recently in 2008. No comparison. Much more expensive and much poorer quality. WDW management does not care. They have made the decision to go the route of the Disney Dining Plan. That means jack up the prices, and go with the lowest quality that they think they can get away with. So far, it is working for them, so it is not going to change. You can write all the letters you want. They don't care. They are a bunch of idiots. Do you think your letters will change that?

Fortunately, as a camper, I don't have to patronize WDW's overpriced dining facilities, and as much as possible I don't. I also have the choice of paying for a premium site, or choosing a less expensive alternative. I will choose the less expensive alternative. And, if the the less expensive alternative is not available, I will wait until it is, and consequently, I probably will visit less. WDW has received a lot of money from me in the past. These stupid decisions will backfire for them now, because I am not going to allow them to rip me off.

The only silver lining in all of this is that it appears I am not alone in my disappointment with what has happened at the Fort, because occupancy is down. That means that discounts will be offered. And, the idiot management will end up with less money than if they had not tried to be so greedy. It is sad that the decisions of the idiot managers are hurting the day to day employees at the Fort.

What a sad and unnecessary mess.
TCD

 

[CampingBandit]

I can understand why occupancy is down.

Trying to convince some friends to vacation with us, last week I priced a trip for my friend... For 6n/7days at POR WITH free Dining Plan, $2,100+ change for her family of four. For $1,700+ change we are driving/towing 1,500 miles over 3 days one way to CAMP (premium) and buy/prepare our own food....And my $1,700 doesn't include the food....

Did I mention how tempted I was to cancel our ressie.....
The plane tickets were cheap too, $119 one way. I'd say with gas and camping along with way it's a break even.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

For the first time in over 15 years, we are not staying at FW. In fact, we are not staying on property at all. Back when the "improvements" were being made, I commented that Disney was not in touch with their demographic and was making a big mistake. I was told by someone who hasn't posted here in a while that Disney knew their business better than I and knew what they were doing. Hmmmmm - maybe not. Anyway, we most likely will be camping again next year but I am checking out Tropical Palms as an alternative unless Disney reviews their pricing/policies. I, too, will be writing a letter but maybe I will be offering my business services (although I don't have a business degree, but I bet most of the bad decisions we have been talking about were made by individuals who do). Personally, I think the individual who made the decision to create so many premium sites, as well as the genius who came up with "free dining", should be fired. Most likely, Disney gave them a promotion. Anybody wanna hear what I think of DVC and its future?

 

[dtum]

I have saved the addresses and will be writing again after our visit next month. Unless it is fixed by late October. Last fall the lunch menu was, get this cold cuts and stale breads. I complained and walked out. I can have that in my MH.. Just 2 days later the fried chicken was back on the lunch buffet but the lunch buffet was still lame. We did try the Diner buffet later in the week but it was only luke warm. The Ribs were dry and hard as a rock the mashed potato's were runny (like they were yesterdays). There wasn't much else on the buffet other than some kind of mixed veggy's and soggy pasta the salad bar was only 1/2 way filled. I should have walked out again. If the buffet doesn't look better on this trip I'll be eating somewhere else again. It's only a short ride to WL or DTD. It's only 10 minutes by car to the Crossroads area and the restaurants around there. There is a Ceci's Pizza, Golden Corral, Steak and Shake, Hooters, Denny's and several others. Those are just the one's I have been to.
If Disney wants Us to stay on property and not to travel off to spend money elsewhere they better get there act together or we will be leaving.

Maybe someone should copy this thread and all of the other bad food reports and forward them to Jean Gallager

In June, we did just that. Went to CiCi's for lunch and Golden Corral for Father's Day Brunch (which was absolutely great!) then went down to the outlet mall and did some shopping at the Disney Store. I spend my money where I get it's worth and driving 15 minutes to do it was no big deal.

 

[dtum]

For the first time in over 15 years, we are not staying at FW. In fact, we are not staying on property at all. Back when the "improvements" were being made, I commented that Disney was not in touch with their demographic and was making a big mistake. I was told by someone who hasn't posted here in a while that Disney knew their business better than I and knew what they were doing. Hmmmmm - maybe not. Anyway, we most likely will be camping again next year but I am checking out Tropical Palms as an alternative unless Disney reviews their pricing/policies. I, too, will be writing a letter but maybe I will be offering my business services (although I don't have a business degree, but I bet most of the bad decisions we have been talking about were made by individuals who do). Personally, I think the individual who made the decision to create so many premium sites, as well as the genius who came up with "free dining", should be fired. Most likely, Disney gave them a promotion. Anybody wanna hear what I think of DVC and its future?

Have to agree here. First time we will be staying off site. Probably Doubletree because they have continual busing to all parks. It makes me sad not to stay at FW, but at $100/night for full hookup just can't justify it any more (we have to go in season because of GS in school).