DDP Rant

[buttercup10]

A PP noted that when her family goes out at home, they always order water, and only order dessert if it's someone's birthday. That's us, too -- we probably order dessert in a restaurant once or twice a YEAR, and even then it's only if it's a special occasion. If I go to a sit-down restaurant, I peruse all the choices, but almost always try to choose something that's reasonable in price, rather than splurging on something more expensive. So for me, the ability to go to Coral Reef and order whatever entree I want off the menu, and get dessert, and get a drink, is just wonderful. I love the idea of going for my vacation and not having to stand at a counter-service and add up how much my lunch will cost if I get this instead of that. And I love the idea of walking up to a snack cart and saying, "Oooh, can I have one of THOSE?" and the person just handing it over!

I'm completely with you on this - we are going for a week in Jan 09, staying with my MIL on her DVC points, and have been saving up for 18 mos. already - but I know I will still be my usual cheap self about everything, and the ability to just order on the DDP without then making deals with myself about what I won't buy the next day, or if I order the expensive fish that's one less YES I can say to my kids when they want a souvenir - being able to forget about that because it's all paid for and I might as well go for it - that to me is one of the best parts of a vacation. I always regret past trips when I"ve nickel & dimed things - I will do everything I can not to regret this one!

And re: quality of food - with kids under 5, we rarely go anywhere fancier than Applebee's these days - I have plenty of time to enjoy food when the kids are older! (At which point I may feel the same as some of the other foodies who have responded.) But at this point, I think any meal that I don't have to cook or clean up myself is a gourmet meal

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I've never had a problem with the food at Disney. Disney serves "good" food -not gourmet (unless you try some of the 2 credit restaurants) but I've always found the food to be tasty, well prepared, well plated, medium to large portions, with enough variety in restaurants (not necessarily on each menu but in the variety of restaurants themselves) to satisfy my, and my parents tastes.

I agree with the DDP letting us experience more than if we were paying oop. I love this option for my family - without it, price would be the deciding factor, not taste.

I don't consider myself "the lowest common denominator" and in fact, I think this is where Disney doesn't offer any selection.

They offer high end experiences, they offer middle of the road experiences, but not really basic, inexpensive experiences - even many counter service costs more than say, Denny's or Ponderosa (2 lower end chains) but offer a similar product without the same kind of service (i.e. sit down experience).

As long as Disney offers the DDP, I'll keep buying it and enjoying it. It works for my family's tastes and budget.

 

[Lewisc]

I think one of the big problems is that if you don't have a car at WDW it's hard to eat anywhere but somewhere on property.

You always have the restaurants in the S/D. blueZoo and Shula's get good reviews. Il Mulino seems to get mixed reviews.

I don't think DDP is exclusively responsible for the menu standardization,

Disney has standardized merchandise in most of the gift shops and bar menus. The "bean counters" decided standardization is the way in increase profits. I think the DDP is the result of this decision, not the cause.

I think some posters over-rate Disney restaurants. Le Cellier is a nice dining experience. I don't think the food is that much better then Outback yet some posters put it in the same category as the Yachtsman.

 

[herbanretreat]

Okay here's my take,
First of all we here in this little post are the minority, I don't know about you but every TGIFS, Applebee's, Olive Garden, ETC.... around me can sometimes have an HOUR wait for dinner on a weekend night, sometimes even during the week. Now don't get me wrong I don't hate the food in these places, but I would NEVER wait that long for food that is one or two steps about Burger King, especially when I can make WAY better at home!! We go to these types of restaurants plenty, but only if I can walk right in and sit down. Some people must LOVE this type of food, or else there wouldn't be that many people waiting .
Which gets me to my point, while there are a few of us that consider eating out a chance to explore fantastic tastes and new experiences. Most want what they know, what is safe. KWIM? Which is why Disney doesn't have to kill themselves making gourmet food at every turn. (or even the occasional turn)
As far as my family goes the DDP is great, we can all order anything we want off the menu, (and with ADR's we don't HAVE to WAIT for the occasional medicore meal), not to mention the character meals and atmosphere that you just can't get anywhere else. This trip we will be using DxDP and using the extra credits for character breakfasts and signature sit down meals, as I plan to make it my mission not to have a single buffet dinner while I am at WDW!!

 

[Dismom55]

Well, I read all the posts and well, I am not sure of what to make of some of the comments. We were at WDW in 2007, the first time to use the DDP.

While I did notice that each restaurant had it own take on the same food, it was totally up to me to make my meals have variety. I had more than one choice, and things were prepared differently and all the food I had was enjoyable, very tasty and I left with a satisfied feeling. No one in our party of 5 adults complained about the food. Of course I chose carefully when picking my ADR's and I made sure I did not do similiar restaurants back to back. While we did Cinderellas Royal Table and Spirit of Aloha Dinner show, all the rest were 1 ts credit and we stayed 10 days. I somehow think if you are expecting to be disappointed you will be and if you expect to have a good time and a good meal, you will have that.

Obviously I do not have the pre DDP to compare things with so, I could only offer my opinion based on the little knowledge that i do have.

 

[JimMIA]

I somehow think if you are expecting to be disappointed you will be and if you expect to have a good time and a good meal, you will have that.

I really don't think that's the problem. I think most of the negative comments have been from folks who have visited WDW numerous times over a period of years and do have a basis for comparison. From that perspective, the food does not compare to, say, five years ago. It just doesn't.

The food at Disney is okay. It's good quality, properly prepared, and usually well-served by excellent servers. Out of dozens of TS meals, I've only had a couple that were bad -- and they were both at Alfredo's, which went out of business.

WDW food is high-priced, but you expect that at a vacation destination -- I've paid exorbitant prices in other destinations too. But it is certainly not fine dining -- despite the fine dining prices in some outlets.

 

[mickey2000]

 

[Condorman]

Then let's turn the tables (no pun intended).

Instead of everyone repeating how quality has gone down, which is the general consensus here, why don't we start talking about what YOU would do to change things?

1.) What dishes are you looking for that they don't currently offer at another TS location? What is missing that has devastated your vacation into despair?

2.) What F&B outlets have let you down in the past few years? Keep in mind that anything truly successful doesn't turn into Mr. Hyde. Just because you see tables filled and entrances jam-packed, doesn't mean that restaurant was turning a profit. For an example, see Pleasure Island. Disney wants to play landlord so they're outsourcing the area. But if those clubs had been receiving cash hand over fist that never would have happened.

3.) Finally, how would you change the DDP? Bring back the gratuities, which was a sore issue with the union over the last contract negotiation? Would you lower the daily price? Would you offer surcharges like cruise lines for more premium options?

Remember, every decision you make affects the bottom-line. Every decision must appeal to the broadest number of guests. We're not talking about the thousands on these boards; we're talking about the millions who have never heard of DISboards.com. Let's stop complaining about the problem and provide some solutions. If you're unhappy with how Disney manages WDW, show us how to do it better. Apparently it's that easy?

 

[herbanretreat]

 

[mickey2000]

Then let's turn the tables (no pun intended).

Instead of everyone repeating how quality has gone down, which is the general consensus here, why don't we start talking about what YOU would do to change things?

1.) What dishes are you looking for that they don't currently offer at another TS location? What is missing that has devastated your vacation into despair?

2.) What F&B outlets have let you down in the past few years? Keep in mind that anything truly successful doesn't turn into Mr. Hyde. Just because you see tables filled and entrances jam-packed, doesn't mean that restaurant was turning a profit. For an example, see Pleasure Island. Disney wants to play landlord so they're outsourcing the area. But if those clubs had been receiving cash hand over fist that never would have happened.

3.) Finally, how would you change the DDP? Bring back the gratuities, which was a sore issue with the union over the last contract negotiation? Would you lower the daily price? Would you offer surcharges like cruise lines for more premium options?

Remember, every decision you make affects the bottom-line. Every decision must appeal to the broadest number of guests. We're not talking about the thousands on these boards; we're talking about the millions who have never heard of DISboards.com. Let's stop complaining about the problem and provide some solutions. If you're unhappy with how Disney manages WDW, show us how to do it better. Apparently it's that easy?

There are always new guests who have nothing to compare with. Thus there is NO reason for change, which would cost Di$ney more money cutting into thier profits.
That is what its ALL ABOUT !

 

[ilovemickeymost]

In my opinion...

Most of the DDP - 1 TS restaurants are about equal to your run of the mill chain restaurant. Some are a little better then others, but on average, they are not any better. To many people, this is fine, acceptable or even excellent.

On the flip side though, most of the DDP - 2 TS restaurants are above average and offer a far greater option in terms of food quality, options and service.

I have to say the food in Morraco was some of the best I've had anywhere in or outside of the world. It has been explained that the food in Epcot had to be Americanized b/c guests weren't ordering the more traditional items. The only reason we are doing the DP this visit is to avoid the look of shock & horror on my hubbies face when the bill comes. I'm a little bummed tip isn't included anymore b/c now we will still have to deal w/ money. GRRR. But, they did away with it b/c the service was getting a little lazy knowing they would be tipped regaurdless.

 

[ilovemickeymost]

Well, I read all the posts and well, I am not sure of what to make of some of the comments. We were at WDW in 2007, the first time to use the DDP.

While I did notice that each restaurant had it own take on the same food, it was totally up to me to make my meals have variety. I had more than one choice, and things were prepared differently and all the food I had was enjoyable, very tasty and I left with a satisfied feeling. No one in our party of 5 adults complained about the food. Of course I chose carefully when picking my ADR's and I made sure I did not do similiar restaurants back to back. While we did Cinderellas Royal Table and Spirit of Aloha Dinner show, all the rest were 1 ts credit and we stayed 10 days. I somehow think if you are expecting to be disappointed you will be and if you expect to have a good time and a good meal, you will have that.

Obviously I do not have the pre DDP to compare things with so, I could only offer my opinion based on the little knowledge that i do have.

Also, you can always make special requests at TS resturaunts. If they don't have something on the menu, I ask if I can have it. 9 out of 10 times the answer is yes.

 

[ilovemickeymost]

I just read through all the posts. What I noticed is the guests that tend to be complaining about the food are people who have been to WDW many, many times. A couple years back I realized that I wasn't having the same magical expereince anymore. It was becoming an ordinary thing to go to WDW. I wasn't wow'd anymore. I knew where everything was, I'd seen every parade. I'd been to all the resturaunts. I'd tried all the food. It was starting to seem more like work or a hassle to get the kids ready & get places on time. So, I made the decision to take a few years off. This week the Disney bug bit. So, I've spent the last few days planning our next magical experience. We won't be there until Dec 2009. That's a long way off for me. By the time we actually get there, I'm going to be bursting at the seams with excitement. I've never been there for the Christmas festivities & I can't wait to see the Disney magic at work. And I'm really looking forward to eating at some old familiar places. My DD & I still drool when we talk about certain things from the past. I go to loose myself in the magic. Unreality is a beautiful thing. So, for those of you who aren't enjoying the past few experiences you've had at WDW, maybe take a few years off & see if Tink will sprinkle you with some of her pixie dust.

 

[Disney_Angel]

50 ways to serve chicken....

 

[racefanof88]

I just read through all the posts. What I noticed is the guests that tend to be complaining about the food are people who have been to WDW many, many times. A couple years back I realized that I wasn't having the same magical expereince anymore. It was becoming an ordinary thing to go to WDW. I wasn't wow'd anymore. I knew where everything was, I'd seen every parade. I'd been to all the resturaunts. I'd tried all the food. It was starting to seem more like work or a hassle to get the kids ready & get places on time. So, I made the decision to take a few years off. This week the Disney bug bit. So, I've spent the last few days planning our next magical experience. We won't be there until Dec 2009. That's a long way off for me. By the time we actually get there, I'm going to be bursting at the seams with excitement. I've never been there for the Christmas festivities & I can't wait to see the Disney magic at work. And I'm really looking forward to eating at some old familiar places. My DD & I still drool when we talk about certain things from the past. I go to loose myself in the magic. Unreality is a beautiful thing. So, for those of you who aren't enjoying the past few experiences you've had at WDW, maybe take a few years off & see if Tink will sprinkle you with some of her pixie dust.

I have to agree with part of your post. There will never be a time more exciting than the first time I walked though those turnstiles. It was amazing and it was many many years ago. Then the time between first and second visit was 13 years and it was exciting because it was my childrens first time.

Now, the part I disagree with is that those "old familiar places" probably aren't the same and may not have the same things on the menu as before. Like previously posted alot on the menus have changed and the quality just isn't the same. I hope, in your case, I am wrong and the magic is still in the places you love to eat.

I LOVE disney and there is no place else I want to go on vacation. I have just learned that I don't have to eat table service meals to have the most magical time at Disney.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I think it was January 2000 when DH and I first visited WDW. (What I call our first REAL visit.) Then we moved near WDW January 2004. Needless to say we have dined many times and at many places in WDW, and around.
The only "decline" I have noticed is the number of choices on a menu. That is disappointing. But I can't say it has hindered me. If I don't like choices somewhere, I go elsewhere. Eventually it will change.
Occasionally something like beaver tails will disappear. (Which I never knew what the HOOPLA was over anyway. From my understanding the French crapes and Canadian beaver tails use to be fresh made. And that would be a big difference on those.)
I would expect food carts, counter service and restaurants changing periodically. It is bound to happen.
Yeah, I wasn't pleased about the castle and Norway going all princess all the time. But obviously there was a big demand for that. And I fully expect that will not last forever either.
I always wonder if part of this are memories where we have a tendency to recall things better than they were.
I can't judge going a decade back or more. But I could probably pick out almost any restaurant and say they weren't what they were years ago, or their menu changed, etc. I think it is a cryin' shame Cracker Barrel no longer sells their Peanut Butter Pie! If anyone has the recipe, please pass it on to me.

 

[TDC Nala]

Then let's turn the tables (no pun intended).

Instead of everyone repeating how quality has gone down, which is the general consensus here, why don't we start talking about what YOU would do to change things?

Get rid of the dining plan, that's what.

Not that I think WDW would ever do that, it's worked far too well for them.

 

[racefanof88]

Get rid of the dining plan, that's what.

Not that I think WDW would ever do that, it's worked far too well for them.

I agree.

 

[mickey2000]

The story behind the Beaver Tails is simple!
Di$ney was paying a company in Canada who owned the rights to the product. They (Di$ney) decided to CHEAP OUT and no longer pay for the rights. Again its ALL about the money!

We remember:

... When BeaverTails pastries were hand stretched and float-cooked in person providing us with ample opportunity to chat with friendly Canadian Cultural representatives.

... When the BeaverTails cabin was open during the entire operating day of the World Showcase.

... When there were long line-ups at the BeaverTails cabin throughout the day as guests clamored to try a hot, fresh pastry.

... When a BeaverTail was one of the few truly UNIQUE snacks at the Walt Disney World Resort and when having a BeaverTails pastry was one of the TOP things-to-do for guests-in-the-know while visiting Walt Disney World.

... When a BeaverTail was one of the few truly AUTHENTIC aspects of Canada at the Canada pavillion.

We request that "Trapper Bob's Authentic Canadian Pastry" be returned to the World Showcase promenade. While we prefer the TRUE BeaverTail that is hand-stretched and float-cooked "to order," the toasted BeaverTail is better than NO BeaverTail!

 

[Condorman]

Aren't Beaver Tails the same thing as Elephant Ears (here in the States)? It's like a funnel cake but rather than long strings combined, it's just a large flat, fried piece of dough. Why couldn't Disney change the name and continue with that?