Dining Plan has ruined everything!!!!!

[Kelly B Disney]

This is my first post here but I am a daily reader...I have been a passholder from New Jersey for Year and years and go down to my beloved disney 7 times per year. It is official for me ...the dining plan has ruined many of the the restaurants that I frequent. I just got back yesterday and am convinced that even my beloved places: Flying Fish, Citroccos, Coral Reef, Jikos and the Kona Cafe have all gone down hill. I have been to all of these places four seperate times since February and the quality of the fish, meats , breads and others has been greatly reduced. I don't use the dining plan and I do not mind paying the prices for the better restaurants as long as it is worth it!! It is no longer worth it!!! I am so disgusted at this point since I have visited disney four times since february that I am changing my plans for next month to go elsewhere . I realize I am in the minority here and most people go once per year but it seems the only quality restaurant left is victoria and Alberts and the California Grill. The quality of fish and types of offerings at my beloved Flying Fish has gone down to a "c" in my book. The menu no longer offers daily specials and like I said the last few times have not been good.
I also would like to comment on Disney's new hiring practices. I feel like I am in Universal Studios!!!! The people they have been forced to hire for one reason or another lack the Disney flair we have always been used to . I have come in contact with people who looked drunk or high (MGM Prking Person taking the money at the Kiosk this past week ) I have experienced rudeness like I have never seen at Disney at various places. I have had CM's who are anything but articulate or friendly like I have been used to all of the years I have come to the resort. What the hell is going on ???? What happend to quality ???? I am disgusted.
I have been going to Disney for every vacation , my honeymoon etc. etc. like most people on this board... my last kid was conceived there Xmas eve... you get that I am an Addict for disney....
Half the stuff in MGM is closed .... as is much in Epcot now.... I am booking a cruise next month!!!! My husband and I were to go down alone in August but forget it now... I was down there last week for a basketball tourney, then in June with my other son , Easter with my daughter and Valentines myself. I have been to Anaheim as well as Paris Disney. I love Disney but I am sick of all the cutbacks and the lack of quality and the lousy CM's they have been pressured into hiring that do not get the Disney Frame of mind and do not exhibit what I am normally used to from the CM's.
Sorry so long of a post but I am really upset.... I know only a select few may realize what I see but they better get it together!!!!!

 

[cinjoe22]

I know it may feel as if you are only one opinion but, you need to voice the way you feel to Disney. We too have been very dissapointed on our last couple of visits and have let them know. Try your hardest to get your voice to the top. It is the frequent visitor that needs to help the infrequent visitor that doesn't notice the small stuff that we have grown to appreciate.

 

[kimbac3]

I agree with cinjoe22. Please call or email and let them know how you feel. Thanks for posting too. I have only been going the past two years so everything is still new to me. It was interesting to hear your take on things!

Kimba

 

[Praying Colonel]

The DDP didn't cause the problem with hiring.

Maybe what you're seeing in restaurant quality is actually related to the hiring issues you mention (i.e., trying to shave as much as possible to increase the bottom line) and not the DDP.

 

[bicker]

The labor market in Central Florida has been very tight. Competition for good people has been ruthless. It definitely will have a negative impact on the quality of the people Disney can hire. I wish there was a way we could convince Disney to boost prices so they can offer boosted salaries to attract better people, but they tried that a few years ago, and it started a wage war with Universal and Sea World. All that resulted from it was the same quality staff getting paid more money.

So unfortunately, a lot of this is the down-side of a healthy economy. Quality will likely get better after the economy cools off.

 

[MsAmerica]

I agree with everything the OP said.

MsA

 

[hansel1]

Wow, a broad statement with no explanation!

How has the DDP ruined your beloved restaurants?

It sounds like you have more of a problem with disney than you do the DDP.

 

[wdwthreethiels]

This is my first post here but I am a daily reader...I have been a passholder from New Jersey for Year and years and go down to my beloved disney 7 times per year. It is official for me ...the dining plan has ruined many of the the restaurants that I frequent. I just got back yesterday and am convinced that even my beloved places: Flying Fish, Citroccos, Coral Reef, Jikos and the Kona Cafe have all gone down hill. I have been to all of these places four seperate times since February and the quality of the fish, meats , breads and others has been greatly reduced. I don't use the dining plan and I do not mind paying the prices for the better restaurants as long as it is worth it!! It is no longer worth it!!! I am so disgusted at this point since I have visited disney four times since february that I am changing my plans for next month to go elsewhere . I realize I am in the minority here and most people go once per year but it seems the only quality restaurant left is victoria and Alberts and the California Grill. The quality of fish and types of offerings at my beloved Flying Fish has gone down to a "c" in my book. The menu no longer offers daily specials and like I said the last few times have not been good.
I also would like to comment on Disney's new hiring practices. I feel like I am in Universal Studios!!!! The people they have been forced to hire for one reason or another lack the Disney flair we have always been used to . I have come in contact with people who looked drunk or high (MGM Prking Person taking the money at the Kiosk this past week ) I have experienced rudeness like I have never seen at Disney at various places. I have had CM's who are anything but articulate or friendly like I have been used to all of the years I have come to the resort. What the hell is going on ???? What happend to quality ???? I am disgusted.
I have been going to Disney for every vacation , my honeymoon etc. etc. like most people on this board... my last kid was conceived there Xmas eve... you get that I am an Addict for disney....
Half the stuff in MGM is closed .... as is much in Epcot now.... I am booking a cruise next month!!!! My husband and I were to go down alone in August but forget it now... I was down there last week for a basketball tourney, then in June with my other son , Easter with my daughter and Valentines myself. I have been to Anaheim as well as Paris Disney. I love Disney but I am sick of all the cutbacks and the lack of quality and the lousy CM's they have been pressured into hiring that do not get the Disney Frame of mind and do not exhibit what I am normally used to from the CM's.
Sorry so long of a post but I am really upset.... I know only a select few may realize what I see but they better get it together!!!!!

Well, count me in!
We have also noticed many negative changes, visiting 3 times a year for the past 5 years, we too, never use the DDP, but have noticed its affect on service and quality.
As for the quality of the CM's, it has been hit or miss....so sad to no longer feel that magic of past trips, although we are headed back in a few weeks and I will keep a positve attitude....who knows...maybe positive attracts positive? One can wish, after all a dream is a wish your heart makes...and I am wishing for a pleasant trip for my family.
Perhaps Disney will get the hint once attendance begins to drop off, we too, have discussed not returning as often.

 

[Quinn222]

Totally agree with you on the DDP thing. And the irony of it is that Disney's most loyal customers, the passholders, are suffering for a program they don't even use. They're dumbing down the menus and buying cheaper cuts of meet and fish to make up for the DDP and it's showing everywhere. I pay out of pocket for my meals and go to the signature places. I have no problem paying a lot of money but I expect decent quality for it.

 

[KJET54]

I have been going to Disney 3 times a year for the past 15 years and have also noticed a decline in "Disney Service". However. I recently went to the very posh Mount Washington Resort at Breton Woods in NH, paid an arm and a leg for my room and the service was deplorable. I kept comparing it to Disney service and it failed miserably in every way. Disney does need to focus more on customer service like they used to but it appears other places still pale in comparison.

 

[boomhauer]

I hate the DDP just because it confuses everything. Not a single day passes when I'm not behind either a guest or CM who is questioning what the guest is trying to purchase on the DP.

As for quality, I can't blame the DDP (I don't think), but I noticed that the burgers and fries at all the fast food places have hit the crapper. They're nasty now.

 

[boomhauer]

my last kid was conceived there Xmas eve...

I agree with everything you said, but really - Too much information on that one.

 

[Tink3Belle]

I have to agree. If they let a little of the magic slip away every year it may as well be called six flags great adventure. Maybe the need to pay a little more or have better sdtandards to keep up with what people come to expect from disney instead of worrying about their bottom line because in turn the disney supporters will stop flocking to Disney like you and look for alternative. We go to Disney because we expect at least the employees to treat you like they appreciate your business. We get enough of the everyday crap employees at home acting like they are doing us a favor by waiting on us. That is what we all try to escape from and go to Disney voice your opinion and have everyone follow suit. They need to listen to us! Hope you are successful you are 100% right!!

 

[bicker]

Disney creates new magic every year, and many of the things folks bemoan the passing of one year are things that people were "concerned" about "ruining" the Disney magic when they were first introduced.

 

[gina2000]

OP, I feel your pain. We've only been going to WDW for about 10 years but we've noticed the changes. The biggest disappointment for us has been the decline in quality and rise in prices in WDW restaurants. People keep talking about rising food prices but I can honestly say I haven't seen a drastic decline in local restaurant quality and rise in prices. The decline in WDW restaurant quality/quantity is dramatic compared to anywhere else I've been. And I can't say that they were offering well above what the restaurant market had been offering so a correction was necessary.

While I don't think the DDP was the direct cause of this change, I can say that changes in restaurant menus, simplification in presentation and less intricate presentations certainly make the DDP appear to be a better value than it really is. Let's face it, if you are eating at a good restaurant that has removed its most expensive, most intricate preparations and has replaced them with less variety, less originality and overall less quality ingredients, you're not eating at the same restaurant. And I do think that restaurant streamlining is a cost cutting and time saving measure implemented because restaurants are more crowded due to DDP patrons. So the DDP may not be the cause of the changes but it does go hand in hand with the changes. We know it's what the shareholders want. And if that's what the public wants, it's all good.

But here's the rub. Now we see the distinct possibility of a new and unimproved DDP in the wings. Many DDP repeat customers have indicated they will not participate in the DDP. Will they still eat a TS meal every day? Have those patrons who have abandoned Disney dining come back if reservations are easier to come by despite the changes in menu? Will the locals reappear?

Only time will tell. This is a gamble on WDW's part. They packed the restaurants at a discount. They changed the menus to afford those discounts. Will they be able to pack the restaurants without that discount?

As far as CMs are concerned, I have seen apathy among the ranks. They're human, though, and I know it's the result of budget cutting as well as overworked people in underpaid positions. And let's fact it, if you're a visitor who's in sticker shock over prices, you want value for your money. And who do you take it out on if you don't see it? The CM. So it's understandable.

WDW is a business. Unfortunately, in order to generate a profit WDW seems to need more and more people packing the parks who are spending more and more money . It just may be at the breaking point as far as the consumer is concerned. The OP says it all. She's had it. I wonder how many other people might begin to feel the same way?

 

[MickeyMagic]

Wow, this is scary! I have been feeling the same way and it gets worse with each subsequent trip. We go 3 or 4 times a year. I find myself questioning whether I should keep my DVC or sell it while I still have the chance. I am afraid corporate greed is going to continue to conquer the magic!!!

 

[ElizabethB]

I find it interesting that WDW is letting food/restaurant quality and service slip (based not just on my experience but what others on these boards are saying), at precisely the time they are negotiating with Four Seasons Resorts to bring Four Seasons on board as a strategic partner to build a hotel, homes and fractional ownership units, all of which will, no doubt, be targeted to the very wealthiest of customers who, presumably, will be looking not just to Four Seasons but to WDW to provide a truly quality, first rate resort experience that can compete on a level with other Four Seasons and high-end resorts worldwide. That's a tall order.

I really don't think WDW can have its cake and eat it, too. As many have explained to me when I've raised the issue of declining quality -- "it's a theme park for the masses. What do you expect? Do you really think WDW cares about attracting people who appreciate fine dining, wine, etc? Get over it. If you want a first rate, high quality resort experience, go elsewhere. At WDW, we want cheap food and lots of it."

Can't say the number of times the above has been the response I've received on these boards. Well, the recently announced Four Seasons venture would seem to indicate WDW still wants to attract a high-end crowd.

More and more I'm coming to the conclusion that WDW is trying to be all things to all people, and that approach is untenable for the long term. The WDW website touts a vacation so reasonably priced that any family of four can afford it. Their venture with Four Seasons suggests a vacation that only the wealthiest of the wealthy can afford. It seems to me to be a rather schizophrenic approach to strategy and business development! But, I don't have an ivy-league MBA, so what do I know.

 

[Stewy]

Wow, this is scary! I have been feeling the same way and it gets worse with each subsequent trip. We go 3 or 4 times a year. I find myself questioning whether I should keep my DVC or sell it while I still have the chance. I am afraid corporate greed is going to continue to conquer the magic!!!

My DH and I feel the same way, we have been going 3-4 times a year for the past 7 years and the magic has definitely been going away in the past few years. I don't think it is just the quality of cast members and dining although we noticed the decline in dining first. We are leaving in a week and I am not all that excited other than the days we have planned at Universal.

As far as DVC goes, I can see why you are questioning it. We have been renting on our past few stays to see if we liked it and we were finally at the point where we had some extra cash and I was starting to seriously look into it but with all of the negative changes they have been making in Disney we have decided not to buy into DVC.

Corporate greed is definitely conquering the magic although it is a slow steady war. I really hope Disney management gets its act together and becomes a great place to visit again. I don't hold out much hope of this as long as they continue to cater to the very occasional visitor. Most of those visitors are not expecting great food to be there. You would have needed to visit when great food was available to know you are missing anything. You do not know there is a specific decline if you have never been there or your last visit was 10 years ago.

 

[mickey2000]

My DH and I feel the same way, we have been going 3-4 times a year for the past 7 years and the magic has definitely been going away in the past few years. I don't think it is just the quality of cast members and dining although we noticed the decline in dining first. We are leaving in a week and I am not all that excited other than the days we have planned at Universal.

As far as DVC goes, I can see why you are questioning it. We have been renting on our past few stays to see if we liked it and we were finally at the point where we had some extra cash and I was starting to seriously look into it but with all of the negative changes they have been making in Disney we have decided not to buy into DVC.

Corporate greed is definitely conquering the magic although it is a slow steady war. I really hope Disney management gets its act together and becomes a great place to visit again. I don't hold out much hope of this as long as they continue to cater to the very occasional visitor. Most of those visitors are not expecting great food to be there. You would have needed to visit when great food was available to know you are missing anything. You do not know there is a specific decline if you have never been there or your last visit was 10 years ago.

Very good post!
I am amazed by the Disney can do no wrong group!
My whole house is Disney and I have been to disney many times .
I will continue to go but not as often. From my experience over the past 15 years many things have not changed for the better.
I have a long history to compare with! JMO

 

[Lewisc]

Actually the Four Seasons Resort will take care of those guests who are looking for, and are willing to pay for, a true 4 or 5 star resort experience.

This is one way to try to appeal to both groups of customers.

Disney found they could charge close to 5* prices at the GF for a hotel that's generally rated 3*.

I find it interesting that WDW is letting food/restaurant quality and service slip (based not just on my experience but what others on these boards are saying), at precisely the time they are negotiating with Four Seasons Resorts to bring Four Seasons on board as a strategic partner to build a hotel, homes and fractional ownership units, all of which will, no doubt, be targeted to the very wealthiest of customers who, presumably, will be looking not just to Four Seasons but to WDW to provide a truly quality, first rate resort experience that can compete on a level with other Four Seasons and high-end resorts worldwide. That's a tall order.

I really don't think WDW can have its cake and eat it, too. As many have explained to me when I've raised the issue of declining quality -- "it's a theme park for the masses. What do you expect? Do you really think WDW cares about attracting people who appreciate fine dining, wine, etc? Get over it. If you want a first rate, high quality resort experience, go elsewhere. At WDW, we want cheap food and lots of it."

Can't say the number of times the above has been the response I've received on these boards. Well, the recently announced Four Seasons venture would seem to indicate WDW still wants to attract a high-end crowd.

More and more I'm coming to the conclusion that WDW is trying to be all things to all people, and that approach is untenable for the long term. The WDW website touts a vacation so reasonably priced that any family of four can afford it. Their venture with Four Seasons suggests a vacation that only the wealthiest of the wealthy can afford. It seems to me to be a rather schizophrenic approach to strategy and business development! But, I don't have an ivy-league MBA, so what do I know.