Disappointing Change in the Menu at Sunshine Seasons

[MEM]

I didn't see this posted already, so here's what I learned:

Effective September 1st, the salmon dinner at Sunshine Seasons only comes with salad. No choice of sides, like their mashed potatoes or yellow rice. No kalamata olive pesto either. That was my family's favorite counter service meal. We stopped in September 5th to eat dinner there - I'm afraid I didn't handle it well and huffed out of there, angry and disappointed.

Can someone share with me the e-mail address of a person in Dining who might have the authority to do something?

 

[Kay1]

Well, do they sell the rice, potatoes, and pesto as sides? Just wondering why they're doing this?

 

[tony67]

I do hope this is not a sign of things to come and is only a one off incident.

With the almost permanent status of free dinning I would hate to see the quality and value of the QSDP change.

HMMMM.......I also saw a menu somewhere that showed the meal at the Kringla Bakery comming with choice of rice cream, veiled maiden or no-sugar added chocolate mousse instead of a choice of pastry. I would want the cream horn if I was eating there.

I blew that off until I saw this post.

 

[MEM]

Well, do they sell the rice, potatoes, and pesto as sides? Just wondering why they're doing this?

The mashed potatoes were there, but the CM said "they don't come with the salmon". I questioned that, since earlier in my trip, I could have a choice of the mashed potatoes, yellow rice or carrots, and the pesto on the side. The CM said the salmon only comes with salad. I said, "since when?" She said since we changed the menu on September 1st.

 

[Kay1]

The mashed potatoes were there, but the CM said "they don't come with the salmon". I questioned that, since earlier in my trip, I could have a choice of the mashed potatoes, yellow rice or carrots, and the pesto on the side. The CM said the salmon only comes with salad. I said, "since when?" She said since we changed the menu on September 1st.

It sounds like it's about money, then, rather than making space for something new. That's a shame and I'm glad you're going to voice your concerns.

Tony may be right about the Free Dining.

 

[tony67]

It sounds like it's about money, then, rather than making space for something new. That's a shame and I'm glad you're going to voice your concerns.

Tony may be right about the Free Dining.

Let's hope I am not!
All I know is if I cannot get a cupcake for dessert at Starring Roles I will be ruining someone’s day.

BTW: Don't expect much of a response when you voice your concerns. I gave up on that a few years back. I have numerous blow off letters from Disney corporate.

Usually:
"Thank you for sending your feedback on your experience here. I am sorry that you did not have as enjoyable stay as you might have had. Please accept my sincere apologies on behalf of our team."

 

[clanmcculloch]

IMO it sounds more about serving speed than money. Mashed potatoes or rice are no more expensive than salad (in fact I think salad would cost more). Giving choices takes more time and the lines can build up pretty quickly at meal time. OK, that does translate to money because the more people they can move through there the more money they can make, but that's different than offering cheaper options.

I'm not saying I agree with this new way of doing things because I don't. I'm just thinking "out loud" about the possible reasons why they'd do this.

 

[tony67]

IMO it sounds more about serving speed than money. Mashed potatoes or rice are no more expensive than salad (in fact I think salad would cost more). Giving choices takes more time and the lines can build up pretty quickly at meal time. OK, that does translate to money because the more people they can move through there the more money they can make, but that's different than offering cheaper options.

I'm not saying I agree with this new way of doing things because I don't. I'm just thinking "out loud" about the possible reasons why they'd do this.

This could be quite possible. Some efficiency expert could have come up with this. they always have such great ideas
They may test it on a few items and then if they don't get too many complaints they roll it out.

 

[bluejasmine]

Darn! It was my plan to get the salmon and potatos next week!! Darn! Maybe I will go in and order it and pay OOP for the potatos..

 

[tony67]

Darn! It was my plan to get the salmon and potatos next week!! Darn! Maybe I will go in and order it and pay OOP for the potatos..

So the price has increased by almost 50% if you want the sides and you do not see an issue with that? (I assume you were being sarcastic, if not I apologize)

The sides are about 2.39 each and if you want the two that came with it last week it will now cost you 14.77 instead of 9.99.

Again my concern is that they start to do this at more QS location and people just accept it.

 

[TDC Nala]

Knowing Disney, your choices are accept it, order something different, or eat somewhere else.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

Free dining is NOT the reason for these changes. Possibly the dining plan in general, but NOT free dining. Free dining is charged off of your resort, therefore it is a room discount. Doesn't have anything to do with food costs. And the dining plans have been very good to Disney, so while that may be it, they ain't goin' anywhere.

 

[tony67]

Free dining is NOT the reason for these changes. Possibly the dining plan in general, but NOT free dining. Free dining is charged off of your resort, therefore it is a room discount. Doesn't have anything to do with food costs. And the dining plans have been very good to Disney, so while that may be it, they ain't goin' anywhere.

I totally agree with that, I have always said free dinning is not free, but a family of four (All 10+) on the QSDP at a value resort can't charge the resort the full value of the DDP.

Regardless of where the money comes from with creative accounting it is all Disney in the end.

I just feel like we have been through this before with the TS restaurants.
The QS food has been very good (If you do the research) and I hate to see it go the way of the TS dinning IMO.

In the end I know the answer is exactly what TDC Nala said, I'm just avoiding doing work by posting here.

 

[NonScents]

Could it be that they are trying to offer the salmon dinner with salad as a "lighter" choice?
Many people associate fish with being a healthier option, and that it is negated by the starch side dish?
And so many complain there are not enough light, healthy options at Disney, they are trying to accomodate those requests?

Just thinkin'.

 

[waltsgirl]

Could it be that they are trying to offer the salmon dinner with salad as a "lighter" choice?
Many people associate fish with being a healthier option, and that it is negated by the starch side dish?
And so many complain there are not enough light, healthy options at Disney, they are trying to accomodate those requests?

Just thinkin'.

I would agree with this.

 

[Paul in CT]

Could it be that they are trying to offer the salmon dinner with salad as a "lighter" choice?
Many people associate fish with being a healthier option, and that it is negated by the starch side dish?
And so many complain there are not enough light, healthy options at Disney, they are trying to accomodate those requests?

Just thinkin'.

If that were the reason, they would offer salad OR mashed potato OR vegetable for those wanting to eat "less light". IMHO, it's more about cutting cost.

 

[TDC Nala]

If that were the reason, they would offer salad OR mashed potato OR vegetable for those wanting to eat "less light". IMHO, it's more about cutting cost.

I think it's both. They can control what you get if you are on the dining plan (and a great many guests there are). If you don't want to spend extra, you get the "healthy" and probably cheaper to produce side. If you want the less "healthy" sides you have to pay for them. More cash for Disney if people want them. Applies just as well if you're not on the dining plan.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I was just coming to post about this. We returned today from a week long trip and were VERY disappointed in Seasons overall. This used to be our favorite counter service meal but not anymore. The salmon was dry and flavorless and the portion was much smaller than usual. The sides were different. The turkey on foccacia now has nasty peppers on it that is not noted on the menu board so you don't realize it until you bite into it. The fruit tulip was soggy. We were so bummed that what was once a GREAT place to eat has turned into another crappy food court.

 

[Kay1]

I was just coming to post about this. We returned today from a week long trip and were VERY disappointed in Seasons overall. This used to be our favorite counter service meal but not anymore. The salmon was dry and flavorless and the portion was much smaller than usual. The sides were different. The turkey on foccacia now has nasty peppers on it that is not noted on the menu board so you don't realize it until you bite into it. The fruit tulip was soggy. We were so bummed that what was once a GREAT place to eat has turned into another crappy food court.

That's just a shame. I hope this sort of thing doesn't spread too far because there are still a few CS restaurants I still like. I must say a small, dry piece of salmon served with a salad does sound like the ultimate diet food and not terribly tempting.

 

[bluejasmine]

So the price has increased by almost 50% if you want the sides and you do not see an issue with that? (I assume you were being sarcastic, if not I apologize)

The sides are about 2.39 each and if you want the two that came with it last week it will now cost you 14.77 instead of 9.99.

Again my concern is that they start to do this at more QS location and people just accept it.

Of course I see an issue with it, I dont really WaNT To pay OOP for the potatos I PAID for the DDP (used room only code added ticket and DDP) but if its something I really want I will have to pay OOP for the potatos.

I am all for make a stand but going in and demanding those potatos as part of my meal is NOT going to change it! Ill find other ways to let WDW know of my concerns, writing emails, going to guest servicesto complain but I plan on enjoying my vacation!