Disappointing Changes at BWV/Boardwalk area

[Maxwell]

Just back from our Thanksgiving stay and experienced numerous changes that were a big disappointment to us.

1.) No food offered at the Leaping Horse Libations. All they have now is Chips. No more Hot Dogs. No more Ice Cream, Popsicles, Nachos. Needless to say we did not spend a dime there this trip. We brought our own snacks and beer. Too bad, my kids loved to get the nachos, itsakadoozies, etc.

2.) You cannot get takeout food at ESPN any more. This was a big bummer as I used to get takeout there at least once or twice during our stays.

You cannot get a straight answer from anyone at the BWV. We spoke to a number of managers and they could not tell us why the changes were made to the Leaping Horse. They tell us it came from a higher up authority. You would think the managers would know what and why things are happening at their own resorts.

The welcome kit that the BWV gives you at checkin lists the Leaping Horse Libations and tells you to enjoy a hot dog, etc. I showed the Manager on duty and she had no idea that this was still in their literature.

There were other issues as well but these were 2 issues instituted since our last trip in May.

One manager told us that it was Sundays only that they do not do ESPN takeout. Well, I was there on several occasions outside of Sundays and they said we do not do takeout at all unless you sit a a table and order something and then you can get as much takeout as you want

 

[SaratogaShan]

Is it possible that service at ESPN is being scaled back already in preparation for the closing? Does anyone know when exactly ESPN will be moving to downtown disney?

Shan

 

[rie4630]

I am also wondering if they are scaling down at ESPN in preparation for the move.

 

[DisneyBill]

Very disappointing. This whole "food" thing has me concerned about the direction Disney is taking, and the future appeal of WDW as a vacation destination. I've taken the attitude of wait-and-see how the new menus, etc play out over the next year.

 

[Desnik]

I thought the Leaping Hourse was a huge waist when they had the limited menu before. Now they don't even have that?!! What the heck is it for then? That big thing for just serving drinks and bags of chips? I was so annoyed last time we stood at the BW that while by the pool I had to go over to the BW area to get something to eat for my family, and in a bathing suit!LOL Then on the BW all the carts were closed because it was earliy in the day, we had no choice but to eat at the Spoodles pizza window. I still love the BW though and this latest news won't sway me from staying there!

 

[lilstint]

DDP strikes again!

 

[crisi]

It isn't the DDP, its "variation reduction" the big buzz in business. You can get economies of scale and reduce problems by taking out variation and reducing your services to a "core set." The thought goes "Leaping Horse is a bar - and it serves drinks. These hotdogs - we throw away dozens every day because they aren't fresh - these sandwiches - they add to waste. We can save $20 a day not offering these things - over the course of all Disney poolbars and all the days of the year - that's - thousands!!!!

Add to that, management from above - the BW managers are there to manage day to day staffing issues and customer complaints. Strategy and decisions are made by some central managers in the resorts division - the site managers job is just to implement.

(this all works if you do it intellegently, but is being terribly misapplied, IMHO by Disney currently. I too am disappointed in some of the turns Disney management is currently taking in regards to centralized management and variation reduction - particularly regarding food. I've never been sure I'm in DVC for the long haul, but if the direction doesn't change we will dump it when the kids are in high school. I have no interest in going to Disney without decent food options once the kids are older - once we have highschoolers - Disney is about food and golf for us - and honestly, both are cheaper and better elsewhere).

 

[LIFERBABE]

Someone else posted that ESPN stopped serving the Bucket of Wings. Maybe they dont want to move all those buckets

The food situation at BWV is not a good one. I remember thinking we could get food at LH too and all they had were sandwiches. I guess they dont have that anymore either. EPCOT is close, but for down days or quick bites, the choices are very limited. We really like the BWV too.

It's not good to drink on an empty stomach.

 

[Ms. WDW]

I'm sorry about the no food at Libations, but I'm really going to miss going into ESPN's. Does anyone know what if anything, will replace ESPN when they move?

 

[Figment2]

My biggest disappointment with Leaping Libations was the change in the alcohol drinks. No more roller coasters!!! (Although the bartender did make us one but what happens when a new bartender comes along and has no idea what you're talking about!)

Cyn

 

[lilstint]

"No Take-out" at ESPN came on the heels of "No Take-out" at Olivias (a huge disappointment for us) which came, like a dozen other food compliants, right on the heels of DDP. You have to wonder if they are related.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

We were at BWV on 10/01 and the changes were just being implemented then. New signage for LH and everything. We were talking to the CMs about it and it sounded like all of the pool bars were going to the same basic options. Sounded like the same signature drinks even basically with different names for the different resorts.

 

[Ms. WDW]

My biggiest disappointment with Leaping Libations was the change in the alcohol drinks. No more roller coasters!!! (Although the bartender did make us one but what happens when a new bartender comes along and has no idea what you're talking about!)

Cyn

Oh how true!!! I remember how disappointed I was when I began checking out the menu on the wall, and NO ROLLER COASTER MELTDOWNS!!!! I think I went into a "mental meltdown". What did I have; gosh I can't remember. I guess it didn't make that much of an impression on me. Oh yes; some Rasberry thing???

 

[aclov]

Well this is disappointing, and I really enjoyed the bucket of wings at ESPN. EPCOT isn't always a option for us because we aren't AP or purchase length of stay tickets.

Plus, when I was there with friends in May at the pool we got hungry and had the convenience of at least getting a sandwich at the pool bar. I definately I'm not planning on running around the Boardwalk in a wet bathing suit looking for something to eat I guess we will have to have some snacks or cold cuts in the studio.

 

[dumbo71]

I thought the Leaping Hourse was a huge waist when they had the limited menu before. Now they don't even have that?!! What the heck is it for then? That big thing for just serving drinks and bags of chips? I was so annoyed last time we stood at the BW that while by the pool I had to go over to the BW area to get something to eat for my family, and in a bathing suit!LOL Then on the BW all the carts were closed because it was earliy in the day, we had no choice but to eat at the Spoodles pizza window. I still love the BW though and this latest news won't sway me from staying there!

SSR is the same way, no food poolside. That is a real bummer at SSR but even worse at BWV where nothing is close.

Yet another example of the declining services offered at WDW and most especially to DVC owners. Everytime I post this I get the flames, but I've noticed the differences.

For those that think I'm crazy, well I am. However, think about this: Do you believe they will cut back food service poolside at the deluxe resorts? No, they won't. I still feel Deluxe resort cash guest receive the best treatment on WDW property. DVC owners should expect better and demand more.

DVC continue to increase prices and offer less to their owners. Eventually this tactic will catch up to them. For now, far too many people look the other way or claim nothing has changed. DVC is riding the reputation they built during the early years of DVC.

Thank you for posting OP and I hope you file a formal complaint.

 

[tjkraz]

It isn't the DDP, its "variation reduction" the big buzz in business.

You are probably right, but I would also argue that DDP is a big reason that dining is coming under the microscope lately. When it seems that every single person who uses the dining plan is reporting week-long savings in the hundreds of dollars compared to menu prices, clearly Disney's profit margins at the restaurants are being reduced. Rather than raising DDP prices to a more reasonable level (or cutting back the benefits a bit; would it be so bad to offer an appetizer OR dessert at TS rather than both?), they are responding by paring menus down to just the items with the most economical ingredients and preparation methods.

And I think the elimination of take-out is clearly a DDP issue. Someone that I know flat-out asked the manager at Olivias and was told that the main reason for eliminating take out was that people on the DDP were attempting to use counter service credits for what amounted to table service meals. Rather than addressing that issue, they are simply penalizing everyone.

 

[dumbo71]

It isn't the DDP, its "variation reduction" the big buzz in business. You can get economies of scale and reduce problems by taking out variation and reducing your services to a "core set." The thought goes "Leaping Horse is a bar - and it serves drinks. These hotdogs - we throw away dozens every day because they aren't fresh - these sandwiches - they add to waste. We can save $20 a day not offering these things - over the course of all Disney poolbars and all the days of the year - that's - thousands!!!!

Add to that, management from above - the BW managers are there to manage day to day staffing issues and customer complaints. Strategy and decisions are made by some central managers in the resorts division - the site managers job is just to implement.

(this all works if you do it intellegently, but is being terribly misapplied, IMHO by Disney currently. I too am disappointed in some of the turns Disney management is currently taking in regards to centralized management and variation reduction - particularly regarding food. I've never been sure I'm in DVC for the long haul, but if the direction doesn't change we will dump it when the kids are in high school. I have no interest in going to Disney without decent food options once the kids are older - once we have highschoolers - Disney is about food and golf for us - and honestly, both are cheaper and better elsewhere).

Crisi,

ITA, and I am glad to hear that I am not the only one who notices the changes. The theme parks only hold a small appeal to our family. The atmosphere, golf, service, etc. is what would have kept us in for the long haul. I hope someone is listening. We'll likely be out before long if something doesn't give.

Also don't discount the impact of the DDP. It has led to some serious dummying down of menus. I wouldn't be shocked at all if DDP played a role either directly or indirectly.

 

[dumbo71]

Well this is disappointing, and I really enjoyed the bucket of wings at ESPN. EPCOT isn't always a option for us because we aren't AP or purchase length of stay tickets.

Plus, when I was there with friends in May at the pool we got hungry and had the convenience of at least getting a sandwich at the pool bar. I definately I'm not planning on running around the Boardwalk in a wet bathing suit looking for something to eat I guess we will have to have some snacks or cold cuts in the studio.

EGGSZACTLY!!!!!!!! Why is it so hard to understand that on pool days many want to eat poolside? What are we supposed to do go inside somewhere dripping wet or run up to the room and make lunch to bring down?

Vacation is supposed to be relaxing not work to simply get a bite to eat.

 

[SimbaNoodle]

I will miss ESPN. It's moving to Downtown Disney isn't it?

 

[scraptoons]

Geez. I never even thought about eating while swimming.

I rather be dressed and sitting down at a table when I eat.

These changes don't bother me.