Disappointing Changes at BWV/Boardwalk area

[SimbaNoodle]

I may even bring a portable grill for my poolside dining on my next trip. LOL!!

 

[bpmorley]

I may even bring a portable grill for my poolside dining on my next trip. LOL!!

I do it all the time. Burgers & Dogs for everyone

 

[keishashadow]

Then maybe we should start another thread entitled" Keishashadow responsible for the proliferation of the DDP."

Lets see how popular that makes you.

edit: It is the old "be careful what you wish for." I tel people the same thing with these posts wanting SWA at their airport.

Heck, I don't have to champion the DP to be unpopular.

From what I understand, the DP was very popular with the professional renters... another hook to help rent out all those pesky unwanted points. Guess that ship has sailed.

off to wish upon a star

 

[kidsister]

Re the changes at Leaping Libations:
Since the DDP can't be used there, it seems absurd to try to blame this on the DDP. There is certainly a trend to blame everything on the DDP. While I'm sure some things are connected to it, I think Crisi's reasoning is much more plausible...The standardization of alchoholic specialty drinks have absolutely nothing to do with the DDP...just ecomnomics and ease. I think the no food at the LL bar policy stems from sales not performing to meet costs. I seem to remember that most of the food at LL came from the Bakery anyway. Yes, if you want a bite while you are at the pool, you'd now have to get dressed and cruise the BW or go back to your room or bring food with you to the pool. On the bright side: the food from room option would certainly save on the pocketbook!

I didn't realize there was a kids club at BW...Was it over at the community hall? I guess the BW has never had a CS place because of the competition with the minimal groceries sold at the Screen Door (not sure if I have the right name for that.) It would be nice to have somewhere else that might sell pre-made sandwiches and salads and canned drinks that would be more easily accessible from the pool. It could carry the same 'standardized fare' as sold in other resort CS places...If there were space over by the community hall building, that wouldn't be too far a walk from the main pool area and right by the quiet pool and of course the community hall. LOL...now you have me wondering just where that kids club room is and what they will be using it for!!!

I'm one of those who have enjoyed the DDP. I can now boast that I've eaten at most every TS restaurant at DIsney ! WIthout the DDP, I probalby wouldn't have tried any of them. I guess I'm a tad flustered by the over-the-top (IMHO) antagonism directed towards it. I honestly believe that the changes in menu and standardization would have occurred with or without the DDP. (But I realize that voicing this opionion isn't going to change any minds as to the blame being cast on DDP...we are all entitled to our opinion)

I was at BW just after Thanksgiving (Fridaynight, Sat and SUnday), but other than looking at the cool Xmas decs I really didn't have time to see/do much at the hotel! I did learn that little inside bar serves up a limited but fresh breakfast (muffins, scones, bagels and cereal.)

 

[jodifla]

Re the changes at Leaping Libations:
Since the DDP can't be used there, it seems absurd to try to blame this on the DDP. There is certainly a trend to blame everything on the DDP. While I'm sure some things are connected to it, I think Crisi's reasoning is much more plausible...The standardization of alchoholic specialty drinks have absolutely nothing to do with the DDP...just ecomnomics and ease. I think the no food at the LL bar policy stems from sales not performing to meet costs. I seem to remember that most of the food at LL came from the Bakery anyway. Yes, if you want a bite while you are at the pool, you'd now have to get dressed and cruise the BW or go back to your room or bring food with you to the pool. On the bright side: the food from room option would certainly save on the pocketbook!

I didn't realize there was a kids club at BW...Was it over at the community hall? I guess the BW has never had a CS place because of the competition with the minimal groceries sold at the Screen Door (not sure if I have the right name for that.) It would be nice to have somewhere else that might sell pre-made sandwiches and salads and canned drinks that would be more easily accessible from the pool. It could carry the same 'standardized fare' as sold in other resort CS places...If there were space over by the community hall building, that wouldn't be too far a walk from the main pool area and right by the quiet pool and of course the community hall. LOL...now you have me wondering just where that kids club room is and what they will be using it for!!!

I'm one of those who have enjoyed the DDP. I can now boast that I've eaten at most every TS restaurant at DIsney ! WIthout the DDP, I probalby wouldn't have tried any of them. I guess I'm a tad flustered by the over-the-top (IMHO) antagonism directed towards it. I honestly believe that the changes in menu and standardization would have occurred with or without the DDP. (But I realize that voicing this opionion isn't going to change any minds as to the blame being cast on DDP...we are all entitled to our opinion)

I was at BW just after Thanksgiving (Fridaynight, Sat and SUnday), but other than looking at the cool Xmas decs I really didn't have time to see/do much at the hotel! I did learn that little inside bar serves up a limited but fresh breakfast (muffins, scones, bagels and cereal.)

Here's why I blame the DDP: It's too inexpensive for what you are getting. This creates a downward spiral that's already begun as WDW tries to make up for money it's not making on the DDP.

Magical Express is also a part of this philosophy. If you are trapped on property without a car, then you can't spend your money elsewhere.

So the DDP is a cog in the wheel, but an important one. It's feuling a lot of the other service and upkeep problems we're are seeing at WDW.

It's my bet that you'll see the DDP cost rocket upward soon; the surveys they are doing already suggest they are trying to figure out ways to get more money from the dining plan.

 

[tjkraz]

Here's why I blame the DDP: It's too inexpensive for what you are getting. This creates a downward spiral that's already begun as WDW tries to make up for money it's not making on the DDP.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Would have taken me 300 words to say the same thing.

I guess the BW has never had a CS place because of the competition with the minimal groceries sold at the Screen Door (not sure if I have the right name for that.)

All of the DVCs have the same "general store" type offerings, so I don't know how much water that holds.

Also the timing of this move is either completely coincidental or just adds weight to the DDP argument. BW has been open for over 10 years--why make these changes now?

In another thread Sammie seems to indicate that OP was misinformed about the food service being removed so perhaps this is a moot point. Still, other reductions are still evident elsewhere.

As for the kids' club, IIRC that has been closed for at least a couple of years.

I don't blame anyone for supporting the DDP as clearly it is a money saver for many. But for many of us the "savings" are being diluted by reductions in quality and quantity as Disney tries to cut their own costs. I guess if you're on the DDP you probably aren't going to be too critical of the cuts given the excellent value. But for those of us who choose to pay full price (or use DDE), it's difficult to accept that Disney is just now deciding to make some of these cuts / reductions in service without any relationship to the profit sacrificed for DDP.

 

[CapeCodFam]

I don't blame anyone for supporting the DDP as clearly it is a money saver for many. But for many of us the "savings" are being diluted by reductions in quality and quantity as Disney tries to cut their own costs. I guess if you're on the DDP you probably aren't going to be too critical of the cuts given the excellent value. But for those of us who choose to pay full price (or use DDE), it's difficult to accept that Disney is just now deciding to make some of these cuts / reductions in service without any relationship to the profit sacrificed for DDP.

I share the same sentiments. We just returned and tried the DDP. We were very disappointed that Spoodles (and other favorite eateries) had drastically reduced their menu options. It just wasn't the same. I had to give poor marks on our DVC online survey. We won't be doing DDP in the future. In fact, if the spoodles menu doesn't return, we'll go to the Swan/Dolphin. It breaks our hearts. Spoodles was our favorite until this last trip....

 

[kidsister]

Tim,
I'm pretty sure that the changes to the kid's meal actually costs Disney more money than foods with a higher level of 'fillers': fat and sugar. THe trans fat they have used in the past, makes for a much longer shelf life (a year!), so again that change to eliminate trans fat is also more expensive. So your theory, in terms of cost cutting, doesn't seem 'proven' by the changes in the menu.

Also, the 'tracking' of Disney's DDP would serve to show DIsney that offering filet mignon and huge steaks of excellent quality would be their main loss leader. So if they wanted to 'cut back' to save on people like me using the DDP to max financial advantage, they would cut out these higher priced items, dontcha think?

I haven't seen a lesser QUALITY in the food I've been ordering...but I generally go to the higher end restaurants for TS. It seems that this is where they would make the most cuts tho....cuttiing out the $36 entress so that DDP people can't order them. and that hasn't happened.

Our friend Jdhn (jdvm) chedked for why the firecracker appetizers were taken off the Jiko menu. They weren't the most expensive appetizer, and they were very popular. I asked in September and was told that the chef who made them was on sick leave. Hmmm. John was told recently that the reason was that 'firecrackers' are Asian and not African and that they were trying to keep the menu more African. One never knows what the real story is, but it just seems to me that it would be a higher savings to Disney to take teh crab, the wild salmon and the filet off the menu before taking off fairly inexpensive to make firecrackers.

I'm not in the food biz, but according to a chef friend of mine:
1. when a new chef takes over any restaurant, the menu usually changes to reflect that new chef's skills and personality. Lots of times new chefs 'resent' the old crowd favs of a replaced chef.

2. Reducing quality isn't a very efficient way to reduce costs for a restaurant.
Definitely reducing the selection of offerings can reduce cost and especially waste. Cutting portion sizes is also an excellent way to reduce costs (and DIsney hasn't done this). Adding fats and sugar fillers certainly reduce costs. (and DIsney hasn't done this). For my taste, I really haven't seen any reduction in the quality of food and only a limited reduction in the selection.
I realize that you may have a different perspective from the places your family frequents, but the restaurants that I've gone too have seemed to up both service, quality and quantity.

3. In consideration of the markups on food and especially beverages (both alcoholic and non), the singularly most successful way to increase profit is to sell MORE of it rather than reduce quality or selection. Altho the DDP seems a good deal to me, if it causes me and a kazillion others to buy it, the smaller per meal profit can be offset by the volume of sales of meals.
If I markup an item by 100% and only sell 10 appetizers costing me $6 (and selling for $12) at a profit of $60 bucks....I can realize more money by selling the 100 of those $6 appetizers at only a $1 profit on the DDP. I think that this is how Disney is making the DDP profitable...the volume. Filling up the restaurants so there isn't as much waste, idle workers, lost overhead.

You mentioned the 20% savings on the DDE. That tells you that the markup on food and alcohol is much more than 20% The DDE was started to bring more locals into the DIsney restaurants and it worked. Disney didn't lose money on the transaction because the volumn of users (each saving 20%) outweighed the loss of selling less food at the normal rate.

Of course you might be 100% right that the DDP has caused changes that you don't like. But if they stop the DDP, do you really think that the favorites that you are missing will ever come back? As for the food on the new offerings costing less...I really think they cost more than hamburgers , fries and hotdogs. (Fat and sugar is cheap and tastes better, unfortunately)

I dont' mean to be 'defensive' about the DDP or unwilling to accept some link between fewer selections and the cost of the DDP...I just think that the people who blame the DDP for more than just a 'link', aren't really looking at all the facts, just the ones that aggravate them personally. Sort of like blaming the quarterback for losing the game when the defense allowed 35 points.

 

[TimmyP]

When did ESPN discontinue take out?

I was at BWV from 10/11 to 10/21 and did take out from there quite a few times. Even used my DDE card for the discount.....

BUT I did notice the different menu -- gone was the Portobello sandwich my wife loved. It seems like the menu had been "genericized" if you will,

 

[Sammie]

Food is available at LL, as to other changes at Disney that can be blamed on the DDP, sorry I just don't see it. I guess it is all personal perspective and we will never know if the changes would have happen anyway.

Personally if menu items have been removed it is either, change to chef preference or guest preference. If a item is not popular enough to warrant keeping it, then it will go. DDP or not.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Tim,
I haven't seen a lesser QUALITY in the food I've been ordering...but I generally go to the higher end restaurants for TS. It seems that this is where they would make the most cuts tho....cuttiing out the $36 entress so that DDP people can't order them. and that hasn't happened.


... One never knows what the real story is, but it just seems to me that it would be a higher savings to Disney to take teh crab, the wild salmon and the filet off the menu before taking off fairly inexpensive to make firecrackers.
..

Filet Mignon ws taken off the menu at Chefs De France, there's a hamburger for $22. We use DDE and we were disappointed when we ate there last, in May. Artist Point still has great salmon, but that's a 2 table service. LeCellier still has filet on the menu, let's hope so, that has Steakhouse in it's name.


Bobbi

PS. There were 6 of us at Chefs de France, and 2 really wanted the filet mignon. It wasn't a total disappointed for the rest of us. There really is a $22 hamburger on the menu now. I checked the menus:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/menuoutput.cfm

 

[DIS4MYGIRLS]

I am concerned about the lack of food for people staying at the Boardwalk, when arriving and departing alot of guests like to hang by the pool and get a bite to eat before they start hitting the parks or hitting the road for home. They fame the resturants on the boardwalk for the guests at the Boardwalk, did anyone try and get something to eat while swimming at the pool (nothing available) or at the end of the day once the parks close (lines). One night after a long day in the parks we wanted to get something light to eat so my DH stood in a very long line at Spoodles to get me a salad and a few slices of pizza for himself after over 30 minutes it was his turn to order, to find out there were no more salads and only one slice left what a bummer for us and everyone behind him, we went to bed hungry that night. Don't get me wrong the Boardwalk is all about location, being able to walk to two parks can't be beat other then at the BCV's. My vote is for the Boardwalk to open a place like they did over at the BCV's they call it the Beach Club Marketplace which offers a light menu all day closing at 10PM.

Some examples:

Breakfast 7 - 11 a.m.

Omelet Sandwich on a Croissant $5.59
Egg & Cheese Sandwich on a Croissant $4.59
Made to Order Yogurt Parfait $3.79
Fresh Baked Pastries $2.19 - $2.59

Cinnamon Bun $2.59
Chocolate Croissant $2.49
Croissant $2.29
Bagel $2.29
Assorted Muffins $2.29
Coffee Cake $2.19

Sandwiches After 11 a.m.
Sandwiches Made to Order - Served Chilled or Toasted

Roast Beef and Brie on Ciabatta Roll with horseradish mayonnaise and caramelized onions $6.69

Turkey and Mozzarella on Sourdough Baguette with basil mayonnaise, arugula, and red wine vinaigrette $6.49

Smoked Ham and Black Diamond Cheddar on a multi-grain bun with honey dijon mustard $6.29

Grilled Vegetable Wrap $6.19

Soup and Salads After 11 a.m.

Create Your Own Riptide Salad with choice of: mixed greens, chicken, chipped eggs, shredded carrots, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, caramelized onions, cherry tomatoes, and ranch, thousand island, blue cheese or red wine dressing $6.79

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad $6.59
New England Clam Chowder $3.19

For Guests 9 and Under


Ham and Cheese Wrap $4.29
Peanut Butter and Jelly $4.29


Desserts After 11 a.m.

Chef's Pastry Creations $1.59 - $4.29
Freshly Made Gelato - Regular $2.39; Large $2.69
Flavors: Lemon, Mango, Raspberry, Pistachio, Vanilla, Chocolate


Cake by the Slice $3.99-$4.29
Chocolate Mousse $3.89
Lemon Mousse $3.29
Fruit Tart $3.29
Key Lime $3.29
Macaroon Coconut Bar $3.29
Eclair $2.79
Rice Cripsy Treat $2.69
Brownie $2.39
Marshmallow Kebab $2.39
Chocolate Chip Cookie $2.09
Cup Cake $1.59
SPECIALTY DRINKS

Latte/Mocha $3.19/$3.69
Espresso/Cappuccino $2.69/$3.19

Wine by the Glass:
Buena Vista Chardonnay $7.75
Parker Station Pinot Noir $7.75
Iron Horse Fairy Tale Cuvee, Sparkling Wine $10.75

This is added to what is offered at Hurricane Hanna's Grill for food at the pool, Plus Martha's Vineyard Lounge from 5pm to 9:30PM, plus two other TS resturants:

I realize that there is the bakery on the boardwalk but I never have been able to get in, there is alway a line out the door. I find added to the guests staying the the Boardwalk you get people looking for a cup of jo and a bite to eat while walking to Epcot from the Swan and Dolphin. There really needs to be a place off the boardwalk for the Boardwalk hotel guests.

I hope they see it soon that we need a place like the Beach Club Marketplace.

 

[kidsister]

I ate at Les Chefs both on and off the DDP and enjoyed myself all three times.
I'm not much of a steak eater, but I think the filet was replaced not with hamburger but with a flank steak (but I don't trust my memory) which would be more 'french country style'. When I ate for cash, I had the onion soup and the salmon appetizer (delish). When on the plan I had that salmon ap and ahi. All three times I had great service!

Yes, Le Cellier serves up a mean fillet and a huge steak....YUM. Wolfgang Puck serves another mean filet. And yes, even tho I don't normally eat beef, that's what I order on the DDP. I also loved the two huge Lobster Tails that I ordered on the DDP at Captain Jacks. YUM! I wouldn't have paid the cash price for any of these meals, but I sure enjoyed them on the DDP!

What we all have to realize is that DIsney HAS to make a profit to stay in business and keep our magic alive. The best way to try to get back some of your favorites is to talk directly to the managers at the resorts. Instead of laying a blame or ranting about the DDP which they can hardly do much about, I think that letting them know that you would really appreciate it if your favorite restaurant would bring back that favorite dish you've been craving....if enough people comment on the same dish, I believe it will come back on the menu.

 

[Tigger031266]

My friends we hold all the cards. We have condo style rooms with full kitchens. Its called, "Food Shopping!!!!"

What do you think Disney will do if start to Food shop more???? Maybe lower prices? Have more restaurants???

I encourage you all to do more food shopping (healthier for you anyway). May do breakfast in the room, grab a resonable snack at a park or back in the room, dinner at a nice restaurant.....

Saves Cash, Saves Heart Attacks, lets you enjoy those beautiful rooms more and Shows Your apppreciation, for less restaurants and higher prices.

The people that should be bent out of shape are the people staying in regular hotels.

We hold all the cards folks!!!! Show with your pocket books

 

[sjdisneywedding]

I also loved the two huge Lobster Tails that I ordered on the DDP at Captain Jacks. YUM! I wouldn't have paid the cash price for any of these meals, but I sure enjoyed them on the DDP!

What a screwed up dining plan, no wonder there are so many issues. Lobster Tails on a dining plan

 

[DVC Grammy]

Does anyone know what is being planned for the ESPN space when that moves to DTD? Wouldn't it be great if at least part of it was turned into a small CS, similar to the BC Marketplace (as someone else suggested)?

 

[maminnie]

I do hope the ESPN location becomes a full service family friendly restaurant with breakfast, lunch, and dinner and take out options. When I am on vacation at Disney I generally go to a restaurant or grab take-out to take back to the BWV or BCV. I would greatly appreciate this type of restaurant in the BWV/BWI area and I believe it is definitely needed and would be well received. Although we enjoyed ESPN at times, it was often very loud and overwhelming for both adults and kids after a long day in the parks.

 

[dumbo71]

What a screwed up dining plan, no wonder there are so many issues. Lobster Tails on a dining plan

I couldn't agree more although I think that poster was doing a little old fashioned pot stirring.

AND quite well I might add.

 

[dumbo71]

Does anyone know what is being planned for the ESPN space when that moves to DTD? Wouldn't it be great if at least part of it was turned into a small CS, similar to the BC Marketplace (as someone else suggested)?

Yeah, OK another marketplace with the same crap they have over at BCV. Why doesn't that other poster walk over to BCV marketplace? Might burn some calories while they are at it.

Nice try DVC Grammy.

 

[Sammie]

Yeah, OK another marketplace with the same crap they have over at BCV. Why doesn't that other poster walk over to BCV marketplace? Might burn some calories while they are at it.

Nice try DVC Grammy.

What is your point, are you the Grinch. Many like the offerings at BCV Marketplace, if you don't sorry but the "World" does not cater to the whims on one person, which at this point I am beginning to think is what it will take to make you happy.

And what is the pot stirring comment. KidSister likes the DDP, I like the DDP. As to the lobster tails, on the DDP, Captain Jack's offers them and they were wonderful. Believe me in the total scheme of things Disney made enough money the week and half we were there on drinks, OOP dining expenses for us to have lobster on the DDP.

At this point I don't think DVC or Disney can please some of you and the poor horse you are beating has been dead for a long time.