Disney begins leadership shuffle

[lockedoutlogic]

lockedoutlogic...which are the remaining 1/3 WDW restaurants that you will still go to?

well...since you asked...

Brown Derby
Sanaa
Boma
Jiko
Artists Point
V&A's
California Grill
Olivias
Kona
Garden Grill (for the kiddies...though i appreciate that their approach has remained about the same)
coral reef (hit or miss there though)
chefs de france/bistro (or whatever its called now)
tutto italia and via napoli (outsourced but not bad)
Pucks, Portofino, Fultons
Liberty Tree or Crystal Palace occasionally for Lunch
Tusker House (again...occasionally)
Narcossee's or Citricos now and then...

and the crown jewel...beaches and cream


that's about it...kinda depressing, huh?

most of the character places, magic kingdom, most of studios, and most of the streamlined resort places....blech

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

well...since you asked...

Brown Derby
Sanaa
Boma
Jiko
Artists Point
V&A's
California Grill
Olivias
Kona
Garden Grill (for the kiddies...though i appreciate that their approach has remained about the same)
coral reef (hit or miss there though)
chefs de france/bistro (or whatever its called now)
tutto italia and via napoli (outsourced but not bad)
Pucks, Portofino, Fultons
Liberty Tree or Crystal Palace occasionally for Lunch
Tusker House (again...occasionally)
Narcossee's or Citricos now and then...

and the crown jewel...beaches and cream


that's about it...kinda depressing, huh?

most of the character places, magic kingdom, most of studios, and most of the streamlined resort places....blech

I've been to seven of those you listed and would like to eventually go to all of the others you listed.

Is it only Via Napoli that is "outsourced" or are you also saying that Tutto Italia is as well?

 

[ChipnDale79]

I've been to seven of those you listed and would like to eventually go to all of the others you listed.

Is it only Via Napoli that is "outsourced" or are you also saying that Tutto Italia is as well?

They are both outsourced, the same company that owns them also owns (or used to) some of the Smith and Wollensky restaurants.

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

well...since you asked...

Brown Derby
Sanaa
Boma
Jiko
Artists Point
V&A's
California Grill
Olivias
Kona
Garden Grill (for the kiddies...though i appreciate that their approach has remained about the same)
coral reef (hit or miss there though)
chefs de france/bistro (or whatever its called now)
tutto italia and via napoli (outsourced but not bad)
Pucks, Portofino, Fultons
Liberty Tree or Crystal Palace occasionally for Lunch
Tusker House (again...occasionally)
Narcossee's or Citricos now and then...

and the crown jewel...beaches and cream


that's about it...kinda depressing, huh?

most of the character places, magic kingdom, most of studios, and most of the streamlined resort places....blech

Ditto, although we do Like Raglan Road too....

Our June trip has ADR's for Olivia's, Sanaa, Via Napoli, Cali Grill, Raglan Road, Brown Derby, Chefs de France,and Kouzzina.

Interesting how those critical of Disney think alike.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Ditto, although we do Like Raglan Road too....

Our June trip has ADR's for Olivia's, Sanaa, Via Napoli, Cali Grill, Raglan Road, Brown Derby, Chefs de France,and Kouzzina.

Interesting how those critical of Disney think alike.

Lol...I realized I had forgotten Ragland road after I posted.

Though... Being on the atlantic seaboard...I do have access to the Irish pub fairly often...

Now if I could only find an Italian place or two.....thousand

 

[truck1]

Specifically?


Wonder of life...was let die in the swamp. Can't figure out in this world/country how they let the MEDICAL pavilion...of all things...just rot away and still to this day.

And of course...the very high profile disaster at imagination...who's ill planned gutting - along With the replacement of horizons - really did a doozy on the soul of the park.

Horizons if Im not mistaken had to come down. If I remember correctly, there was a sinkhole under the bldg. or the ground was becoming unstable. I think that Wonders of Life is also affected which is why its also closed.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Horizons if Im not mistaken had to come down. If I remember correctly, there was a sinkhole under the bldg. or the ground was becoming unstable. I think that Wonders of Life is also affected which is why its also closed.

I believe wonders of life was just a poorly constructed building...I don't know if it was ground instability.

Horizons was never going to survive no matter what. I had heard that they didnt want to Invest maintenance and renovation costs in what was already an outdated idea

 

[crazy4wdw]

Horizons if Im not mistaken had to come down. If I remember correctly, there was a sinkhole under the bldg. or the ground was becoming unstable. I think that Wonders of Life is also affected which is why its also closed.

Wonders of Life was closed becasue its sponder, MetLife, did renew their contract when it exprired. Disney was not able to find another sponsor.

The building/dome which housed the pavilion is still used quite frequently. Most of the wine tasting seminairs and cooking demonstations for the Food & Wine Festival take place in the dome. I certainly hope there's not a sinkhole under it!

 

[truck1]

I believe wonders of life was just a poorly constructed building...I don't know if it was ground instability.

Horizons was never going to survive no matter what. I had heard that they didnt want to Invest maintenance and renovation costs in what was already an outdated idea

I dont doubt that Horizons days were numbered no matter what similar to 20 k. I've heard it from several reliable sources that there was ground issues and I'm fairly certain there was a sinkhole forming under the ride. The sinkhole was a good enough excuse to make it go away as opposed to fixing it.

 

[truck1]

Wonders of Life was closed becasue its sponder, MetLife, did renew their contract when it exprired. Disney was not able to find another sponsor.

The building/dome which housed the pavilion is still used quite frequently. Most of the wine tasting seminairs and cooking demonstations for the Food & Wine Festival take place in the dome. I certainly hope there's not a sinkhole under it!

Could be.I don't remember off hand if WOL was actually affected by Horizons issues. I've been back in the bldg a few times for food and wine. I liked it. By Reedy Creek standards they have to use the bldg at least 1x time a year to maintain its occupancy certificate. Which is why Food and wine uses it among other things. I wish they would bring back the Omni restaurant by World Showcase.

 

[cteddiesgirl]

Wonders of Life was closed becasue its sponder, MetLife, did renew their contract when it exprired. Disney was not able to find another sponsor.

The building/dome which housed the pavilion is still used quite frequently. Most of the wine tasting seminairs and cooking demonstations for the Food & Wine Festival take place in the dome. I certainly hope there's not a sinkhole under it!

Eh. It's Florida. There could be a sinkhole forming under anything in WDW.

Personally, I'm hoping that there will be a brighter future for Epcot now.

 

[manning]

Eh. It's Florida. There could be a sinkhole forming under anything in WDW.

Personally, I'm hoping that there will be a brighter future for Epcot now.

Disney is creative. They'll bill it as a ride and call it "sinkhole"

 

[thorp8]

So, I couldn't decide which message to reply to, so I just figured I write my own.

I've read several posts about Disney falling behind a bit...and although that might be partially true, I think people might be underestimating how big new fantastyland and magic bands projects were. Could areas use refreshing? ABSOLUTELY! and I haven't even been in the parks in a few years and I know that. Also, although it isn't part of the Parks, it seems Disney Springs is a HUGE construction project that will be going on for years in segments. PS...Pandora has been in the works for a while, and is finally moving forward.

As for the repositioning of the higher ups. I believe Pete mentioned that the new guy taking over for star wars opened Islands of Adventures so there is a chance that a 5th park MIGHT happen. Although I wouldn't oppose it, I think my preference and reasoning would be more on the side that the Star Wars expansion in the 4 parks (probably and HOPEFULLY mostly as HS) is so grand that I requires someone who can handle such a large project.
My hope is that HS is pretty much completely refurbished, adding a Star Wars area that is larger than Cars Land at DCA.
Also, I know other people mentioned it before... I don't know how they don't put Star Wars themed hotels somewhere on property.

Also very happy that Epcot will get some attention. I love Epcot very much, I think it needs slightly less attention than some say... but at the same time, it also has a LOT more potential. Future would could certainly use some upgrading, I haven't been a huge fan of some of the recent additions in terms of how they integrate into the park. One part specifically being Test Track. I don't mind the ride, but looking at it, I kind of feel it looks like it was an after thought. I mean, the track goes in back stage areas that granted you can't really see while on the ride... but compared to how it's sister ride in Cars Land uses the same idea, it's kind of ridiculous to compare the two.
As for as World Showcase, can countries be added? Sure, I'd like that, but I'm also open to the countries just kind of being redone and enlarged...there is plenty of room that they could use in the back stage area to add an additional attraction to just about every location. Mt Fiji in Japan? Thor ride (JK I know it can't really happen, but would be nice) in Norway, a gondola ride in Italy? I would love to see an expanded American Experience area with cobblestone streets, make in look like colonial Philly, Boston, or Washington?

PS... I love Figment too! And I'll always go on the ride when I visit... but I would also LOVE it to be completely redone

 

[Figmentforever24]

So, I couldn't decide which message to reply to, so I just figured I write my own.

I've read several posts about Disney falling behind a bit...and although that might be partially true, I think people might be underestimating how big new fantastyland and magic bands projects were. Could areas use refreshing? ABSOLUTELY! and I haven't even been in the parks in a few years and I know that. Also, although it isn't part of the Parks, it seems Disney Springs is a HUGE construction project that will be going on for years in segments. PS...Pandora has been in the works for a while, and is finally moving forward.

As for the repositioning of the higher ups. I believe Pete mentioned that the new guy taking over for star wars opened Islands of Adventures so there is a chance that a 5th park MIGHT happen. Although I wouldn't oppose it, I think my preference and reasoning would be more on the side that the Star Wars expansion in the 4 parks (probably and HOPEFULLY mostly as HS) is so grand that I requires someone who can handle such a large project.
My hope is that HS is pretty much completely refurbished, adding a Star Wars area that is larger than Cars Land at DCA.
Also, I know other people mentioned it before... I don't know how they don't put Star Wars themed hotels somewhere on property.

Also very happy that Epcot will get some attention. I love Epcot very much, I think it needs slightly less attention than some say... but at the same time, it also has a LOT more potential. Future would could certainly use some upgrading, I haven't been a huge fan of some of the recent additions in terms of how they integrate into the park. One part specifically being Test Track. I don't mind the ride, but looking at it, I kind of feel it looks like it was an after thought. I mean, the track goes in back stage areas that granted you can't really see while on the ride... but compared to how it's sister ride in Cars Land uses the same idea, it's kind of ridiculous to compare the two.
As for as World Showcase, can countries be added? Sure, I'd like that, but I'm also open to the countries just kind of being redone and enlarged...there is plenty of room that they could use in the back stage area to add an additional attraction to just about every location. Mt Fiji in Japan? Thor ride (JK I know it can't really happen, but would be nice) in Norway, a gondola ride in Italy? I would love to see an expanded American Experience area with cobblestone streets, make in look like colonial Philly, Boston, or Washington?

PS... I love Figment too! And I'll always go on the ride when I visit... but I would also LOVE it to be completely redone

A lot of what you say is true. Well except on Test Track, Test Track was something Eisner approved as part of the 90's transformation of Epcot Center. (Now known as Epcot) The ride was something planned for the pavilion at opening and was to go along with the World of Motion ride. They just couldn't fit both. Now obviously the theme of the ride sucked when it opened. It did not fit the theme of Epcot at all. At least now I will give it to them for going back and making the theme fit Epcots somewhat.

 

[dunnhorn]

Lol...I realized I had forgotten Ragland road after I posted.

Though... Being on the atlantic seaboard...I do have access to the Irish pub fairly often...

Now if I could only find an Italian place or two.....thousand

Enjoyed reading the discussion re: restaurants. We have definitely noticed a theme at some of the BLEH restaurants and quick service places. I call it the "WAS IT MADE HERE OR OFFSITE?" test. Once we really started paying attention, we were surprised at just how much of the food is made off of the restaurant premises, and just trucked in, reassembled and reheated, just like what is done at our kids elementary school (this is why we always pack their lunch.)

For example, if it serves BBQ, Fried Chicken, any kind of pasta dish, it was likely made offsite, and trucked in and reheated. If it is served in a big skillet on a line, or has any kind of gravy, same thing.

There are only a couple of restaurants --- the signature dining places --- where I do believe the food is fresh and actually made there and not "reheated to order."

 

[dunnhorn]

well...since you asked...

Brown Derby
Sanaa
Boma
Jiko
Artists Point
V&A's
California Grill
Olivias
Kona
Garden Grill (for the kiddies...though i appreciate that their approach has remained about the same)
coral reef (hit or miss there though)
chefs de france/bistro (or whatever its called now)
tutto italia and via napoli (outsourced but not bad)
Pucks, Portofino, Fultons
Liberty Tree or Crystal Palace occasionally for Lunch
Tusker House (again...occasionally)
Narcossee's or Citricos now and then...

and the crown jewel...beaches and cream


that's about it...kinda depressing, huh?

most of the character places, magic kingdom, most of studios, and most of the streamlined resort places....blech

Of this list - I was most intrigued by Olivia's. What is it about Olivias that makes it so great? (That was more of a rhetorical question, because we absolutely love Olivias.) Is it that it is mainly DVC members, or the pictures on the wall? Or the fact that you can just about ALWAYS get a table, and the food is above average and not over-the-top expensive like most of the other places?

Speaking of which, the last time we ate at Beaches & Cream, I really wanted to fling my burger out of the window. The desserts are to die for, but everything else was costco bleh.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

the fantasyland and magic band projects are what they are...i'm just not willing to give a "pass" based on what they did leading up to it. this is since 99-2000

ak opened soft...they have tinkered with it a little since...but it still needs alot of new vision...the avatar development should help there.

studios has remained relatively unchanged since 99...with the exception of a single new attraction that is somewhat difficult to navigate due to capacity...and the clone of the car show...which they all but eliminated from the schedule.

epcot has added mission space, soarin, and the nemo overlay at seas...but they've also mothballed wonders of life and let imagination rot....and only recently begun to breathe some life in the showcase...they seemed primed for a move.

and the kingdom added fantasyland...which is really a swap of things mothballed or rendered useless in the 95-2005 period...more than a little bit for capacity purposes....which also points to the bands project.

and they torpedoed downtown, let it sit, and are now finally getting back to what they were gonna do from the start - leased space for a cut.


This was a 15 year period....its just hasn't been anything close to a determined plan to reinvigorate....perhaps with the exception of fantasyland and the upcoming avatar development.

i'm waiting for more...they have the material to reinvest anyway they choose to go...and with their relentless assault on pricing...i expect them to step up now.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Of this list - I was most intrigued by Olivia's. What is it about Olivias that makes it so great? (That was more of a rhetorical question, because we absolutely love Olivias.) Is it that it is mainly DVC members, or the pictures on the wall? Or the fact that you can just about ALWAYS get a table, and the food is above average and not over-the-top expensive like most of the other places?

Speaking of which, the last time we ate at Beaches & Cream, I really wanted to fling my burger out of the window. The desserts are to die for, but everything else was costco bleh.

delightful!

as far as olivias...yeah, its all those things that you listed, dvc, not crowded, not pricey (too much)...
but the other thing i like...and kona cafe falls in this category as well...is that its basically the same type of food as they've always had...they mix it up and change out things over time...but its not the boiler plate menu that you get in about 50 other places...they do have a little bit of the "only get here" type stuff.

and beaches burger quality...i admit...has gone south from its peak in the late 90's...something doesn't taste quite right anymore...it tastes like the accountant is cooking.
but i'm probably done with it...to be honest. i'm not booking a $40 credit guaranteed reservation for 4 for a $35 meal...in a place that is so small that the reservations will be a nightmare. in the 400 seat venues, no shows and cancellations were no big deal because there was more than enough tables and flow. at beaches, they'll make people wait 90 minutes due to a couple of tables that don't show...and the nametags just do what's easiest...so they'll stand there and carry on and wait for the clock to cuckcoo like in the flintstones. this is the legacy of the blasted dining plan and the new 1984 policy...its gonna kill beaches.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Disney is creative. They'll bill it as a ride and call it "sinkhole"

well maybe then i could find something to book for my third fp+...

still can't find anything

 

[dunnhorn]

delightful!

and beaches burger quality...i admit...has gone south from its peak in the late 90's...something doesn't taste quite right anymore...it tastes like the accountant is cooking.
but i'm probably done with it...to be honest. i'm not booking a $40 credit guaranteed reservation for 4 for a $35 meal...in a place that is so small that the reservations will be a nightmare. in the 400 seat venues, no shows and cancellations were no big deal because there was more than enough tables and flow. at beaches, they'll make people wait 90 minutes due to a couple of tables that don't show...and the nametags just do what's easiest...so they'll stand there and carry on and wait for the clock to cuckcoo like in the flintstones. this is the legacy of the blasted dining plan and the new 1984 policy...its gonna kill beaches.

They so do not have enough dining venues around BC/YC that I think they could do anything with Beaches and it will still be at capacity. Personally, I think they need to be realistic and kill the arcade. Having an arcade right there outside of the largest pool on property just does not make sense. It would be one thing if it was in an indoor, enclosed area (like at WL on Contemp) where there is nothing for kids to do in the immediate vicinity but right there outside between bathrooms? No way. Why go to the arcade when you have a pool right there?

With the advent of every kid having a personal screen, or access to a personal screen, and WII/Xbox/PlayStation in just about every home of anyone who can afford to stay at BC/YC, the idea of devoting prime real estate to an arcade is just old and outdated. They need to rip it out and double the size of B&C and have a bigger To Go section, much like what Hurricane Hannas.

But then - they don't ask me. For years, my family and I have been very vocal on the idea of enclosing the porch underneath boardwalk and adding counter service there - but as you can see, that hasn't gotten any traction with Disney either....