Disney needs to change their menu boards

[disneysteve]

Am I the only one who feels this way? I think Disney's menu boards at CS locations are inadequate. They don't list all of the options available. They don't properly list the prices of the items that are on the board. I think they cause a lot of guests to spend a lot more money than necessary and get food items that they don't really want or need (which is probably exactly Disney's point).

You probably all know what I'm talking about. The menu board says "cheeseburger with fries" but doesn't mention a plain burger or getting just the burger without the fries for a lower cost. Or the board mentions "vegetable burger with fries" but doesn't mention that you can get it with cheese for an extra fee. Even the pricing listed isn't always accurate. At one location, the board said "vegetable burger with cheese served with fries or cole slaw - $7.09". I would assume that meant that you will pay $7.09 whether you choose the fries or the cole slaw but that isn't the case. It is $7.09 if you get fries but only $6.99 if you choose cole slaw.

This causes a lot of families to get way more food than they need and creates a tremendous amount of waste. I know one order of fries is plenty for the 3 of us so we know to order one combo and two plain sandwiches but I often look around and see a family of 5or 6 people with just as many orders of fries covering the table and I know there is no way they will all get eaten - most will end up in the trash which is a waste of money and food.

The kids meals aren't listed accurately either. I saw a few times where the board said the kids meal came with grapes or carrot sticks but when someone actually ordered a kids meal, the cashier rattled off a list of all of the actual side choices which also included applesauce, yogurt, fries, a cookie, etc., none of which were mentioned on the menu. Imagine the confusion when a parent finally gets their kids to tell what they want only to reach the register and find out that there are a bunch of choices they didn't know about. It ends up slowing down the line as people stand their changing their minds and changing their orders.

Maybe I'm making too much of this but we encountered these issues over and over again during our recent trip both with our own choices and those of people ahead of us in line. It seems to me there must be a more efficient way to list what is actually available and how much it actually costs.

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

I totally agree. A few years ago we were having lunch at Blizzard Beach. My kids both wanted burgers, one wanted a cheese burger, one wanted a hamburger. There were no burgers listed on the kid's menu, and only a double burger listed on the main menu. I asked if I could purchase the double burger, get the cheese on the side, and an extra bun. I was told I'd have to pay almost $5 for the extra bun because "Disney was trying to stop people from purchasing the double burger and a cheap extra bun" (these were the CMs words, not mine). I explained that my kids wanted a burger, but there was no way they could each eat a double burger by themselves, and that one wanted cheese and the other didn't, and that one of my sons is allergic to poultry so that leaves very little that he could have/wants on the kid's menu. She then tells me that I can get a "kids" burger meal and that you can also order a single burger if you don't want a double. None of that was listed on the menu and if I hadn't asked I would have either wasted a ton of money and food by purchasing the double burgers, or my kids would have had to settle for other items that they didn't really want off the kid's menu. Is it really that hard to list all that is available?????

 

[sharonabe]

This causes a lot of families to get way more food than they need and creates a tremendous amount of waste. I know one order of fries is plenty for the 3 of us so we know to order one combo and two plain sandwiches but I often look around and see a family of 5or 6 people with just as many orders of fries covering the table and I know there is no way they will all get eaten - most will end up in the trash which is a waste of money and food.

Unfortunately, the majority of those other families are probably on the dining plan and getting the "value" out of the plan by ordering the combo for everyone.

 

[disneysteve]

None of that was listed on the menu and if I hadn't asked

Exactly. Why should a guest have to ask? If there was a hamburger kids meal, why wasn't it on the menu?

My daughter is vegetarian and sometimes the listed kids meals were all meat items. I wonder how many places we walked out of had an option we didn't know about because it wasn't on the menu.

 

[disneysteve]

Unfortunately, the majority of those other families are probably on the dining plan and getting the "value" out of the plan by ordering the combo for everyone.

One more reason why I'm not a fan of the dining plan.

 

[MedicGoofy]

Am I the only one who feels this way? I think Disney's menu boards at CS locations are inadequate. They don't list all of the options available. They don't properly list the prices of the items that are on the board. I think they cause a lot of guests to spend a lot more money than necessary and get food items that they don't really want or need (which is probably exactly Disney's point).

You probably all know what I'm talking about. The menu board says "cheeseburger with fries" but doesn't mention a plain burger or getting just the burger without the fries for a lower cost. Or the board mentions "vegetable burger with fries" but doesn't mention that you can get it with cheese for an extra fee. Even the pricing listed isn't always accurate. At one location, the board said "vegetable burger with cheese served with fries or cole slaw - $7.09". I would assume that meant that you will pay $7.09 whether you choose the fries or the cole slaw but that isn't the case. It is $7.09 if you get fries but only $6.99 if you choose cole slaw.

This causes a lot of families to get way more food than they need and creates a tremendous amount of waste. I know one order of fries is plenty for the 3 of us so we know to order one combo and two plain sandwiches but I often look around and see a family of 5or 6 people with just as many orders of fries covering the table and I know there is no way they will all get eaten - most will end up in the trash which is a waste of money and food.

The kids meals aren't listed accurately either. I saw a few times where the board said the kids meal came with grapes or carrot sticks but when someone actually ordered a kids meal, the cashier rattled off a list of all of the actual side choices which also included applesauce, yogurt, fries, a cookie, etc., none of which were mentioned on the menu. Imagine the confusion when a parent finally gets their kids to tell what they want only to reach the register and find out that there are a bunch of choices they didn't know about. It ends up slowing down the line as people stand their changing their minds and changing their orders.

Maybe I'm making too much of this but we encountered these issues over and over again during our recent trip both with our own choices and those of people ahead of us in line. It seems to me there must be a more efficient way to list what is actually available and how much it actually costs.

I totally agree. A few years ago we were having lunch at Blizzard Beach. My kids both wanted burgers, one wanted a cheese burger, one wanted a hamburger. There were no burgers listed on the kid's menu, and only a double burger listed on the main menu. I asked if I could purchase the double burger, get the cheese on the side, and an extra bun. I was told I'd have to pay almost $5 for the extra bun because "Disney was trying to stop people from purchasing the double burger and a cheap extra bun" (these were the CMs words, not mine). I explained that my kids wanted a burger, but there was no way they could each eat a double burger by themselves, and that one wanted cheese and the other didn't, and that one of my sons is allergic to poultry so that leaves very little that he could have/wants on the kid's menu. She then tells me that I can get a "kids" burger meal and that you can also order a single burger if you don't want a double. None of that was listed on the menu and if I hadn't asked I would have either wasted a ton of money and food by purchasing the double burgers, or my kids would have had to settle for other items that they didn't really want off the kid's menu. Is it really that hard to list all that is available?????

I have to say, I kind of disagree with this. To me, the CS at Disney is no different than walking into a McDonald's or Wendy's or whatever food chain you have in your state.... At my McDonald's here, they no longer have the basic burger meal...it's a bacon cheeseburger meal. I'm lactose intolerant. But I want that meal. I just tell then to keep the cheese off. In doing so, the knock a small portion of the cost off.

If Disney HAD to put ALL the options up on their boards....the amount boards containing food choices could be endless. It would encompass the room. If you could get grapes for this price instead of chips. Coleslaw instead of grapes for this price. Leave this off a burger for this price. Sure, does it make for more thought at a register, maybe. BUT, there is no reason that a person can't look at the board, see something they want similar to what is being offered and ask them to a)leave something off and/or b)make a change in a side. Ask if they have a child meal of something. Don't just assume they don't because it's not there. You won't get anywhere without asking a question, what's the worst that will happen? They can't accomodate?

Wendy's is a perfect example. They have side listed. But they don't tell you all the combos. If they did. They would need wider board space. Something they don't have.

If Disney gave ALL the options on boards spread out for feet above the ordering stations, people would be more confused over choices rather than seeing something and possibly making a change to it.

I do understand what your saying. I do get that it would be nice to see the choices. I don't see how it's possible. I don't see it at other fast food places, so I don't see how Disney should or would do it.

 

[disneysteve]

I do understand what your saying. I do get that it would be nice to see the choices. I don't see how it's possible.

I agree with you to an extent. Listing every possible combination would be ridiculous but there needs to be some happy medium. They should at least list the available options. The Blizzard Beach example of the kids burger meal is a good example. How would any reasonable parent know that there was a kids burger meal just because there happened to be a double burger on the adult menu? Or my example of the sides available with the kids meal. If the menu board only says grapes or carrot sticks, how would I know to ask for applesauce if that item didn't even appear anywhere on the menu?

As for comparing to other restaurants, I think typical chains like McD or Wendy's do it better. They list combo meals but they also list individual items. Disney chooses to only list the combos which is where I think the problem arises. Many people simply don't realize there are other options.

 

[Tricia1972]

I agree with the PP. It would be nice to have, but it's probably not realistic to have a menu board with all options. Even if they went to computer screens where space wasn't an issue, simply reading all of the choices would be overwhelming and would slow down the lines to order.

Definitely ask if you want something done differently and how that change will affect the price. The CMs should be able to quickly calculate any alterations to the menu on their registers.

Also, for anyone with allergies of any sort - be sure to talk to the manager at the CS locations upon arrival. They can do a lot of different things for you that aren't on the menu at all. (Guest Services suggests speaking to a MGR vs talking to a Cashier because the MRG knows the ins and outs of the menu, preparation, etc.)

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

I have to say, I kind of disagree with this. To me, the CS at Disney is no different than walking into a McDonald's or Wendy's or whatever food chain you have in your state.... At my McDonald's here, they no longer have the basic burger meal...it's a bacon cheeseburger meal. I'm lactose intolerant. But I want that meal. I just tell then to keep the cheese off. In doing so, the knock a small portion of the cost off.

Oh I have no problem with asking to leave something off a meal. Like if a cheese burger is listed of course I know I can request it without the cheese. That's just common sense, pure and simple. I don't think you are fully understanding the complaint. I don't recall anyone saying they want a menu with every imaginable posibility as in cheese/no cheese, what can be put on or left off a burger. Just at least list all that is available, such as sides, and actual meals that are available.

What I do have a problem with is the fact that I could get a kid's burger meal, but no where on the kid's menu is a burger meal listed. And side items are another problem. If they have all these other side items, but they are not listed how are people supposed to know they can get those??? Then what do they do when these items don't get purchased in time?? Throw it all out when it gets outdated because no one asked for them even tho they are sitting there behind the counter unadvertised?

Editing to note that I went back and reread some of the posts and now I do agree that the OP did kind of suggest they wanted all options (cheese vs. no cheese kind of thing) listed. I have to agree with some of the other posters that that's probably a bit unrealistic. However, I still think they can do a better job at listing all available side items, and all available meals, such as the kid's burger meal that was available, but not listed at BB. There is definitely room for improvement. I know it took me way longer than it should have to order our food at BB, I felt bad for the people behind me. But, had the kid's burger been listed on the kid's menu it would have taken me less than half the time to place my order.

 

[MedicGoofy]

I do fully understand the complaint, thank you. It is written out quite well by the original poster and yourself, pure and simple.

I said I understood the complaint. I DO understand. While yes, it would have been nice to have had the childs burger listed on the childs menu, it wasn't. My disagreement is in ALL the side. To put all the sides, would take another half/full board unless listed in the 'fine' print. Where, in most of these CS locations, would they put said extra board space? Take something else away? And then all the other 'options' that are being talked about.

I fully understand the complaint. My thought, MY thought, is that it is not possible for Disney, OR other CS places (Disney or not) to be able to start putting all possible options on the menu boards. They simply don't have the room for it. While it would be nice.

Again, ask for something to be taken off. Simple. And just ask if there is another side. Just don't assume that what is listed is just what they have. I never do. Most others that I have heard in line don't. Particularily at Disney. At fast food places here, if one place has it, I would ask if another has it, even though it is not listed on the board. McDonalds no longer has the cookies listed on their board, but they sell them. Plain and simple: ASK.

 

[disneysteve]

Just at least list all that is available, such as sides, and actual meals that are available.

the OP did kind of suggest they wanted all options (cheese vs. no cheese kind of thing) listed. I have to agree with some of the other posters that that's probably a bit unrealistic

I actually agree, too. My OP went a bit too far in that regard. I think simply listing available options would be a big improvement.

To put all the sides, would take another half/full board unless listed in the 'fine' print. Just don't assume that what is listed is just what they have.

if one place has it, I would ask if another has it, even though it is not listed on the board. McDonalds no longer has the cookies listed on their board, but they sell them.

Here I'd have to disagree. I don't think it is fair to expect the guests to know what to ask for. It is one thing to ask if they can leave the cheese off the burger (or add cheese). That's fine. It is another thing to expect guests to know they can ask for cookies or applesauce or entire meals that don't appear anywhere on the menu. You and I may know that because we are regular visitors. People not so familiar with the system wouldn't have a clue.

 

[Tricia1972]

Have they removed the reference to applesauce, carrots, etc from the kids menu section?

 

[disneysteve]

Have they removed the reference to applesauce, carrots, etc from the kids menu section?

It depends on the location. Some places say you get a choice of two of the following and then list the options. Some just say the kids meal comes with grapes and carrot sticks with no mention of the other options even though apparently they have all of the same options as the places that do list them. It is very inconsistent.

 

[livndisney]

I actually agree, too. My OP went a bit too far in that regard. I think simply listing available options would be a big improvement.

Here I'd have to disagree. I don't think it is fair to expect the guests to know what to ask for. It is one thing to ask if they can leave the cheese off the burger (or add cheese). That's fine. It is another thing to expect guests to know they can ask for cookies or applesauce or entire meals that don't appear anywhere on the menu. You and I may know that because we are regular visitors. People not so familiar with the system wouldn't have a clue.

Considering all the "requests" people make at WDW on a daily basis, I am surprised that people would not know/think to ask.

I don't see how it is possible to list all options. To me it is common sense to order a cheeseburger without cheese, if I wanted a hamburger. Just the same as it is to order a hamburger without fries. I really don't think it is necessary to post all that on a board. To say nothing of the fact that if WDW did post everything on a board, the print would be so small no one could read it anyway!

 

[bumbershoot]

Just at least list all that is available, such as sides, and actual meals that are available.

What I do have a problem with is the fact that I could get a kid's burger meal, but no where on the kid's menu is a burger meal listed. And side items are another problem. If they have all these other side items, but they are not listed how are people supposed to know they can get those???

Yes, exactly!


DH and I were wishy washy about food, so there were times when we ordered at separate times. DH came to the table with something, from the same area of the food court (specifically at CBR this time) that I'd ordered from, with something VERY different from what was listed.

It was listed when he was there. The displays *change*. And they do not list everything all at once. So I ordered based on the things listed when I was there, and he did the same...and he got something that I would have liked FAR more than whatever relative nastiness I got.

And since this was early on, I was clued in, and therefore we would hang back, waiting to see if the boards were going to change. Many times, they did (the digital ones, like TVs, is what I'm talking about).

Annoying.

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

Yes, exactly!


DH and I were wishy washy about food, so there were times when we ordered at separate times. DH came to the table with something, from the same area of the food court (specifically at CBR this time) that I'd ordered from, with something VERY different from what was listed.

It was listed when he was there. The displays *change*. And they do not list everything all at once. So I ordered based on the things listed when I was there, and he did the same...and he got something that I would have liked FAR more than whatever relative nastiness I got.

And since this was early on, I was clued in, and therefore we would hang back, waiting to see if the boards were going to change. Many times, they did (the digital ones, like TVs, is what I'm talking about).

Annoying.

Yes, we noticed those "changing"screens at CBR, and a few other locations if I'm not mistaken. Those I was OK with. We tended to always have a long enough wait to realize the screens would change, plus my kids can take a while to decide what they want sometimes so I often find myself staring at those menus for far too long. LOL.

 

[disneysteve]

Yes, we noticed those "changing"screens at CBR, and a few other locations if I'm not mistaken. Those I was OK with.

I'm fine with the changing boards. In fact, that is a good way to solve the issue I'm talking about - listing more of the available options. That's the way many non-Disney restaurants handle it now.

 

[hintofspy]

Honestly, a lot of the options that are not listed are probably not listed for a reason - maybe because they don't carry many on hand (only in cases of people who are allergic to the listed options, etc.). Having worked in several dining halls and similar quick service type places, I can tell you we used to carry MANY things that we never advertised, just in case a diner was allergic or had an aversion to given options... that way, we could please as many as possible (99% with what was readily available, and 1% with special requests), but still keep our bottom line down. Even some chains do this (I know Cracker Barrel is one). I understand your point, but there is probably a very good business reason for it on Disney's part.

 

[disneysteve]

Honestly, a lot of the options that are not listed are probably not listed for a reason - maybe because they don't carry many on hand

I understand your point, but there is probably a very good business reason for it on Disney's part.

At least in the examples I was giving, this clearly isn't the case. With the kids meal, the board said it came with grapes and carrot sticks but when you actually order, the cashier gives you the full list of options, not reserving that list only for people who made a special request. And with the other example of being able to order a single burger when only a double burger is on the menu, that wouldn't apply either.

 

[Elmo9607]

When I worked at Cosmic Rays, we always got many, many, many requests from guests who wanted this instead of that, this on the side, ect. I never met anyone who was hesitant to ask for grapes instead of fries or just a plain hamburger. The thought that someone might not realize all the options we had never crossed my mind.

I will say, though, that the way they had the kids meals listed was MADDENING. The menu stated you got the entree, and two sides of grapes or carrots, with milk or water to drink. In reality, you could get grapes, carrots, applesauce, fries, or a cookie, and any drink you wanted. It was that plus the fact that you got TWO sides that just confused guests (and kids!!) left and right.