Highway in the Sky Dine Around with Wishes viewing area

[AngiTN]

So this was my first estimate based on the original first hand reports:

$25 Valet
$8.50 Soup WAVE
$10 Drink WAVE one full pour
$20 2 Appetizers TRADER SAM
$11 Mai Tai TRADER SAM without keeping mug full pour
$46 Short Rib / Scallop CITRICOS
$10 Wine Pairing, 1 full glass or 2 half glasses, white and red
$18 Cheese Platter GF
$20 per glass Champagne GF , refills available, priced for 2
$50 SMALL dessert party with alcohol and fireworks view ($80 for MK one)
Cordial refills available but I'll just leave the price
$10 Gift box of Truffles to go
$0 3 Cast Members, plus resort CMs and special attention

So it's at $228 plus tip and tax ($280)
Even if you don't use Valet still good.
If you don't drink that drops you to around $160 plus tip and tax ($196)


Based on recent reports I am amending:

$0 New website mentions nothing about Valet being included
$8.50 Soup WAVE (maybe, reports are it is very small)
$10 Drink WAVE one full pour
$18 Appetizers TRADER SAM (reports these are small so reduced slightly the value)
$11 Mai Tai TRADER SAM without keeping mug full pour
$46 Short Rib / Scallop CITRICOS
$10 Wine Pairing, 1 full glass or 2 half glasses, white and red
$0 Cheese Platter GF
$8 per glass Champagne GF , refills available, priced for 2 (now just one on the go)
$20 SMALL dessert party with fireworks view ($80 for MK one) (reduced to 2 F&W sized desserts, cheese chunks)
Cordials and Coffee in above
$8 Gift box of Truffles to go (once saw inside probably overpriced so reduced)
$0 3 Cast Members, plus resort CMs and special attention

$139 plus tip and tax ($199)

How do you figure the bold above? Still get champagne, no? So you put $12 just on where you drink it? In the Tea Room vs. in the lobby? It's not served with cheese now but does that change it's cost/value?
And PP said they were told there was no reduction in desserts. I believe more needs to be known here. PP was receiving an allergy altered meal. That could have easily meant they saw different desserts too.
I guess I'm not enough of a cheese fan to be in a tizzy over that change.
The loss of a true course, yes. That deserves an answer.
But honestly, the cheese that PP said it was 3 and "chunks" is what cheese always is. Well, and slices of Brie.

 

[HopperFan]

How do you figure the bold above? Still get champagne, no? So you put $12 just on where you drink it? In the Tea Room vs. in the lobby? It's not served with cheese now but does that change it's cost/value?
And PP said they were told there was no reduction in desserts. I believe more needs to be known here. PP was receiving an allergy altered meal. That could have easily meant they saw different desserts too.
I guess I'm not enough of a cheese fan to be in a tizzy over that change.
The loss of a true course, yes. That deserves an answer.
But honestly, the cheese that PP said it was 3 and "chunks" is what cheese always is. Well, and slices of Brie.

- We can agree to disagree.
- Earlier reports were more than one glass of champagne were allowed so I had priced higher originally for 2 glasses.
- I also predict the glass flute in photos is larger than the plastic one handed out in lobby.
- Yes it does make a huge difference to have an interactive champagne & cheese gathering vs handed a plastic cup in the lobby.
- A cheese board with selection and beautiful presentation made it a nice & special portion of the event.
- And no cheese isn't just presented in chunks and slices, that is how it comes in the dairy section of grocery out of ziploc packages.
- Brie should not be serviced in slices.
- First hand report stated two desserts now. Photos and reviews for original evenings were 4-5. Reduction. Big difference to me.
- Perhaps PP was completely wrong there, but cheese at the dessert party portion has no appeal to me, unless it is addition not replacement.

I also came to the realization that no one that has gone is talking about it past the first few weeks. I searched social media for comments and pictures. I would expect more. FOR US, the changes they made and told PP will not be returning have reduced the value of the event for us. Am sure it will still be enjoyed by many, but the new format reduced our interest and perceived value.

 

[recmouse]

@HopperFan I was searching for more recent reviews as well and have found nothing; which I find odd as well. I'm still waiting for a reply from my email and am wondering if I'll be offered a reduction in price as I did ask that in my email. (insert Jeopardy music here... waiting... )

 

[HopperFan]

@HopperFan I was searching for more recent reviews as well and have found nothing; which I find odd as well. I'm still waiting for a reply from my email and am wondering if I'll be offered a reduction in price as I did ask that in my email. (insert Jeopardy music here... waiting... )

Right!?! Being something new and different and initially sold out in days ........... you would think in weeks to come there would be lots of tweets, instagrams etc. Even reviews on here. Pretty silent.

 

[AngiTN]

So why would that be? What reason would there be for there to be no reviews? No way for them to be censored, is there?

I'm more curious about the desserts than the cheese. I want additional confirmation that the desserts changed. PP was told there was no change in the amount of food offered, only in location for eating the cheese. To me that is a huge difference. Someone is wrong though.
Either GS told PP wrong or PP missed some of the desserts offered.

 

[Gilrond]

I, too, am trying to decide what to do based on the described changes. As a minimal drinker (was only planning on the wine with dinner) the value to me from beginning is the overall experience. Loss of the cheese board and the tea room location is a big deal. On the other hand, it would be interesting to know if there have been logistical issues with getting the group back to the Contemporary in a timely manner for the fireworks without having to have people feel rushed through the entrée.

 

[jpeden]

I, too, am trying to decide what to do based on the described changes. As a minimal drinker (was only planning on the wine with dinner) the value to me from beginning is the overall experience. Loss of the cheese board and the tea room location is a big deal. On the other hand, it would be interesting to know if there have been logistical issues with getting the group back to the Contemporary in a timely manner for the fireworks without having to have people feel rushed through the entrée.

I know they had one group that was forced to boat back to the CR so they could make it in time because they weren't going to make it back by riding the monorail. And I understand saying they could start earlier, but mine already starts at 4:45 (we would normally go for drinks around 7 and eat around 8) so I don't want it to start any earlier than it does. I think some of it was indeed cost cutting, but some of it was logistics.

 

[HopperFan]

So why would that be? What reason would there be for there to be no reviews? No way for them to be censored, is there?

I'm more curious about the desserts than the cheese. I want additional confirmation that the desserts changed. PP was told there was no change in the amount of food offered, only in location for eating the cheese. To me that is a huge difference. Someone is wrong though.
Either GS told PP wrong or PP missed some of the desserts offered.

I guess what I've noticed is that when something new comes up you hear lots from folks who loved it and folks who hated it. We aren't getting either. For me I know if we try something and it's "meh" "nice" "one and done" ........ then I don't come to here or social and talk about it because it wasn't awful but it wasn't great so I'd rather not sway anyone. I don't want to pay that much money for "nice". I could book my own courses, spend less, be in control and have it very nice for us.

I agree on desserts, and maybe it was a new change and it was messed up that night. But looking at past photos no way you mistake 4-5 for 2. Something either changed or went wrong that night.

I, too, am trying to decide what to do based on the described changes. As a minimal drinker (was only planning on the wine with dinner) the value to me from beginning is the overall experience. Loss of the cheese board and the tea room location is a big deal. On the other hand, it would be interesting to know if there have been logistical issues with getting the group back to the Contemporary in a timely manner for the fireworks without having to have people feel rushed through the entrée.

Totally agree that if they found they could not manage the schedule utilizing the monorail then you adjust. You adjust times, locations etc. You don't remove a course and dumb down the finale, if that is what has happened. There are plenty of small rooms, nooks or spaces that this could have been continued at either GF or CR. Or you change your starting point, it's not like by skipping the Wave it wouldn't have Contemporary time. Or you change the starting time.

I know they had one group that was forced to boat back to the CR so they could make it in time because they weren't going to make it back by riding the monorail. And I understand saying they could start earlier, but mine already starts at 4:45 (we would normally go for drinks around 7 and eat around 8) so I don't want it to start any earlier than it does. I think some of it was indeed cost cutting, but some of it was logistics.

My guess is early Wishes make it very hard to do AND with so many nights now, am sure the GVL has private bookings that now became a problem. So the easiest and most profitable decision was reduce the offering at the same price. But if you are reducing the event, reduce the price, easy. They've done it before.

Oh well, kinda getting used to disappointments.

 

[jo-jo]

What is the experience with the fire works? Is the entire balcony roped off? Can "outsiders" still watch the fireworks anywhere on the deck?

 

[TheFloatingBear]

I guess what I've noticed is that when something new comes up you hear lots from folks who loved it and folks who hated it. We aren't getting either. For me I know if we try something and it's "meh" "nice" "one and done" ........ then I don't come to here or social and talk about it because it wasn't awful but it wasn't great so I'd rather not sway anyone. I don't want to pay that much money for "nice". I could book my own courses, spend less, be in control and have it very nice for us.

I agree on desserts, and maybe it was a new change and it was messed up that night. But looking at past photos no way you mistake 4-5 for 2. Something either changed or went wrong that night.



Totally agree that if they found they could not manage the schedule utilizing the monorail then you adjust. You adjust times, locations etc. You don't remove a course and dumb down the finale, if that is what has happened. There are plenty of small rooms, nooks or spaces that this could have been continued at either GF or CR. Or you change your starting point, it's not like by skipping the Wave it wouldn't have Contemporary time. Or you change the starting time.



My guess is early Wishes make it very hard to do AND with so many nights now, am sure the GVL has private bookings that now became a problem. So the easiest and most profitable decision was reduce the offering at the same price. But if you are reducing the event, reduce the price, easy. They've done it before.

Oh well, kinda getting used to disappointments.

Maybe they want to start and finish at the same location for people traveling by car? Although I also agree that logistics might be a factor. I agree it's strange that there hasn't been more feedback. I've been hoping to book this for my April trip, so I've been following along, but I'm disappointed with the changes, especially after looking at that latest review you had posted a few pages back! I was really looking forward to that course at the GF! It seemed so fancy!

 

[HopperFan]

Maybe they want to start and finish at the same location for people traveling by car? Although I also agree that logistics might be a factor. I agree it's strange that there hasn't been more feedback. I've been hoping to book this for my April trip, so I've been following along, but I'm disappointed with the changes, especially after looking at that latest review you had posted a few pages back! I was really looking forward to that course at the GF!

Yes, I did think about that but it's only a monorail ride away ....... AND ......... the new website info no longer says valet is included.

 

[aviva5675]

When Dis called me in the afternoon to confirm she did specifically say there was valet parking. Our slips were validated at check in. I booked right away when the experience was announced, so not sure the valet was included because of that, as opposed to not including it for any future bookings.

 

[KodakFigment]

Cheese selection can vary but is usually Brie, Manchengo, Bleu or Gorgonzola and Cheddar. Assortment of breads and a fruit tray have been added. There are only 2 desserts. Four were tested the first week, then most popular were made permanent additions. Cordials vary but always at least 3 choices.
Valet parking is still included.

 

[AngiTN]

Makes sense. Thanks for an update

 

[jpeden]

Cheese selection can vary but is usually Brie, Manchengo, Bleu or Gorgonzola and Cheddar. Assortment of breads and a fruit tray have been added. There are only 2 desserts. Four were tested the first week, then most popular were made permanent additions. Cordials vary but always at least 3 choices.
Valet parking is still included.

So not only was there a substantial change in venue, they halved the dessert offerings as well? Interesting. Maybe I'm just an idiot, but I think it's very wrong of Disney to make these changes and not notify anyone. People who booked the original event are getting something that is a lot different in my opinion. Taking away the cheese course and adding it to the dessert party is removing a course. Halving the desserts is another issue. I was really looking forward to this event but now not so much. I think we'll cancel and do our own monorail crawl or have a nice dinner at Flying Fish or something like that.

 

[AngiTN]

So not only was there a substantial change in venue, they halved the dessert offerings as well? Interesting. Maybe I'm just an idiot, but I think it's very wrong of Disney to make these changes and not notify anyone. People who booked the original event are getting something that is a lot different in my opinion. Taking away the cheese course and adding it to the dessert party is removing a course. Halving the desserts is another issue. I was really looking forward to this event but now not so much. I think we'll cancel and do our own monorail crawl or have a nice dinner at Flying Fish or something like that.

Understandable. We couldn't come close to duplicating what they offer on our own and thankfully for us, find little value related to where we eat cheese. I'll go so far as to say I call a cheese course very lightly an entire course by itself anyway. If I did it would be before the meal, not after. I'd have liked more desserts but understand their reasoning for changing it. DH doesn't eat it at all, so for us, there is no loss in value.

 

[HopperFan]

Cheese selection can vary but is usually Brie, Manchengo, Bleu or Gorgonzola and Cheddar. Assortment of breads and a fruit tray have been added. There are only 2 desserts. Four were tested the first week, then most popular were made permanent additions. Cordials vary but always at least 3 choices.
Valet parking is still included.

So not only was there a substantial change in venue, they halved the dessert offerings as well? Interesting. Maybe I'm just an idiot, but I think it's very wrong of Disney to make these changes and not notify anyone. People who booked the original event are getting something that is a lot different in my opinion. Taking away the cheese course and adding it to the dessert party is removing a course. Halving the desserts is another issue. I was really looking forward to this event but now not so much. I think we'll cancel and do our own monorail crawl or have a nice dinner at Flying Fish or something like that.

Sigh. I can understand them trying to fine tune the dessert party course if they found there was wasted food items. But I can't wrap my head around paying the same for a 20% reduction in courses. Especially the only private, and an interactive course that made the night more than just eating. If indeed it was timing and logistics, it makes more sense to eliminate the first one with it's travel time.

The part I couldn't create is now gone, and I now think I can create a better experience for us on our own. The Wave check in was not anything I care about, I would rather be INSIDE Trader Sam's ordering drinks and appetizers, I can then book dinner anywhere for dinner, even California Grill with fireworks viewing. Or maybe dinner at the Wave, followed by dessert and fireworks at California Grill.

Add I get valet already with TiW and I can get meals/drinks discounted with TiW - ordering what I want instead of wine, getting more what I want for less money. All is good.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Understandable. We couldn't come close to duplicating what they offer on our own and thankfully for us, find little value related to where we eat cheese. I'll go so far as to say I call a cheese course very lightly an entire course by itself anyway. If I did it would be before the meal, not after. I'd have liked more desserts but understand their reasoning for changing it. DH doesn't eat it at all, so for us, there is no loss in value.

I enjoy cheese. But I can't see that it is a course unto itself. Or to say that by combining it with another course somehow reduces what you are receiving.

 

[HopperFan]

Just cancelled for March 11th for 2 if anyone is interested.

 

[jpeden]

I enjoy cheese. But I can't see that it is a course unto itself. Or to say that by combining it with another course somehow reduces what you are receiving.

A cheese course is pretty standard. Also, this was billed as five courses:

1. The Wave - App/Drink
2. Trader Sam's- Apps/Drinks
3. Citricos - Dinner/Wine
4. Tea Room - Cheese Board/Champnge
5. Contemporary Deck - Dessert Party/Cordials

They've eliminated stop number four by taking the champagne from being poured by waiters in glass flutes and cheese boards being brought by waiters to having champagne being served at the end of the Citricos Bar in plastic cups and being drank in the lobby and the cheese being placed at stop number five on a dessert buffet that has now been reduced by 50%. All of this without notice to those of us who booked an event that original contained all five segments. To me, that is a major downgrade.

It's not just about WHERE they serve the cheese and champange. It's also HOW they serve the cheese and champagne. When I'm paying $158 a person, I don't expect champagne in a disposable glass. Maybe I'm expecting too much, but a $49 dessert party at EPCOT, that's fine. What was billed as a five course, high end progressive dinner at the delexue monorail resorts, no.