Hoop-dee-doo and serious food waste.

[MistressMerryweather]

We loved the HDDR so much when we went 10 days ago, but the amount of food wasted absolutely killed me. I couldn't believe the amount of food they brought out for just two people. At least a whole chicken, a whole bucket of ribs. Very large portions of mashed potatoes, beans and strawberry shortcake.
Dh and I only ate a piece of chicken each and when they came to clear the table for dessert it dawned on me that the whole entire bucket would go into the trash. Sigh...why do they do that? Why not just bring a few pieces or ask which pieces we would prefer? I know they need to be quick and efficient, but people are starving all over the world. Imagine if all that chicken went to a soup kitchen in Orlando. I know, I know, the amount of food wasted by people at DW is unbelievable everywhere on the property...it still just kills me.

 

[Baltazar]

Worrying about things you have no control over is just a waste of time.

The food was paid for whether it is eaten or not.

 

[Millie12591]

While I understand what your saying, I think the pp said it best. Worry about what you can change, maybe next time ask them to only bring out a certain amount so as not to waste.

 

[MistressMerryweather]

Worrying about things you have no control over is just a waste of time.

The food was paid for whether it is eaten or not.

If everyone in the world thought that way, it would be really scary.
What does it matter if it was paid for? (((head scratch)))

 

[disnut8]

Well, you guys only ate a piece of chicken each. That's not what the average person would eat. And you ate none of the rest of the meal? I apologize but didn't you know what was served before you went there? If you didn't want the family style meal that's included with the show, then maybe you shouldn't have gone.

What you were served was for the average table of two. You didn't eat as much which is fine. But don't call out Disney for that.

 

[Baltazar]

If everyone in the world thought that way, it would be really scary.
What does it matter if it was paid for? (((head scratch)))

My point is so much food is disposed of all over this country. That's the price we pay for abundance that everyone is willing to pay.

Even homeless shelters and soup kitchens throw out food.

We seem to be geared "too much is better than too little".

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

You can always request less food. We are not huge fans of the beans, so the last time we were there I just told our waiter to skip the beans. I also told the waiter to bring lots of Sangria.


Wonderful waiter that he was, we had no beans, and lots of sangria.

So, if you and your hubby are light eaters, mention it to your waiter. I am sure he would be happy to bring you a bucket with only two pieces of chicken.

 

[Sammie]

Yes you can request less food if you go back. As to waste while I agree it is waste, it truly is no different than a buffet. I seriously doubt anyone eats all that is available. Each person at a buffet will eat different amounts.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

OP, I understand your angst. It is tough to see so much food go to waste, knowing that people are struggling. Last year, we asked cast members in the club level if any of the food that is not touched can be donated. They said that is not possible, for food safety reasons.

We've learned to accept that there will be a certain amount of waste, and try not to let it get to us. Even if you ask for less to be served to you, it has probably been prepared for X number of guests already.

 

[MistressMerryweather]

Well, you guys only ate a piece of chicken each. That's not what the average person would eat. And you ate none of the rest of the meal? I apologize but didn't you know what was served before you went there? If you didn't want the family style meal that's included with the show, then maybe you shouldn't have gone.

What you were served was for the average table of two. You didn't eat as much which is fine. But don't call out Disney for that.

Of course we at more than 1 piece of chicken for the whole meal. It most likely is what the average person would eat. We ate ribs, beans and potatoes as well. Yes, I knew what was served food-wise. I didn't read anywhere about the uneatable quantities. Who in the world would finish a whole chicken+, on top of a full bucket of ribs, etc.? In my opinion, it is a Disney fault. There is no need to serve that quantity of food for two people and we are *big* eaters, and I am not a skinny woman. Family style meal doesn't mean family of 6, when their are only two.

 

[MistressMerryweather]

My point is so much food is disposed of all over this country. That's the price we pay for abundance that everyone is willing to pay.

Even homeless shelters and soup kitchens throw out food.

We seem to be geared "too much is better than too little".

I agree with this. It's very true. My 7yo recently asked me why, "bigger is better". I said, "it's not".

 

[MistressMerryweather]

OP, I understand your angst. It is tough to see so much food go to waste, knowing that people are struggling. Last year, we asked cast members in the club level if any of the food that is not touched can be donated. They said that is not possible, for food safety reasons.

We've learned to accept that there will be a certain amount of waste, and try not to let it get to us. Even if you ask for less to be served to you, it has probably been prepared for X number of guests already.

Thanks.

I didn't want to start a complaining thread or be argumentative but it just gets to me sometimes. I wish I would have known ahead of time to ask for less, but it was our first time there. Next time, I'll know better. I don't want to allow myself to just not think about it since I can't really change the overall situation. It helps me to be grateful for what we have and helps me to keep thinking of others and what *can* be done. Thanks for the comments everyone!

 

[MinnieGi]

You know I think they only have one size "bucket". I've been with different size groups and always recall the same size "bucket" that if you are with a bigger group you just receive more buckets. You make a good point as a table of two you received way too much food. Our family of four received one bucket and plate of each of the food types and we didn't finish any of them either!!! I can't imagine all that food for just two! I guess b/c there are not a whole lot of tables of just two they don't downsize the portions which is a shame I agree.

 

[Hopefully]

Of course we at more than 1 piece of chicken for the whole meal. It most likely is what the average person would eat. We ate ribs, beans and potatoes as well. Yes, I knew what was served food-wise. I didn't read anywhere about the uneatable quantities. Who in the world would finish a whole chicken+, on top of a full bucket of ribs, etc.? In my opinion, it is a Disney fault. There is no need to serve that quantity of food for two people and we are *big* eaters, and I am not a skinny woman. Family style meal doesn't mean family of 6, when their are only two.

Were you a family of 5, as your signature indicates?
I disagree that your worry is Disney's "fault".
If this "waste" bothers you, 1) Ask for less for your table, 2) Choose to eat somewhere that you will not feel bad about.

We were a party of 6 and we ate most everything brought to us for 6. I don't think we are heavy eaters, but rather the amount served was the correct amount for our "average" party of 6.

Sorry you felt bad. Good Luck

 

[MistressMerryweather]

Were you a family of 5, as your signature indicates?
I disagree that your worry is Disney's "fault".
If this "waste" bothers you, 1) Ask for less for your table, 2) Choose to eat somewhere that you will not feel bad about.

We were a party of 6 and we ate most everything brought to us for 6. I don't think we are heavy eaters, but rather the amount served was the correct amount for our "average" party of 6.

Sorry you felt bad. Good Luck

No, it was just the two of us as stated in my op. We left the littles at home.
1) You can't ask for less if you don't know how much they will be bringing out in the first place. It was our first time there and no where was it stated how much food would be brought out, only what would be brought out.

2) I would eat at HDDR again, but would request way less qty and no beans. LOL

I agree with what MinnieGi said above. The buckets hold the same quantity for all parties, whether 2 or 6 and I think *that* is a Disney "fault".

 

[MistressMerryweather]

You know I think they only have one size "bucket". I've been with different size groups and always recall the same size "bucket" that if you are with a bigger group you just receive more buckets. You make a good point as a table of two you received way too much food. Our family of four received one bucket and plate of each of the food types and we didn't finish any of them either!!! I can't imagine all that food for just two! I guess b/c there are not a whole lot of tables of just two they don't downsize the portions which is a shame I agree.

I think this is it exactly. Thanks, MinnieGi!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

No, it was just the two of us as stated in my op. We left the littles at home.
1) You can't ask for less if you don't know how much they will be bringing out in the first place. It was our first time there and no where was it stated how much food would be brought out, only what would be brought out.

2) I would eat at HDDR again, but would request way less qty and no beans. LOL

I agree with what MinnieGi said above. The buckets hold the same quantity for all parties, whether 2 or 6 and I think *that* is a Disney "fault".

Then folks who eat more would complain that they have to keep bugging their waiter.


I do think your energy is wasted in condemning Disney who is likely only serving what their AVERAGE customer wants. Some will want even more, and some like you will want much less. While your heart is in a good place, likely their supply and demand indicates otherwise. If they notice a trend that they are throwing out tons of chicken...they will start buying and serving less, padding their profit lines a little more.

Donating foods to soup kitchens is not as easy as it sounds.

But take comfort in knowing that Panera Bread, nationwide--does offer their leftovers to charity. The charities must come and pick them up. But they do offer it. The food has never touched a consumers hands though. Feel free to patronize them knowing that their unpurchased items do not go to waste...unless the charity forgets or is otherwise unable to pick up the food.

 

[MistressMerryweather]

Then folks who eat more would complain that they have to keep bugging their waiter.


I do think your energy is wasted in condemning Disney who is likely only serving what their AVERAGE customer wants. Some will want even more, and some like you will want much less. While your heart is in a good place, likely their supply and demand indicates otherwise. If they notice a trend that they are throwing out tons of chicken...they will start buying and serving less, padding their profit lines a little more.

Donating foods to soup kitchens is not as easy as it sounds.

But take comfort in knowing that Panera Bread, nationwide--does offer their leftovers to charity. The charities must come and pick them up. But they do offer it. The food has never touched a consumers hands though. Feel free to patronize them knowing that their unpurchased items do not go to waste...unless the charity forgets or is otherwise unable to pick up the food.

I can't imagine that any 2 people could eat 1 full bucket of chicken, full bucket of ribs, large bowl of mashed pot, pot of beans, and large shared dessert...and I actually forgot all about the loaf of cornbread and the large salad. I guess there are those few, but generally I don't think so. I'm thinking they serve the same portions to tables of 1 or 6, and bring out more if requested. Your right though, I am sure they have it figured on monetary waste-wise and adjust as they see need. Still stinks though. LOL

Panera Bread is one of the only "fast" food we eat at. My best friend used to pick up leftovers for a food bank near her house and she was allowed a few items for herself which she shared. Such a great practice for a company. They also use natural antibiotic/hormone free chicken as well as some organics for kids meals.

 

[A_Princess'_Daddy]

We loved the HDDR so much when we went 10 days ago, but the amount of food wasted absolutely killed me. I couldn't believe the amount of food they brought out for just two people. At least a whole chicken, a whole bucket of ribs. Very large portions of mashed potatoes, beans and strawberry shortcake.
Dh and I only ate a piece of chicken each and when they came to clear the table for dessert it dawned on me that the whole entire bucket would go into the trash. Sigh...why do they do that? Why not just bring a few pieces or ask which pieces we would prefer? I know they need to be quick and efficient, but people are starving all over the world. Imagine if all that chicken went to a soup kitchen in Orlando. I know, I know, the amount of food wasted by people at DW is unbelievable everywhere on the property...it still just kills me.

I understand your frustration, OP. It does seem like a terrible waste, and for those who say not to bother caring or complaining, if the waste of food doesn't bother you in and of itself, the fact that the cost of such massive food waste is eventually passed on to us, as the consumers, should.

I will say that my wife and I own several restaurants as investments (we're not active in their operations, but I do oversee them at a macro level) and we're able to give away our excess food to local food pantries with little effort, so I suspect that WDW, with what is, shall we say, a significantly higher degree of sophistication, may be doing that, as well, so at least some good comes from it.

 

[mombrontrent]

I hate to see so much food go to waste too. They really should cater to the amount of people in the party better. We ate the family style lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe once and the gave us an enourmous amount of food even for our family of 5. It was really crazy, we came starving and couldn't finish half the food. I find the portions at Disney huge in general, which I usually like at CS restaurants because we get a couple meals and the 5 of us can split it, saves money and no waste.