I will never complain about Disney's food prices again

[smiths02]

I haven't been in a couple of years, and I won't complain about the prices, but I think there is also a sticker shock component to Disney...

Our DDP during peak season is $544.85 (for my family of 3-2 adults, 1 child). With tips, one OOP meal and a few alcoholic drinks...I am looking at $750 for my family to eat for 5 "nights"

For $750, my family could normally eat for a month (including going out a few times a week and buying lots of fresh fruit and veggies).


But we have a local attraction...Stone Mountain. It is much cheaper to get into than Disney, but the food prices are at least as high. I remember when we went to Disney in 2009, we went to St. Mtn. and I was remarking how the icees cost more than Disney (as did most of the drinks). They have a Honeybaked ham store and we went (and I got a 10% discount since I am a pass holder)...the food was not good there either (and I love Honeybaked ham) and at least as expensive as counter service at Disney

The movies also get me...my 4 year old and I went to see Rango at a theatre with full service menu. We paid $25 to eat chicken tenders, fries, a chicken sandwich and share 1 large root beer. None of it was inedible, but it wasn't any better than McDs. I'd rather eat at Sci Fi

 

[Tricia1972]

And you would think since Disney has you more or less "captive" for a week, they could charge what they'd like, no? Just look at the posts on Atlantis in this thread. That's a a full vacation overpaying for food

Sorry, I just don't get people who complain about Disney prices.

My post wasn't a comment at all about your post, or someone in your situation. I was thinking about the OP and the discrepancy of level of indignation and what some had asked before, which were examples of museums, etc. Clearly different from your experience.

 

[eliza61]

Disney is incredibly reasonable considering what you pay at other parks, sporting events, etc. Even at NY's major museums, the cafeteria food is more expensive than Disney CS!
I'm always stunned when people complain about the food prices or quality at Disney. Do they not go anywhere else???

I dont understand it either. When I am going to an amusement park of any sort (or the airport), I expect things to be expensive so I don't get mad when something costs more.

Most folks who complain about Disney prices, complain that the quality does not match the price. I think if you read most of the recent complaints, you will find that almost all say the same thing. We would gladly pay 50 bucks for a steak, if it was actually a good steak. what gets us upset is when we pay 50 dollars for a steak in a supposedly now a signature restaurant and it taste the same as what we get at Outbacks for 20 bucks. Yes, we know it's going to be more due to location but come on, you can't hire a chef who knows what "medium" means?

Sure, we go a lot of places and that may contribute to the complaints.

Once again you're not comparing apples to apples. A sporting event is at tops what a 6 hour event.

Your tag says you're from NY. I lived in NY 40 years are you telling me that the pizza at Pizza planet is the same stuff you get on ANY street corner in NYC? Really? please be truthfully. NO way, NO how would any place in Manhattan get away with that garbage. Pizza planet is boy scout frozen fundraising pizza.

Also, most folks here don't really care about cs. a burger, is a burger, is a burger but sorry, when I sit down at Tony's and the marinara sauce taste like it's ragu without a drop of spices, well I probably should ask you, where the heck in NYC do you eat where you get a plate of tasteless pasta and charged $20 bucks for it. Heck, the spots in the middle of time square, the tourist trap destination of the world manage to pull of a decent red sauce.

Any time a 6 year old doesn't eat the spaghetti because he says it "taste funny" then you know you've got problems.

Hey, I'll say it again. I will gladly pay inflated prices, it would be nice if once, just once I could say "Wow, that was a great meal" instead of " It was just ok, It tasted the same as TGI fridays". That's what I object to.

 

[eliza61]

I find it very ironic that if some one bashes disney and calls it a glorified amusement park, people here will get up in arms and declare..."Disney is not an amusement park, it is a themed vacation destination". So if htat's true why are you all comparing it to ball parks, amusement parks and the airport?


If its suppposedly so much better than 6 flags, why are you comparing the food to 6 flags. Why aren't you comparing it to other vacation destinations like Vegas, Cancun Mexico or heck even one of the national parks?

I just find it funny that some times Disney is supposedly better than an amusement park and then other times we use 6 flags as a litmus test.

 

[TisBit]

I find it very ironic that if some one bashes disney and calls it a glorified amusement park, people here will get up in arms and declare..."Disney is not an amusement park, it is a themed vacation destination". So if htat's true why are you all comparing it to ball parks, amusement parks and the airport?


If its suppposedly so much better than 6 flags, why are you comparing the food to 6 flags. Why aren't you comparing it to other vacation destinations like Vegas, Cancun Mexico or heck even one of the national parks?

I just find it funny that some times Disney is supposedly better than an amusement park and then other times we use 6 flags as a litmus test.

Well, the problem is that it really depends on what you are talking about and comparing. See, Disney is a destination that contains amusement parks. But, comparing it to Vegas or Cancun is not feasible, they are city's....while they might be high tourist area's, they are not an end all vacation destination.

I think comparing it to a national park, which is self contained with its own resorts/restaurants would be comparable. Comparing it to a large resort like atlantis is more on par or even some of the larger ski resorts...which offer everying in one. There is never a "true" comparison, because you have to factor in size, location, amneties and activities. WDW has more activities and amneties than almost any other destination. They offer boat rentals, fishing, parasailing, jetskiing, amusement parks, resorts, restaurants, shopping and the list goes on.....all operated and controlled by a single entity. Yes, there are third party vendors, but they all serve at the will of Disney and must meet their standards/expectations.

 

[Sgt Tibbs]

Yes; soda, pop, soda pop, soft drinks, cokes, etc. Just depends on the local slang.

In New England some people still call it "tonic". A term for the 90's as in the 1890's that is still part of the local vocabulary as is a "frap" as in frappe or milk shake, and in Rhode Island they call them cabinets, but I digress.

If you want to talk about prices, I took my then 12 year old son and a couple of his freinds to a Red Sox game last year. 3 growing boys eating and drinking all afternoon. I'll never complain about Disney ticket or food prices again either.

 

[Jessica527]

Has anyone even been to Knoebels in Pennsylvania? It is a hometown amusement park that is very fair in pricing. Their meals are typically cheaper than going to McDonalds and there is a lot of variety.

Now of course this is no Disney, Six Flags, or Cedar Point…But it is a great experience for someone looking for fun, fair priced entertainment!

 

[amcnj]

I think most of the complaints about food prices of recent have referred to table service meals, rather than counter service. I am also a little fearful that someone from Disney corporate may be reading this and saying, "Oh yeah, why haven't we thought to jack up the counter service more too?"...

 

[jking6]

We go to King's Dominion about every year and I agree with the poster the prices are out rageous. We leave the park and go to Dennys (just out side the parking lot). From Sodas to water to snacks etc all food prices are MUCH higher than Disney. and the taste is YUCK!!!! I have never eaten anything good!!!!!
If you ask why do we go it's beacause they have the best ROLLER COASTERS on the east coast or at least the best within 8 hours of where I live...

 

[JohnNYC]

Most folks who complain about Disney prices, complain that the quality does not match the price. I think if you read most of the recent complaints, you will find that almost all say the same thing. We would gladly pay 50 bucks for a steak, if it was actually a good steak. what gets us upset is when we pay 50 dollars for a steak in a supposedly now a signature restaurant and it taste the same as what we get at Outbacks for 20 bucks. Yes, we know it's going to be more due to location but come on, you can't hire a chef who knows what "medium" means?

Sure, we go a lot of places and that may contribute to the complaints.

Once again you're not comparing apples to apples. A sporting event is at tops what a 6 hour event.

Your tag says you're from NY. I lived in NY 40 years are you telling me that the pizza at Pizza planet is the same stuff you get on ANY street corner in NYC? Really? please be truthfully. NO way, NO how would any place in Manhattan get away with that garbage. Pizza planet is boy scout frozen fundraising pizza.

Also, most folks here don't really care about cs. a burger, is a burger, is a burger but sorry, when I sit down at Tony's and the marinara sauce taste like it's ragu without a drop of spices, well I probably should ask you, where the heck in NYC do you eat where you get a plate of tasteless pasta and charged $20 bucks for it. Heck, the spots in the middle of time square, the tourist trap destination of the world manage to pull of a decent red sauce.

Any time a 6 year old doesn't eat the spaghetti because he says it "taste funny" then you know you've got problems.

Hey, I'll say it again. I will gladly pay inflated prices, it would be nice if once, just once I could say "Wow, that was a great meal" instead of " It was just ok, It tasted the same as TGI fridays". That's what I object to.

Even TGI Fridays is expensive these days! And yes, there are plenty of place in Disney I would equate in quality, Whispering Canyon and Sci-Fi come to mind, but neither of those is outlandishly priced. A burger at a local diner here in NY is about the same as Sci-Fi these days...no movie screen either!

What you say about pizza and burgers is obviously true, if that's been your experience. I haven't eaten at Tony's or Pizza Planet, so I can't comment on their food. Honestly, we've avoided those because we figured they might not be too great.

As far as counter service, we were shocked by how good some of the countries in WS were, as well as Sunshine Seasons in EPCOT. In MK, and a few resorts, we've had decent CS (better than fast food) that I feel were priced fairly.

As far as steaks, look, we have Peter Luger here in Brooklyn....obviously not expecting that at Disney! I have had very good steaks though at Narcoossee, Yachtsman, and Le Cellier (cooked perfect, medium, every time I've had it). A little overpriced? Maybe, but factor in location, and it's debatable....and, of course, much cheaper than Peter Luger!

I've had fantastic meals at Jiko, Flying Fish, California Grill, Brown Derby, and other sigs and non-sigs that I feel were totally priced appropriately for the quality, atmoshpere, and location.

Oh, and about pizza....Via Napoli is pretty amazing - and this coming from a Brooklyn Italian-American who has also had Neopolitan pizza in Naples - they actually serve authentic Neopolitan pizza! My wife speaks Italian and got into a conversation with one of the servers - they import everything, even the spring water for the dough, from Italy.

I probably could nitpick if I wanted to, but really can't complain much about Disney dining or their pricing, but do you know what I really hate overpaying for???....simple drinks like WATER! Soft drinks and water should be a buck a bottle, everywhere! My personal pet peeve.

 

[JohnNYC]

Has anyone even been to Knoebels in Pennsylvania? It is a hometown amusement park that is very fair in pricing. Their meals are typically cheaper than going to McDonalds and there is a lot of variety.

Now of course this is no Disney, Six Flags, or Cedar Point…But it is a great experience for someone looking for fun, fair priced entertainment!

Yes! It's a little treasure of a place, preserved from a lost era. We love it there.

 

[Anthony1971]

I hate to be the negative one here, but I think complaints about Disney's pricing are justified. In my case, I've accepted that food at Disney World (or Las Vegas, or New York City, or any other tourist destination) will be overpriced compared to the real world.

NYC and for that fact Vegas (however not as much as most may not eat at the hotels) are not ONLY tourist destinations there are people that live there and pay what you consider tourist prices... even when you go to the outer boroughs of NYC Dinsey is still cheaper and mostly better food

 

[OThopeful35]

For every 1 person that will pay $50 bucks for a good steak, there is 500 more people that I bet will not. Everybody cannot be happy all the time One thing I have noticed on the DIS boards in reading all the dining reviews is that some people say this restaurant was horrible and then somebody else will say it was the best meal they've had at Disney

 

[MomiTo2SwtGuys]

Wow, that is a lot of money for quick service. I would have to agree with you that Disney food would be less expensive. Never thought I would say that.

 

[chartle]

What is soda? R u refering to soft drinks? Just a little lost on the conversation.

Yes; soda, pop, soda pop, soft drinks, cokes, etc. Just depends on the local slang.

Try here.

http://www.popvssoda.com/

And in western PA its pop.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

NYC and for that fact Vegas (however not as much as most may not eat at the hotels) are not ONLY tourist destinations there are people that live there and pay what you consider tourist prices... even when you go to the outer boroughs of NYC Dinsey is still cheaper and mostly better food

The Las Vegas Strip is a tourist destination, and Manhattan is also a tourist destination. Of course people live in NYC, but that's not my point.

And no, Disney isn't better than many of the upscale restaurants in Las Vegas and Manhattan, which are similarly priced to Disney's signature restaurants. But again, that wasn't the point of my post.

The biggest standard that I compare Disney to is itself. And right now, Disney dining isn't living up to that standard.

 

[eliza61]

The Las Vegas Strip is a tourist destination, and Manhattan is also a tourist destination. Of course people live in NYC, but that's not my point.

And no, Disney isn't better than many of the upscale restaurants in Las Vegas and Manhattan, which are similarly priced to Disney's signature restaurants. But again, that wasn't the point of my post.

The biggest standard that I compare Disney to is itself. And right now, Disney dining isn't living up to that standard.

I wish I could super size it.

Like I always say, Disney throws around words like "magical", "deluxe" "superior" & "first" class. in it's advertisements and in it's commercials. People always say how the love disney for the superb customer service, attention to detail, etc, etc. I simply want them to deliver!

 

[RocketEAR99]

The thing I like about Disney World in comparison to most other theme/amusement parks is not just that their food is reasonably priced (for expensive park food), but they tend to have some variety from location to location. Last time I was at another park, everywhere I went offered the same stuff for the same outrageous price! And of course, Disney's CS food tends to be reasonably (and sometimes very) good.

 

[eliza61]

Even TGI Fridays is expensive these days! And yes, there are plenty of place in Disney I would equate in quality, Whispering Canyon and Sci-Fi come to mind, but neither of those is outlandishly priced. A burger at a local diner here in NY is about the same as Sci-Fi these days...no movie screen either!

What you say about pizza and burgers is obviously true, if that's been your experience. I haven't eaten at Tony's or Pizza Planet, so I can't comment on their food. Honestly, we've avoided those because we figured they might not be too great.

As far as counter service, we were shocked by how good some of the countries in WS were, as well as Sunshine Seasons in EPCOT. In MK, and a few resorts, we've had decent CS (better than fast food) that I feel were priced fairly.

As far as steaks, look, we have Peter Luger here in Brooklyn....obviously not expecting that at Disney! I have had very good steaks though at Narcoossee, Yachtsman, and Le Cellier (cooked perfect, medium, every time I've had it). A little overpriced? Maybe, but factor in location, and it's debatable....and, of course, much cheaper than Peter Luger!

I've had fantastic meals at Jiko, Flying Fish, California Grill, Brown Derby, and other sigs and non-sigs that I feel were totally priced appropriately for the quality, atmoshpere, and location.

Oh, and about pizza....Via Napoli is pretty amazing - and this coming from a Brooklyn Italian-American who has also had Neopolitan pizza in Naples - they actually serve authentic Neopolitan pizza! My wife speaks Italian and got into a conversation with one of the servers - they import everything, even the spring water for the dough, from Italy.

I probably could nitpick if I wanted to, but really can't complain much about Disney dining or their pricing, but do you know what I really hate overpaying for???....simple drinks like WATER! Soft drinks and water should be a buck a bottle, everywhere! My personal pet peeve.

Oooh ohh I know the answer to this one. My family owned a restaurant in Harlem up until my uncles died a few years back. Anyway, water and soda have the greatest markup. No work is involved in serving them, pretty standard taste that doesn't change and no matter what your taste, every body will want a drink.
for some reason, mentally people will pay 5 bucks for a water where they may skip a 2.00 bag of chips.

see its interesting because while napoli serves good pizza, we ate there 2 larges and 4 soft drinks ran us 80 bucks. The place I go to in NYC 1/3 the price. heck here at Citizen ball park they make a good pizza 1/2 the price

 

[chartle]

Oh, and about pizza....Via Napoli is pretty amazing - and this coming from a Brooklyn Italian-American who has also had Neopolitan pizza in Naples - they actually serve authentic Neopolitan pizza! My wife speaks Italian and got into a conversation with one of the servers - they import everything, even the spring water for the dough, from Italy.

I thought the same thing until I read this. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/via-napoli/

The delicious pizzas are made with real caputo flour imported from Southern Italy, San Marzano tomatoes, handmade mozzarella and water from a local spring similar to Italy's Campania region.

Good news is that the local spring is a source in PA chemically the same as the water they would import, not Florida.