Inside info on why the buffets are getting so expensive

[marielynn724]

this is indeed really interesting! thanks for sharing!

 

[WTP]

Interesting! It makes a lot of sense.

This upcoming trip will be our first on the dining plan, only because it's "free" and we decided it would be a way to try some places we otherwise wouldn't. I admit that 6 of our 10 TS choices are buffets...and 5 of those 6 are character meals. Specifically, one of those (Akershus) I picked only because otherwise the price tag would deter us from trying it. Although, since we will have a 1yo with us who is a very heavy eater, the buffets will "save" us the cost of buying him a kid's meal for those 6 meals.

 

[Colleen27]

While in general this makes perfect sense, I would say my family definitely defies this completely. We usually do the DDP when we go, we rarely go to buffets and tend to tip pretty well.

Us too. To me a buffet is only a half-step up from counter service, and we do the deluxe plan largely because we don't want counter service. That's part of why I have such a hard time with the peak season surcharges for the DDP (and DxDDP starting next year) - because we seldom go to any of the restaurants that have peak season pricing. We used to plan one or two character meals per trip but the last few have been so disappointing in the character-interaction department that we've decided we'll just take our chances with the in-park meet & greets next time.

I can understand why buffets would be attractive to people on the basic DDP, though, because those are the only places where you can get soup or salad to start your meal without an additional OOP cost.

 

[sharadoc]

Yes, and people trying to get their money's worth turn into no-manners idiots. I couldn't believe our experience in June at Cape May. I felt like I was a Nascar race. My DH actually came back to the table emptyhanded because he literally kept getting "cut off" by people reaching in front of him to get the food he was getting. Grabbing the utensil right out from under him. One time, people cut in front of him and took a plate out of his hand!

I got cut off at the salad bar, even, for gosh sakes!!

We sat at our table and waited until all the idiots all cleared out of there, then we ate a leisurely meal. We paid cash with TIW by the way and I won't ever do it again. So stupid Disney, instead of getting $42 for each of us, plus drinks (we have 4 adults now) for one meal, they can let people eat two meals and a snack for that same $42 and we'll stay out of their vacuum-mouthed way.

People forget to act like regular human beings at those buffets, it seems. Disgusting

 

[crystaldawn]

It makes sense to me.

We've never done DDP but more because we don't like to have to worry about trying to get our money's worth and don't like to plan our whole day around what, when and where we'll eat. We do buffets for character interaction BUT also because our kids can pick whatever they want and as much as they want. Our 12 yr old often can and will eat more than my husband and I combined (of course we're paying for an adult meal anyway) But our girls are picky and are often happier seeing that they can eat a little mac and cheese and some veggies. I'd gladly pay for that rather than chicken nuggets and fries that they won't touch after seeing them... We also like to be able to sit down and relax a little.

That said last year when we went we considered over and over whether to do the DDP. If we stay onsite again we'll likely do the same thing... who knows, we may end up trying it.

 

[MickeyNicki]

I thought they jacked the price because of waste...how much food do people take and not eat, they just throw it away.

One of our local buffets has a sign on the door, if you leave 1/2 pound or more food behind you will be charged for it. Needless to same most people are not taking as much as they normally would, eat what you have and go get more if you want it

 

[scot@dvcstore]

Interesting post but it make sense.

 

[centurythree]

While in general this makes perfect sense, I would say my family definitely defies this completely. We usually do the DDP when we go, we rarely go to buffets and tend to tip pretty well.

POOHsie-- I also remember when tip and appetizers were included. I miss those days!

Same here. For me, buffets at WDW are a breakfast-only thing and I only do breakfast buffets if I can get there when the restaurant is opening. Even then I'm really happier in a regular restaurant. I'm only going to get one plate of food anyway.

 

[disneydreamkate]

We have used the DDP on our last three trips. Once we paid rack rate, once when we did the 4/3 deal, and last time it was FD. The one thread these all had in common is that we planned quite a few buffets. Our last trip I discovered that the only buffets worth it to me are Boma and Tuskerhouse....since we will not be eating at TH our upcoming trip, I did not purchase the DDP. This will be our first trip paying OOP and I will be thrilled to order how I want without worrying about "getting the most for my money." I am also looking forward to not being saddled by a TS everyday. I plan on spending a lot of time at EP and enjoying food at the F&W Fest and CS in WS.

 

[LAS321]

I thought they jacked the price because of waste...how much food do people take and not eat, they just throw it away.

This is exactly what I was thinking....watching little kids (and adults) pile their plates with food they never eat makes for a tremendous amount of waste and has to cost the restaurant much more than a one plate sit-down meal would. Whatever happened to the old saying "take all you want, but eat what you take!"

 

[andylcq]

Very interesting I guess they got me! Last time we went.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Disney is smart which is why in this economy SO many people are still spending a lot of money to visit Disney World.

This is our first time with the Dining Plan. I planned many buffets for a few reasons...
1) character meals...my kids are still into them and why wait in 30 minute lines to see each character when they can come to you.
2) I always feel more comfortable getting up and stretching my legs (get a second helping maybe) when sitting down to eat for more than a quick bite.
3) I have an 11 year old that has to eat from the adult menu (she is a small eater too) she's not going to like the spicy and different foods from some of the themed restaurants. Plenty to pick from at a buffett. My 8 year old is a good eater, but I don't want him eating mac & cheese, cb or hot dog everyday.

That being said, we got the dp free...I don't think I would pay for it.

 

[Dorisk3]

Very interesting. Last trip on the DDP we ate at 1900 Park Fair, Crystal Palace, Boma, Biergarten and Tusker House. You want to talk about hitting a buffet wall! Everything started tasting the same, and I actually got to the point where I didn't care whether we ate or not, I was just so sick of family feed bag type situations. This trip we took the 40% room discount pin code and are paying out of pocket for food. I was much more selective and with the exception of Tusker House breakfast which my kids asked for, no buffets at all.

 

[smiths02]

Yes, and people trying to get their money's worth turn into no-manners idiots. I couldn't believe our experience in June at Cape May. I felt like I was a Nascar race. My DH actually came back to the table emptyhanded because he literally kept getting "cut off" by people reaching in front of him to get the food he was getting. Grabbing the utensil right out from under him. One time, people cut in front of him and took a plate out of his hand!

I got cut off at the salad bar, even, for gosh sakes!!

We sat at our table and waited until all the idiots all cleared out of there, then we ate a leisurely meal. We paid cash with TIW by the way and I won't ever do it again. So stupid Disney, instead of getting $42 for each of us, plus drinks (we have 4 adults now) for one meal, they can let people eat two meals and a snack for that same $42 and we'll stay out of their vacuum-mouthed way.

People forget to act like regular human beings at those buffets, it seems. Disgusting

In defense of those idiots...
Cape May is the most confusing buffet that I have been to. Add that I had a 5 year old tugging on my shirt, and I could have cut someone off b/c I don't even know if it is their turn or not.
There was never a shortage of food, so it wasn't that I was "vacuum-mouthed" or trying to get my crab legs before the other person...it was that people were going in two directions