Is the DDP "dumbing down" the food?

[eventfarm]

I remember reading recently on here that Cellier was getting rid of the Filet at lunch. I don't remember if that was verified or not, but it got me to thinking. The only reason I can think of that a restaurant would take the highest selling cut of meat off of a steak house menu is that it's a loss. Now, priced right, it wouldn't be a loss, but with the DDP, the restaurant gets the same price regardless if the person orders a chicken dish (usually low food cost) or the filet (usually high food cost).

So, I'm wondering if the restaurants are removing the higher food cost items so that the guests with DDP don't order them.

I'm a foodie, and I don't mind spending good money on well made food. However, from what I'm reading, I may not have too many options.

I'm assuming that with the DDP, you can order pretty much anything off of the menu. Are there restaurants that have "non-DDP" dishes available?

What are the restaurants that *don't* allow DDP to be used?

I am doing the Victoria Room meal at V&A's, so I know I'll have one good foodie meal experience. And of course, pretty much every dessert at WDW is a foodie experience, regardless of price.

 

[Colleen27]

The filet is still on Le Cellier's lunch menu. DDP or no, Disney is going for a streamlined, mass-production approach to all levels of their operation (you'll see the same "dumbing down" of bar menus and merchandise which have nothing to do with DDP), and that means smaller menus and in some cases less freshness.

There aren't "non DDP" menu choices in DDP restaurants, except for appetizers which aren't included with the basic DDP. The only exceptions I'm aware of are sushi at both the table service restaurants in Japan, which counts as neither appetizer nor entree for DDP/DxDDP purposes, and a particular combo platter at Marrakesh that last I heard involves a surcharge for DDP guests.

The non-DDP restaurants are Victoria & Alberts, Bistro de Paris, all of the dining options at the Swan & Dolphin, and most Downtown Disney restaurants.

I'd suggest keeping in mind that you're seeing a very small cross-section of Disney guests here on the boards, and that DISers are more likely than the average guest to be comparing current menu offerings and quality to the past rather than reviewing it objectively as it stands. DIS reviews are a big piece of how I plan my dining, but I also like to check out CitySearch and TripAdvisor for a wider range of opinions.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . So, I'm wondering if the restaurants are removing the higher food cost items so that the guests with DDP don't order them . . .

1) Yes, DDP is ruining eating at WDW.
2) But, not quite as stated.
3) DDP reimburses a fixed amount for meals - for a period of a full year!
4) The restaurant manager is still required to make his/her profit.
5) So, with such reimbursements, they have to cut somewhere.
6) These cuts allow an acceptable margin.
7) Where, before, they would just raise the prices slightly to offset costs.

8) One may notice that there are MANY non-Disney eateries not on DDP.
9) These tend to have better food that Disney eateries.
10) For us, we patronize ONLY five TS eateries.
11) And, only two are Disney-owned.

 

[mountdew1]

You do also need to keep in mind that in a few weeks, Le Cellier will be going signature for dinner, thus requiring two credits instead of one. As part of this change, I would not be surprised to see them make changes to help justify the extra cost, including things like changing the lunch menu. Until the change takes place, I don't think anyone will know for certain what changes will be made.

 

[KAB1]

The filet is still on Le Cellier's lunch menu. DDP or no, Disney is going for a streamlined, mass-production approach to all levels of their operation (you'll see the same "dumbing down" of bar menus and merchandise which have nothing to do with DDP), and that means smaller menus and in some cases less freshness.

There aren't "non DDP" menu choices in DDP restaurants, except for appetizers which aren't included with the basic DDP. The only exceptions I'm aware of are sushi at both the table service restaurants in Japan, which counts as neither appetizer nor entree for DDP/DxDDP purposes, and a particular combo platter at Marrakesh that last I heard involves a surcharge for DDP guests.

The non-DDP restaurants are Victoria & Alberts, Bistro de Paris, all of the dining options at the Swan & Dolphin, and most Downtown Disney restaurants.

I'd suggest keeping in mind that you're seeing a very small cross-section of Disney guests here on the boards, and that DISers are more likely than the average guest to be comparing current menu offerings and quality to the past rather than reviewing it objectively as it stands. DIS reviews are a big piece of how I plan my dining, but I also like to check out CitySearch and TripAdvisor for a wider range of opinions.

We did the delux Dining plan in June and I know at alot of restaurants Sushi was excluded as an appetizer. Kona Cafe, Wolfgang Puck Cafe and a couple at the Cali Grill.

 

[ElizabethB]

Yes, it's dumbing down the food.

 

[twinboysmom]

Rusty please tell what 5 restaurants.

 

[waltskids]

Rusty please tell what 5 restaurants.

Yes, I would like to know too!

 

[TDC Nala]

If anyone is dumbing down the food it is Disney itself, and not necessarily the dining plan.

I don't recall that it has been verified that Le Cellier is getting rid of the filet at lunch, but it is rumored as dinner will definitely be moving to a 2 DDP credit meal in March. That menu will be changing according to Disney, to incorporate seasonal ingredients. It is not known if the lunch menu will also change.

 

[Pakey]

We also eat a lot more at the non plan restaurants now. As adults only, we are looking for great food and a calm upscale feel for dining. Disney has went in a different direction. We eat a lot at the Swan and Dolphin now.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

The filet is still on Le Cellier's lunch menu. DDP or no, Disney is going for a streamlined, mass-production approach to all levels of their operation (you'll see the same "dumbing down" of bar menus and merchandise which have nothing to do with DDP), and that means smaller menus and in some cases less freshness.

There aren't "non DDP" menu choices in DDP restaurants, except for appetizers which aren't included with the basic DDP. The only exceptions I'm aware of are sushi at both the table service restaurants in Japan, which counts as neither appetizer nor entree for DDP/DxDDP purposes, and a particular combo platter at Marrakesh that last I heard involves a surcharge for DDP guests.

The non-DDP restaurants are Victoria & Alberts, Bistro de Paris, all of the dining options at the Swan & Dolphin, and most Downtown Disney restaurants.

I'd suggest keeping in mind that you're seeing a very small cross-section of Disney guests here on the boards, and that DISers are more likely than the average guest to be comparing current menu offerings and quality to the past rather than reviewing it objectively as it stands. DIS reviews are a big piece of how I plan my dining, but I also like to check out CitySearch and TripAdvisor for a wider range of opinions.

I agree with this and I think this also applies to other aspects of WDW trip planning as well (resorts, park touring, etc.)

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Unfortunately, many people on the DDP, whether they pay for it directly or paying a higher rate for their room and getting "free" dining, look to the highest price items on the menu. This is based either on the attitude of "I paid for it and can get whatever I want" or "as long as it's free, let's get the best items".

For example, at The Wave there is a $16.00 difference in price between the lowest price adult lunch entree and the highest price dinner entree. Each restaurant receives a fixed dollar amount credit for each meal sold under DDP. Each restaurant has to make a profit.

As food costs go up it takes more money to operate a restaurant.

So as things progress more and more of the higher end cost items will vanish.

The signature restaurants do not have so much of a problem as they get paid double the regular restaurants.

If they ever do away with the Basic DDP within about six months you will find a lot more high end selections at all the restaurants.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Rusty please tell what 5 restaurants.

1) We prefer
. . . fine food
. . . excellent service
. . . innovative dishes with flair
. . . overall great value
. . . relaxed and soothing dining atmosphere
. . . behaved and somewhat quiet patrons

2) The only sit-down restaurants we patronize at WDW are
. . . Bistro de Paris (AAA=3-Diamond, Mobil = 3-Stars)
. . . Citricos (AAA=3-Diamond, Mobil = 3-Stars)
. . . Shula's Steakhouse (AAA=3-Diamond, Mobil = 3-Stars)
. . . Il Mulino (AAA=3-Diamond, Mobil = 3-Stars)
. . . Victoria & Albert's (AAA=4-Diamond, Mobil = 4-Stars)

3) Our Off-Site Recommendations:
. . . Bergamo's, Int'l Drive, Fine Italian, Singing Waiters (AAA=3-Diamond, Mobil = 3-Stars)
. . . Cafe D'Antonio, Celebration, Casual Italian (AAA=3-Diamond, Mobil = 3-Stars)
. . . Columbia, Celebration, Spanish/Cuban (AAA=3-Diamond, Mobil = 3-Stars)
. . . Oceanaire, Int'l Drive, Really Fresh Seafood (AAA=3-Diamond, Mobil = 3-Stars)
. . . Venetian Room, Caribe Royale, Fine Dining (AAA=4-Diamond, Mobil = 3-Stars)
. . . Vito's, Int'l Drive, Steaks and Chops (AAA=3-Diamond, Mobil = 3-Stars)

 

[pumba]

I guess if I want to go to a restaurant that is a 5 star .....I would ...but as long as I dont have to cook it or clean up after it ......all the meals are 5 star to me..

I have not seen the quality at Le Cellier go down ...The meals are as I have seen it and eaten it for a few years.....I would like to see a few more options other then what we have been eating.....

 

[mcd2745]

DDP or no, Disney is going for a streamlined, mass-production approach to all levels of their operation (you'll see the same "dumbing down" of bar menus and merchandise which have nothing to do with DDP), and that means smaller menus and in some cases less freshness.

Agreed. The DDP is merely a contributing factor, but it is not the "end all, be all" of the supposed demise of dining at WDW. Hence, the vitriol directed towards the DDP here on the DIS is unwarranted. The economy and Disney management deserve most of the blame.

 

[JKMJ441724]

I don't recall that it has been verified that Le Cellier is getting rid of the filet at lunch, but it is rumored as dinner will definitely be moving to a 2 DDP credit meal in March.

CRAP!


Well worth it at 1 credit, not even close at 2 credits.

 

[frannn]

We've done the deluxe DP for three consecutive trips, and eaten all TS. Maybe it was just me, but on our last trip it seemed like many of the choices amongst different eateries were too similar. I love fish, but there's only so much salmon you can eat in a week or two.... This is part of the reason we are going with the reg DP this year (also $, of course). I don't like burgers, but WDW is the one place I don't need to worry about that with CS choices. I'm looking forward to eating at some of the CS places, because its different.

 

[Lewisc]

T Disney is going for a streamlined, mass-production approach to all levels of their operation (you'll see the same "dumbing down" of bar menus and merchandise which have nothing to do with DDP), and that means smaller menus and in some cases less freshness.

+1 I think DDP is the result, not cause, of Disney's decision to improve popularity of their restaurants and control costs.

Face it restaurants like Olive Garden and Carrabas are a lot more popular the Il Mulino. Restaurants like Outback are more popular then restaurants like the Palm.

CRAP!


Well worth it at 1 credit, not even close at 2 credits.

Le Cellier will have a new dinner menu when it goes to 2 credits. We have no idea if it will be worth it or not.

 

[Colleen27]

+1 I think DDP is the result, not cause, of Disney's decision to improve popularity of their restaurants and control costs.

Face it restaurants like Olive Garden and Carrabas are a lot more popular the Il Mulino. Restaurants like Outback are more popular then restaurants like the Palm.

And really, we see the "why" of that decision on these boards all the time. Not a week goes by without a post from someone looking for "basic" or "simple" or "meat & potatoes" without too many weird sauces and flavors and accompaniments. The demand just wasn't/isn't there for high quality creative food in a theme park (as evidenced by one of the other DDP criticisms - that before it came along, you could walk up to just about any Disney restaurant at just about any time and be seated, but now the restaurants are so busy that you need ADRs).

 

[furb & dez]

...before it (DDP) came along, you could walk up to just about any Disney restaurant at just about any time and be seated, but now the restaurants are so busy that you need ADRs.

This has me a bit concerned about my trip (this week!!!! YAY!). I flatly refuse to plan what I am going to eat 6 months in advance. Absolutely, completely, and utterly refuse to micromanage every little detail of a vacation.

I guess if I have a rotten time because of this, I'll take it as a lesson learned... and spend my money at Disneyland instead (if it ever takes care of it's Annual Passholder problem).