Just back from WDW - Has the food gotten worse or is it just me?

[TXYankee]

I'll be dining at Brown Derby on October 9th. I'm really hoping it's at least fairly good because I made the reservation especially for my sister in law who is a ,"foody". She's an amazing cook, and although not professionally trained has made some of the best food I have ever tasted in my life. She has the ability to taste something and tell you every ingredient, spice and nuance to the food. Besides the Food & Wine festival, I made us a reservation at the Brown Derby in hopes of her having a decent meal and being able to recreate the Grapefruit cake at home. She can do that.

She totally recreated Maggiano's gnocchi dish from scratch and makes it for me on my birthday![/QUOTE]

Please let her know that if she needs a taste tester, I am available!

 

[ADP]

There's been a drop in food quality at WDW. Whether it's because of healthier dining options is debatable. I sort of think Disney is taking advantage of the healthier dining initiative to save money.

My biggest complaint about dining right now is the cost and quality of quick service meals. That is where I've seen the biggest drop in Disney Dining. The other areas have dropped as well, but CS dining has become laughable. For a family of 3 (2 adults, 1 child) to eat at a typical CS location it costs $30 or more. You wouldn't mind paying it if the food was good. Even healthy food should taste better than what they serve. When we first visited WDW in 1993 the cost for a family of 3 was around $18, and the food was much better with more choices.

I know the dining plan was created for families to prepay for their meals and even save a little money, but we've found (and many others) that we wouldn't normally eat that much food on our vacation. So, in essence we are spending more for food with the dining plan than without the plan. Don't get me wrong, the plan works for some families, but from what I've seen, heard and read over the years it's an over-indulgence. You're better off with the Tables in Wonderland card; especially with next years DDP price increases and seasonal price hikes.

 

[dizzy203]

I agree with ADP about the drop in food quality. The cs is getting so expensive and hasn't been that good lately.
I'm sure the dining plan is great for some families but not for us. I did the DDP once during free dining and we didn't want to waste the credits so we had lunch everyday and reservations every night. I never eat that much at home. I wouldn't pay for the DDP because for my family it's not worth it. I never spend the amount it cost per day and we like eating a couple times off property. If sounds like we'll be eating off property more if the food is getting worse.
I'd also like to have an option white or wheat. How much extra work could that be to offer a choice?
Have they already changed the hot dogs? My brother in-law loved the hot dogs but last year he said they tasted different but we just thought it was the bun.

Jackie

 

[Live2Plan]

Wow, I sure do hope that the food hasn't changed too much since our trip in August 2008! We have plans for FD in December and to be honest the food is a big part of our trip! Anytime I can go on vacation and enjoy wonderful meals that I didn't have to create I'm happy!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I agree the quality and quantity have gone downhill. I love the mushroom rissoto at Le Cellier but I swear last year I got only a few forkful's and the filet shrunk!

I tried the "wheat" bun at Casey's and I'm sorry but it was so dry we nicknamed it the "sawdust" bun. We eat wheat at home and it was nice on vacation to indulge in my childhood memories of a white squishy bun. The wheat hot dog roll's at home are much, much better. Just being wheat isn't an excuse.

Although I don't mind the DDP overall I think it is so much free dining that has caused a decrease in the food overall.

 

[look1angel]

Well, I don't know, but I just read an article that Disney is no longer going to be using all beef hotdogs!!!!!
They are switching to a beef/chicken mix hotdog at all food service locations in WDW.

First they switch to wheat buns, now they are changing the hotdogs. Might as well close Casey's up and put in another generic giftshop.

OH YUK!!! I HATE the taste of beef/chicken hotdogs. How could they? I only buy Nathan's or Hebrew National myself. So disappointed

 

[Joshua_me]

As for the wheat buns, they switched I think a year ago. I know some people prefer wheat buns, I just don't care for them, I wish they would give you a choice. White or Wheat?

I know ! Those awful 'multi-grain' buns are *everywhere*. From the parks, to the hotels, even in room service...

We're on vacation ! We want our squishy, white buns back !!!

Quit stepping on our happy buzz !

 

[DisneyKevin]

I agree the quality and quantity have gone downhill. I love the mushroom rissoto at Le Cellier but I swear last year I got only a few forkful's and the filet shrunk!

We noticed this Christmas Eve 2007.

I've already told this story but.....I'll tell it again.

The menu listed my favorite appetizer....the tomoato stack.

It was described as a stack of beefsteak tomatoes and buffalo mozzerella.

It turned out to be a slice of tomato and two little mozzerella balls.

We have not been back to Le Cellier since that night.

 

[Paul in CT]

We noticed this Christmas Eve 2007.

I've already told this story but.....I'll tell it again.

The menu listed my favorite appetizer....the tomoato stack.

It was described as a stack of beefsteak tomatoes and buffalo mozzerella.

It turned out to be a slice of tomato and two little mozzerella balls.

We have not been back to Le Cellier since that night.

I remember that review quite well! What a disappointment! My DW used to like that appy.

Regarding the resotto, the last time I had the mushroom resotto the portion was adequate, but was overcooked and mushy.

Hope springs eternal, however. We have a lunch ADR at Le Cellier for our upcoming visit in October.

 

[NWOhioAngela]

Here's a (poor quality) photo of the tomato stack from last week. It was good.

 

[jcb]

I wonder if it's all in the timing? I was at The Brown derby in Oct 2007 & had the BEST Cobb Salad ever! Went back with my husband in Dec 2008 & it was a huge disappointment! Going to give it one more try in Nov & see what happens.

. . .

Heard Boma was suppose to be good so we'll be trying that one out in Nov too.

I had the same experience with the Cobb Salad at Brown Derby. Boma, however, has been consistently wonderful the several times we've eaten there.

 

[irunnoft]

We've been to WDW this past June, July and for my birthday last weekend. I noticed some definite drops in food quality at certain locations.

First, I think the portions and food have both changed for kid's meals. In December, we ate at Mama Melrose's and had a very enjoyable meal. It wasn't outstanding, but it was good. Good enough that I booked it again in June. At that time, my son ordered the cheese pizza from the kid's menu. The portion was large and the pizza looked similar to something you'd get a Pizza Planet. In June, my son's cheese pizza looked like the crust was made of motza and it was embarrassingly small. My food was also utter garbage.

However, the food at Brown Derby was just as excellent as we remembered it. In fact, the pork tenderloin at BD has become my favorite on property. I even prefer it to the California Grill's tenderloin. We ate at the BD again in July and it was still every bit as good.

The California Grill has remained an excellent dining experience. We ate there last Saturday and loved it. Simply amazing food.

We tried 50's PTC this past summer and we all liked it very well. It's not gourmet, but it was good. I know my wife didn't care for the gravy on the potatoes that came with the fried chicken, but everything else was good. I especially loved the PB&J milkshake. Sounds gross, but I tried it anyhow.

One of the surprises for us was Planet Hollywood. We'd never tried it, but we'd always get the $15 voucher in our information from WDW for our room booking. We decided to use it this June instead of throwing it away. We just went for lunch and had hamburgers, but they have the best burger I've had in WDW. They will actually cook the burger Medium Rare and most places won't. Most locations will only cook it to Medium or Medium Well. This was a true Medium Rare burger. . . the kind Pete would've given his left something or another for when he was in Australia!

This past weekend, we tried Fulton's Crab House and found Kevin's review to be spot on. It was a great dining experience. I had the "genius" selection for lunch - the fried platter (shrimp, scallops, fish) and it was excellent. We also ordered the portobello mushroom fries and loved those, too.

I agree with the comment that the filet and risotto at Le Celier have shrunken. Le Celier, IMHO, is coasting on its fame from earlier in its career. It's not worth the hassle to even attempt to eat there.

Jiko, like the CG, has also remained excellent. This past summer, we tried Boma and while the dining environment could best be described as a frenetic cacophany, we enjoyed the food. They really do need to do something about the check in for this restaurant. It's obnoxious when that small area from the podium to the doors exiting the resort towards the pool gets crowded.

Some places have been great. Some places have been horrible. However, I don't think you can ever paint anything with a broad, subjective brush.

 

[drakethib]

Some places have been great. Some places have been horrible. However, I don't think you can ever paint anything with a broad, subjective brush.

I don't know about painting everything with a broad, subject brush, but there sure is a lot of "paint" going on a lot of the Disney resturants.

This really is a shame as I really had been an advocate of Disney dining in the past. I was down in March of this year and it wasn't this bad.

 

[drakethib]

No. I've always expected the best from Disney.

Have you gone to Guest Services and told them about your issues? Are you going to write to Disney to tell them?

I have not Mike, but it is my intention to do so.

 

[drakethib]

Did you dine at any of the resorts? If so, how did you find the food there where it is even more expensive?

We did not do so as we were staying the the Tree House Villas.

With that being said we usually hit the Turf Club and find that it is pretty good.

We just didnt do so this trip.

 

[drakethib]

We noticed this Christmas Eve 2007.

I've already told this story but.....I'll tell it again.

The menu listed my favorite appetizer....the tomoato stack.

It was described as a stack of beefsteak tomatoes and buffalo mozzerella.

It turned out to be a slice of tomato and two little mozzerella balls.

We have not been back to Le Cellier since that night.

Kevin.

I was hoping you would chime in on this thread. You guys have been speaking in regards to the food for quite a while, but being kind of the hard headed person that I am, when I would disagree with some of your reviews I would think to myself "These guys live near WDW, and probably just get tired of the Disney Themed Resturants".

My wife, daughter, and cousin went try Bostons Lobster feast ( I think that is the name of the place) near Celberation and it was wonderfull. Didn't you guys say Bob used to like that place? If so I understand why, nothing fancy but alll you can eat lobster and snow crab !!!!

 

[DisneyKevin]

Hi Drake...

I have never been a fan of the Disney Dining Plan.

The DDP is designed to do one thing....keep you from leaving Disney property and eating at Olive Garden.

Disney wants guests to stay longer and spend more and by getting guests to pre-pay for meals, they are guaranteeing that you arent leaving property and spending your dining dollars elsewhere.

We had a couple of years where the DDP was pretty wide open and you could order anything on the menu. The DDP gained popularity because of that but the problem was that Disney guests were savvy and learned the loopholes. It was a common discussion to figure out how to get the most out of the DDP. Everyone should order the steak or lobster. Two guests should split one meal using only one credit etc etc etc

Trying to beat the DDP became such a common game that Disney decided change the rules. By "dumbing down" the menu and taking away the high end entrees, taking away the appetizer and taking out the gratuity....the DDP became much more profitable.

I often hear that the dining plan makes things easier. I dont see it.

I dont understand how anyone can enjoy a vacation where every meal was planned months in advance. I love going to NYC and there are some amazing restaurants. I might even make a reservation or three....but I cant imagine making a reservation for every night of my 7 night trip 90 or 180 days in advance and trying to keep to that schedule. There is no place I want to dine badly enough to do that.

I agree that the restaurants at Disney have taken a downturn. Prices have increased, selection has been lowered and menus have become more generic. Are there exceptions......absolutely. Can you still get a good or even great meal at Disney....again absolutely. I just think it's getting harder and harder to do.



As for Boston Lobster Feast.....Bob loved to eat and specifically seafood, but the placed Bob loved was Boston's Fish House on Aloma Avenue in Winter Park. They serve very fresh New England seafood in a "no frills" atmosphere. It's no chaep by any means....but in this case....you get what you pay for.

Hope that helps.

 

[hipchickie]

Kevin.
I was hoping you would chime in on this thread. You guys have been speaking in regards to the food for quite a while, but being kind of the hard headed person that I am, when I would disagree with some of your reviews I would think to myself "These guys live near WDW, and probably just get tired of the Disney Themed Resturants".

*hanging head in shame*
I took Kevin to task over that Le Cellier review...then I went again and he was totally.spot.on
I couldn't believe how much it had changed - it went from a place where I had one of the best meals of my life to a place I don't think I will go again. From the cheesy laminated menus to the sad state of the food. sigh.

I am worried this trip, we decided to go CS DDP and I am worried we are going to spend 10 days having awful food. Part of vacation to me is NOT driving, so we don't have a car to eat offsite.

 

[OKW Lover]

I don't think I'd make a blanket statement that the food is worse at all the WDW restaurants. We've been going for years (20+) and there is an ebb and flow at each individual restaurant. For example, when WCC opened in the early 90's it was a great place to eat because of the food. Now its food isn't that special, but people love it for the antics.

Yeah, only one example here - there are many more - but the point is that you have to gauge each place individually and recognize that some will be on their way up, some on their way down. If you happen to hit the ones on their way down then I can see how you would come to the conclusion that the food is getting worse. If you happen to hit the ones on their way up, you'd say its getting better.

 

[drakethib]

I don't think I'd make a blanket statement that the food is worse at all the WDW restaurants. We've been going for years (20+) and there is an ebb and flow at each individual restaurant. For example, when WCC opened in the early 90's it was a great place to eat because of the food. Now its food isn't that special, but people love it for the antics.

Yeah, only one example here - there are many more - but the point is that you have to gauge each place individually and recognize that some will be on their way up, some on their way down. If you happen to hit the ones on their way down then I can see how you would come to the conclusion that the food is getting worse. If you happen to hit the ones on their way up, you'd say its getting better.

Valid Point, but what I am getting at, out off all the dining that we did on our last trip, we really did not come across anything that made us go "Wow that was good"! That is kind of heatbreaking for us.

We consider dining a very big part of our trip. I know there are some out there who get down to the parks 5 - 10 times a year. On average we go down 2 - 3 a year and have been doing so for about the last 9 years or so.

There may be some good resturants at WDW, I am not saying that there aren't, but of the places that we ate on our last trip and we ate at a bunch, even with the understanding that we are paying theme park prices, the food seems to be getting worse.

JMHO

YMMV