Kids Dining plan question-called Guest Services

[gardenergirl]

Hi All,
I have lurked for a while now and can't stand it any longer-had to join in!

Am worried about the children's menu changes at Epcot restaurants, particularly Le Cellier and Coral Reef. Had read that changes will be universal at all restaurants so called Guest Services to find out how menu would change for Dec. trip. Was told that yes, changes would be universal, but changes were only ADDING new menu; the old childrens menu, chicken nuggets, etc. would still be on the kids menu, as well as yummy kids desserts (my kids eat yogurt every day for lunch-not much of a treat there).

SO, my question to ya'll would be, has anyone actually experienced what Guest services described? It was my understanding that most of the old menu had gone away with just a choice or two "ala carte" for each restaurant left. Do you think this is a compromise on Disney's part, or just a standard party line so I won't cancel my DDP and eat off site for the whole trip? BTW, I'm close to cancelling anyway as this whole menu thing is taking waay more energy on my part than any vacation plan should.

I look forward to your thoughts, experiences, etc., and if there's already a thread addressing Disney's response to questions, I apologize for starting a new one and please post link.

Cheers!

 

[doodlebugs]

Hi gardenergirl--welcome to the disboards!

I was at Disney last week and we encountered the new menu in several places. We were never offered the old menu, had I known to ask for it, I would have, but since I wasn't aware this was an option I never asked. Kona offered some flexiability in their menu. Hope this helps some.

 

[mama2ella]

interesting...wonder if this is really true???

 

[oogieboogie]

I've experienced the new menu at 4 places now: Sci-fi, Mama Melrose, Concourse, and Boatwrights.

At these 4 places, only Concourse said they still had some of the old items. However, it's only around until the supplies last since they're in transitional phase right now. Eventually the new menu is all that's available. At Mama Melrose, I was able to get my DS a bowl of spaghetti but not without hassling for it. At Sci-fi and Boatwrights it was a flat out NO on anything from the old menu.

 

[janets]

It's incredibly sad and upsetting that we're all getting incorrect information from Guest Relations after sending emails outlining our concerns. They tell us all the same thing...that the new menu is "in addition to" the existing menu, and if you don't see something on the new menu that your child will like, ask the server to give you something different from the old menu, no problem.

Yet people coming back this past week are reporting something entirely different. Being told NO when asking for other items or substitutions. Having to hassle with a server or manager for something that their child will like. Definitely not what we're being told by people who purport to be knowledgable about the situation (rather than Disney Dining, who didn't even know a new menu was out, or Central Reservations, who still have old menus on their computer).

We have 2 buffet/family style choices, Le Cellier, Coral Reef, WCC and, still at this point, Spoodles on our "dance card" for our trip in 2 weeks. I'm comfortable that the first four will not be a problem (LeCellier is not Disney owned, and CR seems to still have their options in place). BuffaloGal, who is a CM at one of the restaurants on property, reports that WCC still offers the skillet, though no one has been able to confirm that in the last week or so. So it appears my only real issue is Spoodles. People have reported that in the course of a week, the old menu was gone and the new one was the only one offered, no subs or other choices allowed.

So I think I am going to change our ressie there for something not Disney owned and then we'll have to watch how this goes over the next few months. We'll be coming down for ds's birthday in February and if the kids menu still stinks, I'll age him up to 10 (he'll be turning 9) and pay the adult price. The $27 difference over 3 days won't be more than I would pay if I went OOP for everyone anyway.

I sent another email to guest relations today stating that the new information coming out is in direct contrast to the story they are handing everyone over the phone and that I wanted to know the truth. Wonder if anyone will get back to me (since there is no phone number, hard to get to them any other way).

 

[wdwfamilyinIL]

Just thought that I would add to the confusion, my ta called Disney and attempted to find out anything today. They told her that it would be a few weeks until they are able to give out information, and that there is nothing they can do until then. Wonder what all that means......

 

[bicker]

It's incredibly sad and upsetting that we're all getting incorrect information from Guest Relations after sending emails outlining our concerns. They tell us all the same thing...that the new menu is "in addition to" the existing menu, and if you don't see something on the new menu that your child will like, ask the server to give you something different from the old menu, no problem.

If you have it in writing, then you're golden. Just bring the letter with you, and if there is any dispute, provide the manager with a copy. (This is one reason why I suggest people contact WDW Guest Communications via US Mail instead of email, or in some other way ensure that you have your responses from them on WDW letterhead.)

So I think I am going to change our ressie there for something not Disney owned ...

Which carries with it its own set of concerns...

 

[bicker]

Just thought that I would add to the confusion, my ta called Disney and attempted to find out anything today. They told her that it would be a few weeks until they are able to give out information, and that there is nothing they can do until then. Wonder what all that means......

Maybe they're learning that folks are discussing the menu changes online, and so they need to stop providing guesses about what's going on. We can hope...

 

[janets]

But Bicker, it appears that all contact is by phone. No one has anything in writing other than a few people who got email responses early on saying that there was no information on what was being requested (that was before the new menu really hit and people were reporting back).

I think this latest report about a TA being told that it would be a few weeks before they could comment certainly leads us to believe that they aren't going to put anything in writing, even if the original inquiry is made that way.

As I said, I'm somewhat comfortable with what I have now, given the information out. While I understand the issues of a non Disney owned restaurant, I think that if the adult menu is varied enough, I'll be able to select something that I can share w/ DS8, if needed.

And of course, I'll be taking pictures of every menu we get and making notes as to what servers/managers are saying to report back to everyone.

 

[saschab]

Both Allears and Disboards have posted updated menus as of 10/16 for all Epcot restaurants.

Disboard menus are here:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/disneydining.cfm#epcot

I really don't know how current Disboard's information is. I hopefully assume it comes straight from Disney. If they stick to these, I am quite pleased with the choices, as it includes healthy options, unhealthy regular kid options, and a staple from the restaurant's theming. (steak at Le Cellier, mahi-mahi at Coral Reef, etc.)

Now if we can just get the rest of the parks' menus confirmed, maybe we can put this one to bed!

 

[bicker]

But Bicker, it appears that all contact is by phone. No one has anything in writing

Then surely it would be best to rely on nothing -- go with the flow and be prepared for anything that conforms with the brochure. It is one of the down-sides of purchasing a meal plan like that -- that not-knowing. However, if the benefits are strong enough, then it is worth it. Otherwise, don't get the Dining Plan.

I think this latest report about a TA being told that it would be a few weeks before they could comment certainly leads us to believe that they aren't going to put anything in writing, even if the original inquiry is made that way.

Very possibly, and that itself should be a clarion call -- it makes it very clear what guests should expect (i.e., nothing other than what the brochure explicitly says). Make you purchasing decisions based on that expectation, and you'll be fine.

 

[starbox]

Both Allears and Disboards have posted updated menus as of 10/16 for all Epcot restaurants.

Disboard menus are here:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/disneydining.cfm#epcot

I really don't know how current Disboard's information is. I hopefully assume it comes straight from Disney. If they stick to these, I am quite pleased with the choices, as it includes healthy options, unhealthy regular kid options, and a staple from the restaurant's theming. (steak at Le Cellier, mahi-mahi at Coral Reef, etc.)

My understanding, and I may be wrong, is that the World Showcase restaurants (like DTD) are not Disney operated. I thought the standardized menu was only effecting the Disney-operated restaurants.

 

[janets]

I had a conversation w/ a friend last night about the dining plan in general and the new menus for kids. I do love my friend, but sometimes he has a lot of ideas about the haves and have nots with which I don't always agree.

Anyway, when I really thought about our discussion, I realized that there was some merit to a few of his points. One of which was the issue of the menu being the same for DDP and OOP guests. In reality, should that be? If one is paying substantially less for a meal plan, should one really expect to get access to every one of the appetizers or entrees on a menu, regardless of price? And really is that fair to cash paying guests who pay OOP (perhaps as much as $35 for an entree) and sit next to a patron whose entire food cost for the day was only $37.99?

I totally understand that Disney set the plan up this way, but looking at it now perhaps 18 months out, maybe the idea of a different menu for DDP guests or even a menu designed as a prix fix menu would level the playing field, allowing those who feel that the DDP is causing the "dumbing down" of menus, lowering standards of service, etc. some improvement.

I grew up in NYC and it is a regular practice to patronize a restaurant before going to the theater and having a special pre theater menu, or even going to a restaurant for an early bird special, where only some items are available at a lower overall price. Should we really expect that the high end food items would continue to remain on many menus when the DDP became so popular? Wouldn't it be reasonable to expect that many of those items would be removed because the profit margin wasn't high enough, or the payback from Disney wasn't enough to cover those items being selected by DDP patrons?

And the change over to the new kids menu, at least to me, is partly in response to cost. We patronized Concourse Steakhouse on our trip in September on the DDP. My son selected the shrimp cocktail, the steak and some dessert. The "cost" of his meal was somewhere in the $22-$25 range. I paid only $10.99/day for his meal plan. If more people did this, where is the profit to Disney? Perhaps a review of the plan, meal selections and bottom line costs revealed that this could not continue and remain profitable, even with people paying rack rate for their rooms. At that time, we were on free dining and the cost of the plan exceeded the $75/night savings I could have had w/ my AP rate.

I'm sure that many will disagree with these thoughts and please understand that I'm not saying this in any way to minimize those who are looking for savings by using the plan (hey, I've used it 3 or 4 times already), just putting out some "food for thought."

 

[Disney with Triplets]

...One of which was the issue of the menu being the same for DDP and OOP guests. In reality, should that be? If one is paying substantially less for a meal plan, should one really expect to get access to every one of the appetizers or entrees on a menu, regardless of price? And really is that fair to cash paying guests who pay OOP (perhaps as much as $35 for an entree) and sit next to a patron whose entire food cost for the day was only $37.99?..."

Yes, that's the way it works for the airline industry and many other resort option vacations with all inclusive options. $39 each way, $359 round trip - the same bag of pretzels and softdrink are available.

Fair or not, Disney is offering an all-inclusive option. Period.

 

[janets]

Yes, that's the way it works for the airline industry and many other resort option vacations with all inclusive options. $39 each way, $359 round trip - the same bag of pretzels and softdrink are available.

Fair or not, Disney is offering an all-inclusive option. Period.

Not quite. If I'm purchasing a coach class ticket, then I get coach class service. However, if I purchase a first class ticket, I get a bigger seat, earlier boarding, front of the plane placement and food and drink, usually before the place even gets away from the gate. And I'm paying more for it too.

So while I agree with you that yes, no matter what price you pay in coach, you get the same thing, there is a tier system inherent in the first/business/coach design.

So why can't the DDP be set up the same way? If you purchase the basic DDP, you get a particular menu. If you purchase the Platinum, Silver, Gold, whatever those plans are called now, you get a different menu or options. And if you pay OOP, you get something else.

And I'm sure that many who fly regularly might say that the cost of the $39 ticket was the discontinuation of any food service on a plane, less planes to certain destinations, delays, increasingly crowded planes, etc. So they have seen effects from offering everyone the same thing no matter the price as well.

I'm not saying that I would or would not subscribe to this idea. Just tossing it out there as a result of a conversation with another Disney fan.

 

[saschab]

My understanding, and I may be wrong, is that the World Showcase restaurants (like DTD) are not Disney operated. I thought the standardized menu was only effecting the Disney-operated restaurants.

You are correct. Heh, maybe Disney wants wants us out of the other parks to make room for more attractions.

 

[bicker]

My understanding, and I may be wrong, is that the World Showcase restaurants (like DTD) are not Disney operated.

Not all of them. Le Cellier, Rose and Crown, and Biergarten are Disney owned and operated.

I thought the standardized menu was only effecting the Disney-operated restaurants.

Correct.

 

[bicker]

Not quite. If I'm purchasing a coach class ticket, then I get coach class service. However, if I purchase a first class ticket, I get a bigger seat, earlier boarding, front of the plane placement and food and drink, usually before the place even gets away from the gate. And I'm paying more for it too. So while I agree with you that yes, no matter what price you pay in coach, you get the same thing, there is a tier system inherent in the first/business/coach design.

It really does go beyond that, even though a lot of leisure travelers don't like it. Within coach, there are different tiers of service. The more you pay, the better treatment you're entitled to, with regard to reaccommodation, availability of seat assignments, protection against involuntary bumping, etc. Again, folks don't have to like it, but it is the way things are, and it is all legit.

 

[MTW]

BuffaloGal, who is a CM at one of the restaurants on property, reports that WCC still offers the skillet, though no one has been able to confirm that in the last week or so. So it appears my only real issue is Spoodles. People have reported that in the course of a week, the old menu was gone and the new one was the only one offered, no subs or other choices allowed.




Can confirm that the skillet is still on the kid's menu at WCC. We were there last Saturday and the waitress said that they had just implemented the new menu (and it looked like all of the other kid's menus that week) and the skillet was on there along with the Worms in the Dirt dessert.

My son was able to order grilled chicken at Le Cellier (I believe that there was a steak here as well), Mahi at Coral Reef and spaghetti and a meatball at Tony's - all off of the new menus. He did not eat chicken nuggets, mac 'n cheese or a hamburger all week! My son is younger so if you had an older 9/10 child, it may be more of an issue, but we thought it was great!

 

[DisneyDivaMom]

bumping