Le Cellier getting picky?

[jenga1030]

I'm getting confused about the different reviews of Le Cellier. In the beginning of the free dining period it seemed like they were really generous and giving out a lot of extra stuff like glow drinks, smoothies, adult appetizers, add ons, etc with the CM's encouraging you to increase your bill. But the last few reviews have said that Le Cellier was the most strict with the rules? I'm getting nervous, my ADR isn't for another 2 1/2 weeks. I know they didn't have to include the extras in the beginning, so I'm not complaining, although I would gladly accept anything extra I know not to expect it. If you've been to Le Cellier what has been your experience on the dining plan? Those of you who have reported that they've been strict lately, what do you mean? What are they not including? Jennifer

 

[Cindy B]

Lets see, it was my first time there, so keep that in mind.

My son asked if the kids drink Northern Lights was included they said no.
I saw someone next to me ask about the Surf and Turf and the waitress said no, but later I saw her deliver it. This waitresses English wasn't very good, so it just may have been a translation issue.

The waitress also had to ask if milk was included for the kids. Our sodas were included, but I did ask politely what drinks were included, and she said fountain drinks and milk only. I did ask about getting some regular (non specialty) coffee with our dessert and she said no. We had no problem doing that at other restaurants, but just not this one.

 

[jjan]

We ate there the last week of Aug. We had a wonderful experience. I got the Surf and Turf (wouldn't recommend it unless you are not use to lobster from New England) and my DD got a wonderful very fancy milk shake. They wouldn't let us get the light up drink, but that was fine. The milk shake was to die for and we actually had someone come to our table and ask what it was so that they could get one.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

We ate there Sept. 2nd for lunch. My son couldn't get a milkshake for his drink (he's 16 - not a "child") so we paid oop for it. Our waitress was very specific about what drinks were included on the plan.

 

[mvav269]

We ate there on 8/31 and used the dining plan. My DD (9) got an adult appetizer as they don't have children's appetizers. She was allowed milk or a soft drink, but not the drinks with the light up ice cubes. Surf and turf was an option as it was the special of the night. We were not limited in our choices of anything and our server was very nice. We loved this restaurant and will definately be going back.

 

[Bella]

We just got back yesterday... we ate at Le Cellier on Wednesday

My daughter is only 20 months old, so she didn't eat. But my husband and I both got an appetizer each and then the Surf & Turf. We were told that it was part of the Dining Plan. BUT... if you wanted to add a lobster to any other meal, it would be an extra $12 which is NOT included in the Dining Plan.

We also got the Sampler for dessert and for it to be included in the Dining Plan we had to share it.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

When we went last July we weren't on the dining plan. Kids loved the northern lights drink. July 2006 we will be on the dining plan and hopefully will have an ADR at Le Cellier. My question is this - on the All Ears site the Northern LIghts drink (light up ice cube drink) is listed as a dessert. Could the kids order this on the dining plan and have it counted as their dessert. I'd rather pay out of pocket for one dessert for them to share (they never finish it anyway) and have the drinks included. Anyone know?

 

[lmaxwe3]

We ate there the last week of Aug. We had a wonderful experience. I got the Surf and Turf (wouldn't recommend it unless you are not use to lobster from New England)

I am curious about what the difference in the lobster is? DH was thinking he might have one at a meal. With us being from Maine(lobster capital), I suppose we would be very sensitive to this?

 

[Cookie Princess]

I am curious about what the difference in the lobster is? DH was thinking he might have one at a meal. With us being from Maine(lobster capital), I suppose we would be very sensitive to this?

We are from Maine as well and generally have a rule that we don't order lobster anywhere outside of New England. I was thinking of ordering the Maine Lobster at Narcoosee's but another DIS member didn't think it tasted overly fresh.

 

[lucincia]

Are they strict only during "free dining plan" period or for all dining plans?

We will be using dining plan in Nov/Dec trip, not free.

Thanks.

 

[ncmomof2]

We ate at Le Cellier a week and a half ago. We were able to get the surf anf turf but were limited to soda for drinks. She even told my Mom that she would have to pay for milk! Also, the dessert sampler could only be ordered if shared. I was surprised by this since I never read that before here on the forum. I did feel like changes might have been made. I had read here about getting milkshakes and smoothie but we were limited to coke products at every TS we ate at during our vacation. I am not complaining because we ate a ton, fo free, but I was surprised. I was hoping for the glow cubes for my boys!

 

[SueEllen]

I think it depends on who you get at Le Cellier.

The dining plan specifies for the beverage "one single serving non-alcoholic beverage" is included. That includes milk, smoothies, specialty coffees, etc. It does not include any "souvienir" drinks (it was explained to me that the glow cube in the drinks were a retail purchase and were not included on any meal voucher or dining plan)

Milk is indeed included (and my son had it at most of his meals) as are smoothies, milkshakes (although some places consider a milkshake a dessert), and the coffees. Those should not have been denied as part of the meal plan.

We at at Le Cellier last month and did not have any issues. We ordered Surf and Turf, and it was explained to us that if you were to choose to add the lobster to another entree it was an extra charge and not included in the plan, but Surf and Turf as an entree was included.

Sue Ellen

 

[jjan]

I am definitely no lobster connoisseur, but it just didn't taste right to me and I was very disappointed with it. Plus, they had it laying over the steak so the steak tasted fishy too. (yuck!) I am sure that the flavor of the lobster was no fault of the restaurant since I have seen other people here mention that they were from New England and didn't like the lobster there.

 

[jodistar]

Are they strict only during "free dining plan" period or for all dining plans?

We will be using dining plan in Nov/Dec trip, not free.

Thanks.

I'm curious about this too! We will be there October 30th - November 8th.

 

[eeyore45]

I'm curious about this too! We will be there October 30th - November 8th.

I'd say my thoughts (for what its worth) wuold be the same. I feel that the "free dining" is with a "package" only (as it would be if you purchase it - onlyavailable on a pkg) which means we pay "rack rate" for hotel rooms... which everyone that peruses the boards knows, this no discount for rooms is a first (well, I should take that back, AAA is giving a discount, as well as AP rates, and then FL res. did get a discount...) ANYWAY...

I believe that disney has a "contract" of sorts with the dining establishments - they submit a total number of "meal plans" served, and are paid... as well as the gratuity and tax is included in the dining plan...


That being said, with regards to LeCellier, it is a 1 signature TS, where as the cost of the majority of the reports (and some getting the $4 Cheddar Soup for an appy) are still getting $40+ worth of food, for one meal... (alot closer to $50)

So with that, it makes sense that soft drinks (as dh says about 10 cents worth of product) would be included... so with those thoughts, I imagine in order for LeCellier to remain a 1 credit TS, they will need to be "strict" or move back to a 2TS place...

again, just my thoughts

 

[jodistar]

I'd say my thoughts (for what its worth) wuold be the same. I feel that the "free dining" is with a "package" only (as it would be if you purchase it - onlyavailable on a pkg) which means we pay "rack rate" for hotel rooms... which everyone that peruses the boards knows, this no discount for rooms is a first (well, I should take that back, AAA is giving a discount, as well as AP rates, and then FL res. did get a discount...) ANYWAY...

I believe that disney has a "contract" of sorts with the dining establishments - they submit a total number of "meal plans" served, and are paid... as well as the gratuity and tax is included in the dining plan...


That being said, with regards to LeCellier, it is a 1 signature TS, where as the cost of the majority of the reports (and some getting the $4 Cheddar Soup for an appy) are still getting $40+ worth of food, for one meal... (alot closer to $50)

So with that, it makes sense that soft drinks (as dh says about 10 cents worth of product) would be included... so with those thoughts, I imagine in order for LeCellier to remain a 1 credit TS, they will need to be "strict" or move back to a 2TS place...

again, just my thoughts

Never thought about it that way - It's not really a strong concern of mine....I was just curious .

 

[ThinkTink!]

We went to LeCellier last Sunday evening and found it to be just great! Our server was awesome and very friendly. My DS and I were on the dining plan and stayed within the limits and had a wonderful meal. We each got appetizers from the adult menu, I got the cheese soup (very yummy) and we split the cheese sampler plus the bread sticks that are included which my DS loved. DS had the children's hot dog/fries and a chocolate milk, I ordered the surf and turf (the filet was perfect) and a lemonade (I resisted the wine which I would have to pay OOP because I wanted to stay on budget!). For dessert DS had the smores and I inhaled the maple creme brulee - so tasty!! In total I think the bill came to approx. $90 (or the equivalent to 1 child TS and 1 adult TS credit) plus an additional tip for the wonderful service. All in all we had an enormous amount of food, enjoyed the atmosphere and didn't feel we needed to pay OOP for any additional extras as we were stuffed!! (As much as I enjoy receiving free extras - this meal was great without them!) I would recommend this restaurant hands down!

 

[jann1033]

I think it depends on who you get at Le Cellier.


Sue Ellen

well now it wouldn't be disney like to have every CM do the same thing would it !

 

[jenga1030]

ThinkTink,
Your experience sounds really good! I hope that's what we get when we go in a couple of weeks. I'm not looking for extras (although the smoothies sounded good!) but I have read a couple of posts just lately like the person on this thread who wasn't able to order milk, just coke products. (My ds won't drink anything with bubbles, so I hope we don't get that server!) And then there have been a few lately that weren't able to order appetizers for kids even though many on here have. I just wish there wasn't such a wide spectrum-ones that throw in free glow drinks and tell you how to make your bill bigger and then ones that won't let you order milk! It just seems crazy to me. I am appreciative though, I am so glad that we are getting to experience these restaurants for free. Jennifer