Magic is gone-disappointing 3rd DDP experience

[tripplanner2]

Have to agree about WCC. We were there last year on our departure day for lunch. We had a 1:00 reservation and ME was picking us up at 5:30. We almost missed the bus for ME. We told our waitress that we had a plane to catch as soon as we sat down. Same thing, she disappeared and our food took forever. People at the table next to us sat down about 20 minutes after us and they got their appetizers sooner and their meal was done and paid for before we even got our lunch.

Also agree that we don't go to Disney for the food. We feel that the quality is okay and edible but we go for the experience and not the quality. I always look for the most fun places to eat with the kids. And Sci-Fi is a blast with the kids. Like I said, food is fine but the atmosphere is the best and the kids love it. Thats what it is all about for us.

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

Whatever happened to Disney only hiring folks who genuinely loved the environment? If I want a chain-smoking hag who hates her job for a waitress I will eat at Denny's.

Ya got that right!

 

[jm-mom]

We just got back from a week at Pop Century and ate at the food court numerous times. I have to say, our dining experience was much different than the original poster. We really enjoyed everything we had there and found the servers all to be very nice. We had the Philly Cheesesteak wrap, the pepperoni pizza, the chicken strips, the Asian Chicken salad, the waffles, the french toast, a hot dog and nachos a couple of times and I wouldn't say a bad thing about any of it. Was it gourmet? No. Was it all made to order? No. Was it quite acceptable for what it was -- fast service, food court food. Absolutely!!

We also dined at Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, and the Norway Princess breakfast. All were spectacular. With two picky children along and a pretty picky me, we were still able to find plenty of tasty foods to satisfy us. Again, I feel like it has to be accepted for what it was, a buffet meant to serve a large number of people quickly. The food was replenished and hot, the fruit was fresh, etc. I couldn't complain a bit about it.

My only food complaint would be the buns at Cosmic Rays. They are too weak to support the double cheeseburger and any amount of toppings! The burgers tasted fine though and a nice break from the McD's the kids insist on at home.

Garland

 

[DCLLVR]

Lots of good opinions here, good discussion. Everybody has a different opinion and overal experience with their trips to Disney. If you have been many times over the years you may have a different perspective of the way things are now ... good or bad.

As repeat travellers to Disney (at least 2 times per year over the past 8 - 10 years), we agree with TLSnell1981, we consider our dining experience a big part of the overall Disney experience.

I think it's more than the bad dining experience. I think OP kind of felt like a Dis ambassador and was embarassed by the experience. I also don't think many would be pleased to spend thousands of dollars on dining and then say oh well that was awful, but the rides were good.

One of the reasons we enjoy and keep coming back to Disney is the ability to completely shut out the outside world. While you are at WDW, whether for 2 days or 2 weeks, you can stay completely encompassed in a bubble of magic that you just can not get anywhere else.

However, we too have experience an overall decrease in the quality of food, service, and higher volumes of people in the parks ... which, overall has taken some of the magic out of our vacations. But we still keep coming back!

I would also mention that we to have been great disney ambassadors and have "sold" many, many of our friends, family, and neighbors into trying Disney. We can tell that first timers are not as thrilled with their vacations as they were just a few years ago from feedback we receive from recent first timers.

I think VacationDad pretty much summerizes our thoughts on the overall dining experinece decline over the past few years.

Whatever happened to Disney only hiring folks who genuinely loved the environment? If I want a chain-smoking hag who hates her job for a waitress I will eat at Denny's.

Sorry if this sounds all negative, it is not! Like I said, we keep coming back, and we keep "selling" Disney to our aquintances, however, lets be honest, if you have been going to WDW for the past 5 or 10 years, do you see an improvement in your overall experience? I haven't! It seems to be just little things over time, but the overall experience seems to be going in the wrong direction in my opinion.

.... P.S. our perception could be based on tons of sychological factors including but not limited to higher expectations based on a large number of very magical experiences at WDW over the years. We tend to remember the good things from our many trips and could be just expecting all of those good things to happen on every trip.

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

I just returned from a trip (Jan 22-30), and I had some disappointing experiences too. I also felt that the quality of food had gone down all across Disney World. I didn't have trouble pigging out this trip. I loved the food on our last trip (2006). My disappointment wasn't just with the food though. We had some grumpy servers and CMs. It just felt like a lot of people either didn't really want to work for Disney or they were put in a job they didn't request.

OP, I wrote Disney about my experiences - good and bad. We got a communication card while we were there. Here's their e-mail address:
wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

We're not planning on going back any time soon either. That makes me sad b/c it seemed like the perfect family vacation for a while.

 

[daisax]

I enjoyed my November trip very much, but I too noticed a deterioration in food quality and service. On previous trips we tended to table service meals -- I need to get off my feet, and I enjoy the pleasure of a nice relaxing meal to cool down before going back out into the chaos.

However, after really disappointing meals at Prime Time and Whispering Canyon, we canceled our reservations for Ohana, because even though I'd enjoyed it in the past and was willing to take a chance despite lots of negative recent reviews, after TWO $75 meals that we didn't enjoy, we just didn't want to have a third.

Boma was as wonderful as ever. Jiko was a first time experience and great.

Honest -- we didn't expect Whispering Canyon to be as good as Jiko. Totally different expectations. We did, however, expect a $75 meal to be at least equivalent to a $30 meal in the real world (and our experience it has been in the past.) Not earth shattering, but comparable to the place you go at home because it's easy to get to and has things you both like. Burger and fries, a shared appetizer, soft drinks. Maybe a salad! Not Victoria and Albert, but a
step up from chicken fingers or a patty melt. Not so much to ask. Well, at Whispering Canyon and Primetime, yes, it was too much to ask, apparently.

I've never been much for counter service on commando vacations because I like to recharge, especially at lunch, but on this last trip I do have to say that the counter service restaurants served good honest food for the value, something that could not remotely be said for the moderate table service restaurants (except Boma).

It absolutely seemed to us that WDW has cut the most corners with its moderate dining options. We were not on the plan and started the week wishing we were since we'd enjoyed it in the past.

I think by now we've dined at virtually every resort restaurant and park restaurant except a couple of the biggest heavy hitters, and on the whole our dining this trip was a huge step down from any previous trip.

 

[musicmom3]

One of the reasons we enjoy and keep coming back to Disney is the ability to completely shut out the outside world. While you are at WDW, whether for 2 days or 2 weeks, you can stay completely encompassed in a bubble of magic that you just can not get anywhere else.

This is exactly how I feel. The DW "bubble" has been there for me and my kids when we needed it--always. Admittedly, because we were usually on a shoestring budget, we went on what one of my girls called "the Disney diet," meaning we ate cereal and milk in the room for breakfast and CS (usually sharing), the rest of the time. Even now, when my family doesn't have to pinch every single penny, I find I don't hold the quality to the same standards as I would in my locale (New York City area). The service, yes. The food, no. It is Disney, and I am paying for the experience, the atmosphere, and, mostly, for the "bubble." Local restaurants in my area that would be considered "signature" or beyond in DW language host a couple of seatings a night. At the World, the numbers are much larger. That alone just has to effect the food and presentation. I am not excusing bad food, please understand. We all have the right to expect to receive the value for which we pay. However, knowing that, in an enclosed environment without competion, "value" may have a different meaning than it does outside of the "bubble."

 

[goofy4tink]

In fairness to the majority of Disney servers, though - despite your server's use of the word "we", there's no evidence that anybody except her 'hates the Disney Dining Plan'.

Well, when my dd and I ate at LeCellier last month, I had a wonderful discussion with our server. We were discussing the changes to the various dining plans. According to her (man, I wish I could remember names), they are still waiting to see how the DDP shakes out. It seems that the servers are not making close to the same tips as when the tip was automatically included. But, she said they were reserving judgement. She was one terrific server.

Anyway....I tend to eat at the same restaurants each time. But, I like to try a new spot or two on each trip. Almost without exception, the food quality has declined in most restaurants. Our servers have remained pretty decent though.
I will say that I ate at Sci-Fi a few weeks ago and was quite pleasantly surprised. I ate there soley because my dd, 31, had requested it specifically. And since it was her first trip, I figured why not. But it was much better than my first meal there about 4 years ago.
All in all....I have to agree that the overall food quality has declined in recent years. Even at Chefs du France..we had been led to believe it was going to be a terrific meal, and it was awful.
I don't go to WDW for the food, but I do like it to be dependable. If too many people continue to post about the decline in food quality, I'll be existing on CS and pbj's!!!

 

[byoung]

Sorry to here you had a bad trip.

 

[mickey2000]

Sorry you didn't enjoy the ddp. I really don't go to WDW for the food though- I'm about rides and attractions....

I agree . Why be tied down to a schedule eating food at WDW. There are even great places off property to eat.
I have been going for many years and YES the quality and selection of the food has declined. Can you say 20 ways to serve chicken
No more paid DDP for me it doesn't work for my family.... JMO


Some funny thoughts

2008 Savings.......

Deluxe DDP IMO

I will continue to eat at WDW without the DDP

 

[PrinceAndPrincessQ]

Do I base my complete trip on Dining...NO. BUT, it is something that is a very important part of our families vacation. Apparently it must be for other families too or Disney never would have created a Deluxe DDP would they???

lol I base alot of my life in general on my meals lolol
Luckily, I am 5'6 so have a couple of extra inches to spread in around!!
I struggle to keep weight at 120....so when I do splurge....ohhh myyy everyoneeeeeee hears it if I have wasted calories and fat grams on something not as good as I hoped for. hehe

My posts were truthful although many have indicated other wise. It's really too bad that some feel the need to turn every post into an argument and make accusations.

Yeah, its a bit sad. But its good to share how u feel. Even if some dont agree with you, whoooo carreessssss lolololol

 

[fey_spirit]

You know what bothers me about the replies I'm seeing like this? "Eat at the finer establishments" means eat at the more expensive establishments. So it's kind of implied that for those who can't afford to do so, we get the crap we deserve and we can just deal with it.

Some of us can't afford to eat at signature and above restaurants every night.

I don't understand letting some bad meals keep you from Disney. If you want fine dining at the World, you need to do some more research, and make differnet choices. The food at the Liberty Tree is the same dinner after dinner. Turkey, stuffing, and mac n cheese. Filling food, but it could never be called fine dining. And the burgers at the Ellectric Umbrella are ok, but not what I would call fine dining either.

If you want fine dining, you really need to look at places like the Blue Zoo, California Grill, and the Chef's table at Victoria and Albert's. For the most part everything else is theme park food. Good and filling, but not 4 star haute cuisine. But with all of the people Disney feeds on a daily basis, what can you expect?

I will give you the rotten grapes though. That is just gross!

 

[global_mom]

You know what bothers me about the replies I'm seeing like this? "Eat at the finer establishments" means eat at the more expensive establishments. So it's kind of implied that for those who can't afford to do so, we get the crap we deserve and we can just deal with it.

Some of us can't afford to eat at signature and above restaurants every night.

I dont think that maxiesmom was trying to imply this at all and I did not detect that undertone. Seems that suggestions were just being made about places at Disney that do serve "fine food" so that if the OP were looking for a different type of cuisine, this would provide some options.

I really just dont see that this was the point of the post. Sometimes we go to Signature places and sometimes we dont. Sometimes we like to eat CS and sometimes we dont. We LOVE Liberty Tree so eveyone's opinion is different. We certainly dont think that it is "fine food" but it is a long way from being crap.

No matter what you are paying, or where you are eating, the food should be decent. A truly bad experience may happen but all customers have the right to expect a decent value for their money.

 

[Corinne]

We have never used the DDP. We have always dined at the TS restaurants and overall, I honestly believe the food quality and selections have suffered over the last few years.

 

[melomouse]

I just got back yesterday and the DDP was exactly as I expected. I do appreciate the OP's disappointment, however, as she had a large group and maybe she felt responsible in some ways.

It's not necessarily about the PRICE on the menus, tho - it's also about which restaurants you choose within the DDP. We added WCC at the last minute because of touring plan shifts - it was not an original choice for us - even tho we were at the WL - because the food is just so-so. I had to change the time of our Tutto Italia ressie also, but was willing to take BD, PTC or MM. They kept offering Sci-Fi, but I refused. Eventually concierge found the earlier Tutto Italia slot.

Not true, OP, that you can't get steak - had it at Le Cellier, Kona, Raglan Road and WCC (DD had prime rib).

Just always amuses me that folks' experiences can be so different and the negative postings so dramatic. Trying to think of anything that would make me come on here and say I was NEVER returning to WDW because of the DDP!!

 

[clowe247]

We were there jan 16-23. We started out at Ohanas the first night.We had 7pm restervations. We got a table at 8 pm. We were greeted by out server promptly. He asked if we were on the dining plan and can I see your card. After we showed him our card He states " How are you going to pay? " I see you don't have a charging on your card." We stated that we were just going to get what was on the plan. The server rolled his eyes and let out a huff and stated " For my services of course." I was upset. The last time I checked a Tips is EARNED not just expected. The food was good . We did not see much of our server but his helper kept us well fed.
The next night we went to chef De La France The food was just OK. The server Did what she had to do and rushed off. We watched to see how many tables she had. We could only see 3 . I asked for my beverage to be served with my entry (coffee) I had to ask for it 3 times and finally got after my dessert. We did not get any connection with our server at all.
We got the same treatment form the server in Mamma Melrose. Food was great though.
We finally to return to La Cellier. Great service and great food. We called the manager to our table to bragg on our server.
All and All we felt very rushed to eat and get out esp at Wolf Gang Pucks . The server asked for our card before we even ordered. She states I can ring up your bill faster and you won't have to wait for it.
The dining plan is still a good plan but The serve has gone down hill since we we last Dec. 06. The best food we had was counter serves. Hopfully the come up with a meal plan just for counter services.

 

[Caren]

I was just there in early January. Overall, the full-service meals I went to were very good, the counter service appalling.

Disney seems to be trying to see how far they can reduce food costs before people start to complain. Because I often frequent the same venues, I was able to notice some very specific areas where they cut costs.

Examples:

The tempura udon at the Yakitori House used to be a large bowl of udon noodles and vegetables topped with one large tempura shrimp. Now it's a smaller bowl of udon noodles and no vegetables topped with two small breaded shrimp.

The Lotus Blossom in China used to give you about equal amounts of rice and entree. What I got last month was three quarters rice.

Buffets where they carve meat to order have taken to giving out slivers of meat unless you ask for more.

The zebra domes at Boma this time around were much softer than usual and seemed to be filled with--I swear--chocolate Cool Whip.

One notable exception to the decline in food quality was the restaurant at the Yacht Club. It had just changed its name to Captain's Grille and I was told they had a new chef.

For what we pay for food at Disney, we should be getting good food and decent service wherever we go.

 

[TBGOES2DISNEY]

For what we pay for food at Disney, we should be getting good food and decent service wherever we go.

AMEN!

 

[Small Town Princess]

I just got back yesterday and the DDP was exactly as I expected. I do appreciate the OP's disappointment, however, as she had a large group and maybe she felt responsible in some ways.

It's not necessarily about the PRICE on the menus, tho - it's also about which restaurants you choose within the DDP. We added WCC at the last minute because of touring plan shifts - it was not an original choice for us - even tho we were at the WL - because the food is just so-so. I had to change the time of our Tutto Italia ressie also, but was willing to take BD, PTC or MM. They kept offering Sci-Fi, but I refused. Eventually concierge found the earlier Tutto Italia slot.

Not true, OP, that you can't get steak - had it at Le Cellier, Kona, Raglan Road and WCC (DD had prime rib).

Just always amuses me that folks' experiences can be so different and the negative postings so dramatic. Trying to think of anything that would make me come on here and say I was NEVER returning to WDW because of the DDP!!

I also find it strange that a post can be interpruted in so many different ways. I should have been more clear in some of my references.

When I mentioned the steak and said it was about the only place offered on our trip- I was referring to the restaurants we had selected. WCC did not have steak on the lunch menu (we couldn't get in for supper there even though my ADRs were made 6 months in advance).

What one person may feel was a DRAMATIC negative post, I felt was a truthful review. I tried very hard to mention several places which we felt were good (along with the bad). If just one or two of the places we ate at on this trip had been not so great I never would have posted. But the overall experience did not measure up for us. Many of the places we ate at: WCC, Sci-Fi, Prime Time, Ohana had been WONDERFUL in the past for us. Before this trip I can say that we had amazing experiences at almost every place we tried (food and servers). Maybe we had just set our expectations too high because of this.

Can it all be blamed on the DDP? Probably not, but morale of the servers seems down and the food wasn't what we had experienced in the past. As others have attested to, once a server found out we were on the DDP their attitude seemed to change. Again, we were a party of 13 and an automatic 18% gratuity. Maybe this made a difference. In the past (when the gratuity was included) we never felt that being on the DDP made the servers act differently toward us though.

I also didn't say that I will NEVER go to Disney again. I said we won't be planning a trip to Disney any time soon! I truly hope things will improve in the next few years and then maybe we will try again. I just think we will take a break and spend our money elsewhere for awhile.

 

[angelmav]

Thanks again small town princess for all you honest, well thought out and well written reviews.

On a side note, for all the complaining that people had about servers 'earning their tip' under the old plan, it sure seems like service has gone down hill now that they have gotten their wish.