McDonalds in DTD - closing

[njsweetP]

Looks like they will be closing their doors on April 30. Bummer - always a standby when all else fails. I have never eaten at the new place they are replacing it with, can anyone comment on it?
http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/02/3719/

 

[cheerforchelsea]

I will miss McDonalds!!!!!!!!!

 

[disney*mom*82]

I cant comment on the new place, but glad to see Mc Donalds go!

 

[DVCBELLE]

I am actually bummed...sometimes you just need a quick famliar meal for your kids at Disney.

Plus - it was a great stop for ice cream!

 

[libinatorsmom]

I think its a good thing... I think it takes away from the "Disney" feel for me... I dont give it a second look - heck not even a 1st!!! I want DISNEY food

 

[minnie1928]

I love the $1 cones!!

 

[MinnieForMe]

Too bad. It was the perfect location for a bathroom break while the kids were at the Lego area with DH!

 

[njsweetP]

McDonald's is going but in it's place is going to be Pollo Campero, just another fast food place.

 

[sskem96]

Total bummer! My kids earn McDonald's gift certificates from our credit union, and they always save them to spend at DTD. We don't eat at McDonald's on a regular basis, so getting to eat there at Disney is a special treat for them. DH and I get our food at Earl of Sandwich, then walk down to McDonald's where the kids get their food and we all eat together. They are going to be so disappointed!

 

[Purseval]

I'd like to know what would want to make the most successful and recognized fast food name in the world leave DTD. Rent too high? Not open enough hours to make it profitable? If DTD can't support cheap hamburgers what makes anyone think it can support cheap chicken? Pollo Campero may use this as a loss leader and consider it advertising.

 

[hercamore]

Very odd.

 

[DVCBELLE]

I'd like to know what would want to make the most successful and recognized fast food name in the world leave DTD. Rent too high? Not open enough hours to make it profitable? If DTD can't support cheap hamburgers what makes anyone think it can support cheap chicken? Pollo Campero may use this as a loss leader and consider it advertising.

I was thinking the same thing....there is no way we will be trying it out. I already know my kids won't want to eat it.

Menu items will include salads, chicken, yuca fries, sweet plantains, and Latin drinks including horchata and tamarindo.

 

[SandrA9810]

sounds gross. But there's the mcD's at the end of the street too with "normal" prices. They don't always do the specials others do. But at least the prices aren't jacked up.

 

[JandJ]

All I know is, when in need, the McDonald's bathrooms at DTD are the best - walls and doors all the way to the floor for privacy

 

[4mickey2]

i am betting it was a disney thing. remember the fries are no longer in the parks, either.

 

[Teresa Pitman]

I have to say, this new place sounds better to me than Macdonald's! The article says they also have salads and healthier foods - so much better than greasy fries and burgers! I never went into the Macdonald's but I might give this new place a try once it's open.

Teresa

 

[LaceyLace]

I'm guessing its one more move by Disney towards healthier food options.

Wish they'd get off the health food kick. Some of us enjoy eating junk rather than healthy foods, especially on vacation.... and it should be OUR choice, not forced down our throats by Disney.

We don't normally eat at McDonalds at DTD because we love Wolfgang Puck's Express and Earl of Sandwich... things we can't get back at home.... but this decision greatly disappoints me anyways because of Disney's stance on healthy foods now.

Don't even get me going on the kids' menus at Disney restaurants....

 

[Purseval]

I'm guessing its one more move by Disney towards healthier food options.

I would estimate that out of every 10 times we go to DTD 9 times it's to get fish and chips from Cooke's of Dublin. I hope the health police stay away from that place because there are also good Fish and Chip places in Orlando.

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

too bad...they closed the one at Epcot as well.

 

[MyDizneyBoyz]

It's the result of a contract ending and I think it will be nice to have a new restaurant as an option. I'm not going to knock Pollo Campero until I have a chance to eat there. I like to try new things on vacation and fortunately there are enough options at DTD that we can always find something to fill the young'uns bellies.

http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/02/mcdonalds-at-downtown-disney-is-closing/
"Representatives for Disney World and McDonald’s said the exit stems from a 2004 decision to end a 10-year exclusive sponsorship agreement between McDonald’s Corp. and Walt Disney Co. The Downtown Disney restaurant was included in that agreement."

This is part of the exclusive contract ending which also allows McD's to now carry non-Disney toys in its Happy Meals and Disney can partner with other fast food places on a movie-by-movie basis.