New Character Breakfast coming to the Boardwalk

[LSLS]

Okay, so thank you for posting this and validating that the menu is the same. Here's the issue I have. I've been to WDW just one time: last year on my honeymoon. I'm a relatively new Disney fan and as such, don't really have a "defender" attitude because I have no real nostalgia thing. We're going back in May with friends and aren't booking up-charge experiences, or paying through the nose for things that shouldn't be charged for. That being said, we're staying at Boardwalk Villas and I had heard really great things about Trattoria. It seems a lot of you agree that the breakfast is good. I've never had a chance to eat there (again, only one trip under my belt) and I thought it would be nice to try. When they announced it would be a character breakfast, I was a little concerned but still considering eating there. When the menu was announced, I was pleased because the food stayed the same. I also happen to enjoy the characters who will be there.

My point is, I'm told to not be a "bad consumer" or a "Disney Defender", and I try really hard not to be. But what was my option here? Never eat there as a protest? Especially since people think it might eventually be bacon and egg scramble? I honestly thought, okay, yeah the prices went up but food quality didn't seem to decrease, and I do like that I get to meet characters I can't normally.

I'm pretty sure we all have stuff that we'll pay a bit more for at WDW than we would outside, right? Otherwise, none of us would be going.

Your choice is to ignore people who try to tell you how you should enjoy your vacation/meals. I get pretty negative a lot of times on Disney, especially with the upcharging/ money grabs/nasty customer service they have been participating in recently. And it IS changing my vacationing. But it's changing mine. I don't want, nor do I expect, you to see a message board post about what your habits should be and expect you to change it. At the end of the day, this is your vacation. Food looks good, it's an upcharge for princesses and princes for sure, but if it seems worth it for the food/experience, then you are just a consumer. No more, no less. I don't think this is a bad move, especially if they are having issues getting people to eat breakfast here. Disney is taking a lot of hits, and a lot of people are waiting for the profits to take a hit as well as the attendance, but enjoy your vacation how you want.

 

[Madonna3]

Okay, so thank you for posting this and validating that the menu is the same. Here's the issue I have. I've been to WDW just one time: last year on my honeymoon. I'm a relatively new Disney fan and as such, don't really have a "defender" attitude because I have no real nostalgia thing. We're going back in May with friends and aren't booking up-charge experiences, or paying through the nose for things that shouldn't be charged for. That being said, we're staying at Boardwalk Villas and I had heard really great things about Trattoria. It seems a lot of you agree that the breakfast is good. I've never had a chance to eat there (again, only one trip under my belt) and I thought it would be nice to try. When they announced it would be a character breakfast, I was a little concerned but still considering eating there. When the menu was announced, I was pleased because the food stayed the same. I also happen to enjoy the characters who will be there.

My point is, I'm told to not be a "bad consumer" or a "Disney Defender", and I try really hard not to be. But what was my option here? Never eat there as a protest? Especially since people think it might eventually be bacon and egg scramble? I honestly thought, okay, yeah the prices went up but food quality didn't seem to decrease, and I do like that I get to meet characters I can't normally.

I'm pretty sure we all have stuff that we'll pay a bit more for at WDW than we would outside, right? Otherwise, none of us would be going.

Personally, I don't care how you spend your $$ at Disney. However, I have been around the block a time or two. It's good you're coming here and getting the information you'll need to make your trip as best as it can be. The biggest protest any of us can have against what Disney does when we don't like it and to show support when we do like it is with our wallets. When they sell us things they sold before at an inflated price and people BLINDLY book or decide to book the experience at the inflated price ( no one knew what the menu was until like two days ago, but people had already decided "this was for them"), that's bad consumerism. At Disney - everyone is guilty. We all value our experiences differently, but it's because of our bad behavior that Disney is displaying bad behavior and perhaps as you become more acquainted with Disney you'll learn where your limits lie. When we defend poor policies and pay for them, that's when we encourage bad behavior; A la "Caribbean Beach Food Court closure", "Magic Kingdom Tents", "Evening After Hours".

Am I telling you not to go to this? No. Am I telling you that Disney charged $10 less per person for this same thing last week. Yes. Do I care if you go? No. Will I? No.

But there's a downside to protesting with your wallet like I already mentioned. This has a rather unusual menu offering. Clearly, it's not bringing in the crowds Disney wants, so they added characters preserving the unusual menu, perhaps hoping to save it. If that doesn't work, then they'll dumb down the menu and everyone will be booking this 6+ months out just like Akershus. The menu there is awful, but hey, princesses so.. $50 please.

 

[LSLS]

Also, the menu seems a bit specialized. Not sure if these are flavors that will appeal to the general masses and I hope that doesn't lead to poor response which causes Disney to go to the usual bacon and egg scramble

This will be an interesting test. A lot of times if a menu isn't doing well, they do exactly that (dumb it down for the masses so to say). Here, instead of doing that, they are adding in characters (and upcharging for them). Can characters keep an interesting menu even if it doesn't have quite the mass appeal, or will the mass boring foods always win out no matter what.

I also wonder where the saturation point will be for character meals. We usually do one a trip for the little one. This isn't really an add-on for us, it's replacing a different meal that would have been character. Basically in our family, they are just cannibalizing themselves, and I can't imagine I'm alone on that.

 

[Madonna3]

This will be an interesting test. A lot of times if a menu isn't doing well, they do exactly that (dumb it down for the masses so to say). Here, instead of doing that, they are adding in characters (and upcharging for them). Can characters keep an interesting menu even if it doesn't have quite the mass appeal, or will the mass boring foods always win out no matter what.

I also wonder where the saturation point will be for character meals. We usually do one a trip for the little one. This isn't really an add-on for us, it's replacing a different meal that would have been character. Basically in our family, they are just cannibalizing themselves, and I can't imagine I'm alone on that.

Agreed. I'd love to sample the menu at 1900 Park Faire, but there's characters and that really chaffs my hide. I do see this as a very interesting approach. Not only did they save an unusual menu, they brought in unusual characters. I'm hoping that's enough to keep the uniqueness of the place, but I'm sad this was the option. On the other hand, I am glad they chose to save the menu, even if it means characters. It, however, just means this is a venue we'll no longer visit.

 

[PaintsWithAllTheColors]

Personally, I don't care how you spend your $$ at Disney. However, I have been around the block a time or two. It's good you're coming here and getting the information you'll need to make your trip as best as it can be. The biggest protest any of us can have against what Disney does when we don't like it and to show support when we do like it is with our wallets. When they sell us things they sold before at an inflated price and people BLINDLY book or decide to book the experience at the inflated price ( no one knew what the menu was until like two days ago, but people had already decided "this was for them"), that's bad consumerism. At Disney - everyone is guilty. We all value our experiences differently, but it's because of our bad behavior that Disney is displaying bad behavior and perhaps as you become more acquainted with Disney you'll learn where your limits lie. When we defend poor policies and pay for them, that's when we encourage bad behavior; A la "Caribbean Beach Food Court closure", "Magic Kingdom Tents", "Evening After Hours".

Am I telling you not to go to this? No. Am I telling you that Disney charged $10 less per person for this same thing last week. Yes. Do I care if you go? No. Will I? No.

But there's a downside to protesting with your wallet like I already mentioned. This has a rather unusual menu offering. Clearly, it's not bringing in the crowds Disney wants, so they added characters preserving the unusual menu, perhaps hoping to save it. If that doesn't work, then they'll dumb down the menu and everyone will be booking this 6+ months out just like Akershus. The menu there is awful, but hey, princesses so.. $50 please.

This makes total sense to me, thanks. Exactly what you said, everyone values the experiences differently. Luckily, I do think most of us can agree on how terrible the CBR food court issue is, along with the MK cabanas, and the CRT premium dining experience debacle

 

[nkosiek]

Okay, so thank you for posting this and validating that the menu is the same. Here's the issue I have. I've been to WDW just one time: last year on my honeymoon. I'm a relatively new Disney fan and as such, don't really have a "defender" attitude because I have no real nostalgia thing. We're going back in May with friends and aren't booking up-charge experiences, or paying through the nose for things that shouldn't be charged for. That being said, we're staying at Boardwalk Villas and I had heard really great things about Trattoria. It seems a lot of you agree that the breakfast is good. I've never had a chance to eat there (again, only one trip under my belt) and I thought it would be nice to try. When they announced it would be a character breakfast, I was a little concerned but still considering eating there. When the menu was announced, I was pleased because the food stayed the same. I also happen to enjoy the characters who will be there.

My point is, I'm told to not be a "bad consumer" or a "Disney Defender", and I try really hard not to be. But what was my option here? Never eat there as a protest? Especially since people think it might eventually be bacon and egg scramble? I honestly thought, okay, yeah the prices went up but food quality didn't seem to decrease, and I do like that I get to meet characters I can't normally.

I'm pretty sure we all have stuff that we'll pay a bit more for at WDW than we would outside, right? Otherwise, none of us would be going.

@Madonna3 wasn't saying you particularly. Personally, I see the appeal to people who are fans and don't feel like dropping the coin on CRT to meet Ariel or spending the time waiting to see Rapunzel in MK, I just don't think so many people need to rush and talk about how awesome and amazing this is and whatnot. It's just that there are many people on these boards who don't see how taking away a 'regular' dining option is bad for everyone (it will help Disney eventually go all character meals or nothing but really bad quickserves) nor do they care so long as they feel the pixie dust sprinkled on them. There are few breakfast options left that aren't character or QS (The Wave, Whispering Canyon, Grand Floridian Cafe, Kona and Boma I believe), that blows. Sometimes I just want some french toast with sausage that's not been under a heat lamp for 25 minutes or more than a muffin but that's becoming harder and harder to find.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Hate to burst your bubble, but there was a menu announced and was thoroughly reviewed by myself and entire party before deciding to book. I understand if YOU don't see a value. But to just label people "bad consumers" without the facts isn't exactly "logical"...

I wasn't commenting on menu release at all...

I was commenting on the desperation to get things unproven with little if any forethought prior to transaction Id...And I'm not wrong on this...

 

[PaintsWithAllTheColors]

I wasn't commenting on menu release at all...

I was commenting on the desperation to get things unproven with little if any forethought prior to transaction Id...And I'm not wrong on this...

Understood, so it's booking without regard/consideration you have an issue with, not necessarily the booking itself. My mistake for misunderstanding

 

[Madonna3]

@Madonna3 wasn't saying you particularly. Personally, I see the appeal to people who are fans and don't feel like dropping the coin on CRT to meet Ariel or spending the time waiting to see Rapunzel in MK, I just don't think so many people need to rush and talk about how awesome and amazing this is and whatnot. It's just that there are many people on these boards who don't see how taking away a 'regular' dining option is bad for everyone (it will help Disney eventually go all character meals or nothing but really bad quickserves) nor do they care so long as they feel the pixie dust sprinkled on them. There are few breakfast options left that aren't character or QS (The Wave, Whispering Canyon, Grand Floridian Cafe, Kona and Boma I believe), that blows. Sometimes I just want some french toast with sausage that's not been under a heat lamp for 25 minutes or more than a muffin but that's becoming harder and harder to find.

Wait a sec, how come you tagged me, but quoted someone else's post. I'm not understanding what we agree/disagree on

 

[PaintsWithAllTheColors]

Wait a sec, how come you tagged me, but quoted someone else's post. I'm not understanding what we agree/disagree on

I think it was just telling me that you weren't referring to me specifically, if that makes sense. Agreeing with you and helping clarify to me

 

[Madonna3]

I think it was just telling me that you weren't referring to me specifically, if that makes sense. Agreeing with you and helping clarify to me

yes, that does make sense. Thanks.

ETA: OH, I GET IT NOW.... DUH!!!

 

[Bay_Lake_Tower]

@Madonna3 wasn't saying you particularly. Personally, I see the appeal to people who are fans and don't feel like dropping the coin on CRT to meet Ariel or spending the time waiting to see Rapunzel in MK, I just don't think so many people need to rush and talk about how awesome and amazing this is and whatnot. It's just that there are many people on these boards who don't see how taking away a 'regular' dining option is bad for everyone (it will help Disney eventually go all character meals or nothing but really bad quickserves) nor do they care so long as they feel the pixie dust sprinkled on them. There are few breakfast options left that aren't character or QS (The Wave, Whispering Canyon, Grand Floridian Cafe, Kona and Boma I believe), that blows. Sometimes I just want some french toast with sausage that's not been under a heat lamp for 25 minutes or more than a muffin but that's becoming harder and harder to find.

This is my issue. We stay at BLT and love that we have pretty easy access to a few low key and character free breakfasts (and quite a few character ones if we choose). Especially love Kona.

I just hope we're not one step closer to losing our calm and reasonably priced breakfast options in favour of more characters. I do see why Disney would want to add something at the Boardwalk though, so I hope they don't feel the need to knock out any of the other character free breakfast options.

ETA: I'm just waiting for characters to come to Boma. I can't believe they haven't taken the opportunity to add a character meal at AKL and raise the prices.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I haven't been on these boards as long as you have, so I don't know if you are rude, or trying to be the voice of reason, or what

It honestly depends on who you ask...and on what day...lol

Honestly...I battle the immature (frankly) that deny that Disney is looking to screw us all and thinks it's some kinda bizarre public service. Pay more and we all get stuck. Draw reasonable lines.

 

[BWallaceKY]

Woah! The Disney Defenders are sure out in force today

Btw - the menu looks pretty nifty (is that a word still) over the usual fare character breakfast fare. It's just too bad, it's the same stuff, renamed, and now double the price cause Rapunzel stopped to take a pic at your table.

Also, the menu seems a bit specialized. Not sure if these are flavors that will appeal to the general masses and I hope that doesn't lead to poor response which causes Disney to go to the usual bacon and egg scramble

Oh good grief. "Disney Defenders?!?!" Is it really a thing to be rude and judgemental on these boards? Look, Disney is a business. They are going to make as much money as they can. That's what they do. It would be nice if they cared about their guests because they are just good, loving people. The truth is they will care if/when it hurts their bottom line. I am excited about this breakfast because I freakin' love character breakfasts and so do my kids. It's worth it to me. I'm sure you spend money on things in your life that I would find frivolous or ridiculous. Guess what? I wouldn't say a word because it doesn't affect me.

Not "defending" anything. Just really hate to see people be so judgemental and spread inaccurate information (re: booking before a menu was released)

Edited to add: I read your other responses and see that you don't care how others spend their money. I would say that the tone in some of your responses seems to suggest otherwise. Still, as long as we all realize that this is a "to each their own" sort of a situation, I don't see a problem. There are loads of things in life my friends spend copious amounts of money on that seem ridiculous to me. I spend money on vacations

 

[BWallaceKY]

It honestly depends on who you ask...and on what day...lol

Honestly...I battle the immature (frankly) that deny that Disney is looking to screw us all and thinks it's some kinda bizarre public service. Pay more and we all get stuck. Draw reasonable lines.

I fully realize what they are doing They will try to push as much as they can until there is enough resistance. If it hurts their bottom line, they will adjust. That's all. But I love character breakfasts. Sorry. I know a lot of people don't, but I do...so I'm kind of happy to try this place out and was surprised that I got through to get a reservation.

And I tend to take things personally that aren't always meant personally. Sorry if I rushed to judgement. Not sorry about a Rapunzel breakfast though

 

[BWallaceKY]

I hope they don't dumb this down. I like when they do specialized menus instead of the same general stuff you can get everywhere else.

Agree. The menu sounds good right now! We rarely eat breakfast at Disney (I bring stuff and we eat that meal in our rooms most of the time) but when we have it's always been a character breakfast with the typical fare. This sounds nicer.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I'll take part of it back, there is a menu, somewhere. That said, on the webpage for the actual restaurant, there is no menu. Not even the current breakfast menu.

Now, going back to the point of bad consumerism: they added new names to most of the current dishes and added about 60% to the cost. You figure $50/hour for the cast members to walk around as characters, that's about a 4-top worth of patrons. Now add another 100 people (conservative estimate) and Disney is making another $1250/hour (again, very conservative) for food that previously was sold for $14.95 instead of $34. Sorry, that's bad consumerism.

It's only bad consumerism if you are paying for something you don't see the value in. We enjoy some character meals and understand some (a lot ) of the cost is in the character interaction ... and especially in this case where some of the characters are only available here, there is value in that.

If you don't find the value, don't pay it - I know I don't for some meals we don't think are worth it (H&V for example)

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Just as an FYI...it would be a cold day in hades before a character costs $50 an hour...not even close...more like $25

 

[lockedoutlogic]

It's only bad consumerism if you are paying for something you don't see the value in. We enjoy some character meals and understand some (a lot ) of the cost is in the character interaction ... and especially in this case where some of the characters are only available here, there is value in that.

If you don't find the value, don't pay it - I know I don't for some meals we don't

If you're going with the "to each his own" argument...that's fine and leave it at that. Please don't do a value construct on characters...character meals are a ridiculous over price and I think you're well aware

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Okay, so thank you for posting this and validating that the menu is the same. Here's the issue I have. I've been to WDW just one time: last year on my honeymoon. I'm a relatively new Disney fan and as such, don't really have a "defender" attitude because I have no real nostalgia thing. We're going back in May with friends and aren't booking up-charge experiences, or paying through the nose for things that shouldn't be charged for. That being said, we're staying at Boardwalk Villas and I had heard really great things about Trattoria. It seems a lot of you agree that the breakfast is good. I've never had a chance to eat there (again, only one trip under my belt) and I thought it would be nice to try. When they announced it would be a character breakfast, I was a little concerned but still considering eating there. When the menu was announced, I was pleased because the food stayed the same. I also happen to enjoy the characters who will be there.

My point is, I'm told to not be a "bad consumer" or a "Disney Defender", and I try really hard not to be. But what was my option here? Never eat there as a protest? Especially since people think it might eventually be bacon and egg scramble? I honestly thought, okay, yeah the prices went up but food quality didn't seem to decrease, and I do like that I get to meet characters I can't normally.

I'm pretty sure we all have stuff that we'll pay a bit more for at WDW than we would outside, right? Otherwise, none of us would be going.

It's not really being "Disney Defenders" - I think of it more as being "Disney Realists" and know that things costs differently at Disney than they do elsewhere because they are providing a unique experience. Same thing at a baseball game - the hot dogs and beer are a lot more than you would pay elsewhere but it is a unique experience so that is part of the cost.

I actually hope people do frequent this because a) it is a different character line-up and showing there is a demand for the princes and b) the current menu is interesting and not "dumbed down"

Not going out of protesting does nothing but lessen your experience if you want to go