Please Don't Bash The DDP!

[jodifla]

Sorry to get on a soap box, but...


I don't think it's fair to blame the DDP for the supposed decline of food. Restaurants change, menus get updated, chefs come and go, as do waiters and waitresses and managers. I think the DDP is a blessing! It's allowed us to try new restaurants we otherwise wouldn't have gone to because of uncertainty of the menu or - in most cases - the cost of it! I just keep reading people talking about how the food tastes worse or they get treated differently because they are on the plan. It's possible the DDP has it's negative side, but overall, I think it's gave many people some awesome opportunities!

I don't understand the ridiculous notion that people couldn't afford to eat at WDW before, but they CAN shell out tons of money upfront for the DDP all while paying RACK RATE for their rooms.

It's crystal clear to me that the DDP has dragged down WDW dining in the past couple of years. As someone who has eaten there on a regular basis over the past 30 years, I know what I'm talking about.

All the nice touches are disappearing from WDW dining. All the high quality foods are disappearing. The ability to get into a restaurant without planning six months in advance is disappearing.

Why should I refrain from bashing something that is RUINING a formerly terrific experience?

 

[marivaid]

I don't understand the ridiculous notion that people couldn't afford to eat at WDW before, but they CAN shell out tons of money upfront for the DDP all while paying RACK RATE for their rooms.

It's crystal clear to me that the DDP has dragged down WDW dining in the past couple of years. As someone who has eaten there on a regular basis over the past 30 years, I know what I'm talking about.

All the nice touches are disappearing from WDW dining. All the high quality foods are disappearing. The ability to get into a restaurant without planning six months in advance is disappearing.

Why should I refrain from bashing something that is RUINING a formerly terrific experience?

Most people who go to WDW don't have access to discounts. If you don't live in FL or have an AP, there aren't many (any??) discount available. So paying rack rate is not an issue, we'd be paying it anyway.

There are signature restaurants if you want fancy food. I don't believe V&A is going to be serving grilled cheese any time soon. I also don't believe that restaurants like LTT, CP, or Sci-Fi ever offered fine cuisine. Of course I could be wrong about that.
Do you not consider the Broiled Filet of Arctic Char from Jiko to be high quality food ? How about the Pan-Seared Duck Breast from Maya Grill ? They don't sound like TGI Friday's food to me.

But what do I know.. I'm part of the "masses" after all.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

I often wonder, when reading threads like this, if there's an unofficial "class system" in place at WDW.

To hear some talk, the advent of the value resorts was like the Apocalypse, in that "anyone" could afford to stay on property. I recall one poster saying that it was bringing "undesirables" to WDW, and was serious in saying so. Another poster said that the proliferation of thrill rides (Mission:Space, Rock and Roller Coaster, Everest) was bringing too many teenagers on property and WDW was becoming just another theme park. The pro vs. con debate on the value of the DDP can have that same flavor. And, I made the mistake of wandering into a thread which talked about the new smoking policy at WDW and DVC resorts. Ho-leee cow!

So there are basically two-broadly defined groups in play here: those who wanted things to stay as they were (more "exclusive" resorts, restaurants, more liberal smoking policies, more sedate park attractions), and those who are OK with changes (more affordable resorts, more affordable dining options, thrill rides in the parks, etc.)

Honestly, though ... it just seems that it's easy enough to find an upscale lodging experience - most any concierge level room should work. Better than decent food is available - I sure don't complain about Jiko, Citrico's, certainly V&A's. If someone doesn't like thrill rides, don't get on them. As for the smoking policy, well, if you aren't pleased with it, write or call or email the Disney Powers that Be and express your concerns.

Change is inevitable, and part of our resistance to change is that all change, even the good kind, involves some sort of loss. You can be happily married, but you did lose a certain type of independence when you got married, for example. And when you start losing favorite menu items, or perceive the parks to be overrun by hoodlums or by people who "just aren't our kind," then the loss is acute.

Fact is, Disney exists to make a profit and enrich shareholders. I'll bet all these decisions were made to increase the bottom line. If Disney doesn't make a profit, we all suffer. Capitalism rocks, and they are going to do whatever is appropriate to keep rooms and restaurants and parks full. And Disney does provide excellence, as witness the increase in the gate at Animal Kingdom primarily because of the extraordinary Expedition Everest, an example of what Disney does best (and watch for the movie based on the ride soon!)

If someone comes to my favorite place (WDW), and is able to experience just a bit of the magic I've enjoyed for decades because of the DDP or Pop Century, then heck, I'll celebrate right along with 'em.

It's all good.

 

[canda]

Everytime a new thing is done at WDW people hate it.

When Fastpass first came out, I could not walk down the queue without grumpy people giving me ugly looks and saying out loud how unfair it was.

I even had one man at KS grab my shoulder as I was walking by, and start yelling at me for line jumping. Since the fastpass line is clear, I just smiled, laughed and said "have fun in line while I go ride" He jumped into the fastpass line and then tried to get through arguing with CM that it's not fair.

 

[apostolic4life]

It is however, facinating, that the portion size and menus changed throughout WDW shortly after the introduction of the dining plan. Yeah, chefs change, but every menu in Disney doesn't start changing simultaneously unless its been ordered from the top.

I don't think the dining plan is blameless for the changes. I don't think its fair to blame all the changes on the dining plan either - I think Disney has gotten into the "reducing variation" trend of running a business - and that has not had a good impact on food and beverage at Disney. (i.e. the standardization of bar menus has nothing to do with the dining plan).

The dining plan has some really good points - its made table service dining affordable for hundreds of thousands of Disney guests. Its made trips easier to budget.

But, everything comes with a downside. For people who were used to the more expansive menus of a few years ago, and were willing to pay to order from the top of the menu, those choices have disappeared or are a shadow (portion size and detail wise) of their former selves. Not that the food isn't good, but it isn't worth looking forward to anymore. For some of us, that's as much a disappointment as turning Mr. Toad's Wild Ride into Pooh, or closing 10,000 Leagues.

Kevin's point is well taken - the dining plan impacts me whether I use it or not. We haven't used the dining plan (we will this next trip) - and if we were offered seperate menus, we'd prefer to pay out of pocket for the old food quality and quantity - we weren't spending $40 per person a day on food - we were spending $80. And I'd happily continue to spend $80 to get $80 worth of food. But now, if I pay OOP, I spend $80 to get $55 worth of food - or I can spend $40 with the dining plan and get $55 worth of food. I'd rather go back to the old way, but I'm not stupid enough to pay $80 for $55 worth of food when I can pay $40.

I agree with the points you have made. The industry as a whole is trending towards standardized menus/bars and smaller portioning. This is an industry-wide trend, not just a WDW trend. The WDW restaurants are more closely run like chains now instead of independant establishments with the ability to create wonderful fresh daily menu offerings. Why is this?......PROFITABILITY!

As for the DDP, the whole purpose is to get every dollar possible out of every guest. Without the DDP many would leave the park to eat offsite or even stay offsite (allthough I can't imagine going to WDW and not having the on-property resort experience ). From a financial perspective, it is what they want. If you want something more than the DDP offers you can sacrifice 2TS credits for a signature meal or pay out of pocket......any way you add it up, WDW reaps the financial benefits. I think the DDP is something the "masses" like me will take advantage of, but many (also like me) will be willing to pay out of pocket for the finer dining experiences with better offerings and service if we want them.

 

[apostolic4life]

I often wonder, when reading threads like this, if there's an unofficial "class system" in place at WDW.

To hear some talk, the advent of the value resorts was like the Apocalypse, in that "anyone" could afford to stay on property. I recall one poster saying that it was bringing "undesirables" to WDW, and was serious in saying so. Another poster said that the proliferation of thrill rides (Mission:Space, Rock and Roller Coaster, Everest) was bringing too many teenagers on property and WDW was becoming just another theme park. The pro vs. con debate on the value of the DDP can have that same flavor. And, I made the mistake of wandering into a thread which talked about the new smoking policy at WDW and DVC resorts. Ho-leee cow!

So there are basically two-broadly defined groups in play here: those who wanted things to stay as they were (more "exclusive" resorts, restaurants, more liberal smoking policies, more sedate park attractions), and those who are OK with changes (more affordable resorts, more affordable dining options, thrill rides in the parks, etc.)

Honestly, though ... it just seems that it's easy enough to find an upscale lodging experience - most any concierge level room should work. Better than decent food is available - I sure don't complain about Jiko, Citrico's, certainly V&A's. If someone doesn't like thrill rides, don't get on them. As for the smoking policy, well, if you aren't pleased with it, write or call or email the Disney Powers that Be and express your concerns.

Change is inevitable, and part of our resistance to change is that all change, even the good kind, involves some sort of loss. You can be happily married, but you did lose a certain type of independence when you got married, for example. And when you start losing favorite menu items, or perceive the parks to be overrun by hoodlums or by people who "just aren't our kind," then the loss is acute.

Fact is, Disney exists to make a profit and enrich shareholders. I'll bet all these decisions were made to increase the bottom line. If Disney doesn't make a profit, we all suffer. Capitalism rocks, and they are going to do whatever is appropriate to keep rooms and restaurants and parks full. And Disney does provide excellence, as witness the increase in the gate at Animal Kingdom primarily because of the extraordinary Expedition Everest, an example of what Disney does best (and watch for the movie based on the ride soon!)

If someone comes to my favorite place (WDW), and is able to experience just a bit of the magic I've enjoyed for decades because of the DDP or Pop Century, then heck, I'll celebrate right along with 'em.

It's all good.

Well said...........Bravo!!!!

 

[bicker]

I often wonder, when reading threads like this, if there's an unofficial "class system" in place at WDW.

That's a common rejoinder used to muddy the waters. HDTVs are expensive. The least expensive ones are over $400, even with small screens, while cheap EDTVs are in the $200 range, and old technology SDTVs, even with ASTC tuners, are less than that. Does that mean that there is an "unofficial 'class system'" in place with regard to television?

Our society definitely offers more for those who are able to and willing to pay more. It is true in just about every aspect of our society, and the main thing that differentiates our society from a socialist society.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Do you people want to have a discussion or are we just going to always be wrong because we don't agree that everything the wonderful, benevolent Disney gives us is great?

No one said we only wanted exclusivity in WDW dining. No one said we didn't like change. At one point in time food at WDW resembled dog food. IT was terrible. Then they slowly upped the ante to where it was down right respectable in every sense. We not only liked that change we bought into it big time! Now why should those of us who loved that aspect of WDW just sit and be quiet when they've done a complete 180 and just ignored us?

You call us names like elitist and snobs and compare the dining changes to riduculous things like Fastpass and constantly remind us that WDW is a business and that if DDP is profitable then it must be great. Well, I don't deny that the DDP's have worked and I'd be hard pressed to ignore just how much some (most) people like them but the rub is I don't particularily want these types of programs to go away, quite the contrary, I think Disney should cater to all tastes from the very budget minded to the hoighty toighty that I'll never be. But in this case you DDP lovers keep telling us that we don't matter because we're not the majority. Why? Why does it bother you that we'd like three or four really top level places with creative menu's, sommoliars and top notch service? No one would make you go but it seems you just want it all for yourself which is exactly what you blame us for.

 

[mrsltg]

If you like the DDP then use it and don't worry about those of us who don't. It's offered and there for the taking.

But your comments on not wanting to blame the DDP for what's happening to the food at WDW is wishful thinking in the eyes of many of us (not all, though).

I know why two chef's have left and I'm sure you wouldn't like the answer. The servers aren't happy because of the formula for tip sharing I'm told...They're not reaping the benefits of their extraordinary service. Some of the better ones have moved on (as all the regular restaurant patrons know).

You are getting to eat at restaurants you maybe couldn't before but (IMO) it is no longer the same restaurant. You're eating in the same building but minus the same same food quality, menu diversity and service quality as was known in the past. So what are you really getting? A building with moderate service and a quickly changing menu that looks just like every othr WDW eatery.

This is the state of WDW dining for better or worse. It isn't going to change because I don't like it so you really have little to worry about. WDW dining is on a path to please the majority of the guests while filling their rooms and until the profitability in this changes or another avenue (offering better profitr) appears you DDP lovers will continue to get what you want.

Exactly. And, this is why I use DDP. It's going to be the same menu whether I take advantage of DDP or not. I'm not thrilled with the menu changes and homogenization of the restaurants and the gift shops, too, but there is nothing to be done about it.

 

[bicker]

Wow... can Peter and I actually be in agreement on something?

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Oh, that's not possible...Is it?

 

[marivaid]

I often wonder, when reading threads like this, if there's an unofficial "class system" in place at WDW.

To hear some talk, the advent of the value resorts was like the Apocalypse, in that "anyone" could afford to stay on property. I recall one poster saying that it was bringing "undesirables" to WDW, and was serious in saying so. Another poster said that the proliferation of thrill rides (Mission:Space, Rock and Roller Coaster, Everest) was bringing too many teenagers on property and WDW was becoming just another theme park. The pro vs. con debate on the value of the DDP can have that same flavor. And, I made the mistake of wandering into a thread which talked about the new smoking policy at WDW and DVC resorts. Ho-leee cow!

So there are basically two-broadly defined groups in play here: those who wanted things to stay as they were (more "exclusive" resorts, restaurants, more liberal smoking policies, more sedate park attractions), and those who are OK with changes (more affordable resorts, more affordable dining options, thrill rides in the parks, etc.)

Honestly, though ... it just seems that it's easy enough to find an upscale lodging experience - most any concierge level room should work. Better than decent food is available - I sure don't complain about Jiko, Citrico's, certainly V&A's. If someone doesn't like thrill rides, don't get on them. As for the smoking policy, well, if you aren't pleased with it, write or call or email the Disney Powers that Be and express your concerns.

Change is inevitable, and part of our resistance to change is that all change, even the good kind, involves some sort of loss. You can be happily married, but you did lose a certain type of independence when you got married, for example. And when you start losing favorite menu items, or perceive the parks to be overrun by hoodlums or by people who "just aren't our kind," then the loss is acute.

Fact is, Disney exists to make a profit and enrich shareholders. I'll bet all these decisions were made to increase the bottom line. If Disney doesn't make a profit, we all suffer. Capitalism rocks, and they are going to do whatever is appropriate to keep rooms and restaurants and parks full. And Disney does provide excellence, as witness the increase in the gate at Animal Kingdom primarily because of the extraordinary Expedition Everest, an example of what Disney does best (and watch for the movie based on the ride soon!)

If someone comes to my favorite place (WDW), and is able to experience just a bit of the magic I've enjoyed for decades because of the DDP or Pop Century, then heck, I'll celebrate right along with 'em.

It's all good.

Is there a clapping smiley ? You deserve one. GREAT POST!

 

[apostolic4life]

I don't understand the ridiculous notion that people couldn't afford to eat at WDW before, but they CAN shell out tons of money upfront for the DDP all while paying RACK RATE for their rooms.

I am not sure I follow you here. "Tons of money upfront" is hardly appropriate in most cases. DW and I have done the math and with the DDP you save "tons of money" when using the DDP. When we did not use the DDP we would spend approximatly $35 -$70 per person for an appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage at many TS restaurants in WDW. That is a considerable savings based on the DDP $39/day rate which includes the CS meal and snack credit. When those of us who don't get Florida resident discounts, we often plan well in advance, book packages (with discounted room rates) and pay for them over the length of a full year which means it is not all paid for up-front. With DDP we can pay for food expenses with our package and not have to worry about bringing extra funds to pay for meals (we poor hillbilly folk sure does luv layaway ).

It's crystal clear to me that the DDP has dragged down WDW dining in the past couple of years. As someone who has eaten there on a regular basis over the past 30 years, I know what I'm talking about.

As I stated in an earlier post, the changes seen at WDW restaurants are being seen industry-wide to increase profitability in many restaurants. The changes being made are to make those who are shareholders happy. That is really the bottomline of the matter. To blame the DDP, to the exclusion of other factors, is not not accurate. Yes, the low cost of DDP does have an impact on the menu offerings and the quality to an extent, but it is not the sole reason for the decline: Profits are the bigger factor.

All the nice touches are disappearing from WDW dining. All the high quality foods are disappearing. The ability to get into a restaurant without planning six months in advance is disappearing.

I do understand how a "local" who frequents the restaurants at WDW would hate the fact of making reservations six months out. Again, Disney would, on any given day, take the higher percentage of non-local patrons over local. The local economy could not and would not keep the WDW restaurants in business on its own. WDW knows the sarifce of local (more frequent even) patrons for us out-of-towners pays off with restaurants filled to capacity months in advance. I do understand how one may feel like they have been forsaken at the feet of capitalism.

Why should I refrain from bashing something that is RUINING a formerly terrific experience?

I think you should voice your opinion about the DDP, but I do not thinnk personal attacks on people should be tolerated. Many poor folks save for a lifetime just to experience WDW once before they die, what makes me any better than them???? Matter of fact, my DW and I are considering starting a charitable arm to our businesses to share the WDW experience with those who are less fortunate..........everybody deserves to experience this magic!!! I know, . Sorry!

 

[BillSears]

I often wonder, when reading threads like this, if there's an unofficial "class system" in place at WDW.

To hear some talk, the advent of the value resorts was like the Apocalypse, in that "anyone" could afford to stay on property. I recall one poster saying that it was bringing "undesirables" to WDW, and was serious in saying so. Another poster said that the proliferation of thrill rides (Mission:Space, Rock and Roller Coaster, Everest) was bringing too many teenagers on property and WDW was becoming just another theme park. The pro vs. con debate on the value of the DDP can have that same flavor. And, I made the mistake of wandering into a thread which talked about the new smoking policy at WDW and DVC resorts. Ho-leee cow!

So there are basically two-broadly defined groups in play here: those who wanted things to stay as they were (more "exclusive" resorts, restaurants, more liberal smoking policies, more sedate park attractions), and those who are OK with changes (more affordable resorts, more affordable dining options, thrill rides in the parks, etc.)

Honestly, though ... it just seems that it's easy enough to find an upscale lodging experience - most any concierge level room should work. Better than decent food is available - I sure don't complain about Jiko, Citrico's, certainly V&A's. If someone doesn't like thrill rides, don't get on them. As for the smoking policy, well, if you aren't pleased with it, write or call or email the Disney Powers that Be and express your concerns.

Change is inevitable, and part of our resistance to change is that all change, even the good kind, involves some sort of loss. You can be happily married, but you did lose a certain type of independence when you got married, for example. And when you start losing favorite menu items, or perceive the parks to be overrun by hoodlums or by people who "just aren't our kind," then the loss is acute.

Fact is, Disney exists to make a profit and enrich shareholders. I'll bet all these decisions were made to increase the bottom line. If Disney doesn't make a profit, we all suffer. Capitalism rocks, and they are going to do whatever is appropriate to keep rooms and restaurants and parks full. And Disney does provide excellence, as witness the increase in the gate at Animal Kingdom primarily because of the extraordinary Expedition Everest, an example of what Disney does best (and watch for the movie based on the ride soon!)

If someone comes to my favorite place (WDW), and is able to experience just a bit of the magic I've enjoyed for decades because of the DDP or Pop Century, then heck, I'll celebrate right along with 'em.

It's all good.

Comparing the DDP to adding value resorts isn't reasonable to me. Adding something is fine but when you take away something else and replace it with a lesser version people will complain. Imagine if they decided to convert the build a new value resort by tearing down the Wilderness Lodge and putting it there? That's the equivalent of what they've done with the DDP. They've gutted alot of the old menus and replaced them with something of lesser quality.

Disney is a for profit business and they do whatever it takes to max out their profits. But we as guests don't have to be happy with it. If we all just wanted to support Disney's profits then we should just mail them a check every month to help their profit margin.

 

[apostolic4life]

I think the bashing goes both ways.......I think the DDP is a great option for the masses, and I also think for those of us willing to spend the extra money, options are there for that as well.

These are facts we will always have:
1.The DDP will never go away
2. The DDP is not for everyone
3. WDW DDP restaurants are not fine cuisine
4. The food in DDP restaurants is good in most cases (not all)
5. The powers that be at Disney will always focus on the profit not the people.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

jodifla has made no personal attacks. She hasn't called anyone a hillbilly or low life. Where's this coming from?

Spout the 'yeah capitalism' mantra all you want, we get it...Note: Although my personal belief is that ultimately capitalism will be the downfall of western society and end up in the same 'has been' heap as the dreaded foe communisim (or we'll all end up working for Wal Mart ) but this isn't the forum for that, is it?

Regarding the changes seen to restaurnats industry wide, just because you say it doesn't make it true. It is true there is a trend toward chains (be they small or large) but the cutbacks you speak of aren't happening at the restaurants (any of them) that I frequest (The Palm, Ruths' Chris, Blue Zoo, Emeril's, Cafe D'Antonio to name a few in Orlando). Now if you're talking Bennigans, Friday's or Applebee's, yeah I see it but this is not the bar I personally would like WDW dining to be judged at.

Disney should easily be able to keep a workable DDP, with great restaurants and appropriate choices at an acceptable price level while simutaneously operating three or four high end, chef driven dining experiences to please another segment...

 

[apostolic4life]

jodifla has made no personal attacks. She hasn't called anyone a hillbilly or low life. Where's this coming from?

Spout the 'yeah capitalism' mantra all you want, we get it...Note: Although my personal belief is that ultimately capitalism will be the downfall of western society and end up in the same 'has been' heap as the dreaded foe communisim (or we'll all end up working for Wal Mart ) but this isn't the forum for that, is it?

Regarding the changes seen to restaurnats industry wide, just because you say it doesn't make it true. It is true there is a trend toward chains (be they small or large) but the cutbacks you speak of aren't happening at the restaurants (any of them) that I frequest (The Palm, Ruths' Chris, Blue Zoo, Emeril's, Cafe D'Antonio to name a few in Orlando). Now if you're talking Bennigans, Friday's or Applebee's, yeah I see it but this is not the bar I personally would like WDW dining to be judged at.

Disney should easily be able to keep a workable DDP, with great restaurants and appropriate choices at an acceptable price level while simutaneously operating three or four high end, chef driven dining experiences to please another segment...

I never said she did...........read my post again. I was being funny about the hillbilly thing!!! Take a deep breath......

I was just making a general statement about attacks (like this one)

 

[3jsmommy]

The part that I find interesting is that the DDP might affect even those people who don't like it and wish it didn't exist. In that respect, it's the same as FastPass: a world *without* this offering is a different world than the one with it, even for those who wish to avoid the system.

That might account for the vehemence of some reactions. For some folks, it *is* personal, even if they don't like the system or use it themselves.

Well said!!
Disney is making very intelligent financial decisions, this is why they have a DP. To say the DP is to blame for fully booked restaurants just reaffirms this.
The supposed decline in food quality...any rest., can have an off day, or it could be you Maybe you were not as hungry as the last time you were there. Or could be your mood/company.
AS for the service, I am not educated on the tip sharing policy at WDW, but having worked as a waitress & now being in the rest. buisness, I believe tip sharing can affect some servers peformance. It can be very frustrating to work at a rest. w/ that policy.
I am not sure if PP's comments about DP users not wanting more upscale rest. was serious or not
I don't believe any guest would be "against" more wonderful places or choices!?
I have used the DP and I will use it again. I have found it to be easy, a great deal & very vacation friendly! If I had a bad experience at a rest. I would not return. I do not think that being a "vet" or a "foodie" makes a person a snob, it just means you really love WDW & good restaurants. Anyone can be a snob it just takes a certain attitude
The class system is not because you are in WDW it is because you are in Orlando Fla. U.S.A.~LUCKY YOU GRATITUDE IS THE ATTITUDE

 

[marivaid]

Disney should easily be able to keep a workable DDP, with great restaurants and appropriate choices at an acceptable price level while simutaneously operating three or four high end, chef driven dining experiences to please another segment...

V&A, Jiko's, Artist Point, Yachtsman, Narcoossee's, Flying Fish, Citricos, are not high end restaurants?

 

[apostolic4life]

Regarding the changes seen to restaurnats industry wide, just because you say it doesn't make it true. It is true there is a trend toward chains (be they small or large) but the cutbacks you speak of aren't happening at the restaurants (any of them) that I frequest (The Palm, Ruths' Chris, Blue Zoo, Emeril's, Cafe D'Antonio to name a few in Orlando). Now if you're talking Bennigans, Friday's or Applebee's, yeah I see it but this is not the bar I personally would like WDW dining to be judged at.

Disney should easily be able to keep a workable DDP, with great restaurants and appropriate choices at an acceptable price level while simutaneously operating three or four high end, chef driven dining experiences to please another segment...

...the place's you have mentioned are excellent examples of how a high end restaurant should be run (even the ones I have not been to, have reputations to be proud of). A simple fact is this, these establishments depend on maintaining the reputation of excellence they worked hard to aquire. The chains you mentioned do not. The chains are for the masses and it shows in the offerings they provide and the price points they establish. Would you pay the same amount for Applebee's as you would for Todd English's Blue Zoo: not hardly. This is the point I have tried to make. If most people pay $39/day for 1TS, 1CS and 1Sanck the management has to scale menu options and quality to make it most profitable for the shareholders. Disney probably gets better wholesale pricing than any other food service provider simply based on volume of purchase and it allows them to give a better quality product than many chains for the same price point.

As for the statement about my comments being true or not, you have proven my point about attacks. I would never declare myself the ultimate authority on anything, but I will ask you how you have come by the knowledge about my industry to make such bold accusations about my credibility?????? I am an Executive Chef with one of the our nation's largest catering companies, so yes I am up to date on trends in the industry and I am more than qualified to make these comments, but like I said I am not the ultimate authority on all things culinary....I am always learning.