Please tell me this is not true Goofy's Kitchen

[Renae De Liz]

I cannot tell you how upset I am about this My best memories of GK over the last many years were all given by the unmasked characters.

1. Once Mary Poppins came by and was appropriately haughty and signed the table, as usual. Then Alice came by, who seemed perturbed that "Hmph, I see Mary Poppins has already been here". Then Mary came by again and sniffed about Alice having been by. Apparently they aren't fond of each other, and I LOVED that they created this little story for us to follow!!

2. My son's first visit when he was 6, Aladdin and Peter Pan came by together and were very funny and bantering back and forth, and gave tons of attention to my son, who they seemed to take a liking to. My son just got done playing the old Sega game "Aladdin" and was telling the real Aladdin about it (how cool is that for him?), when Peter jumped in asking about HIS game, and upon learning he had no game, got super jealous, and started declaring how amazing and better a Peter Pan game would be than Aladdin's. Then as the fireworks were about to go off, Peter and Aladdin led us outside to see a bit of it before they said goodbye and skipped off. My son was amazed. BEST memory ever.

3. My last trip my was my youngest's first, and upon going to GK found out he was TERRIFIED of all the costumed characters. So it was a rough experience until all of a sudden he got SUPER peaceful and shy. That's when we noticed Snow White approaching, and she was so sweet and nice to him, and took the time to draw him out of his shyness. Soon he was telling her all about his day, and she was just amazing talking back with him. Meeting Snow White was something he talked about for weeks, and still remembers it.

Sorry for the rambles. Just so very sad that we will no longer have a chance at such memories at GK Is there a place to complain/request they bring other characters back? Cutting the magic is crummy way to save money!

 

[allsaintsatx]

I was the one who posted the original warning. Definitely true.

I went there on my arrival night September 26. Still stellar cast and characters as usual. Then went with my friends for their good bye breakfast on October 4 and surprise... four characters plus Goofy only.

What an absolute bummer that this change happened during your stay.

And there was no warning whatsoever. If it wasn't for the DIS boards I would have no idea at all and I would've been pretty angry at our first dinner there. So I can only imagine what it would be like to have it the regular way one day and then the "enhanced dining experience" the next.

Speaking of that, this is what it says about Goofy's Kitchen on the DLR website right now:

"At this buffet serving a range of American fare, you never know who will drop by… but you know it’ll be a blast!"

"Many favorite Disney friends have been known to pay a visit, so come strike a pose in front of Goofy’s zany kitchen backdrop, join in the fun and dancing, and collect a few autographs as Characters stop by to visit you at your table!"

They are still insinuating that there's all these different characters at GK - you never know who'll drop by! - how incredibly misleading.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

This just stinks. I hope they don't mess u[p Minnie breakfast. I loved GK but it was just to much for us and we felt we got more magic in Minnie but dang I hate that they changed things

 

[allsaintsatx]

I cannot tell you how upset I am about this My best memories of GK over the last many years were all given by the unmasked characters.

1. Once Mary Poppins came by and was appropriately haughty and signed the table, as usual. Then Alice came by, who seemed perturbed that "Hmph, I see Mary Poppins has already been here". Then Mary came by again and sniffed about Alice having been by. Apparently they aren't fond of each other, and I LOVED that they created this little story for us to follow!!

2. My son's first visit when he was 6, Aladdin and Peter Pan came by together and were very funny and bantering back and forth, and gave tons of attention to my son, who they seemed to take a liking to. My son just got done playing the old Sega game "Aladdin" and was telling the real Aladdin about it (how cool is that for him?), when Peter jumped in asking about HIS game, and upon learning he had no game, got super jealous, and started declaring how amazing and better a Peter Pan game would be than Aladdin's. Then as the fireworks were about to go off, Peter and Aladdin led us outside to see a bit of it before they said goodbye and skipped off. My son was amazed. BEST memory ever.

3. My last trip my was my youngest's first, and upon going to GK found out he was TERRIFIED of all the costumed characters. So it was a rough experience until all of a sudden he got SUPER peaceful and shy. That's when we noticed Snow White approaching, and she was so sweet and nice to him, and took the time to draw him out of his shyness. Soon he was telling her all about his day, and she was just amazing talking back with him. Meeting Snow White was something he talked about for weeks, and still remembers it.

Sorry for the rambles. Just so very sad that we will no longer have a chance at such memories at GK Is there a place to complain/request they bring other characters back? Cutting the magic is crummy way to save money!

Same here, Goofy's was the first character breakfast we had ever done, and actually it was the first time we met any characters besides Mickey (which was a fluke - we had no idea Mickey's House ended in a meet and greet!)

We loved it so much we went back 2 more times that trip and even went to Minnie's - we were hooked! The next trip it was character breakfasts everyday and we bought the photo pass plus because we were so enamored with the character meet and greets.

That was $100s (perhaps $1000s - ouch!) we spent on future experiences because of all the amazing interactions we had at GK - the face characters were what put it over the top. Up until that point we didn't realize you could actually talk to them and interact with them, and most of the CMs were super funny and witty and never fell out of character.

Honesty? The worst interaction we had at GK on multiple occasions was Goofy himself. He just kinda walked up, got a picture and left. The last trip, the family next to us was fumbling with their camera and Goofy put his hand on his hip and sighed - and NOT in a fun silly way! Like the actor was impatient! I couldn't believe it!

But that same meal we had the greatest interactions we've ever had at any M&G or meal with Alice & Baloo. It was just so funny and classic.

And, final ramble, what's going to happen to the face character actors who worked at GK? The Mad Hatter was the same actor for at least 2 years and he was unbelievably great, as was the Alice. Hopefully they rotate them into M&Gs in the park.

 

[Vala]

What an absolute bummer that this change happened during your stay.

And there was no warning whatsoever. If it wasn't for the DIS boards I would have no idea at all and I would've been pretty angry at our first dinner there. So I can only imagine what it would be like to have it the regular way one day and then the "enhanced dining experience" the next.

Speaking of that, this is what it says about Goofy's Kitchen on the DLR website right now:

"At this buffet serving a range of American fare, you never know who will drop by… but you know it’ll be a blast!"

"Many favorite Disney friends have been known to pay a visit, so come strike a pose in front of Goofy’s zany kitchen backdrop, join in the fun and dancing, and collect a few autographs as Characters stop by to visit you at your table!"

They are still insinuating that there's all these different characters at GK - you never know who'll drop by! - how incredibly misleading.

It was a sticker shock for sure. When we came in Minnie, Chip and Dale were out. So they go in and I tell my friends all excited "let's see who comes out next" and three minutes later Minnie walks in again. That's when we got our waitress and when the bomb was dropped on us.

I was just glad I went the first night in the end. Super Shuttle had done some really big detours, I was running late and had friends picking me up at 2 AM for the Soda Fountain Pin Release the next morning. So if I went I was looking at maybe 3 hours of sleep. But I thought no, it's tradition you go, my friend who's usually with me couldn't come this year... you got to keep up tradition and have Worms and Dirt in her honor. Little idea did I have it would turn into a swan song.

I can only recommend everyone who's been telling their stories here takes a minute to write to guest relations. That was exactly what we did at City Hall - showed them photos, told our stories. I have no idea if they'll listen to us, but at least we'll have tried.

Mad Hatter seems to be doing more M&G in the park now. I've seen him out with Alice in Fantasyland most mornings. One morning I found them in the totally deserted area near Small World and even got to play Tea Party with them. Sometimes he was out solo late mornings and early afternoons.

Jasmine (who I've also seen there pretty often) seems to be meeting somewhat regularly with Aladdin and Genie (who was apparently "unbanished" going from their handlers' comments upon my excited squeal) at Aladdin's Oasis again.

 

[Jennafoo]

I'm sorry this is happening, but I have been noticing a lot of complaints about Goofy's lately. I wonder if this was an attempt (however misguided) to provide fewer characters but better and more consistent interaction.

For those who have been, how is the interaction with the remaining characters?

And not to hijack the thread, but Vala, I hope you're doing another trip report! I became quite obsessed with your last one and you're a big reason I decided to do my upcoming solo trip.

 

[DharmaLou]

Does anyone know how long this is supposed to be going on for, or is this permanent?

 

[Vala]

Does anyone know how long this is supposed to be going on for, or is this permanent?

We were told this is a permanent change.

I'm sorry this is happening, but I have been noticing a lot of complaints about Goofy's lately. I wonder if this was an attempt (however misguided) to provide fewer characters but better and more consistent interaction.

For those who have been, how is the interaction with the remaining characters?

And not to hijack the thread, but Vala, I hope you're doing another trip report! I became quite obsessed with your last one and you're a big reason I decided to do my upcoming solo trip.

The interaction was good, but then again I never noticed any of the complaints that had been popping up myself.

Yes, I am planning on another trip report. I'm just a little behind at the moment cause I managed to get my ac cold after all. Usually it hits be during the trip, but this time I managed to avoid it until the home flight.

 

[allsaintsatx]

I'm sorry this is happening, but I have been noticing a lot of complaints about Goofy's lately. I wonder if this was an attempt (however misguided) to provide fewer characters but better and more consistent interaction.

For those who have been, how is the interaction with the remaining characters?

And not to hijack the thread, but Vala, I hope you're doing another trip report! I became quite obsessed with your last one and you're a big reason I decided to do my upcoming solo trip.

I've noticed that as well, I was posting on a recent "anti-GK" thread defending it, so it really brings me no joy to say any of this! At the time, GK was so special to me and I was a little upset that there was a fairly lengthy thread bashing it and now here I am with my own thread!!

We have a dinner reservation and a breakfast in 1 1/2 weeks, if no one posts about it before then I'll be sure to come back on and review it. I've got my fingers crossed that all this worry will be for naught. It will still be the yummy food, it'll still be Goofy, Pluto, C&D - but I will sorely miss the face character interaction and the randomness and spontaneity.

 

[Dukland]

I've noticed that as well, I was posting on a recent "anti-GK" thread defending it, so it really brings me no joy to say any of this! At the time, GK was so special to me and I was a little upset that there was a fairly lengthy thread bashing it and now here I am with my own thread!!

We have a dinner reservation and a breakfast in 1 1/2 weeks, if no one posts about it before then I'll be sure to come back on and review it. I've got my fingers crossed that all this worry will be for naught. It will still be the yummy food, it'll still be Goofy, Pluto, C&D - but I will sorely miss the face character interaction and the randomness and spontaneity.

That might have been my thread
We didn't have good interaction at all when we went in September, and this was before the change.

Dh and I were talking and we have all had wonderful experiences with GK in the past. We certainly might have given it another try in the future and hoped our most recent flop was a fluke. But given this new change, it's extremely disappointing! Even in our recent flop, the best character was Snow White.

My dd is 13 and had the attitude that she is too old for Princesses. She was still happy when Snow White came over. (Especially since there were only a total of 4 characters our whole meal!) Snow White took the time to really chat with all of us, but especially my dd. I was whispering to my youngest son to offer her one of the apples we had. Not sure if she heard me, but she saw the apples and commented on how much she loves apples, as long as they are not poisonous. She asked my dd what she wanted to be when she grew up (an author) and then complimented her on what a wonderful job. When Snow White left, my dd said, "She really SOUNDS like Snow White!"

The food is good at GK and I won't throw down the edict that we will "never" go back. But if things don't change, I sincerely doubt we will

I think the only character meal we haven't been to is StoryTellers. We might have to try that. Is it worth it?

And I will definitely be writing to voice my displeasure at this new decision by DL. I intended to write about our recent experience, but opted not to when we were sent a survey about our stay at PP. I was able to voice our experience on the survey. But I think this DL decision warrants me not just writing about the recent experience but voicing displeasure at the new format.

I do remember the dancing and was disappointed there was none this time. My kids might not have participated, but it's always fun.

 

[tanyaegangibson]

I'm bummed out to hear this, but since having dinner at GK is my kids' *favorite* thing about our trips (none of the other adults on the trip like the food there or are willing to participate in character meals!), we'll be there for dinner in four days. (Can't believe we'll be on rides the day after tomorrow. I'm a big giddy kid. Yay!)

All of which is to say that I'll write and let you know how it felt at GK this time around. We've had only positive experiences in the 5 times we've been there over the last 4 years, and I'll be sad if that changes. Thank you for the head's up, though, so I can mention to the kids that they will be only seeing certain characters. (To make up for that, we'll be going to the Plaza Inn breakfast, too. And for the first time ever, my husband decided to come, too. Can't wait to get pics of him with Tigger!)

 

[Misskitty3]

I'm bummed out to hear this, but since having dinner at GK is my kids' *favorite* thing about our trips (none of the other adults on the trip like the food there or are willing to participate in character meals!), we'll be there for dinner in four days. (Can't believe we'll be on rides the day after tomorrow. I'm a big giddy kid. Yay!)

All of which is to say that I'll write and let you know how it felt at GK this time around. We've had only positive experiences in the 5 times we've been there over the last 4 years, and I'll be sad if that changes. Thank you for the head's up, though, so I can mention to the kids that they will be only seeing certain characters. (To make up for that, we'll be going to the Plaza Inn breakfast, too. And for the first time ever, my husband decided to come, too. Can't wait to get pics of him with Tigger!)

Please let us know what your experience is like at GK. We will be there for dinner on Nov 8th. My kids are 9 & 11 and I doubt they will notice (or care) that the character line up has changed a bit....it is all fun to them plus they LOVE the food! Have a great trip!!

 

[Diszona]

I'm sorry this is happening, but I have been noticing a lot of complaints about Goofy's lately. I wonder if this was an attempt (however misguided) to provide fewer characters but better and more consistent interaction.

For those who have been, how is the interaction with the remaining characters?

And not to hijack the thread, but Vala, I hope you're doing another trip report! I became quite obsessed with your last one and you're a big reason I decided to do my upcoming solo trip.

We were there the first night of the change and I will say the character interaction was very good. There were less characters but they each spent a good bit of time with my kids.

 

[Kristina4109]

NOOOOOO!!!!!

This seriously bums me out. GK has been our favorite place on DL property to celebrate a birthday. We always loved the randomness of the characters. It was like some manager had a dartboard with tons of characters on it and everywhere his dart hit, that character would come out.

Well, maybe this will force my family to branch out. We still have never done Plaza Inn. Giving up morning park touring to have breakfast rubs me the wrong way. But maybe if we can get in with EE at 7:00am and then schedule the last possible breakfast...

 

[allsaintsatx]

Well, maybe this will force my family to branch out. We still have never done Plaza Inn. Giving up morning park touring to have breakfast rubs me the wrong way. But maybe if we can get in with EE at 7:00am and then schedule the last possible breakfast...

Plaza Inn is now the last bastion of surprise characters. Like Goofy's (R.I.P.) you never know who those last 2 or 3 characters will be! Some random characters we've seen were: Fairy Godmother, Pinocchio, Capt Hook, one of the Cinderella mice (the blue one!) - besides the regular ones like Minnie, CnD, Tigger, Eeyore.

Missing out on EE does kinda stink, but we usually hit up Plaza on our last day, so we usually have "done everything" and don't mind spending our EMH eating!

 

[allsaintsatx]

We were there the first night of the change and I will say the character interaction was very good. There were less characters but they each spent a good bit of time with my kids.

That is good to hear! My only concern is that we had good interactions before, with more characters. We are also going soon, and I'm sure it will be fun.

We have had good interactions at every character meal we've ever been to, but if you go to enough of them you get that kind of been there done that attitude. I know that's not very Disney of me, but that's why we liked GK, because the line up was always changing which goes along with Walt Dinsey's original credo that Disneyland will always be changing - when we went to GK we felt that in person. Now, I understand that this is a "change", but it means less-of not more-of and it's a permanent change so now GK is in the same category as Surf's Up or Storytellers - a good meal, a fun character interaction but not an every-visit-must-do. This trip to GK will seem "new" to us because it's the first time after the changeover, but subsequent trips? Not so much.

sorry, didn't mean to hijack your post, i just needed to vent a little this morning!

 

[ktlm]

NNNOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! They have WDW generic character mealed it!!!! One of the things we love about DL is that the character meals are so much better than WDW. WDW is always a standardized 4 or 5 at every restaurant. We loved that at DL you never knew who would pop up. It was so much more worth the money at DL. We usually eat there every trip, but if this doesn't change by next year when we go, we will likely just stay in the park and skip dinner there next year. I really really hope that they don't do the same thing to Minnie's breakfast. I just HATE to see that DL has now jumped on the WDW trend for the last couple of years of giving people less for the same or higher price.

 

[tanyaegangibson]

I promised to check back in after going to GK for dinner this week, so here I am. I did give the kids a heads-up beforehand about the limited cast of characters, so they wouldn't be disappointed. It was overall a very good experience, though I personally did miss the variety of characters that we met in past years. Despite it being crowded, the characters definitely interacted a lot with my kids, and, unlike in some previous visits, we didn't feel like we needed to ask a server to coax characters our way. That is, it seemed very organized and we were able to finish the meal more quickly than before. Oh, and the food was quite good.

The kids said that they would like to go to GK again next visit, and they seemed very happy. That said, I thought our breakfast at the Plaza Inn this morning was more fun, as we saw Dale, Minnie, Rafiki, Captain Hook, Max (Goofy's son), the Fairy Godmother, Tigger, Suzy Mouse (from Cinderella), and Eeyore. My daughter was dressed as Maleficent, so a lot of the characters played with her horns (headband) and pretended they were sharp. Captain Hook kept high-fiving her about being a "villain." My husband, who had never gone to a character meal before, thought it was very sweet and he really enjoyed the food, too.

 

[mummabear]

I just dont get the lack of variety of characters between the 5 meals, I mean no offence to chip and Dale but are they really so popular that they should be at 3 of the 5 meal options?
I personally don't have an issue with not having surprise guests, I like it but could handle a standard set, but my 4 characters at GK should be different to my 4 at Minnie and different again at Storytellers etc

 

[mom2rtk]

I just dont get the lack of variety of characters between the 5 meals, I mean no offence to chip and Dale but are they really so popular that they should be at 3 of the 5 meal options?
I personally don't have an issue with not having surprise guests, I like it but could handle a standard set, but my 4 characters at GK should be different to my 4 at Minnie and different again at Storytellers etc

Agreed. Chip and Dale are at serious risk of overexposure. If they all had different characters, we would do all of the meals. But this year we feel we have to skip some for that reason alone.