Possible Changes at LeCellier

[Bonnie40]

Actually a poster's daughter works at LC and told us the employees were told. A couple of other posters confimred that. Not the same as the " I know someone who knows someone who knows someone who said....

Sorry, I disagree. I don't know these people--and we all know that anyone can say anything about who they are and who they know . . .




QUOTE=Lewisc;36963434]The CMs on the phone shouldn't be commenting on rumors.

Agreed . . . but I would extend that to ALL CMs, including those at the restaurant.

I disagree....to the frontline workers at LC, it's not a rumour....CM's on the phone wouldn't be expected to get this information as quickly.

 

[yitbos96bb]

It's one thing to say information is unreliable because it's "indirect". I heard from someone who heard from someone...It's another thing to say information is unrelaible because a poster lied when she said her daughter works at LC and the staff was told. I'm sure some posters make up stuff.

You first suggested the information was "indirect". You now wonder if a poster made stuff up.

A CM who posts what they were told is reorting more then a rumor. Disney could reverse the decision. I have no idea if the staff was told to keep this information to themselves. Disney must know someone "will spill the beans".



Signature restaurant attire is a thing of the past. The dining code for signature restaurants in the resorts:


A dress code that allows jeans and t-shirts is pretty liberal. There isn't any dress code for signature restaurants in the parks. I guess who have the normal shoes are required.

V and A still requires a jacket

 

[TinaLala]

Fewer tables!! I can't in there now and they want to reduce the number to tables!! I don't understand Disney. The 'signature' status might deter me from eating there and if there's a change in menu definitely.

It's sad, when it works that's when they totally screw it up!

 

[TruBlu]

We had planned to eat there twice this week, but had to cancel our trip last minute.

Our friends went without us, so I asked them to ask their server about the Signature Status Rumor. She confirmed it, but said "You didn't hear it from me." She did ask them where they heard about it though.

 

[Anjelica]

We typically go to Le Cellier each time we go to Disneyworld. We first went to Le Cellier (pre-kids) back in 2000 and LOVED it back then. I think the quality and service (with exception of this last trip we had an AWESOME waitress) has slowly gone down. I think we kept going back because 1) we had such a good trip/time in 2000 and 2) it was only 1 TS. When they put it to 2 TS we won't automatically go until we've heard more reviews, etc. regarding the place. Hopefully it will be on par with other Signature restaurants.

 

[canopynut66]

Have reservations for Le Cellier November 6 so called to be sure how many table service credits this would require and was told still just one. Was told "may" be changed in January 2011.

 

[Bonnie40]

Have reservations for Le Cellier November 6 so called to be sure how many table service credits this would require and was told still just one. Was told "may" be changed in January 2011.

I don't think anything posted here said the change was going to affect reservations for 2010....? Just the fact the the phone CM is saying 'may' speaks volumes though....

 

[diamondpixienc]

We will be there in Nov too & I called to find out the TS credit amount & was told that it would still be 1 TS at least for now.

 

[Cafeen]

I don't think anything posted here said the change was going to affect reservations for 2010....? Just the fact the the phone CM is saying 'may' speaks volumes though....

The initial speculation was for Sept 2010 when the news "broke" (I think it was part of the "Is the dining plan going to change in 2011?" thread originally). It's been since clarified from the same source that they're shooting for Jan 2011.

So, there was a little mention of this year, but it was way early in the thread and it's since been shifted (the rumor/speculation) over to Jan.

 

[iheartjacksparrow]

Just got back from our trip to Disney last week, and I ate at Le Cellier for the first time.
First off, let me say I loved it! We had great service and the food was awesome!

While we were dining, the manager of Le Cellier was walking around tables greeting everyone. After seeing this thread, I decided to ask him about the possible changes.

He sort of laughed when I asked, and said that this rumor has come up every year since he started. He said while he didn't know if it was in fact true, that he would be the first one in Le Cellier to know. He said if they were to change it to 2 TS, it at least wouldn't happen for a while..at least a year..because they need time to notify the public of the changes.

I kind of don't think it's true, I think we would know by now if it was. If these changes do happen I will be disappointed that I cannot go there again.
I guess we will just have to wait and see.....

 

[bytheblood]

I can see this happening based on sheer popularity - nothing to do with the menu, service or food quality.

I really like Le Cellier, but do not feel it is worth 2 credits on the DP. I can go to Saltgrass and get a filet mignon that is so much better for half of Disney's menu price. If this comes to fruition, it will be to reduce the flow of traffic.

Also, if this comes to fruition, Disney needs to step it up on the service. Other than Patrick, every server we have had is terrible.

I have heard this rumor for 3 years now...until it happens it is only a rumor. No need to get all worked up with each other and call the OP a storyteller.

 

[Katekins13]

I agree - I have enjoyed every time I have eaten there (and have two reservations for our November trip), but I do not think I would use 2 credits on it. Unless it really steps up it's options and experience, there is nothing to distinguish it from a good steakhouse. To me, there are much better options for 2 credits!

I can see this happening based on sheer popularity - nothing to do with the menu, service or food quality.

I really like Le Cellier, but do not feel it is worth 2 credits on the DP. I can go to Saltgrass and get a filet mignon that is so much better for half of Disney's menu price. If this comes to fruition, it will be to reduce the flow of traffic.

Also, if this comes to fruition, Disney needs to step it up on the service. Other than Patrick, every server we have had is terrible.

I have heard this rumor for 3 years now...until it happens it is only a rumor. No need to get all worked up with each other and call the OP a storyteller.

 

[MichaelColey]

I agree, too. If I'm going to a Signature Steakhouse, it's going to be the Yachtsman. Le Cellier is good, but they're really going to have step things up to be worth it as a signature.

 

[CandyMandy]

I agree, too. If I'm going to a Signature Steakhouse, it's going to be the Yachtsman. Le Cellier is good, but they're really going to have step things up to be worth it as a signature.

Frankly neither of those spots impress me. LeCellier is only popular by virtue of being the closest thing to sit down comfort food in the World Showcase and a "deal" as far as dining plan credits go. If those attributes weren't there, the place would be relatively empty, for there is nothing exceptional at LeCellier in terms of ambiance, food or service.

As for Yachtsman, I was very disappointed in the ribeye I had there earlier this month (thin and full of gristle). If that is what Disney wants to call "signature" dining, fine, but when it comes to steak I'm sticking to Shulas - the one place at WDW that understands how to select, prepare and properly serve truly prime beef.

 

[goofy4prez]

Frankly neither of those spots impress me. LeCellier is only popular by virtue of being the closest thing to sit down comfort food in the World Showcase and a "deal" as far as dining plan credits go. If those attributes weren't there, the place would be relatively empty, for there is nothing exceptional at LeCellier in terms of ambiance, food or service.

I couldn't agree more. Word for word this was my experience and own opinion when we dined at Le'Cellier.

 

[MichaelColey]

As for Yachtsman, I was very disappointed in the ribeye I had there earlier this month (thin and full of gristle).

When you walk in, look at the cuts they have on display in their carving room and choose based on that. The NY strips are usually the most marbled and thickest cuts when I've been there. We've only been three or four times, but I've never been disappointed yet.

 

[catne]

Since the new pizzeria in Italy & possibly the new TS at Mexico are supposed to open in September, maybe that's where the possible timing on changing over to signature comes from since there will be two more 1 TS places, so a net gain of one new 1 TS on WS if Le Cellier goes to 2 TS.

I guess I can se Le Cellier changing, especially if they thin out the tables & step up the menu a bit - it's not quite "worthy" yet, lol. Although that would make it the "odd" one in Epcot to be a signature place.

I hope it doesn't change...and if it does I really hope that's not a trend starting in Epcot. Would just hate to see any more restaurants there go signature. I don't see how that fits with theme-park location. In general, I'd think people eating in the parks prefer very casual & fairly quick dining experience. Not the dressier, more sedate/time consuming signature dining. Will be watching this one...we probably have a trip in November (have Le Cell lunch reservation) If it changes, we'll cancel...if we're going to spend 2 TS it wouldn't be for lunch, and it wouldn't be at a place we've already been to.

 

[mmcxiiad]

after reading through this entire thread (fortunately not all in one sitting), I have a question about something that has been mentioned. I keep reading here that the transition to signature means that they are required to reduce the seating.

What is the basis for this? It seems that brown derby, flying fish, Narcoossee and many other sig dinning have far more seating then Le Cellier current has. If that is the case, why does Le Cellier have to reduce seating? Anyone want to elaborate?

I understand if this is just a choice so people don't feel so packed in, but otherwise I fail to understand why just the status change forces them to remove seats.

---------

That said, I have said to my wife on several occasions that it is only a matter of time until this happens. Le Cellier has developed a popularity that is really uncanny. It seems that by 12pm EST the restaurant is booked solid for that booking day.... which is 6 months later. Any good bean counter would say that it may be time to up the price. I am not thrilled with having to pay more for it (or use 2 credits), but I do not fault Disney for this decision.

 

[skier_pete]

I keep reading here that the transition to signature means that they are required to reduce the seating. What is the basis for this? Anyone want to elaborate?

Well, I'll chime in, but this is just opinion, not fact. I think it is DISNEY that is saying they have to reduce seating - the person that originally said this is the person that got it from their daughter that works there. It is probably DISNEY's feeling that if they make it a Signature restaurant, they have to change the atmosphere to get people willing to pay those prices, and one way is that it is too tightly packed for people to enjoy a leisurely dining experience.

I agree this change would be all about the $$...but I'm curious of the economy of it. If you reduce tables by 20 % - AND increase prices by say 20 % but also increase the food quality AND you turn it into a Signature restaurant which would likely DECREASE the popularity - I am not sure if this is really going to increase revenues....UNLESS Disney is finding that an inordinate % of the people coming to this restaurant are on the DDP.

Let's say that on average a typical disney restaurant has 50 % of the people using DDP (or DxDDP). Maybe Le Cellier sees that # at closer to 80 %, as the restaurant is seen by many to be a great value on the DDP. Well, that would mean Disney is taking a lot more losses versus the meal cost at this restaurant per customer than at any of their other restaurants.

Therefore, by changing to a 2 TS restaurant - they eliminate that DDP loss (the "value" of Signature restaurants on the DDP are much lower than those of many 1 TS restaurants, and therefore Disney profits greater on them.) So, in the end, it's all about the Dining Plan.

 

[mmcxiiad]

in my opinion, this place has developed a real cult like following. As a point of reference, I totally understood why a few years back, CRT was converted into a sig dining. The place is always packed, it is a prime location, and most importantly, the specific characters at that meal. Today it is just as difficult to get a reservation there and really- $50 for breakfast?!? Normally i would have to have my head examined before paying that much. But the things I'll do to see the smiles on my little girls faces.

So that said, what is really the draw to LC? I mean, I'll admit I am a sucker for it too. But since this change over to signature has started to become a reality, I have really started to think about what it really is that makes LC so popular.

First I think that many people consider this the best steak at WDW (using only a single DDP credit). Also, a few of the menu items have become very popular (cheese soup, pretzel bread sticks, etc). But these things alone are not enough, I mean the place is small and difficult to get a reservation for... which creates an interesting point.

It is the fact that people can't easily get a reservation for this restaurant that makes it so popular. It is the inability to easily get a reservation that creates a sense of increased value that not only sustains itself, but motivates people to wake up and call in at the very moment you can make reservations.

I have read about so many people who think that the quality of food has decreased at LC. While this may or may not be true, it doesn't matter. Every day, the reservations are completely booked within a few hours of the day. Again, people want what they can't have. It is almost like a status symbol when you read about people's trip plans. It is that is the shiny trophy on the mantle "And yes, we have a 6pm reservation for Le Cellier for our party of 21". To which countless people respond "wow, I so wish I was you". It is the reason why, at 3:30 the place is packed. Because people will take any time they can to eat there.

Is the food really THAT good? Obviously, everyone will answer this differently. But my point is, Disney know's that this one of the few anomalies. It is a single credit restaurant that is one of, if not the, absolute, most popular places to eat at all of WDW.

So, why shouldn't Disney capitalize on this. Because when it boils down to it, while we all love the magic, we also all know that the thing Disney truly specializes in, is getting people to gladly give them A LOT of money.... over and over and over and over again. And they know if people are this anxious to eat there now, a good percentage of them will still eat there when it cost more.

@skier_pete: you bring up an interesting point about the percentage of people who eat there on vs not on the dining plan. While we may not have accurate numbers and figures, you KNOW that some department at Disney knows this information in their sleep. This has probably been something that has been on the drawing boards for quite some time now. Ultimately, Disney knows exactly what happens if prices are raised on dining or what will happen to convert this to signature. And you are right, this is all about increasing profit margin.

But there are problems with LC - the most crucial one is it is a very difficult location. I am sure if they knew how popular it was going to be, who ever designed the place would have made it at least twice the size. But you have to ask yourself, If getting a reservation there was always easy, even at the last minute, would it ever have become this popular? In my opinion it would not. It would be just another place to eat.

So there for, the reason to reduce seats is so even though they raise prices, even though it is two credits to get in, even though the quality of the food may not change at all, now it is just as hard if not harder to get a reservation there. There for, they make more money and never have a vacant table.


Well, that is just my 2¢.