Question about awful food?

[Pokeypoke]

I have not been to DLRP (or France for that matter) but I am in the beginning stage of doing my homework to see if a possible trip can be made in 2009 or 2010. For now, I want to obtain as much information so that I may educate myself on France and its culture. When visiting a foreign country, I want to show respect and not be taken in by culture shock.

I have read many DLRP restaurant reviews (table service, counter service and snacks) and have come across many people who have enjoyed what they ordered and many people who have not enjoyed what they ordered. When speaking of people who did not particularly enjoy their food, the reasons varied from “the bun was hard as a rock”, “the chicken was too dry” or “the meal was horrid”. But while reading these reviews, the majority of the people who did not enjoy their food ate it anyway or tossed it in the garbage.

My question is, have any of you ever order something (table service, counter service or snacks) at DLRP, was not satisfied and asked if you could exchange it for something else? Is this acceptable at the park or in France? Would it be considered rude to do this?

The food at DLRP is expensive when you convert the £ or € into the U.S.$. and I do not care if I am in a fast-food joint or a fine restaurant, if the food is bad, I will say something and ask if I can have something else. Mind you, I am very polite, diplomatic and will point out what the problem is. I do not ever recall having a problem doing this here in the states and almost all restaurants want to keep their customers happy and coming back for repeat visits—some places, I asked for something else that was a dollar or two more and they charged me for the original meal I ordered.

Thanks,
Pokey

 

[tetley02]

I think I am to nice to complain, Yes I wrote about a bun being hard as a rock and the chicken being to dry and yes I threw it in the bin cos chances are if I did ask for another one that would be the same too.

I guess you just learn from your mistakes and I have learnt not to order from the bad places again.

 

[Ware Bears]

My question is, have any of you ever order something (table service, counter service or snacks) at DLRP, was not satisfied and asked if you could exchange it for something else? Is this acceptable at the park or in France? Would it be considered rude to do this?

I'm probably not the best person to answer this as I've never been dissatisfied with anything I've ordered at DLRP.

However, if there was nothing wrong with the food I ordered but it just wasn't to my taste then I wouldn't complain but just accept it as part and parcel of eating out, but if there was something wrong with the way it was cooked/served then I wouldn't have any hesitation in asking to speak to someone about it.

 

[binglybongly]

I complained at Blue Lagoon about the long wait for service and between courses, and the poor quality main course. Eventually, we got 10% off. If the meal hadn't already eaten (bad pun, sorry) into our day so much, I would have pushed the point, but we wanted to get on another ride before the parade.

 

[hildasmuriel]

I once watched a hidden-camera documentary which put you off eating out and would certainly make sure you never complained about a meal! Spitting in people's food was actually the mildest thing they did - the worst things couldn't be posted on a family website.
I'm sure that never goes on in a Disney restaurant, but these people are human - I know people who worked in restaurants and they admit they get annoyed at people who send food back and they certainly don't give their best service to them afterwards.

For these reasons I would never send a meal back but would just leave the food if I didn't like it.

 

[A Small World]

I'm probably not the best person to answer this as I've never been dissatisfied with anything I've ordered at DLRP.

We have also always been very happy with the food.

The only problem we have found is the service in counter service places- its often very slow. The French just dont do fast food but thats all part of their culture where they like to linger over a meal. So be prepared for this

We did send DDs meal back once in Auberge de cendrillon before it was a Princess meal. She had ordered a burger and it was red inside- again the way they are often served in France but we knew DD wouldnt eat it like that so we asked for it to be cooked more and they were happy to cook it more.

Again as already mentioned I dont think they would be happy about it being sent back if it wasnt to your taste but if there was something wrong with it - undercooked etc it would be a different matter

 

[sjaakie]

I don’t know how to put this in a soft and polite way but the standard of the food in Paris is much higher than in WDW.

I don’t think there will be to many things to complain about.

I often saw people eating there meal and by the last bite starting to complain about it.

 

[tennisfan]

I haven't had any problems with my meals, the only time was my burger was still a bit red inside when we ate at the Hotel New York so they cooked a whole fresh meal, no problem.

McDonalds stuffed my brother in laws meal up we mentioned this & they were very apologetic etc.

I think as long as you are polite then there shouldn't be a problem.

 

[jillrobinson]

Can't say we've ever had a problem either

DS's had a rare burger in Auberge DC too, they left them, it was only afterwards that I read that you need to specify when ordering, how you'd like it cooked.

Other than that we've never had a real problem, the fast food is comparable to fast food in other theme parks, but to be honest if we're having a fast food meal, it's usually from the hotdog stall, as it saves time.

 

[bavaria]

The food at DLRP is vastly better than at the American parks. There are a few locations in the village which don't serve very good food, but if you are American I would suspect that you will avoid Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe and McDonalds while in France anyways.

I do recall a few months ago I saw an American family a few times in DLRP one day. They did stand out because they were quite 'vocal' about their opinions of the park and the people. The last I saw of them was outside Blue Lagoon - the father loudly said in a disgusted voice 'there is no decent food anywhere in this stupid place. Come on, we're going to McDonalds. At least we can get decent food there'

Honestly, I think that if one approaches it with that kind of attitude, and expects to find the same type of food as at home, one will be disappointed.

If you go with the attitude to enjoy the differences of a new country, you may be pleasantly surprised.

if the food is bad, I will say something and ask if I can have something else

I expect that you mean if the food is 'poorly prepared' rather than if the food is 'not to your taste'. If the food is not correctly prepared, then by all means you should say something. But if it is not to your taste, or you ordered the 'wrong' item, then it is like anywhere else in the world when you dine in a restaurant or order at a counter service location.

 

[Raci]

My question is, have any of you ever order something (table service, counter service or snacks) at DLRP, was not satisfied and asked if you could exchange it for something else? Is this acceptable at the park or in France? Would it be considered rude to do this?

Hi!
The only time I ever returned food was in the Rainforest cafe and as others have said that was just because the inside of my DD's burger was red. It was no problem to cook it further in fact I'm fairly sure it was a fresh meal as the tomato ketchup was then missing. This year we went back to the rainforest cafe and my DD wanted the same meal so I just asked for it well done and there was no prob.

I often try new foods on holiday that I wouldn't have the option to try at home. So I work on the basis I'm taking a chance I wont like it and if I dont like what I've ordered its tough because I ordered it.

I would never ask to change something because I don't like it but I would have no hesitation returning it if there was something wrong with the meal itself. Its just never been an issue at DLP.

Personally I think its worth the extra money for table service meals at DLP over counter service, as you definatly get what you pay for. But I happily have table, counter or snack bar meals depending what fits best with our plans for that day.

 

[Leanne1977]

We did complain in Planet Hollywood at DLRP as my DH's ribs were stone cold. They apologised and cooked some more. But we didn't particularly enjoy that meal anyway so we wouldn't go again.

I think the problem is, the service at WDW, with regards to the restaurants, is very high quality. If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your meal(not cooked properly, or you just don't like it), then it is no problem at all to change it to something you would prefer. That may even go for outside of WDW in the US i'm not sure with regards to service there as we usually eat mainly on-site.

I, personally, couldn't send a meal back just because it wasn't to my taste but i would complain if there was something wrong with it.

 

[Pokeypoke]

I thank you all for your input. It is greatly appreciated!

I do recall a few months ago I saw an American family a few times in DLRP one day. They did stand out because they were quite 'vocal' about their opinions of the park and the people. The last I saw of them was outside Blue Lagoon - the father loudly said in a disgusted voice 'there is no decent food anywhere in this stupid place. Come on, we're going to McDonalds. At least we can get decent food there'

Honestly, I think that if one approaches it with that kind of attitude, and expects to find the same type of food as at home, one will be disappointed.

If you go with the attitude to enjoy the differences of a new country, you may be pleasantly surprised.
I expect that you mean if the food is 'poorly prepared' rather than if the food is 'not to your taste'. If the food is not correctly prepared, then by all means you should say something. But if it is not to your taste, or you ordered the 'wrong' item, then it is like anywhere else in the world when you dine in a restaurant or order at a counter service location.

As I stated before, I want to be well prepared before I visit a foreign country. Regardless of what country I am visiting, I do realize I am a GUEST in that country and therefor, I should have the respect to behave properly.

It is sad that there are some Americans (and true with other countries) who visit DLRP and expect the food, customs, attractions and langue to be exactly the same as in America. To begin with, you are in France NOT America and therefor people are going to speak French and the food is going to be catered more towards the French and other European communities. I find it very rude and embarrassing to here about the American family who were loud and obnoxious!

As for sending food back, I have never sent food back just because I didn't care for the taste. I have sent food back because it was cold, under cooked, over cooked, meat was tough, rubbery or too dry or the food was way too salty. As well, I would never clean my plate and then complain. I do realize food in America and food in France is completely a different experience but I just want to make sure how to properly handle a food situation if I have good reason to point out my dissatisfaction.

Thanks,
Pokey

 

[bavaria]

I do realize food in America and food in France is completely a different experience but I just want to make sure how to properly handle a food situation if I have good reason to point out my dissatisfaction.

Having travelled much of the world, there are different customs and responses, but anywhere that a meal is improperly prepared it would be replaced, albeit not always with the same response.

I do appreciate that you are trying to learn local customs and culture before travelling. You may want to read 'Culture Shock France!' or 'Behave Yourself' or another book about avoiding faux pas in other countries, if you are concerned about the subject.

I do cringe quite often when in Europe and see North Americans behaving in a manner which is perfectly accepted in their home country, just as I have read North Americans here posting about 'foreigners' and their behaviour. What is acceptable in one location may be considered rude or even boorish in another.

Learning to greet people correctly in Paris will take you a long way, even if you don't speak French. In many parts of Europe it is also customary to call out a greeting when entering a shop, etc - something which I do not see done in North America.

 

[Pokeypoke]

Having travelled much of the world, there are different customs and responses, but anywhere that a meal is improperly prepared it would be replaced, albeit not always with the same response.

I do appreciate that you are trying to learn local customs and culture before travelling. You may want to read 'Culture Shock France!' or 'Behave Yourself' or another book about avoiding faux pas in other countries, if you are concerned about the subject.

I do cringe quite often when in Europe and see North Americans behaving in a manner which is perfectly accepted in their home country, just as I have read North Americans here posting about 'foreigners' and their behaviour. What is acceptable in one location may be considered rude or even boorish in another.

Learning to greet people correctly in Paris will take you a long way, even if you don't speak French. In many parts of Europe it is also customary to call out a greeting when entering a shop, etc - something which I do not see done in North America.

Thank you for the advise and for the book suggestions . It is greatly appreciated and the books are worth looking into.

Pokey

 

[Kristina]

As an American I didn't need to read any books to learn how to behave in a manner acceptable to the French or other Europeans visiting DLRP. I did just fine on pure common sense and I am sure Pokeypoke that you have plenty yourself after reading your sensitive and thoughtful post.
I am also recovering from quite a migraine I had this morning, so it may be that but I find all this "rude and boorish Americans" stuff a bit much. One thing that actually made me want to cancel my DLRP trip (which I am so glad I didn't!) was the amount of negative comments I read on the Dis and elsewhere about how the Europeans behave when at DLRP. Thankfully, I never encountered any of it when we were there and I expect the amount of rude and boorish Americans to be equally scarce in comparison. One bad apple and all that.

Also, IMO some of the food was of much higher quality at WDW. You just have to judge for yourself really.

 

[thelittlemermaid83]

I would only ever send back a meal if it wasnt cooked properly etc, not because i didnt like it.
If you dont like the sound of it, dont order it, IMO.

 

[timben]

I don’t know how to put this in a soft and polite way but the standard of the food in Paris is much higher than in WDW.

I don’t think there will be to many things to complain about.

I often saw people eating there meal and by the last bite starting to complain about it.

I think it's nice you want to be polite but fact is it is a theme park dedicated to serve a huge amount of guests each day. Being situated outside the city of Paris makes it hard for the Disney restaurants to compete with the french cuisine outside the resort.

Having visited Disneyland 6 times by now I can assure that most of the food is of average good quality. (Breakfast might be an issue for guests from the US as only continental breakfast is served and even I still dream of Mickey shaped Waffels we had in Orlando in December. )

Anyways you will of course find much better and tasty food in the city of Paris but as I said, a comparison is not fair.

 

[SandraVB79]

I think it's nice you want to be polite but fact is it is a theme park dedicated to serve a huge amount of guests each day. Being situated outside the city of Paris makes it hard for the Disney restaurants to compete with the french cuisine outside the resort.

Having visited Disneyland 6 times by now I can assure that most of the food is of average good quality. (Breakfast might be an issue for guests from the US as only continental breakfast is served and even I still dream of Mickey shaped Waffels we had in Orlando in December. )

Anyways you will of course find much better and tasty food in the city of Paris but as I said, a comparison is not fair.

I don't really agree on that. If you know where to go and willing to spend a lot of money, yes, good food can be found in Paris. But many restaurants in Paris cater to tourists, it is mass cuisine, and certainly not as good as Disney-food. I have spent lots of time in Paris city, and didn't find too many places having excellent food.

Regarding breakfast: we just don't do that, hot breakfasts with pancakes and waffles and the like. Pancakes and waffles are to be eaten in the afternoon! Btw, Disney offers about the most decent breakfast one can get in France. Chambres d'hotes' breakfasts are usually good as well, hotel breakfasts are usually horrible!

Regarding sending food back: if something you ordered is prepared well and you just don't like it, to bad for you. If it's undercooked/ overcooked, you can send it back, if things are too salty or not salty enough... I wouldn't send it back. Sometimes dishes are intended to be salty, or their ingredients just make it salty, nothing to be done about. Meats still being red in teh center: well, that's how it's served in France, order it well done if you don't like it
Items being cold/ etc... usually, they are not sent back.

When we were on our Bahamas cruise, the complaints of our "table partners" annoyed us terribly. Too cold, too warm, too salty, not salty enough, too dry, too strong, not strong enough, .... ARGH!!!!!
Once we were having dinner at the Steakhouse at the Village, and an entire table (6 people or so) sent EVERYTHING back! Appetizers, main courses, ... You could tell they were just in the mood of being annoying. I felt sorry for the staff.

OP, just go there with the mindset that the food is good. I can't remember having a bad meal there.

 

[bavaria]

As an American I didn't need to read any books to learn how to behave in a manner acceptable to the French or other Europeans visiting DLRP. I did just fine on pure common sense and I am sure Pokeypoke that you have plenty yourself after reading your sensitive and thoughtful post.
I am also recovering from quite a migraine I had this morning, so it may be that but I find all this "rude and boorish Americans" stuff a bit much. One thing that actually made me want to cancel my DLRP trip (which I am so glad I didn't!) was the amount of negative comments I read on the Dis and elsewhere about how the Europeans behave when at DLRP. Thankfully, I never encountered any of it when we were there and I expect the amount of rude and boorish Americans to be equally scarce in comparison. One bad

Fine, I will respond, perhaps against my better judgment, but I do think that this is directed towards me. May I first point out that the OP came here stating

For now, I want to obtain as much information so that I may educate myself on France and its culture. When visiting a foreign country, I want to show respect and not be taken in by culture shock.

I made the suggestion to read two excellent sources which have aided many travellers in better understanding different cultures. I am not American, but travel the world, and use these resources regularly to ensure that I am not unintentionally causing offense to another culture. (In fact, I have actually mailed my own personal copies of Culture Shock! to readers here, and have a whole range in the series to cover my travels around the world) I also have an entire website to my disposal through my work. I consider it a positive thing that the OP asked for advice, and offered some suggestions.

Several of us were however confused by the OP's question and required clarification if the question pertained to poorly prepared food, or food not to ones taste. A number of responses indicated this.

Yes, I did give an example of one family who did run across my path several times, and their response about 'bad' food, as an example of how one can be displeased with food to which they are not accustomed, even if perfectly prepared and tasty.

I did not bash Americans, nor did any other poster mention 'rude and boorish Americans'. Frankly, I was the one who approached the moderators quite some time ago because I was tired of the bashing of Europeans (and other cultures) here on this board.

I'm sorry if you are not feeling well, but I do encourage you to go back and read the responses. The OP is attempting to be culturally sensitive, and many of the responses are addressing their request. The OP thanked us and acknowledged that. I compliment the OP for being sensitive and perceptive.