Question about awful food?

[bavaria]

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.

Sandra makes some excellent points about the 'cultural' difference of food in Western Europe. Some additional comments:

1. I agree with the breakfast comment. Remember the poster last summer who called the breakfast at the SL cold croissants and cold tea? I listed all the items on the buffet - the only time I have seen more in Westerin Europe is at the Europa Park hotels in Germany. And DLRP offer an 'add on' for those looking for a more American style breakfast (and I did not chose the term 'American breakfast' - that is what it is called around the world, just as the term 'English breakfast' leads me to expect tomatoes, etc with my meal
2. interesting points about the 'usual' way to serve meats. I agree that generally they are served more rare in France and Germany, especially as in America in recent years there are fears about undercooked meats, and most states have public disclosure messages in restaurants

 

[miffy7]

i am a major huge food snob, and i have eaten in many places in pars, but i think that for the price, for my family, the food in cafe agrabah, cape cod, inventions, plaza gardens and the blue lagoon has been great. you definitely get what you pay for, of course! you don't get snails or veal in Plaza Gardens but the food they do serve is cooked well.
as far as fast food goes, i like the barbeque in country cookout and love the live bands.
in lots of the buffet restaurants you are in close contact with chefs and those i have met have all been friendly and helpful.
if i didn't like the food in dlp i'd just eat at the sushi restaurant in val d'europe or something.
but for me it's a major positive feature of the holiday.
i have seen people in the restaurants who weren't enjoying their meals but that seemed to be an issue of personal taste.
if you research the kind of food on offer beforehand you'll likely be fine.
oh - and once my fries were cold in pizza planet and i asked for a fresh lot and there was no problem.

is there maybe an issue with francophones/non-francophones having different experiences?

 

[Pokeypoke]

I do have to agree with Timben on his point of views. Personally, I would think the restaurants of DLRP, being located outside the city of Paris, WOULD make it a bit difficult to compete with French cuisine. That is not to say that the food of DLRP is bad or of poor quality. Please correct me if I am wrong but when someone mentions Paris, the first 3 things that come to mind (at least from the perspective of North Americans) are romance, food and fashion. This may or may not hold true from the European point of view, so please excuse my ignorance. Yes, there bad, average, good and excellent restaurants in Paris and at DLRP but isn’t that true of any city or country you go to? It is all according to what you are willing to pay, the level of quality you desire, and standards you expect.

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.

SandraVB79, I can not comment on the comparison of Parisian mass cuisine and the food of DLRP because I haven’t had either.

I guess breakfast is a bigger affair in North America than in Europe – yes…no…?? I personally will seldom eat a big breakfast however; my partner loves to go out for breakfast on the weekends. He enjoys items such as buttermilk biscuits and country gravy, omelets, pancakes, hashbrowns, huevos rancheros, bacon and country sausage – I doubt we are going to get the same type of brealfast at DLRP as here in America. This will not surprise me and therefore there will be no problem because we will be prepared.

As I stated before, I do not send food back just because I do not care for the taste. If I am not sure of what is in a dish, I will ask the server what ingredients are included. If it doesn’t sound good, I do not order it. I will have to disagree with you in regards to sending food back if it is cold, too salty, too dry or too tough. Things may be different where you are from and that is perfectly okay. If I am in France or where ever, I certainly will not go against what is or what is not acceptable in that country. I do not wish to call attention to myself or come across as having no respect. I do however, want to know the proper way to handle things if I come across a problem. Here in the U.S., people do not like to go out for a nice dinner and pay good money just to have their evening spoilt because their fillet mignon was so tough you could not cut it, their prime-rib was cold or the fish was over cooked and dried out. I ordered baked cod one time and I thought it was too salty. Come to find out, other people in the restaurant stated the fish was too salty as well. The manager came to our table and apologized and said he tasted the fish and indeed it was way too salty and asked if I wanted it removed from the bill or would I like something different. I ordered something else and when we received the bill, my meal was free. Just because I expect that here, doesn’t mean it is acceptable elsewhere—so, I need to know these things.

Pokey

 

[bavaria]

Yes, there bad, average, good and excellent restaurants in Paris and at DLRP but isn’t that true of any city or country you go to? It is all according to what you are willing to pay, the level of quality you desire, and standards you expect.

Definitely! I have had some poor meals in France - the New York Sandwich place in the Disney Village tops my list for poor meals.

But I have also had some excellent not expensive meals in little restaurants.

Honestly, I think that you have a very sensible outlook and will be just fine - you seem to be level headed and rational and even if you do get something ill prepared I suspect that you will approach it reasonably.

Happy travels!

 

[bavaria]

I guess breakfast is a bigger affair in North America than in Europe – yes…no…?? I personally will seldom eat a big breakfast however; my partner loves to go out for breakfast on the weekends. He enjoys items such as buttermilk biscuits and country gravy, omelets, pancakes, hashbrowns, huevos rancheros, bacon and country sausage – I doubt we are going to get the same type of brealfast at DLRP as here in America. This will not surprise me and therefore there will be no problem because we will be prepared.

Very true! but I think that you will find the buffet at the DLRP hotels quite satisfactory. Even at the Santa Fe I was pleased with the variety of options. The breakfast there ranges far beyond a croissant and coffee. And they have a wide variety of items to appeal to the varied customer base.

I too am not a big 'breakfast' eater but do enjoy every now and again having an American style breakfast out in a restaurant, so I definitely understand your partner enjoying that kind of breakfast!

 

[Pokeypoke]

Again, I do appreciate everyone's advice and imput. You all have been very helpful. It is an adventure experiencing a new culture, one of which I am looking forward to.

Thanks Bavaria! I really enjoy reading your point of view on this matter

Pokey

 

[Kristina]

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.

Bavaria, I've gone back over the thread and you are right, It seems I did misunderstand! I'm sorry that I jumped right into it, I don't usually..can I blame it on the pain medication ...? The bit that got me all was the following..

"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."

Except, that is a perfectly fine statement! So embarrassing, sorry again .

 

[bavaria]

Bavaria, I've gone back over the thread and you are right, It seems I did misunderstand! I'm sorry that I jumped right into it, I don't usually..can I blame it on the pain medication ...? The bit that got me all was the following..

Except, that is a perfectly fine statement! So embarrassing, sorry again .

back to you! I know all about migraines and pain and pain medication and the impact on posting!!!

Hope that you are feeling better soon (psst there is a poll asking if I am a cranky old German on the Community Board if you want to vote )

 

[Kristina]

back to you! I know all about migraines and pain and pain medication and the impact on posting!!!

Hope that you are feeling better soon (psst there is a poll asking if I am a cranky old German on the Community Board if you want to vote )

Phew, you are a sweetie so thanks for that! You should start a poll asking if I'm a cranky old American...eeek , there's that popping up again !

 

[timben]

Hello there,

I did not really want to start such big food discussions. Sorry for that and maybe my english is not the best

I think Disney does a very good job for a theme park and the food you can get is very good, however I just think you can't compare it to restaurants in Paris (not in the tourist areas).

For the breaksfast. We once stayed at Santa Fe - Breakfast was great and a very good variety. Second stay in SL was disappointing as we had to eat breakfast in the park at the Cookout and this was really horrible. And having just returned from Orlando - it's just a different breakfast culture there.

(I know I mentioned it but having a smiling mickey waffle on my plate in the morning made my day )

Having read also your comments on different cultures I would be interested what you think of the following story which made our stay at WDW less magic. We booked the backstage magic tour at WDW to get a look behind the scenes. Despite the fact that the tour was quite boring our tour guide obviously was not prepared to have guests from Europe in her group. Really, we did not want to be offensive but as I notices so many people with a quite large "body size" (more than we are used to in Europe) we just asked if some people can't go on certain rides or if there are bigger sized seats. She immediately turned against us answering that Disney of course serves healthy food. Which was not the point of the question.

For my second question I just asked if the large amount of waste from the food courts is separated into plastic, paper and food when thrown away. The answer I got was that these Canadians complain all the time about the Disney not using real Christmas trees and smiling to her US guests she ended with "talk to someone like Al Gore". Did not help to get a better mood in our tour group as finally we were branded as the stupid europeans who have no other worries than keep the planet clean and were told that only small countries with one large city could do such things??????

Believe me I am not even a member of greenpeace, I was just curious. After all here in Austria even Mc Donalds Restaurants seperate the remains of the meals into plastic, paper and food.

I sent an e-mail to Disney and just expressed that I just felt sorry that some of their employees are not aware of guests with a different background and rather get rude than try to understand a question. And by now I really do have the opinion that they really did not know what we were talking about.

 

[Pokeypoke]

Timben, I am sorry if I go off topic but I would like to address your comment.

Hello there,

I did not really want to start such big food discussions. Sorry for that and maybe my english is not the best

I think Disney does a very good job for a theme park and the food you can get is very good, however I just think you can't compare it to restaurants in Paris (not in the tourist areas).

For the breaksfast. We once stayed at Santa Fe - Breakfast was great and a very good variety. Second stay in SL was disappointing as we had to eat breakfast in the park at the Cookout and this was really horrible. And having just returned from Orlando - it's just a different breakfast culture there.

(I know I mentioned it but having a smiling mickey waffle on my plate in the morning made my day )

Having read also your comments on different cultures I would be interested what you think of the following story which made our stay at WDW less magic. We booked the backstage magic tour at WDW to get a look behind the scenes. Despite the fact that the tour was quite boring our tour guide obviously was not prepared to have guests from Europe in her group. Really, we did not want to be offensive but as I notices so many people with a quite large "body size" (more than we are used to in Europe) we just asked if some people can't go on certain rides or if there are bigger sized seats. She immediately turned against us answering that Disney of course serves healthy food. Which was not the point of the question.

For my second question I just asked if the large amount of waste from the food courts is separated into plastic, paper and food when thrown away. The answer I got was that these Canadians complain all the time about the Disney not using real Christmas trees and smiling to her US guests she ended with "talk to someone like Al Gore". Did not help to get a better mood in our tour group as finally we were branded as the stupid europeans who have no other worries than keep the planet clean and were told that only small countries with one large city could do such things??????

Believe me I am not even a member of greenpeace, I was just curious. After all here in Austria even Mc Donalds Restaurants seperate the remains of the meals into plastic, paper and food.

I sent an e-mail to Disney and just expressed that I just felt sorry that some of their employees are not aware of guests with a different background and rather get rude than try to understand a question. And by now I really do have the opinion that they really did not know what we were talking about.

I know excactly what you are saying and I feel bad that your stay at WDW was less magical because of your experience. I assure you, not all WDW cast members are like that--just as all DLRP cast members are not the same. Anywhere you go, you are going to meet great people and some people who are not great at all. I have a few annoying and rude people who live in my neighborhood but that does not mean all my neighbors are rude and annoying.

Just remember, NEVER let anyone make you feel like you are stupid just because you ask questions or are not fimiliar with a certain topic or situation. How else are you to learn unless you ask? I personally believe that some people just don't know any better. These people have not stepped out of their "backyard" to explore the possibilities that there are other people who live entirely different than themselves. On the same hand, these people should not think that their way of living is the way ALL people should live or think.

Please correct me if I am wrong but Europeans are more advanced when it come to being "green" or the greenpeace? Most Americans (not all) are behind when it comes to recycling, global warming and "going green" but we are quickly learning. Perhaps the tour guide did not know enough about the suject and therefor she just brushed it off and did not understand. However, if she could not have answered any of your concerns, she should have guided you in the direction of someone who could have answered your questions. Disney (WDW and DL), are taking steps in becoming more "green" friendly and there are plenty of people on WDW property who could have given you a satisfactory answer.

I hope I have been of some help but I do not want to keep chitter-chat all day because I would start to bore people!

Pokey

 

[Cyrano]

Another who has had more enjoyable food experiences than bad. But even then I know the restaurant we had our bad experience most others declare it a favourite

Well done to the OP and others for helping with trip planning to DLP

 

[Lovin' Lorne]

We were there in 2002 and had a great time. Nothing about the food sticks out in my mind, (except for the hot dog stuffed into the end of a baguette and squirted with mayo - at first, but actually quite yummy when you squirted some mustard in there to go with it!) so I'm going to have to say that it tasted a-okay to us.

I do recall however that they did not open up an extra register at one of the CS establishments, even though the line was huge, where here they probably would have done so ASAP. I remember some people complained, but it was no big deal to us.

As long as you remember the golden oldie "When in Rome..." or in this case France, you'll be fine. Oh! And do yourself a favor and learn a few words or phrases in french if you haven't already. It's only polite, and while everyone was VERY nice to us, there was always an extra smile if we at least attempted a jaunty "Bonjour, madame/monsieur!" as we entered a gift shop or approached a counter. The rest might have come out garbled, but by then they were usually more than happy to address us in english after that!

 

[SandraVB79]

Regarding breakfast:
I think many countries in Europe are big breakfast eaters. I do eat a big breakfast. It just doesn't include waffles, pancakes, biscuits & gravy, ...
Whenever in Germany, you usually get different kinds of breads, cheeses, meats, .... The breakfast buffet we had in Austria was huge, so many selections, but it didn't include American style breakfast foods. It's just different.

 

[tfortracey]

Regarding breakfast:
I think many countries in Europe are big breakfast eaters. I do eat a big breakfast. It just doesn't include waffles, pancakes, biscuits & gravy, ...
Whenever in Germany, you usually get different kinds of breads, cheeses, meats, .... The breakfast buffet we had in Austria was huge, so many selections, but it didn't include American style breakfast foods. It's just different.

im a full english girl myself ( sausage, real bacon, the belly not the streaky bit blergh! mushroom , fried eggs where the wite is cooked but the yellow runny, toast, not fried, and proper fresh tomatoes grilled till they are soggy, not canned tomatoes, never canned tomatoes ) yes im a bit specific.
when we went to DLP i was worried what the "continenantal " brekkie would be and it was fine. we had rolls, smoked salmon ham, cereal, scrambled eggs, fruit, and pain au chocolat we made a meal of it every morning. i really really wanted a fry up by tthe time i got home tho

as for cast members knowledge base, we found all of them to be fabulous, even one who didnt know the ansewr to a question apologised and took us to a cast member who did know the answer

52 days and counting...

 

[Cyrano]

Moved the non DLP posts to Mousecellaneous