?? Regarding sharing at TS

[kandb]

I don't think Disney can force people to get a full entrée everytime and not share if they want. Sometimes someone might just want to order an appetizer or salad or someone in the party is not hungry and decides to get dessert. I really don't think Disney can force people to spend more if they don't want to.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I don't think Disney can force people to get a full entrée everytime and not share if they want

1) Usually, no.
2) But, there are eateries and circumstances where I fully agree with such a rumored policy.
. . . many folks reserve meals to get into the parks early
. . . then, they order only a little bit of food
. . . or not everyone in the guest's party enters the eatery
. . . they figure a small meal is worth the price for early admission
3) In such a case, I would impose a minimum meal-price or seat-charge at the eatery.

 

[Meandnevaeh]

i believe that Disneys answer is all of the buffet character meals that they have-no sharing there anyway, and those are the restaurants that are hardest to get into to, and the ones that most people want-Disney is making a killing there, for that reason alone, I don't think that there are really a ton of people taking advantage of sharing meals at the other traditional TS restaurants-I would think that the guests dining at those places aren't trying to take advantage anyways, besides the one off BOG breakfast and possible Cali Grill for fireworks, but really, why would Disney want to possibly lose out on a sake at a TS restaurant like say Tony's or Le Cellier-who's going to Le Cellier to share a meal and get over on Disney, I mean I shared with my daughter there because I wanted the Filet and she wouldn't eat much, but I don't think that people are looking for that special experience there. I'm just sayin, I don't think this is happening, maybe some changes at BOG breakfast, like turn it into an AYCTE-boom problem solved, everyone pays

 

[Meandnevaeh]

1) Usually, no.
2) But, there are eateries and circumstances where I fully agree with such a rumored policy.
. . . many folks reserve meals to get into the parks early
. . . then, they order only a little bit of food
. . . or not everyone in the guest's party enters the eatery
. . . they figure a small meal is worth the price for early admission
3) In such a case, I would impose a minimum meal-price or seat-charge at the eatery.

Most of the restaurants being reserved for PPO are buffet/character meals, already charged for everyone-Tusker House, Crystal Palace, CRT, Akershus, H&V??? BOG is a one off-that's the one that needs altered

 

[kandb]

1) Usually, no.
2) But, there are eateries and circumstances where I fully agree with such a rumored policy.
. . . many folks reserve meals to get into the parks early
. . . then, they order only a little bit of food
. . . or not everyone in the guest's party enters the eatery
. . . they figure a small meal is worth the price for early admission
3) In such a case, I would impose a minimum meal-price or seat-charge at the eatery.

I agree 100%, I was thinking of just a regular table service meal and if it's a hard to obtain or special circumstances (like fireworks at CG), then yes, I have no problem with them saying you have to get an entry at a place like that.

 

[kandb]

i believe that Disneys answer is all of the buffet character meals that they have-no sharing there anyway, and those are the restaurants that are hardest to get into to, and the ones that most people want-Disney is making a killing there, for that reason alone, I don't think that there are really a ton of people taking advantage of sharing meals at the other traditional TS restaurants-I would think that the guests dining at those places aren't trying to take advantage anyways, besides the one off BOG breakfast and possible Cali Grill for fireworks, but really, why would Disney want to possibly lose out on a sake at a TS restaurant like say Tony's or Le Cellier-who's going to Le Cellier to share a meal and get over on Disney, I mean I shared with my daughter there because I wanted the Filet and she wouldn't eat much, but I don't think that people are looking for that special experience there. I'm just sayin, I don't think this is happening, maybe some changes at BOG breakfast, like turn it into an AYCTE-boom problem solved, everyone pays

Yes, I agree that Disney does definitely make a bundle on all you can eat buffets. How many 10 year old girls eat $45 worth of food? or 4 year olds eat $20 worth of food. When people say, you pay for the characters/entertainment, my answer is, how much does it cost Disney to send 4 employees around with costumes on? If you add up all the people spending top dollar at the buffets, it comes to ALOT of money.

 

[leebee]

I liked it when Disney offered half-portions for half-price plus $1 or $2. They could do that again and then just say no sharing (within reason, of course). If BOG is throwing it all off, then Disney should deal with that situation. Either make it a fixe-prix QS or find a way to keep guests from going to 7DMT early- I don't know the layout, but there should be some way to corral early-entering guests somewhere, so they can't get to any of the rides until after official rope drop. Honestly, anyone with a small appetite or who's had weight loss surgery is already being gouged at the buffets; it'll really annoy me if Disney starts charging a seating-fee if I don't spend enough money ordering an amount of food that I cannot eat!

 

[GaryDis]

I wouldn't mind a $10 per person minimum at BOG, but if they're going to do that, they should give something back to compensate.

Such as a couple of poached eggs on an English muffin, or a short stack of pancakes. And, of course, throw in the pastries. But drinks and breakfast meats would be an upcharge.

Seriously, just close BOG for PPO and make EMM available on all non-EMH days. Or maybe add BOG to EMM with a buffet similar to th current EMM food choices, and add another ride or two to go with the extra dining capacity. A simple solution that solves the problem and is upfront about it being for the early admission.

 

[TeresaWen]

I will sometimes have a glass of wine and a salad if I find I am not hungry enough for dinner. I would rather do that then cancel if we are just not up for a full meal and we have an ADR since we cannot cancel without a fee.

 

[Uncleromulus]

People will always try to find a way to beat the system--and at WDW restaurants it's often just getting IN a restaurant to watch something or to get in a park early.

And then order next to nothing and still think it's just fine.

And if it were simply a seat at a park bench it might be fine.

But these restaurants are in business primarily to serve food and make $$--which they cannot do if Skippy's family buys a donut and a cup of coffee for 4 people.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I wouldn't mind a $10 per person minimum at BOG, but if they're going to do that, they should give something back to compensate.

Such as a couple of poached eggs on an English muffin, or a short stack of pancakes. And, of course, throw in the pastries. But drinks and breakfast meats would be an upcharge.

Seriously, just close BOG for PPO and make EMM available on all non-EMH days. Or maybe add BOG to EMM with a buffet similar to th current EMM food choices, and add another ride or two to go with the extra dining capacity. A simple solution that solves the problem and is upfront about it being for the early admission.

A couple of poached eggs on an English muffin and a pastry basket? For $10? At Disney? Not going to happen. It would almost make sense for $10 or $15 for the pastry basket and a drink. The problem with that is that everyone will order that and no one will order breakfast.

You can't offer an opt out fee, unless you make that opt out fee high enough so that most people don't opt out. If it is only a few dollars, you have to plan on most of your customers going for that lower cost.

BOG would have to go to a fixed price breakfast. Adults pay $24 or whatever the rate is for breakfast. They get a drink and entree and can partake in the bread basket. Children pay whatever it is that they are charging and they get a drink, a child's entree and can partake in the bread basket.

 

[TeresaWen]

With the way that some restaurants are being abused by patrons, BoG breakfast comes to mind specifically, it wouldn't surprise me at all. If not now...it's just a matter of time.

If it makes ADR's easier to get, I'm all for it.

To be fair Disney encourages the "abuse"

I had an ADR for brunch at CG. I asked if I could return for wishes. Was told no - but I should book an early ADR, have a drink and an appetizer, and that would all me to return later that night to view.

Turned out the info was wrong, others have returned after brunch but the point is Disney and groups associated with Disney (Mom's panel comes to mind) are encouraging behavior that some on these boards consider "abuse of a loophole"

 

[Uncleromulus]

When it's more about a "view" or an "event" than it is about eating a meal in a restaurant, it just makes tables for legitimate diners that much harder to get.

Maybe if the new policy is implemented Disney will stop encouraging these sort of things....

 

[Pumbaa_]

again, disney created this issue at BOG. If they offered typical QS breakfast option, with normal pricing, smilie would order food. $24 for what they call fast is unreal. while a 'value' on the dining plans, it is not reasonable to pay more than some dinner locations

 

[Nancyg56]

I don't think Disney can force people to get a full entrée everytime and not share if they want. Sometimes someone might just want to order an appetizer or salad or someone in the party is not hungry and decides to get dessert. I really don't think Disney can force people to spend more if they don't want to.

Disney restaurants can charge a "plate" fee if they chose. Many restaurants do this. This is not necessarily forcing people to spend more, but is placing stipulations on splitting entrees.

again, disney created this issue at BOG. If they offered typical QS breakfast option, with normal pricing, smilie would order food. $24 for what they call fast is unreal. while a 'value' on the dining plans, it is not reasonable to pay more than some dinner locations

I agree. I thought that Disney had the perfect opportunity to control this restaurant and from Day one, they blew it. All they needed to do was keep that fixed price meal in place, price it at a reasonable (for Disney) rate, and keep that policy in place.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I go for the atmosphere mostly as right now I am tube fed. I do eat but smaller portions. I usually order from the kids menu or share. I am happy with a minimum price policy. I just like to enjoy the experience. I would pay a chair tax for that. I was in Olive Garden one night with my wife and we watched two ladies order soup and salad and ask for extra bread and salad until they couldn't move. They had water and then paid no tip and left. That sort of thing not cool. There will always be people who are genuine can't eat large portions and those that abuse. I don't think they are looking at us.

 

[HarleenQ]

We've never shared at TS, but I was actually hoping we might get to this trip in October since my middle is branching out a little bit. Even so, I don't think a split plate fee or something similar is uncalled for or unfair.

I go for the atmosphere mostly as right now I am tube fed. I do eat but smaller portions. I usually order from the kids menu or share. I am happy with a minimum price policy. I just like to enjoy the experience. I would pay a chair tax for that. I was in Olive Garden one night with my wife and we watched two ladies order soup and salad and ask for extra bread and salad until they couldn't move. They had water and then paid no tip and left. That sort of thing not cool. There will always be people who are genuine can't eat large portions and those that abuse. I don't think they are looking at us.

Well, in fairness, that's exactly what I do at Olive Garden. It's on the menu - "unlimited soup and salad." So I don't see what the problem is with that at all. They're paying for unlimited soup and salad, and bread sticks have always been unlimited with meals. I don't feel like I'm abusing anything at all doing that. It's $11, and I'm only doing what I'm allowed to do based on what I ordered.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Where I live, there are many Spanish/Portguese restaurants that are known for serving very large portions. All of them have it printed on their menus that there is a seating fee for guests who do not order their own entree. I think it's typically $10 per person.

If I went there and didn't want a big meal (even though I wouldn't choose one of these places if I didn't have an appetite), I would order one of the lower priced entrees, pick at it, then take it to go. Given the choice of paying $10 for an extra plate versus $16 for a chicken dish to go, I'd go with the chicken.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I go for the atmosphere mostly as right now I am tube fed. I do eat but smaller portions. I usually order from the kids menu or share. I am happy with a minimum price policy. I just like to enjoy the experience. I would pay a chair tax for that. I was in Olive Garden one night with my wife and we watched two ladies order soup and salad and ask for extra bread and salad until they couldn't move. They had water and then paid no tip and left. That sort of thing not cool. There will always be people who are genuine can't eat large portions and those that abuse. I don't think they are looking at us.

I'm not sure what's wrong with the Olive Garden scenario, beyond the not tipping. Unlimited soup/salad/breadsticks is an incredibly popular menu item at that particular restaurant chain. It's what I almost always get there.

 

[Pixie Dust ✨]

I go for the atmosphere mostly as right now I am tube fed. I do eat but smaller portions. I usually order from the kids menu or share. I am happy with a minimum price policy. I just like to enjoy the experience. I would pay a chair tax for that. I was in Olive Garden one night with my wife and we watched two ladies order soup and salad and ask for extra bread and salad until they couldn't move. They had water and then paid no tip and left. That sort of thing not cool. There will always be people who are genuine can't eat large portions and those that abuse. I don't think they are looking at us.

You saw two women order an item on the menu. (IMO, it's one of the only edible things on the menu.) Who cares if they drank water?

How do you know they didn't tip? Did you check their bill after they left?