Reunion Station News

[KAT4DISNEY]

Honestly, doing a character breakfast (although what characters? Chip and Dale are already at the Fort Wilderness campfire and at Garden Grill, Pooh and friends are already at Crystal Palace and 1900PF brekkie and are British, if you want to stretch the "woods" theme a little, and then you start coming up a little weak on characters who fit into the American Northwest well. Merida? She's Scottish, and who else would you put in. Rapunzel? Doesn't fit American Northwest. Bring back Brother Bear? wot. Leaves you with some themed Big 5 and maybe Humphrey the Bear maybe? Or just ignore surroundings and do Peter, Smee, Hook and Wendy?) would be fine.

This whole big whatever with both eateries is stupid.

I think people posted that it used to have a character breakfast years ago - Pocahontas and friends. Would have fit the wilderness theme at least.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I think people posted that it used to have a character breakfast years ago - Pocahontas and friends. Would have fit the wilderness theme at least.

Yeah. I wonder which "friends," because my hangup with Pocahontas as the character these days is "with who." And her lines at AK don't seem that rough. Is she really a draw for a character meal these days?

There's Thumper and Miss Bunny but I don't recall there being a good Bambi for M&G any time in the last eon.
It would be surprising if they brought our Brer Bear, Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit.

Bon Voyage is a good example of "theme is fine, characters are in demand, and there are rare ones." That's where I am stuck with WL. Rare? Sure, can come up with some. But the in demand part? Less so.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Yeah. I wonder which "friends," because my hangup with Pocahontas as the character these days is "with who." And her lines at AK don't seem that rough. Is she really a draw for a character meal these days?

There's Thumper and Miss Bunny but I don't recall there being a good Bambi for M&G any time in the last eon.
It would be surprising if they brought our Brer Bear, Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit.

Bon Voyage is a good example of "theme is fine, characters are in demand, and there are rare ones." That's where I am stuck with WL. Rare? Sure, can come up with some. But the in demand part? Less so.

You just reminded me - at the December Epcot moonlight event they had Horace and Clarabelle and the line was huge! I don't do many characters but sought them out - and gave up because of the line. Woody, Jessie and Bullseye might be something too. They don't have a character meal and with Toy Story everything going on might be up for one. All of these are barnyard more than woodsy but wouldn't stand out as too out of place to me.

 

[sleepydog25]

*Steps onto soap box*

It is true that buying into DVC generally guarantees you nothing but a room and paying them money. I know it. My wife plays devil's advocate with that tidbit. Yep. Fully agree. I would even go so far as to argue that nowhere does there exist language that says a Signature is required for a deluxe resort. However, the perception is there and, in part, having been built by none other than Disney itself. They attach DVC to deluxe resorts; they call accommodations at DVC resorts "deluxe." When we think deluxe, we think some manner of fine dining, even if it requires a small effort to reach it. Poly has no Signatures but you can walk 10 minutes and get to three of them. . .or ride the monorail and add more. You can't walk to WL from anywhere but FW; otherwise, you have to drive, bus, or boat.

All this hints at what makes WL such an enigma. It's beautiful, inviting, tremendously themed. . .and off the beaten path. So, what did Disney opt to do? "Hey, let's put up another DVC resort there! Oh, and let's add a bar on the water with no protection from the elements. . .and a building where we can convince people to pay $200 extra a day for a family of four to sit in a room with no views and concierge-lite service and offerings. . .and while we're at it, let's put in a salon for hair and nails because everyone knows that makes a deluxe resort." Meanwhile, they ignore Artist Point which could easily be a Jiko, or even better, a Napa Rose. Honestly, I don't know how some of the Imagineers' ideas ever see the light of day. (Then again, I don't know why Hollywood would make a movie like BATTLEFIELD EARTH or the recent THE MUMMY, but I digress.)

We have seen a shift over the past several years where Disney seemingly goes with the cheapest option that sounds halfway decent, what we in the military call "sling some *stuff* at the wall and let's see what sticks." CM cuts. Entertainment cuts. "Industry standard" is the key phrase they use a lot now. Disney used to set the standard; now they strive for it. All of this tiresome complaining to say that Artist Point has the potential to be an exceptional experience--give it a chef's table for example and bump up the quality of the menu. Make it a dining destination. People will pay. A little forethought and, yes, they could have put AP where Geyser Point is now and make the piped in music and views of the fireworks a calling card. THEN, make the old AP area a character meal all day. Instead, WL is saddled with an eatery with no identity (GP), an area that is drawing in virtually no revenue (RS), and a Signature that may become a simple TS, albeit with characters.

I hope the rumor is untrue. Perhaps they've rethought the whole notion and will make some sort of left turn. I would be the first to admit my ire was misplaced and applaud a smarter move. However, to make the changes needed to salvage the mistake that has been the giant refurb at WL, it would take money. . .and Disney isn't going to put out more than they need to provide a bandaid. For what it's worth, I've emailed management at both Disney and the Lodge twice so far with more to come. Each time, the response has been the same. . .a call from a Guest Services CM at a call center saying there's no official announcement yet (No, really?), official word will only come from Disney sources (You think?), and they appreciate my passion for AP (Uh huh). In the lack of substance, of course we will fill in the blanks from other sources. It's worth noting that through the years, while a few rumors don't pan out, many of them do which is why people believe them.

Prove me wrong, Disney. I dare you.

*Steps off soap box*

 

[lovin'fl]

Poly has a signature...the Luau.

 

[disneynutz]

*Steps onto soap box*

It is true that buying into DVC generally guarantees you nothing but a room and paying them money. I know it. My wife plays devil's advocate with that tidbit. Yep. Fully agree. I would even go so far as to argue that nowhere does there exist language that says a Signature is required for a deluxe resort. However, the perception is there and, in part, having been built by none other than Disney itself. They attach DVC to deluxe resorts; they call accommodations at DVC resorts "deluxe." When we think deluxe, we think some manner of fine dining, even if it requires a small effort to reach it. Poly has no Signatures but you can walk 10 minutes and get to three of them. . .or ride the monorail and add more. You can't walk to WL from anywhere but FW; otherwise, you have to drive, bus, or boat.

All this hints at what makes WL such an enigma. It's beautiful, inviting, tremendously themed. . .and off the beaten path. So, what did Disney opt to do? "Hey, let's put up another DVC resort there! Oh, and let's add a bar on the water with no protection from the elements. . .and a building where we can convince people to pay $200 extra a day for a family of four to sit in a room with no views and concierge-lite service and offerings. . .and while we're at it, let's put in a salon for hair and nails because everyone knows that makes a deluxe resort." Meanwhile, they ignore Artist Point which could easily be a Jiko, or even better, a Napa Rose. Honestly, I don't know how some of the Imagineers' ideas ever see the light of day. (Then again, I don't know why Hollywood would make a movie like BATTLEFIELD EARTH or the recent THE MUMMY, but I digress.)

We have seen a shift over the past several years where Disney seemingly goes with the cheapest option that sounds halfway decent, what we in the military call "sling some *stuff* at the wall and let's see what sticks." CM cuts. Entertainment cuts. "Industry standard" is the key phrase they use a lot now. Disney used to set the standard; now they strive for it. All of this tiresome complaining to say that Artist Point has the potential to be an exceptional experience--give it a chef's table for example and bump up the quality of the menu. Make it a dining destination. People will pay. A little forethought and, yes, they could have put AP where Geyser Point is now and make the piped in music and views of the fireworks a calling card. THEN, make the old AP area a character meal all day. Instead, WL is saddled with an eatery with no identity (GP), an area that is drawing in virtually no revenue (RS), and a Signature that may become a simple TS, albeit with characters.

I hope the rumor is untrue. Perhaps they've rethought the whole notion and will make some sort of left turn. I would be the first to admit my ire was misplaced and applaud a smarter move. However, to make the changes needed to salvage the mistake that has been the giant refurb at WL, it would take money. . .and Disney isn't going to put out more than they need to provide a bandaid. For what it's worth, I've emailed management at both Disney and the Lodge twice so far with more to come. Each time, the response has been the same. . .a call from a Guest Services CM at a call center saying there's no official announcement yet (No, really?), official word will only come from Disney sources (You think?), and they appreciate my passion for AP (Uh huh). In the lack of substance, of course we will fill in the blanks from other sources. It's worth noting that through the years, while a few rumors don't pan out, many of them do which is why people believe them.

Prove me wrong, Disney. I dare you.

*Steps off soap box*

Disney will do what's good for Disney while telling us how wonderful and magical it is and we believe it. Some of us may stop going to Disney but that really doesn't matter, there are three families taking our place and they don't know how things used to be and they don't care.

Bill

 

[sleepydog25]

there are three families taking our place and they don't know how things used to be and they don't care.

Bill

Exactly. Disney counts on this aspect. The long-term issue for Disney is that they are no longer relying on life-long fans acculturated into all things Disney but rather the model of simply build something and they will come. It's entirely anecdotal, but I don't see the future fan base for Disney being as magical as they hope, and that's why Universal is making serious inroads. US can't compete with the fan base Disney built decades ago, but they can go toe-to-toe with new builds and franchises to lure new patrons. Meanwhile, in some regards, Disney is eschewing its roots and the kids who grew up with Disney who are now grandparents and retirees in many cases. Case in point. While my 18-yr old daughter likes Disney, she doesn't love it and would just as soon do US. My older daughter has very little desire to see Disney (she lives an hour and a half away) so to her kids--my grandkids--Disney is just another entertainment option along with many others. For me, it goes back to my mantra: Disney now uses "industry standard" as their goal; they used to set the standard. They're riding their laurels into Above Average Land.

 

[Dean]

*Steps onto soap box*

It is true that buying into DVC generally guarantees you nothing but a room and paying them money. I know it. My wife plays devil's advocate with that tidbit. Yep. Fully agree. I would even go so far as to argue that nowhere does there exist language that says a Signature is required for a deluxe resort. However, the perception is there and, in part, having been built by none other than Disney itself. They attach DVC to deluxe resorts; they call accommodations at DVC resorts "deluxe." When we think deluxe, we think some manner of fine dining, even if it requires a small effort to reach it. Poly has no Signatures but you can walk 10 minutes and get to three of them. . .or ride the monorail and add more. You can't walk to WL from anywhere but FW; otherwise, you have to drive, bus, or boat.

All this hints at what makes WL such an enigma. It's beautiful, inviting, tremendously themed. . .and off the beaten path. So, what did Disney opt to do? "Hey, let's put up another DVC resort there! Oh, and let's add a bar on the water with no protection from the elements. . .and a building where we can convince people to pay $200 extra a day for a family of four to sit in a room with no views and concierge-lite service and offerings. . .and while we're at it, let's put in a salon for hair and nails because everyone knows that makes a deluxe resort." Meanwhile, they ignore Artist Point which could easily be a Jiko, or even better, a Napa Rose. Honestly, I don't know how some of the Imagineers' ideas ever see the light of day. (Then again, I don't know why Hollywood would make a movie like BATTLEFIELD EARTH or the recent THE MUMMY, but I digress.)

We have seen a shift over the past several years where Disney seemingly goes with the cheapest option that sounds halfway decent, what we in the military call "sling some *stuff* at the wall and let's see what sticks." CM cuts. Entertainment cuts. "Industry standard" is the key phrase they use a lot now. Disney used to set the standard; now they strive for it. All of this tiresome complaining to say that Artist Point has the potential to be an exceptional experience--give it a chef's table for example and bump up the quality of the menu. Make it a dining destination. People will pay. A little forethought and, yes, they could have put AP where Geyser Point is now and make the piped in music and views of the fireworks a calling card. THEN, make the old AP area a character meal all day. Instead, WL is saddled with an eatery with no identity (GP), an area that is drawing in virtually no revenue (RS), and a Signature that may become a simple TS, albeit with characters.

I hope the rumor is untrue. Perhaps they've rethought the whole notion and will make some sort of left turn. I would be the first to admit my ire was misplaced and applaud a smarter move. However, to make the changes needed to salvage the mistake that has been the giant refurb at WL, it would take money. . .and Disney isn't going to put out more than they need to provide a bandaid. For what it's worth, I've emailed management at both Disney and the Lodge twice so far with more to come. Each time, the response has been the same. . .a call from a Guest Services CM at a call center saying there's no official announcement yet (No, really?), official word will only come from Disney sources (You think?), and they appreciate my passion for AP (Uh huh). In the lack of substance, of course we will fill in the blanks from other sources. It's worth noting that through the years, while a few rumors don't pan out, many of them do which is why people believe them.

Prove me wrong, Disney. I dare you.

*Steps off soap box*

For future sales certain amenities are likely needed but I don't think one can argue it needs to be a signature in the way signatures have been. AP has certainly been underutilized at times. One could argue that a lot of options would enhance the resort, not detract from it from an overall perspective. Of course there are lots of possibilities of where they could go with this. A character breakfast doesn't mean no signature and to downgrade it to a nice none signature might be a plus though the other options there makes that a challenge. I too hope it stays in a similar format though having other options during the day could be a plus.

 

[sleepydog25]

For future sales certain amenities are likely needed but I don't think one can argue it needs to be a signature in the way signatures have been. AP has certainly been underutilized at times. One could argue that a lot of options would enhance the resort, not detract from it from an overall perspective. Of course there are lots of possibilities of where they could go with this. A character breakfast doesn't mean no signature and to downgrade it to a nice none signature might be a plus though the other options there makes that a challenge. I too hope it stays in a similar format though having other options during the day could be a plus.

I can certainly see making AP a breakfast Signature, and perhaps even lunch if they must. Heck, I wouldn't mind a character breakfast since my wife enjoys them. Further, I agree, it is a space just waiting to be used. My hope is that they will leave dinner alone and try other measures before making it a character meal.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I can certainly see making AP a breakfast Signature, and perhaps even lunch if they must. Heck, I wouldn't mind a character breakfast since my wife enjoys them. Further, I agree, it is a space just waiting to be used. My hope is that they will leave dinner alone and try other measures before making it a character meal.

Or a non-signature breakfast. Not sure there's strong demand for signature breakfasts most of the week, although the brunches at Narcoossee's and Cali Grill do okay on weekends. If they're trying to increase overall revenue, making it a breakfast character meal from 7:30-noon leaves plenty of time for kitchen rollover for evening and makes it bookable all week with some volume.

Bon Voyage seems to be doing okay as a non-buffet plated character breakfast, which could be a good model.

 

[sleepydog25]

Or a non-signature breakfast. Not sure there's strong demand for signature breakfasts most of the week, although the brunches at Narcoossee's and Cali Grill do okay on weekends. If they're trying to increase overall revenue, making it a breakfast character meal from 7:30-noon leaves plenty of time for kitchen rollover for evening and makes it bookable all week with some volume.

Bon Voyage seems to be doing okay as a non-buffet plated character breakfast, which could be a good model.

Yep. I misspoke a bit--I meant to say make that Signature restaurant, AP, a character breakfast. I don't think there'd be much demand for an actual Signature breakfast.

 

[Dean Marino]

*Steps onto soap box*

It is true that buying into DVC generally guarantees you nothing but a room and paying them money. I know it. My wife plays devil's advocate with that tidbit. Yep. Fully agree. I would even go so far as to argue that nowhere does there exist language that says a Signature is required for a deluxe resort. However, the perception is there and, in part, having been built by none other than Disney itself. They attach DVC to deluxe resorts; they call accommodations at DVC resorts "deluxe." When we think deluxe, we think some manner of fine dining, even if it requires a small effort to reach it. Poly has no Signatures but you can walk 10 minutes and get to three of them. . .or ride the monorail and add more. You can't walk to WL from anywhere but FW; otherwise, you have to drive, bus, or boat.

All this hints at what makes WL such an enigma. It's beautiful, inviting, tremendously themed. . .and off the beaten path. So, what did Disney opt to do? "Hey, let's put up another DVC resort there! Oh, and let's add a bar on the water with no protection from the elements. . .and a building where we can convince people to pay $200 extra a day for a family of four to sit in a room with no views and concierge-lite service and offerings. . .and while we're at it, let's put in a salon for hair and nails because everyone knows that makes a deluxe resort." Meanwhile, they ignore Artist Point which could easily be a Jiko, or even better, a Napa Rose. Honestly, I don't know how some of the Imagineers' ideas ever see the light of day. (Then again, I don't know why Hollywood would make a movie like BATTLEFIELD EARTH or the recent THE MUMMY, but I digress.)

We have seen a shift over the past several years where Disney seemingly goes with the cheapest option that sounds halfway decent, what we in the military call "sling some *stuff* at the wall and let's see what sticks." CM cuts. Entertainment cuts. "Industry standard" is the key phrase they use a lot now. Disney used to set the standard; now they strive for it. All of this tiresome complaining to say that Artist Point has the potential to be an exceptional experience--give it a chef's table for example and bump up the quality of the menu. Make it a dining destination. People will pay. A little forethought and, yes, they could have put AP where Geyser Point is now and make the piped in music and views of the fireworks a calling card. THEN, make the old AP area a character meal all day. Instead, WL is saddled with an eatery with no identity (GP), an area that is drawing in virtually no revenue (RS), and a Signature that may become a simple TS, albeit with characters.

I hope the rumor is untrue. Perhaps they've rethought the whole notion and will make some sort of left turn. I would be the first to admit my ire was misplaced and applaud a smarter move. However, to make the changes needed to salvage the mistake that has been the giant refurb at WL, it would take money. . .and Disney isn't going to put out more than they need to provide a bandaid. For what it's worth, I've emailed management at both Disney and the Lodge twice so far with more to come. Each time, the response has been the same. . .a call from a Guest Services CM at a call center saying there's no official announcement yet (No, really?), official word will only come from Disney sources (You think?), and they appreciate my passion for AP (Uh huh). In the lack of substance, of course we will fill in the blanks from other sources. It's worth noting that through the years, while a few rumors don't pan out, many of them do which is why people believe them.

Prove me wrong, Disney. I dare you.

*Steps off soap box*

I like this - for a basic reason. We already KNOW that AP is dead, after Oct 28, 2018.

Yet? WDW has clammed up. They will not talk. And MANY current BRV owners, and FUTURE CCV owners, are left in the dark. My wife and I are already BRV owners.... if necessary? CABS to fine dining at the Grand Floridian, or CA Grill, are $10 each leg, with 20% tip thrown in. We will not die .

No - MY worry is that others, buying into CCV, are being cheated before they KNOW they are being cheated . Based on current WDW data? The WL, in total, is the ONLY "Deluxe Hotel" without a Signature Restaurant. "Character stuff" not equal Signature: generally bad food with a Princess.

So - for us? Just allow us to get a decent breakfast, even if you have decided that Whispering Canyon is Politically Incorrect. We'll go to a GOOD Restaurant for Dinner... in that $10 CAB I mentioned .

 

[Dean]

I can certainly see making AP a breakfast Signature, and perhaps even lunch if they must. Heck, I wouldn't mind a character breakfast since my wife enjoys them. Further, I agree, it is a space just waiting to be used. My hope is that they will leave dinner alone and try other measures before making it a character meal.

We love AP so I too hope it stays possibly with more/better utilization during the day. The location within the resort has always been a detriment IMO, it's just too hidden. Still it seems to me that it's always easier to book there than any other signature save Citrico's so they likely need to do something. Maybe just better advertising or specials, heck just a table with menu's near the check in would likely have a significant impact. They used to have a prix fixe that enhanced the DP options.

 

[gillep]

We love AP so I too hope it stays possibly with more/better utilization during the day. The location within the resort has always been a detriment IMO, it's just too hidden. Still it seems to me that it's always easier to book there than any other signature save Citrico's so they likely need to do something. Maybe just better advertising or specials, heck just a table with menu's near the check in would likely have a significant impact. They used to have a prix fixe that enhanced the DP options.

I completely agree with the visibility issue, you would hardly know that the restaurant is back there unless you are specifically looking for it. It also has one thing going for it that a place like Jiko does not, in that I think that most visitors see the food at AP as very approachable and with broad appeal, they just need to get the word out. We have been tossing around the idea of adding on at CCV in the next couple years, once we know more about the Riviera that is, but not having a signature, or at least a regular TS without characters or antics, would probably take it off the list for us. Having easily accessible and good dining options at my resort is something that is very important to us and how we travel. That said, none of the features of the resorts are guaranteed to last over the life of a contract, so there really isn't much current owners can do with regards to Disney, except sell of course.

 

[bwvBound]

I completely agree with the visibility issue, you would hardly know that the restaurant is back there unless you are specifically looking for it. It also has one thing going for it that a place like Jiko does not, in that I think that most visitors see the food at AP as very approachable and with broad appeal, they just need to get the word out.

Interesting. I've only eaten at AP once ... many years back as it was selected by our traveling companions. It wasn't memorable ... but we *love* Jiko's. I'm guessing it didn't make an impression on me for the reason you stated. Forgive me for inverting your intention: The food was too "common" and overpriced for the venue/service. The experience of dining at AP could be duplicated to easily to make it a 'repeat' option while at WDW.

 

[gillep]

Interesting. I've only eaten at AP once ... many years back as it was selected by our traveling companions. It wasn't memorable ... but we *love* Jiko's. I'm guessing it didn't make an impression on me for the reason you stated. Forgive me for inverting your intention: The food was too "common" and overpriced for the venue/service. The experience of dining at AP could be duplicated to easily to make it a 'repeat' option while at WDW.

We LOVE Jiko, it is our favorite restaurant on property. We similarly went to AP for the first time MANY years ago and didn't go back until this year, there was nothing wrong with our first meal, it just wasn't memorable, our meal this year though was excellent. I just see so many posts where people ask about restaurants and immediately discount the likes of Jiko and Tiffins because it is 'too exotic', or people have picky eaters, or don't see anything they will eat, whereas I don't think this is usually an issue with AP.

 

[lovin'fl]

We LOVE Jiko, it is our favorite restaurant on property. We similarly went to AP for the first time MANY years ago and didn't go back until this year, there was nothing wrong with our first meal, it just wasn't memorable, our meal this year though was excellent. I just see so many posts where people ask about restaurants and immediately discount the likes of Jiko and Tiffins because it is 'too exotic', or people have picky eaters, or don't see anything they will eat, whereas I don't think this is usually an issue with AP.

This was us too. We first went to AP in 2008 or 2009 and it was not memorable at all. Then we went again in 2013 and still was 'meh' to us. It's SIL's fave so it gets chosen on many of our family gathering trips. So we went again last Oct. Was kinda not looking forward to it...BUT...wow, it was soooooo good. I enjoyed it so much that we went again this past March and, again, it was soooooo good!

 

[bwvBound]

We LOVE Jiko, it is our favorite restaurant on property. We similarly went to AP for the first time MANY years ago and didn't go back until this year, there was nothing wrong with our first meal, it just wasn't memorable, our meal this year though was excellent. I just see so many posts where people ask about restaurants and immediately discount the likes of Jiko and Tiffins because it is 'too exotic', or people have picky eaters, or don't see anything they will eat, whereas I don't think this is usually an issue with AP.

The section in bold pretty much sums it up for us!

 

[sleepydog25]

Of course, all the discussion of whether AP is memorable or Jiko is better, etc., can be said about any Signature restaurants. The larger issue for Disney is how to market AP to bring more people to, well, the table(s). It could be a better restaurant, better advertised, more appealing with a concerted effort by Disney. They've chosen not to do so. . .unless this character meal idea is their choice. And that I would hate for dinner, specifically.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We ate at AP back in 2014. It was "meh" and haven't been back I welcome a menu change, but characters not so much.