REVAMP of Whispering Canyon Cafe BEGINS

[kleph]

when i was there i was told the hokey pokey was what it's all about. that's clearly untrue. i never went back.

 

[Farro]

We were there for our son's 10th birthday, back in '06. On that day, we had a great time. There was a bunch of general craziness and ketchup/soda/straw antics. It was fun.

Then we decided to go back. Our son was 18. The insinuation was that we, my son and I, were sleeping together. I guess my son rolled his eyes at me over something that was said, and I laughed. That must have meant something to our server.

My son started to blow up, as did my husband, when I calmed them down saying that she couldn't have possibly meant what we thought she did. At that point she told us that it was exactly what she meant.

I let her know that antics do not include accusations of incest. At that point we were done with our meal and we walked out. The manager was informed of the problem and she comped us the meal.


The only thing fishy is how some people will not believe that anything negative happens at Disney.

Look, I don't care if they keep the restaurant as it is or they change it. I just know that I won't go back unless they change it.

This is going to come out wrong, but I still think something must have been misunderstood. I just am having a really hard time processing that a waitress (anywhere, not just Disney) would imply a mom and (18 year old) son were sleeping together, sees the husband/son get very upset and still stood by her insinuation that mom and son were sleeping together.

Regardless, you were upset enough that management comped your meal and I understand your decision not to go back.

 

[stephanielovesmickey]

For those asking, there is an email address where you can voice your concerns to Thea Sargent, the general manager of WL. As quoted by the original poster, I’m incredibly disappointed by all the changes at the WL as of late. I thought Roaring Forks used to have some of the best QS options on property, now everything seems pretty uninspired. Getting rid of WCC’s signature skillet would only contribute to the downgrade.

Here it is (via DVC News.com):
WDW.GM.WildernessLodge@Disney.com

AND SO, IT BEGINS . . .
Or rather, the tear down of WL eateries continues, since the new Artist Point chef has already changed enough recipes to downgrade the AP experience. AP had made a major quality come-back after years of decline, and I even recommended it again. It is now off my personal recommended eateries list, and I have advised other folks to go elsewhere for a "Signature" meal. (Of course, the new Character Breakfast at AP might be worth a try when it starts.)[/I]

 

[stephanielovesmickey]

Would like to know also the best person to email, as our kids loved the antics, and had recommended it to many others, and have friends going this fall that will cancel after they hear this. They should hear that many enjoyed it, and they will lose business as this made it unique, and a reason to make the trip over to WL. There should be an option to choose not to participate, which could easily be accomodated, but changing it completely makes no sense.

Thea Sargent is the current General Manager for the Wilderness Lodge. She offers her email address for resort feedback (https://dvcnews.com/index.php/dvc-p...s-70636/4111-resort-managers-solicit-feedback). It’s worth a shot!

Her email address is:
WDW.GM.WildernessLodge@Disney.com

 

[TeacherDL]

I am very sad that they are changing it...the only reason we went. I have reservations in three weeks...very disappointing.

 

[SweetSerenity]

We ate lunch at WCC during our honeymoon in 2015, and my husband absolutely hated it because it was so loud and he felt like the antics were just obnoxious. We were in the front of the restaurant so everything was happening around us, and it was difficult to even have a conversation because it was so loud. I understand his point, but that's part of what made WCC unique. It was a fun place for kids to cut loose and act silly. We weren't big fans of the food either so we haven't been back, but that's just our personal choice. There are people who don't like 50's Primetime for the same reason. I'm worried that a trend will start where unique themes are replaced by more generic uniformity. We are seeing it in refurbs of the resorts such as Pop's new rooms. I think sometimes revamps just aren't better than the original.

 

[dznygrl70]

We ate lunch at WCC during our honeymoon in 2015, and my husband absolutely hated it because it was so loud and he felt like the antics were just obnoxious. We were in the front of the restaurant so everything was happening around us, and it was difficult to even have a conversation because it was so loud. I understand his point, but that's part of what made WCC unique. It was a fun place for kids to cut loose and act silly. We weren't big fans of the food either so we haven't been back, but that's just our personal choice. There are people who don't like 50's Primetime for the same reason. I'm worried that a trend will start where unique themes are replaced by more generic uniformity. We are seeing it in refurbs of the resorts such as Pop's new rooms. I think sometimes revamps just aren't better than the original.

You said it best! Do the research! If you dont care for it , dont go! Its not fair to force personal opinions on others. I wouldn't go to a sports bar and demand they change the theme to showtunes and Broadway musicals!!! Jeeesh.

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

You said it best! Do the research! If you dont care for it , dont go! Its not fair to force personal opinions on others. I wouldn't go to a sports bar and demand they change the theme to showtunes and Broadway musicals!!! Jeeesh.

Exactly! One of my biggest pet peeves on here, which I see all the time, is people who knowingly go to restaurants where the menu, format, or atmosphere doesn't appeal to them, and then demand to be accommodated. Things like, "we really want to eat at Akershus but the menu looks gross....so we go anyways and ask for Mickey waffles". Or "we really want to try the food at 50s PT, but we don't like to be messed with so we tell them to leave us alone". Then WHY GO THERE?? There are SO many options to choose from, why not choose a place your party will enjoy?

 

[DisBuckMan]

when i was there i was told the hokey pokey was what it's all about. that's clearly untrue. i never went back.

Sadly...with the way things are nowadays...someone, somewhere, would probably be offended by being told that.

 

[jarestel]

WCC in its current format has had a pretty good run and though I don't mind the noise and nonsense, I'm not totally opposed to seeing a new WCC experience either. The current chuck wagon and comfort food menu has grown a bit tired over the years and it might be interesting to see a re-imagining of both the menu and the experience. Having said that, I have many pictures of my grandchildren (that are quite priceless) over the last 20 years at WCC sporting silly grins behind a dozen ketchup containers. So I understand those who are reluctant to see any change as well.

 

[Bostonbeans99]

For anyone reading this thread and has WCC reservations over the next few weeks, please report back and let us know if you notice any changes to menu, theme, CM's, etc!

Absolutely! I plan on talking to different CM's and the manager at WL and see who tells the same tale and who tells much more. No matter what protocol or dialogue the employees were given ...there will be a few willing to spill the complete truth.

 

[Bostonbeans99]

We were there for our son's 10th birthday, back in '06. On that day, we had a great time. There was a bunch of general craziness and ketchup/soda/straw antics. It was fun.

Then we decided to go back. Our son was 18. The insinuation was that we, my son and I, were sleeping together. I guess my son rolled his eyes at me over something that was said, and I laughed. That must have meant something to our server.

My son started to blow up, as did my husband, when I calmed them down saying that she couldn't have possibly meant what we thought she did. At that point she told us that it was exactly what she meant.

I let her know that antics do not include accusations of incest. At that point we were done with our meal and we walked out. The manager was informed of the problem and she comped us the meal.


The only thing fishy is how some people will not believe that anything negative happens at Disney.

Look, I don't care if they keep the restaurant as it is or they change it. I just know that I won't go back unless they change it.

My "boys" are 18, and 19. If that was said to me I would totally take that to mean that they were Mama's boys and NOT incest.
The way the world is now......... people joke about adult kids sleeping at home with their parents, or in the basement or whatever.

I do respect that perception is everything. But sometimes adult minds go places that the other person wasn't even implying. JMO

(and yes I did read where you say that she admitted that was what she meant.) smh
There is more to this story I feel.
If it was proven the waitress did this she should be fired...but that shouldn't change the restaurants M.O. One crappy person ruins everyones fun? nah

 

[jimmytammy]

Bummer! Thea better watch out, if the revenue declines, the antics may not be the only thing going away

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

Going for dinner in a month because it works for our fireworks cruise. Chose it because I thought it would be goofy for DD 18 and her 2 friends. Will have to see how it plays out.

 

[Mickey ears all my years]

Just cancelled my breakfast reservation based on these comments. Without the antics it's just breakfast food and my kids would probably have a better time at a character breakfast.

 

[KStash]

Sent an email. I’m irritated. I booked Whispering at my 180 days in place of other restaurants because we wanted that atmosphere to start our vacation off. I have a group of 8, it is not that easy to find a replacement for our group. Going to likely switch to Trails End or Disney Springs (and fit in the Void), as I don’t have much interest in dining there without the antics.

 

[tcufrog]

If you cancel because of the change please email Thea and tell her so.

 

[dachsie]

We were there for our son's 10th birthday, back in '06. On that day, we had a great time. There was a bunch of general craziness and ketchup/soda/straw antics. It was fun.

Then we decided to go back. Our son was 18. The insinuation was that we, my son and I, were sleeping together. I guess my son rolled his eyes at me over something that was said, and I laughed. That must have meant something to our server.

My son started to blow up, as did my husband, when I calmed them down saying that she couldn't have possibly meant what we thought she did. At that point she told us that it was exactly what she meant.

I let her know that antics do not include accusations of incest. At that point we were done with our meal and we walked out. The manager was informed of the problem and she comped us the meal.


The only thing fishy is how some people will not believe that anything negative happens at Disney.

Look, I don't care if they keep the restaurant as it is or they change it. I just know that I won't go back unless they change it.

I am so sorry that happened to you. That's awful!

 

[brertoad]

Wonder how many meals were comp'd because servers went "too far"? People want "antics" until they don't want "antics".
I'm sure some people booked WCC not even knowing what the theme was, who knows how many meals got comp'd for that too...sure some people didn't expect to hear hollering and carrying on especially at a deluxe resort, some people clearly don't belong to message boards and read about this stuff. Disboards members are probably a small minority compared to the vast amount of people who visit WDW per year.

For everyone saying that if you don't like it don't go, who said patrons have to be subjected to spectacle type behavior?
That is why they have those coasters on the table, you can opt out of being mocked or made fun of. They already had a system in place.

The other issues, with noise, that can't be controlled so well in the main dining room, you had to be seated in the quieter section in the back. So, for many people they probably didn't enjoy the ambient noise.

We all vote with our dollars in the end. I do know one thing about Disney, everything changes.

 

[WildernessMickey]

We have always liked WCC and have had fun there every time and enjoyed the barbecue. I will miss it. But I think I would still eat there at a new venue. We really like the WL setting.

I have great memories of the Pocahontas character breakfast at Artist Point. My DD was about 6 or 7 and wore her Pocahontas outfit to the breakfast. My DS, 4 or 5, only wanted strawberries that morning for some reason. So the server brought him a big bowl of strawberries and he ate them all. I will be very happy if they add a character breakfast there again.