The decline of Disney Dinning....

[TriMom]

Ok, I don't know weater or not to blame this on the DDP or not, but I am most unhappy with the changes I found at a couple of Disney Dinning establisments on my recent trip.

1. OKW - Good's Food to Go. - No conch fritters. I live in TN, I don't get a chance to have conch fritters very often, I was so sad to see that the menue had been changed to only chicken nuggets and hamburgers.

2. Figero Fries - This is my huge complaint. Disney has ruined the Figero Fries. They used to be served with lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing. The lettuce, tomato, and ranch are now gone. They are just fries covered in cheese and bacon. I did ask to speak to a manager and he had my 2 orders of Figero Fries refunded. I was sooooooooo sad.

I feel that the DDP has led to the mainstreaming of menues, and cutbacks on items that count as snacks on the DDP

Just my 2 cents......

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I wouldn't blame it on the DDP, I'd more be apt to blame it on cost control in general.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, one problem with your analysis is that the Dining Plan has been in existence for just over three years and four months... but the Figaro Fries were changed three weeks ago.

A more reasonable explanation for the change has been presented on the Figaro Fries thread - that Disney determined enough Guests were ordering them without the tomatoes/lettuce/ranch (not necessarily all three), that it made more sense to change them to the most popular version.

Or it could be due to the VERY RECENT overall increase in the price of everything, which can be traced back to the high price of gasoline (needed to transport produce and other items).

 

[Tiggr924]

My problem with the DDP or more likely Free Dining is that you now need to have reservations for every meal. It is a lot harder to walk up anywhere and get seated. I miss being able to be a little more carefree and not have every step of the way mapped out.

 

[james'mommy]

I've never been as an adult w/out the ddp. I don't think the quality of the food has changed over that period of time. Personally I think lettuce tomato and ranch dressing on fries sounds nasty. I would much rather have fries with cheese bacon and ranch. The dining plan has really eased up on what qualifies as snacks. The first time we used it the snack choice was pitiful. I have severe food allergies and I am really looking forward to have some of the divies snacks while on the plan. JMO

 

[TDC Nala]

I do not believe the two changes referenced are a result of the dining plan. Goods has not served conch fritters in ages, and there was a report that the Figaro fry change was due to Disney's impression that most patrons preferred the fries with bacon and cheese only, no veggies or ranch. If that's true, and it's to blame on anyone, it's all the folks who ordered the fries without or picked the veggies off.

I do believe the quality of the food at some of the one-credit table service restaurants has declined precipitously, due partially to the popularity of DDP.

 

[lborne]

Can't remember which thread I read this in, but someone mentioned that all Disney restaurants now use a single approved supplier, including TS restaurants. I assume the alternative was that each head chef was able to pick their own supplier(s) to get unique offerings. Maybe someone can shed some light on this?

 

[MickeyMouth]

Can't remember which thread I read this in, but someone mentioned that all Disney restaurants now use a single approved supplier, including TS restaurants. I assume the alternative was that each head chef was able to pick their own supplier(s) to get unique offerings. Maybe someone can shed some light on this?

This would totally make sense! I was telling my DH that it seemed like all of the food was the same on this trip. Some of the restaurants we love didn't have some of the unique foods that we like anymore....and those hamburger/hotdog buns...don't get me started again on those.

 

[aa034321]

Thanks

 

[Minnie&Nana]

The last few trips we also though that a lot of the food was beginning to be the same.

So many of the menus changed. Because of some food allergies there were certain places in WS we'd always go to be able to have something different but plain enough - all of those options no longer exist.

They say change is good, but I know so many Disney guests who look forward to a favorite menu item on vacation.

 

[RllngRckBrw]

I agree with the conch fritters. I love them whenever I can get them. I also agree with the decline of the DDP. The menu's have been streamlined in order to cut costs for Disney so they can order larger quantities of the same types of food. I alos think the last few tweeks of taking the tip and app of the plan is greedy as well. This is what I have noticed them doing as of late. I love WDW but this is becoming frustrating. It becomes harder and harder each year to afford each trip because of these new increases.

 

[MissionMouse]

I perceive Disney Management is converting WDW food operation to run just like their Cruise Line business group. Guest under dining plans, maintstream food, consolidate vendors and apply cost cutting measures in every area regardless of theme or cultural experience impacted. Yes, WDW Dining experience is in decline. TS dining was far different before the various dining plans came on scene...

 

[Sandy321]

This would totally make sense! I was telling my DH that it seemed like all of the food was the same on this trip. Some of the restaurants we love didn't have some of the unique foods that we like anymore....and those hamburger/hotdog buns...don't get me started again on those.

Can't remember which thread I read this in, but someone mentioned that all Disney restaurants now use a single approved supplier, including TS restaurants. I assume the alternative was that each head chef was able to pick their own supplier(s) to get unique offerings. Maybe someone can shed some light on this?

I cant believe how the CS desserts have declined!! At some places you have a choice of a peanut butter brownie??? and something else that was not appealing (at least add a Mickey bar!)

the Desserts at TS have not fared well either - ie the Buffets are ALL THE SAME - Crystal Palace, Cape May, and H&V - all had the SAME DESSERTS !!

that's just wrong!

 

[Corinne]

Well I am one who does believe the quality of the food (and the offerings) have suffered because of the DDP and the "free" dining. Even if they have gone to one supplier it is just because it is easier/cheaper to feed the masses. I enjoyed taking a break at a TS restaurant, where it would often be quiet and relaxing, that just is not the case anymore.

 

[TDC Nala]

I believe the changes have had a less noticeable effect on the signature (2 credit) restaurants - if I eat TS at Disney it's usually at those.

There are also a number of very good restaurants on property that are not owned or run by Disney.

 

[disnut8]

We have never done the dining plan and never plan on doing it. We rarely make dining reservations. And yet, we manage not to starve at Disney World.

 

[DisMN]

I perceive Disney Management is converting WDW food operation to run just like their Cruise Line business group. Guest under dining plans, maintstream food, consolidate vendors and apply cost cutting measures in every area regardless of theme or cultural experience impacted. Yes, WDW Dining experience is in decline. TS dining was far different before the various dining plans came on scene...

I wholeheartedly agree with you but the sad reality is is how many people don't think anything has changed and still find the dining plan to be a worthwhile investment. Yuck, that damn dining plan has ruined the food quality and choices..............

 

[F1Julie]

We have been going to WDW 2-3 times a year since 2003. Each time we go, the food seems to go downhill. I definitely blame the DDP. The DDP is such a good deal for guests, that WDW had to cut costs to offer it. The menu items are less varied and frequently the same foods are offered at a variety of different restaurants. I'd like the DDP to go away and have things go back to the way they used to be. It's also much harder to get ADR's now thanks to more people making them with the DDP.

 

[wdw4us2]

This has been discussed many times in the past few years.

I am in the camp that believes the decline in food is due to the DDP. The restaurants slowly phased in centralized food ordering/preparing in advance of the inception of the DDP. A CM in a TS location told me what was being done and why - it was the DDP. If you don't believe me, just go over to AllEars.net and read the menus. Almost every TS location has at least 3 items on it that can be found in numerous other TS locations.

We now spend more time dining off property, which is something we never used to do. I have been visiting WDW multiple times per year for the past 35 years and have been to nearly every dining location on WDW property. The decline is definitely noticeable and I just don't see Disney doing anything to correct it. As long as new visitors keep coming to WDW and think the DDP is great, nothing will change.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I think the DDP is partially to blame; but I don't blame people for booking it as I think it can be a good deal for some visitors.

I don't think the free dining has anything to do with it, though. With all those people paying rack rate, Disney is making money hand over fist those few weeks and that more than makes up for any "loss" they might otherwise take on the promotion. When you think about it, it's not free at all. Just another way to discount a vacation.

Me thinks Disney is trying to do what most companies do. Increase revenue and decrease expenses. With food prices on the rise, it only makes sense that they streamline meal choices and find a single supplier to cut them a deal. Doesn't make me happy but makes sense.

We will be doing more and more off site dining.