Trails end or Food court ?

[MadFF]

A simpler option for Disney would be to provide cart parking at WL near their foodcourt and open up the path to cart traffic. That would allow a large percentage of FW patrons easy utilization of an existing, and well-supported facility with essentially no risk. I would imagine they see installing a foodcourt at FW to be a major risk, since so many choose to cook in their camper. Heck, they found the business at Trail's End to be so hit and miss that they killed hot lunches... if hot chicken is too much to risk, what would they consider a new facility, staff and food?! Maybe they will try something simple like a hot-dog and pretzel cart near the marina to catch the folks taking a midday break?

We JUST got back home, and think this would be the way to go. Especially if they could arrange for easy access for non-cart driving people (car parking area maybe - I have not been to Wilderness Lodge, and have no idea how it is setup).

Considering how very few people were at Trail's End this past week, from a business sense I don't see them expanding the food there, at least during the "off" season. The "guys" (myself, son, and brother-in-law) ate dinner at Trail's End twice this past week, and loved the buffet. Multiple plates of food and multiple desserts for everyone! But it was not crowded (this was during the week), and I could see how the limited food selection, although tasting good, could quickly become "boring". We (the family) had breakfast there on Saturday morning before we left to come home, and it tasted great and was a great selection for a breakfast buffet, but the cost was impressivly high for a breakfast buffet -- the same as for dinner unless I am mistaken.

We had lunch there once during the week, and it turned out to be good timing because they still had the breakfast buffet out plus lunch selection -- Seems that 11:30AM til 12 noon was a "combination" time. Very few people were there for lunch... less than half full at most.

I don't know how crowded FW is during other times of the year, but I was impressed at how much stuff was available considering how few people were there.

 

[Disney John]

Considering how very few people were at Trail's End this past week, from a business sense I don't see them expanding the food there, at least during the "off" season.

This is exactly why they should add other options!

But it was not crowded (this was during the week), and I could see how the limited food selection, although tasting good, could quickly become "boring".

Yes, especially when you spend 2-3 weeks there!

We (the family) had breakfast there on Saturday morning before we left to come home, and it tasted great and was a great selection for a breakfast buffet, but the cost was impressivly high for a breakfast buffet -- the same as for dinner unless I am mistaken.

We had lunch there once during the week, and it turned out to be good timing because they still had the breakfast buffet out plus lunch selection -- Seems that 11:30AM til 12 noon was a "combination" time. Very few people were there for lunch... less than half full at most.

Do you think that you would have eaten there more often if there was more than just a buffet?

I think that I would have spent more money there if the selection was better. When we stayed at PO or even ASM we really preferred their food court area to Trails end. Even deluxe resorts like the Polynesian and Contemporary, with all of their restaurants, still have counter service food options.

 

[LONE-STAR]

If trails end had a counter service we would eat there almost everyday we are there. Right now we hit the buffet once and that is enough. I would love to be able to order a burger,hot dog steak, shrimp, even a hot sandwich. I just wish there where more options besides the buffet.

 

[2goofycampers]

Sounds to me like Trails End should close and re-open as counter service dining.

 

[auntie]

When we were there it didn't appear crowded..in fact at lunch time it was pretty empty. Didn't see it at dinner time..maybe they get more people in then. We did go in and take a look, and selections were pretty limited. We ate in the food court ate one of the moderates. We also at the Roaring Forks when looking for a quick bite. Not once did we eat at the Trails End. Just didn't appeal to us.

I know we would have eaten at the Fort had there been a better option. I also agree with previous poster that said it's kind of crazy that you can't get a burger or something along those lines. Chicken or Pizza..that's it. No thanks. Even if it's good..as many have said it is. How many times can you eat chicken during your stay.
It also seems a good many campers use the dining plan. They are looking for a place to use those dining and snack credits. Slim pickin's for that.

 

[nessz79]

Sounds to me like Trails End should close and re-open as counter service dining.

Agreed!

 

[MadFF]

Sounds to me like Trails End should close and re-open as counter service dining.

I also pretty much agree... I was kind of surprised to find out that Trail's End was considered "table service". The wait staff is very good, but all they are doing is clearing your plates and getting you soda. And pointing out that a gratuity is not included in the bill (that was annoying)...

 

[2goofycampers]

I also pretty much agree... I was kind of surprised to find out that Trail's End was considered "table service". The wait staff is very good, but all they are doing is clearing your plates and getting you soda. And pointing out that a gratuity is not included in the bill (that was annoying)...

We also had an annoying waiter a WDW restaurant about the gratutity. We were rushed to meet some Dis folk so I handed him my card to bay the bill ( we had the DDP) he refused it and said he had to make up the bill first so I could add the tip and ran off quickly. When he FINALLY came back he told me exactly how to fill out the tip portion. When he came back he grabbed the reciepts and walked away, a few seconds later he comes back to let me know I didn't fill in the tip portion of the paper. I asked him " do you accept cash"? At which point he walked away. He also early on in the dinner became unattentive when he found out we were not ordering wine with our meal. But the table next to us ordered wine and got his full attention.

 

[KristinU]

Sounds to me like Trails End should close and re-open as counter service dining.

Yeah, I pretty much agree as well. One of the things we love about the mods and values is the convenience of the food courts, and that most of the the deluxes have a counter service option...and that's one of the things that totally lacked at Boardwalk, where we were DVC members - we were always disappointed in that...same limitation at the Fort too!

 

[TxTink :)]

A simpler option for Disney would be to provide cart parking at WL near their foodcourt and open up the path to cart traffic. That would allow a large percentage of FW patrons easy utilization of an existing, and well-supported facility with essentially no risk. I would imagine they see installing a foodcourt at FW to be a major risk, since so many choose to cook in their camper. Heck, they found the business at Trail's End to be so hit and miss that they killed hot lunches... if hot chicken is too much to risk, what would they consider a new facility, staff and food?! Maybe they will try something simple like a hot-dog and pretzel cart near the marina to catch the folks taking a midday break?

YES!!! That'll work for us!

 

[Disney John]

Wow,
After seeing all of the good stuff in the past about Trails End on the forums, I was beginning to think that I was the only one that felt that Trails End was overrated.

Thanks to all, that gave their opinions. I hope that Disney takes some of our constructive criticisms and uses them to improve the food situation at FW.

 

[stitchfan24]

A food court is definately needed! Even if the buffet was great, there are only so many times you can eat the same food. Variety is clearly lacking in the campground dining.

 

[juligrl]

Sounds to me like Trails End should close and re-open as counter service dining.

That would be wonderful.

 

[We4mickey]

Many years ago they had a counter service snack bar in the Meadows. You could get sandwiches, ice cream sudaes and cones and other items. I guess they didn't think it was profitable enough and pulled it. Does anyone else remember?

 

[Disney John]

Yes, There is a very small counter at the meadows pool, seasonally. Nachos, Ice cream, I can't remember if they had sandwiches. If that's the one your talking about. It still opens occasionally, but it is far from a good selection.