Via Napoli Pizza Window

[TheTXTaylors5]

Boy am I glad I made a Via Napoli ADR for our upcoming trip. I have to admit, I would have been VERY upset planning to get the counter service pizza to enjoy while browsing the Italy Pavilion and it was just the same "Disney pizza". To me, this doesn't make sense. They don't serve the same pretzels you get every where else on property in the Germany Pavilion. They don't serve the same fish and chips in the UK Pavilion you get at other parks (BTW - I've read the counter service fish and chips in this case, is better than it's sit-down restaurant counterpart. Go figure.) If the Pantina Group didn't want to do a take-out window, then there shouldn't be one ATTACHED to their restaurant bearing the restaurant logo. It is very misleading in my opinion.

After reading this thread on the difference in the pizzas, I sent the Pantina Group an email letting them know about my displeasure. This is doing their restaurant a disservice having the subpar pizza right outside their door bearing their restaurant's logo. Whether they want to believe it or not, the take-out window is representing their restaurant too. Those that can't get a Via Napoli ADR or just want a quick meal might "assume" it is the same pizza inside and outside (even though the take-out window is not the wood-fired pizza served inside). Not every WDW guest does as much research as us DISers.

If you feel the need to drop the Pantina Restaurant Group an email too, their link is HERE.

 

[Respect]

Boy am I glad I made a Via Napoli ADR for our upcoming trip. I have to admit, I would have been VERY upset planning to get the counter service pizza to enjoy while browsing the Italy Pavilion and it was just the same "Disney pizza". To me, this doesn't make sense. They don't serve the same pretzels you get every where else on property in the Germany Pavilion. They don't serve the same fish and chips in the UK Pavilion you get at other parks (BTW - I've read the counter service fish and chips in this case, is better than it's sit-down restaurant counterpart. Go figure.) If the Pantina Group didn't want to do a take-out window, then there shouldn't be one ATTACHED to their restaurant bearing the restaurant logo. It is very misleading in my opinion.

After reading this thread on the difference in the pizzas, I sent the Pantina Group an email letting them know about my displeasure. This is doing their restaurant a disservice having the subpar pizza right outside their door bearing their restaurant's logo. Whether they want to believe it or not, the take-out window is representing their restaurant too. Those that can't get a Via Napoli ADR or just want a quick meal might "assume" it is the same pizza inside and outside (even though the take-out window is not the wood-fired pizza served inside). Not every WDW guest does as much research as us DISers.

If you feel the need to drop the Pantina Restaurant Group an email too, their link is HERE.

Good job with the email, I will be doing the same. Something needs to be done about this fraud.

 

[marivaid]

There seems to be a consensus that Disney should put up a sign stating "THIS IS NOT VIA NAPOLI'S PIZZA," well maybe they should, but I don't see how they are trying to trick guests into buying the pizza.

Instead of putting a sign stating it's not VN's pizza, maybe they just shouldn't have put a Via Napoli logo above the pizza window in the first place. Sorry but no matter how you look at it, it's misleading. When there's a logo on something you expect to buy a product that was made by that company. In this case guests are buying Disney's pizza, not Via Napoli's.
If I buy a plush toy in a Disney store, I expect to get an official Disney product, not a knockoff. In this case Disney is selling knockoff pizza to guests who don't know any better, because they've never been to VN before and/or don't know what Neapolitan pizza is supposed to look like.

 

[TDC Nala]

the solution is very simple. Just don't buy the pizza. And let Disney know why you didn't buy it. Not that it will do much good, because when I was there a LOT of persons were buying the pizza, and apparently not caring whether it was restaurant pizza or not. Same for posters who feel the same way as tomthebarncat. If you think all the food is overpriced crap, don't buy it and let Disney know about it. Otherwise there is nothing you can do, that's reality. Has nothing to do with being a Disney fan or not being a Disney fan. Disney isn't forcing guests to buy food. In fact, they have a very lenient policy about guests bringing in their own food.

I'm also assuming that Disney is running the window because the signs on it are Disney's and bear no Via Napoli reference except for the logo on the building, which was there before they started selling pizza from that corner. It's also possible Patina runs it but they don't want to sell the Neapolitan pizza to go. I wouldn't blame them if they didn't want to serve their expensive pizza using expensive ingredients by the slice to guests who are mostly using CS dining credits.

And the logo was there on the building before they opened the window in that space. So Disney didn't put the logo there to mislead guests into buying the pizza.

 

[goofyintoronto]

I think saying it fell off the back of a sysco truck is being a bit generous.

I get what people are saying that Disney isn't obligated to serve the same via nap pizza but I disagree. The pizza window is connected to an authentic italian pizzaria which gives the illusion that the same style of pizza will be served. Disney is pulling a bait and switch on it's guests.

If the pizza window was a separate building and not connected to the via nap restaurant, I wouldn't be as upset about it. Because then there would be no expectations of the same pizza being served.

Wow GOOD TO KNOW!!! I know i would be miffed if I got the crappy disney pizza from a Via Napoli window. I would definitely expect via napoli pizza since the window is at their restaurant. im so greatful for this post, as i was considering trying the pizza window. Now that i know, NO THANKS!

 

[JimmyV]

The complaint was that those who like Via Napoli pizza think they're getting the good pizza from the window and they're not.

I don't think that was the complaint at all. I think the jumping off point of this thread had more to do with people who have never had either the inside or outside pizza, but who have heard from friends, relatives, co-workers or guidebooks that the pizza at VN is terrific and that they should try it. Not kowing the difference, and seeing a quick opportunity to try a slice without an ADR, they walk up to the window. One bite leaves them wondering if their friends/relatives/co-workers/guidebooks were playing a cruel joke on them.

I wasn't including those who've never been to Via Napoli because they can't have any idea that it's different pizza.

You have now just made the OP's point. Under the current set-up, you can't have any idea that it is different pizza. That is another way of saying that you have been misled. Maybe "deceived" is too strong a word, as it implies intent. I am not sure that Disney is doing this intentionally. But, at a minimum, unitentional confusion reigns.

If you've been to Via Napoli and you see the outside pizza you know it's not Via Napoli. True enough. If you've never been to Via Napoli and you don't know the difference, then you really don't care if it's the same pizza as inside.

This is the oddest statement of this entire thread. Of course you care. If you have been told by friends/relatives/co-workers or guidebooks that you MUST try the VN pizza because it is great, then you most certainly do care if the pizza you are buying on the sidewalk is the self same pizza that you have been urged to try. As stated above, if you don't know the difference and buy the "wrong" one, then you have missed out on the opportunity to try the pizza that everyone was telling you is great. I would imagine that this scenario happens daily. Maybe hourly:

Marge: "Wilbur. Look. There's that pizza place that Betty told us we had to go to. I couldn't get an ADR, but it looks like they sell slices to go. Let's grab a couple."
(Marge and Wilbur buy two slices and dig in. A look of bewilderment overcomes them.)
Wilbur: "Remind me never to take Betty's advice on food ever again!"

How can you say that Marge and Wilbur don't care? They wanted to try the great pizza, and they missed out.

The solution is very simple. Just don't buy the pizza. And let Disney know why you didn't buy it.

Of course, not buying the pizza and telling Disney why implies an informed decision on the part of the consumer. It is a given that most everyone on the Dis is now informed. But the other 99% of the people who visit WDW will not be forewarned, and the current setup will continue to cause confusion and unhappy/confused customers. So it is up to those of us who "know" to fight the battle on behalf of those who do not.

 

[ibela]

Boy am I glad I made a Via Napoli ADR for our upcoming trip. I have to admit, I would have been VERY upset planning to get the counter service pizza to enjoy while browsing the Italy Pavilion and it was just the same "Disney pizza". To me, this doesn't make sense. They don't serve the same pretzels you get every where else on property in the Germany Pavilion. They don't serve the same fish and chips in the UK Pavilion you get at other parks (BTW - I've read the counter service fish and chips in this case, is better than it's sit-down restaurant counterpart. Go figure.) If the Pantina Group didn't want to do a take-out window, then there shouldn't be one ATTACHED to their restaurant bearing the restaurant logo. It is very misleading in my opinion.

After reading this thread on the difference in the pizzas, I sent the Pantina Group an email letting them know about my displeasure. This is doing their restaurant a disservice having the subpar pizza right outside their door bearing their restaurant's logo. Whether they want to believe it or not, the take-out window is representing their restaurant too. Those that can't get a Via Napoli ADR or just want a quick meal might "assume" it is the same pizza inside and outside (even though the take-out window is not the wood-fired pizza served inside). Not every WDW guest does as much research as us DISers.

If you feel the need to drop the Pantina Restaurant Group an email too, their link is HERE.

I also would've assumed it was the same pizza so THANKS to OP for the thread. And I'll send an e-mail as well, I googled the photo and it's definitely misleading.

ETA: http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2011/...ded-dining-and-via-napoli-pizza-by-the-slice/ Disney Food Blog is reporting that it IS Via Napoli pizza....?

 

[Momtomouselover]

If you go somewhere and they have a side window, you expect the same thing to be sold at either place irregardless of the price. For instance, if I go to Friendly's for an ice cream why wouldn't I expect the same ice cream from the take out window as they have inside?? Why would the take out window have something different from the same establishment? Makes no sense. The initial appearance is they are the same and that is the allure to get you to go to it. Why is there no sign that says this is sicillian pizza? It is definately a bait and switch marketing tactic get real......

I have to agree with this statement. It is not to say that I don't love going to Disney but this is a little off IMO. Matter of fact before I read this thread I almost canceled my Via Napoli table reservations thinking we could grab a slice at the window. My assumption was that it would be the same pizza but just less, probably simpler choices and no whole pies. Now I know that this is not true and I'm a bit surprised.

Thanks to the original poster for the information.

 

[Momtomouselover]

I also would've assumed it was the same pizza so THANKS to OP for the thread. And I'll send an e-mail as well, I googled the photo and it's definitely misleading.

ETA: http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2011/...ded-dining-and-via-napoli-pizza-by-the-slice/ Disney Food Blog is reporting that it IS Via Napoli pizza....?

Wow! I just looked at the disneyfoodblog link you posted and they most certainly do call it Via Napoli pizza by the slice. Misleading and wrong.

 

[marivaid]

If Disney can turn the castle into a giant video screen, they can probably manage to get a couple cans of paint and cover up a logo on a wall. Maybe they didn't intend to have a pizza window there, but it's here now, and they are taking full advantage of guests' cluelessness.
"Don't like it, don't buy it" is not a solution for people who don't know that there's an issue to begin with.

 

[wdw&sonny]

If your from Chicago, a Pizza Window is no joke - we've got quite a few of them.

That being said, coming from Chicago I know I'm not getting the pizza I know and love when I am outside Chicago ( although I will conceed NY is a close 2nd! )

Anyone know where you can get some good "Cleveland-stlye" pizza around WDW?

 

[TDC Nala]

Sorry, I can't get excited about whether or not people think the pizza is Via Napoli's pizza. I'd imagine Patina Group might not like it if it drives customers away. On the other hand I can't think it's going to ruin someone's vacation if they think their friends were lying to them about what Via Napoli serves, so no, I don't think that is a big deal in the vast scheme of things. Most guests I saw at the window were eating the pizza with enthusiasm. And no I don't think Disney is intending to "take advantage" of word of mouth about Via Napoli by having the logo there while they sell "sub-par" pizza. I think it's an innocent mistake. I also think objections will have no effect on what Disney does here. The window is going to continue selling the pizza and they're probably not going to put up warning signs or take down the logo. So the most I will do is tell those reading here to be informed that it's not the same pizza and decide for yourselves what you want to do. Somehow I don't think this is the worst thing Disney's ever done or even close to it.

 

[Respect]

I think it's an innocent mistake. I also think objections will have no effect on what Disney does here. The window is going to continue selling the pizza and they're probably not going to put up warning signs or take down the logo.

If it was an innocent mistake as you say, Disney will correct it once they get enough complaints which I'm sure they have received already and will continue to do so in an exponential way.

Like I said earlier, if Disney is going to sell their own pizza, they should create another structure somewhere else in the World to do it. They shouldn't be connected to the Via Napoli building. It's an implication of authentic italian pizza.

 

[TDC Nala]

An exponential way?

If people who aren't posting on this thread are complaining to Disney, it would surprise me.

 

[marivaid]

If it was an innocent mistake as you say, Disney will correct it once they get enough complaints which I'm sure they have received already and will continue to do so in an exponential way.

Doubt it. Most guests will have no idea they weren't served VN pizza, they will walk away thinking "that thing was bleh" and probably will not waste 10mns of their vacation time over a $5 slice of pizza.

 

[Respect]

Doubt it. Most guests will have no idea they weren't served VN pizza, they will walk away thinking "that thing was bleh" and probably will not waste 10mns of their vacation time over a $5 slice of pizza.

This true at the moment because Via is a new restaurant and not everyone has eaten there. Over time, there will be enough people who have eaten at both via and the window, and will know what is going on.

But I agree with you that Disney will milk this bait and switch for everything its worth until they can no longer get away with it.

 

[Respect]

An exponential way?

If people who aren't posting on this thread are complaining to Disney, it would surprise me.

Why do you post on this thread so much? It's clear you don't agree with the other 95% of the posters on this thread so I'm just wondering why you're so hell bent on defending Disney? Do you work for them?

 

[TDC Nala]

Do you work for a competitor? There's no thread-posting limit on the DIS.

I've been warning those posting here for months that it isn't the same pizza. Sorry, but it's just not that huge a deal. I agree it's bad pizza but I can take care of that by not eating it. Look at the pizza. Don't get it if you don't like how it looks. I didn't. I also don't agree with the "bait and switch" and "fraud" aspects of the conversation because that implies intent to deceive and I don't think there is intent here. None of us know WHY it isn't the same pizza. Honestly it just doesn't matter WHY.

 

[Respect]

Do you work for a competitor?

I've been warning those posting here for months that it isn't the same pizza. Sorry, but it's just not that huge a deal. Look at the pizza. Don't get it if you don't like how it looks. I didn't.

Okay you don't have to buy it. The rest of us will try and do something to stop the fraud.

 

[TDC Nala]

Okay you don't have to buy it. The rest of us will try and do something to stop the fraud.

and that's all you can do. Seriously, this thread is way out of proportion. Like guests want to sue Disney or have them arrested because they sell different pizza outside the restaurant from inside.