What's up with the food at Cal Adventure?

[5infam]

As we went through DCA yesterday, I took note that there seems to be an abundance of small counter service food places that I have not seen open in a long time. The ones I rememeber from yesterday were: Bountiful Valley farmers Market, The Lucky Fortune Cookery (which I think I saw open only once when the park was brand new), and Sam Andreas Shakes. I think there were more, but I just can't remember the names right now. As a matter fo fact, these are not even listed on the park map under dining anymore either. Does anyone know why these have closed and do they have plans to reopen them?

 

[iceskatejen]

I don't think I've ever seen the Lucky Fortune Cookery open. Maliburritos is never open any more either. I'm fine so long as Strips, Dips, and Chips, the Boudin Bakery and Taste Pilots are open. Those are my 3 favorites.

 

[jordanyosh]

Many locations aren't open because attendance doesn't warrant it. If you notice, even the ones that are open are never overly crowded. If, and that's a big IF, attendance should start increasing due to TOT, you may see a few opening on the weekends......

 

[almostGoofy]

Originally posted by iceskatejen
I don't think I've ever seen the Lucky Fortune Cookery open.

I ate there the second summer after the park opened. Believe me, no great lose there. I had the worst chicken bowl ever.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

As long as the Mexican place next to the bakery is open Im content

Their steak nachos are good

-em

 

[5infam]

jordanyosh,

I hear what you are saying and I figured that was the reason (attendance) but I was also curious as to whether or not Disney ever made an announcement on these locations? As I mentioned, I was there this last weekend and it was very crowded!! I just wonder if they schedule certain months that these places are open and other months when they are not. They had to figure that attendance would be way up with ToT opening, but I guess they want to make sure they remain packed. I personally feel this is going to be an exceptionally crowded summer and next year (with the 50th celebration) will even be more crowded.

almostGoofy,

I can't remember if I ever ate at Lucky Fortune (sounds like you weren't so lucky with it), but I wonder why Disney does not have more Asian eateries both at DL and at WDW. We love to eat all sorts of Asian food, but it is not on the Disney menues. Just curious.

 

[jordanyosh]

5inFam,

Staffing may be another issue. If those locations are open during the busy summer months, they may be in the process of training those Cast Members right now..

Another issue to think about...when DCA orginally opened, they were expecting big crowds. They never materialized. I think with the opening of TOT, they are being cautious and waiting to see a trend before commiting to staffing requisitions, training, commitment of temporary manager assignments, etc...

I think also DCA competes with Disneyland, DTD, the Disney resorts and off property restaurants. Unlike WDW where theme parks are separated by up to 3-4 miles and they have a much more captive audience, DCA is in close proximity to many other restaurant choices....

I could go into more detail on some of my theories, but don't know if they still hold true today......I worked at the Park a decade ago in Restaurants and things may have changed

 

[5infam]

Thanks jordanyosh...those are interesting points. I guess we will have to wait and see, only time will tell.