What's with the Menu Changes?

[mickey2000]

Next year they're going to start serving seagull.

Thanks for the great reply! Now thats funny !

 

[mking624]

Where's The Beef????

Apparently not at Wolfgang Puck's Cafe!!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Clara Peller

What menu are you looking at? The dinner menu for WPC lists a few red meat choices in the entree section.

 

[wen8jr]

It isn't about dieting or vegetarianism. It is about an overall trend towards greater acceptance/appreciation of more varied and ethnic foods, and a greater demand for vegetables and a variety of sides where once a choice of potato was sufficient.

I wasn't around the DIS for free dining last year, so I don't know if there really were free dining specific menu changes.

As far as what is being added - the same Le Chefs menu that is missing the steak has a new duck entree. From where I sit, that's an improvement that addresses one of the most common complaints about some of the World Showcase restaurants - that the menus are homogenized and Americanized and barely ethnic at all.

And keeping steak on the menu is Americanized? If steak is on the menu people don't feel trendy eating there? Its not ethnical enough? The last I looked WDW menus have quite a lot of non typical Americanized dishes. We weren't talking about JUST ethnic food choices or resturants here anyway. We were talking about different WDW resturants changing their menus, previously having steak and now don't, previously having crab cakes and now don't. Previously having Lobster and now don't. All previously the most expensive items on the menus. Hmmmmm. Which is my whole point in saying that the changes are being made with the MOST expensive items during free dining or who knows maybe forever for that matter. Vegetables are cheap and easy to add to a menu...I'm sure Disney will take your advice and add new ones right now, give 'em a call.

Certainly, I wouldn't walk into a Mexican, Japanese or Chinese resturant and expect to be served a steak, baked potato and salad. But to be honest I would be more likely to go out with friends who like different ethnic places IF they served decent American food as a choice. Isn't it nice to sit down with your whole family and watch everyone order something they like from the menu?? That is what its about for me.

Forgive me if I'm not TRENDY! I admit I'm not cool and don't have to try to be 'sophisticated' claiming to have a relationship or keep up with some chef and try his new dishes no matter what it is and eat vegetables I think taste like cardboard just because it is cool. Like you said, it is about variety, people like different things. Just because someone is into this trend of ethnic choices and such, they shouldn't knock someone else wanting what they like too and having the right to vent because something that was on the menu is now not on the menu and thus changes their plans because someone in their party simply will not eat anything but a steak given all the other choices are seafood, pasta, duck or something unidentified offered at a particular resturant. No one here venting is saying anything about adding new choices or picking at the ethnic food choices as long as they don't take off the ones they like and go to that resturant for. I'm sorry, but new seafood choices are not a good replacement for steak in my opinion.

It sure won't ruin my vacation because I cancelled an ADR at WGP. We're going to Boatrights, where the choices are more to our liking anyway. And if all else fails and Boatrights change their menu before we get there we like a lot of American food; pizza, cheesesteaks, burgers and fried chicken just as much as steak so I'm sure we'll eat (maybe offsite and cheaper for that matter) when we get hungry as I'm sure everyone else will eat when they get hungry too.

One more plus is that the changes they are making will ensure you trendy ethnical types who sneer at American food won't have to rub elbows with this Americanized lady.

 

[Colleen27]

Next year they're going to start serving seagull.

I'd really prefer squirrel, if the aim is in park pest control.

 

[mickey2000]

I'd really prefer squirrel, if the aim is in park pest control.

Found this meal at Epcot last summer. No charge free dining.
Wasn't steak so I passed

 

[wen8jr]

LOL!

New to the menu:

Appetizer: Seagull in red wine sauce served with grilled sea weed

Entree: Baked Squirrel smothered in walnut gravy and your choice of stewed maple leaves or wild onions

 

[kaytieeldr]

I made my September ADRs in March, and I'm pretty sure the $29 NY strip with sweet potato fries was on every online Spoodles menu I looked at.

I don't doubt that. But the two best sites for menus are STILL unofficial sites. If you look at the Dining page on WDWinfo.com (the DIS home site) or the menus page on allearsnet, you'll see some (granted, not many) of the menus on the former site are almost a year old; and menus on the other site, because they rely mainly on readers to send them menus, can be and are even older than that.

If you care to PM me your e-mail address, I have a .pdf of Spoodle's menu dated 02/07 (well, actually it says 0207, no slash) that I can send you. It's the menu that Spoodle's currently offers, and honestly, the menu changes had NOTHING to do with the DDP.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Look at 2005 menu below this will show the decline in choices

Tuesday math lesson, part two. Take notes. This will be on the mid-term.
The August 2007 Chefs de France menu has ten entrees.
The June 2007 Chefs de France menu had ten entrees.
The 2005 Chefs de France menu (thank you for posting) had ten items.
Ten items minus ten items equals ZERO reductions
Ten items minus ten items equals ZERO decline in choices.

Compare the 2005 & 2007 menus for Le Cellier its obvious about the decline

See Tuesday math lesson part 2, above. Once again, ten items on the 2007 menu vs. ten items on the 2005 menu does not indicate any decline. Seven of the ten items are basically the same as they were, although some have slightly different preparations. In fact, four of the seven prices on those items are priced exactly the same as they were two years ago (and, physics - a seven ounce filet in 2005 has to be a seven ounce filet in 2007 - it can't be 'shrunk' for budgeting purposes, at least not without changing the description on the menu; ditto for a 14 ounce strip steak).

 

[kaytieeldr]

That reminds me of a thread I was reading recently about San Angel and someone was wondering why San Angel didn't serve plain steak. Well gee, maybe because it's a Mexican restaurant?????

And the funny thing is, if that person wants a plain steak while the rest of their party enjoys Mexican food, the Disney Chefs will do their best to accommodate the Guest's request. I mean, a plain steak? Yeah, they can do that (sorry, there was just an A-1 Steak Sauce commercial on TV - that's a take-off on the tag line )

Actually I posted something like that in a thread a few months back. The consensus was that while a guest on DDP getting $55 worth of food for $37.99 represents a huge loss for Disney,

And, no luck convincing those posters that $55 menu-worth of food for $37.99 is not costing Disney anywhere near $37.99?

In the end this is an old arguement that CAN NEVER BE WON (by either side).

But at least 'our side' can rest easy in the knowledge that we're right

 

[kaytieeldr]

We were talking about different WDW resturants changing their menus, previously having steak and now don't, previously having crab cakes and now don't....they shouldn't knock someone else wanting what they like too and having the right to vent because something that was on the menu is now not on the menu and thus changes their plans because someone in their party simply will not eat anything but a steak given all the other choices are seafood, pasta, duck or something unidentified offered at a particular resturant.

Well, since you use those two specific foods, you're NOT talking about a Disney-owned restaurant. You're very obviously refering to Wolfgang Puck's Cafe which is owned by the Levy Group and which contracts with Disney and which makes its OWN decisions regarding its menu. And nobody except you is talking about being "trendy". Where did that come from? And in the 'person will only eat one steak' example, it's up to the entire group to choose a restaurant where each person in the group will be able to eat. Period. It's got nothing to do with ethnic or trendy. It's solely consideration and common sense. As for the focus on ethnic dining - aside from that being the wrong terminology (French, Italian, English, etc, are not ethicities, they're nationalities) that's what Epcot restaurants primarily ARE. They're an opportunity to sample the cuisine of other countries.

And if all else fails and Boatrights change their menu before we get there we like a lot of American food; pizza, cheesesteaks, burgers and fried chicken

I have to ask. Why would you vacation in a place with such a wide variety of dining choices and eat exactly what you eat at home?

 

[mickey2000]

It seems like there are more and more posts of people talking about changing their ADR's due to menu changes. Many of the restaurants are doing away with the steaks and chicken/pasta items. I think this is weird b/c these are favorite items for a lot of people. I have already had to change WCC since they no longer have the NY strip or nachos and WPC since they no longer have the wolf steak or the crab cakes. What gives? If it is about saving money w/ the DDP being so popular, than I would rather them leave the steaks on the menu and just exclude them from the DDP. I would rather pay OP then not have one at all.

:lmao

 

[apostolic4life]

I hate to bring facts into the middle of a good argument, but demand for beef is up 20% since 1998. Just because you (not talking to anyone in particular here) are eating healthier and cutting down on the red meat doesn't make it a trend.

FYI to anyone who did not visit the above link (and to bring in more facts). This is a report prepared by the beef industry who neglects to inform us that a large portion of beef demand includes all the "product" that is used post slaughter. These items include leather jackets, belts, wallets/purses, tennis shoes, dog/cat food, rawhide chew toys and even the gelatin used in making food items and plastics. So, if facts are going to be thrown out as a means of discrediting someone, all the facts about the "facts" should be revealed. Yes beef spending, consumption and demand is up, but beef in demand does not always equal beef on the plate.

Now, as for restaurant trends I will assure you the industry will never separate itself from beef.....like you have said, many love steak, but industry trends are leaning towards healthier options. You are entitled to have a different opinion, but when industry trade journals (and even mainstream food mags.) talk about trends and menu creation they are adding more healthful options along side the traditional hearty fare. Look at most fast food.....they are all beginning to lighten the menus after public outcry over childhood obesity.



Anyhow.........on to my next reply!

 

[wen8jr]

Well, since you use those two specific foods, you're NOT talking about a Disney-owned restaurant. You're very obviously refering to Wolfgang Puck's Cafe which is owned by the Levy Group and which contracts with Disney and which makes its OWN decisions regarding its menu. And nobody except you is talking about being "trendy". Where did that come from? And in the 'person will only eat one steak' example, it's up to the entire group to choose a restaurant where each person in the group will be able to eat. Period. It's got nothing to do with ethnic or trendy. It's solely consideration and common sense. As for the focus on ethnic dining - aside from that being the wrong terminology (French, Italian, English, etc, are not ethicities, they're nationalities) that's what Epcot restaurants primarily ARE. They're an opportunity to sample the cuisine of other countries.

I have to ask. Why would you vacation in a place with such a wide variety of dining choices and eat exactly what you eat at home?

OK teacher, you need to take a break with your math lessons and learn to read - in particular the post I quoted which mentioned trends and ethnics, in which I was REFERRING TO. Following Trends = trendy - look it up in the dictionary as I'm sure I'm right. They quoted me and mentioned these things IN WHICH I WAS not even speaking of in my original post anyway, with no mention of EPCOT resturants what so ever. A portion of this post which is:

Originally Posted by Colleen27
It isn't about dieting or vegetarianism. It is about an overall trend towards greater acceptance/appreciation of more varied and ethnic foods, and a greater demand for vegetables and a variety of sides where once a choice of potato was sufficient.


And WHAT business is it of yours that I vacation at WDW and if I want to eat American food in WDW which is in America, created by an American? Disney is not just about food anyway, as a matter of fact food means almost nothing to me in choosing where I vacation. I do not insist or request changes at resturants or complain about what others want, I do not complain that there are more unAmerican choices in the nicer resturants than there are American. My only issue is that they are taking some items away.

My ENTIRE point was we are choosing a different resturant that will meet our group needs ~ since resturants like WGP have been forced to change their menu. And your kidding right? Disney doesn't own the entire world, WGP chains and all? Shoot, I'm surprised they don't own Emerils!??! Oh and what about Hard Rock Cafe? Thank you for that little tid bit I would have never guessed that!!! Just because I like American food doesn't make me stupid...or was that just an assumption you make about everyone?

Thank you very much for the lesson tonight oh great teacher. I think I need to send my last English teacher your way.

 

[apostolic4life]

I have to ask. Why would you vacation in a place with such a wide variety of dining choices and eat exactly what you eat at home?

Great Question !!!! Will you be my friend??

 

[TDC Nala]

how does everybody know they've been forced to change the menu and they didn't just decide to do it? is it an assumption that the menu change is forced? Is Disney forcing them to change it by offering the dining plan cheap (or free)?

At least you have the internet, and you now know before you get there that you will need to go somewhere other than Puck's Cafe to get a steak.

 

[wen8jr]

Originally Posted by kaytieeldr
I have to ask. Why would you vacation in a place with such a wide variety of dining choices and eat exactly what you eat at home?

Great Question !!!! Will you be my friend??

Since when did vacationing at WDW become a requirement to eat food you don't like? Why get so upset about something that was in reply to someone who was talking to me? I must have hit a nerve.

Oh and it might be called irritable bowel syndrome ~ weird food just doesn't cut it. If we eat Sushi or Asian food at WDW do you want to make a date to sit in the rest room stall next to me or DH to find out?

Do you want some more personal information? I could go on.

 

[wen8jr]

At least you have the internet, and you now know before you get there that you will need to go somewhere other than Puck's Cafe to get a steak.

You're right ~ we are lucky in that. If not for the internet and DIS I probably would never have made ADR's anyway or considered buying the DDP plan.

 

[apostolic4life]

And this is a little OT but it's a minor pet peeve of mine. Anyone who says anything is not 100% hunky dory at WDW gets labeled a complainer, is criticized for getting "emotional" over something so trivial, and is told to "get over it" and "you'll still love your vacation," etc. This is a WDW board, for Pete's sake. It's ALL trivial. The fact that someone merely posts a message to a message board about a topic doesn't by any means signify that that person is "emotional" about that topic. So the "get over it" advice is presumptuous (in addition to being condescending -- if it was your ox being gored, how would you feel if I told you "it's not a big deal" or words to that effect). But given that this is a message board (albeit one devoted to a trivial subject in the grand scheme of life), can we not let people post messages questioning the way things are at WDW, or maybe venting a little bit, without immediately giving it a pejorative label or trying to brush it away with dismissive comments? The OP felt she had to write back and defend herself against complaints that she's a knee-jerk complainer. Well, there's just as much knee-jerking going on on the other side, when people pile all over each other to point out "this is no big deal, it happens all the time, deal with it," etc. whenever someone dares to suggest that a change might not have been implemented with the guest's welfare solely in mind.



Back on topic...This is just classic. That's all I have to say.

I have been through this thread twice and the first offensive/dismissive statement is found in the above quote.

The words I spoke were addressing a poster's concern about widespread menu changes........My statement was meant to be reassuring so they would not feel as though every menu they had previously looked at would be changed by the time they visit. If anyone took the statement any other way, sorry..........oh yeah, and lighten up. As you said this is just a discussion board about WDW........but many people forget the words they speak should also apply to one speaking them!!!

As for the generalized statement:

Anyone who says anything is not 100% hunky dory at WDW gets labeled a complainer, is criticized for getting "emotional" over something so trivial, and is told to "get over it" and "you'll still love your vacation," etc.

Look at my past posts, I have never subscribed to the idea WDW does no wrong......I have had discussions on a variety of topics; some pro WDW, some against.

 

[english rose 47]

Which restaurants are changing their menus? Are the new menus posted anywhere?

 

[bavaria]

One more plus is that the changes they are making will ensure you trendy ethnical types who sneer at American food won't have to rub elbows with this Americanized lady. ....

OK teacher, you need to take a break with your math lessons and learn to read - in particular the post I quoted which mentioned trends and ethnics, in which I was REFERRING TO....

Thank you very much for the lesson tonight oh great teacher. I think I need to send my last English teacher your way.

You seem to be really angry at us for these changes. I can assure you that menu changes occur at WDW on a regular basis, although not regular enough for my taste, sometimes. I visit a Disney park somewhere in the world pretty much every month, and am very used to the menus and how they have changed over the years.

Having trained in the kitchen, I can assure you that changing menus is good for customers as well as staff. Kitchen staff get very bored producing the same items over and over and over.

One of the most common complaints many of us have made over the years is the lack of ethnic diversity and accuracy in the restaurants at World Showcase; I for one am pleased if menus in those outlets become more representative of the country where they are 'located'.