Where does it end?!

[branv]

Of course restaurants can sell a lot of something and still not make much money. It's a matter of margins. WDW has something of a captive audience..errr..purchasers. I'm sure we can all agree that it's only a small percentage of people who bother to leave the park to go eat somewhere off property or bring their own food. Especially when someone has bought into the DDP.

So...you know you'll bring them in one way or the other.

Let's say you offer this product X and it's very popular. However, X costs you $5 to purchase and cook, and you sell it for $15. Pretty decent profit...buuuuuut....you realize that there's a lesser product you can sell for $14, but it will only cost you $3 to make. Hmmmm...$1 extra profit for each and every one of those items that's sold. So WDW hedges its bet that one single entree/dessert isn't the sole reason people visit that restaurant, and even if it is, as we've seen...for every irate customers, there's an up and coming consumer right behind them. They know people will huff and puff, but eventually will realize "I've gotta eat, right?" and keep coming back.

Bottom line - dining plan packed the restaurants as well as a boomer travel year. WDW is seeing what happens when they start giving a little less per dollar. Supply and demand...they hold a little more power now and they're using it, stockholders demand more more more profit each and every quarter and they have to do that somehow. Every company does it. If you doubt what I'm saying, just consider how much they chopped out of the DDP and only lowered the cost a $1. The only way they'll stop paring things back is if people rebel with their wallets.

And I mean, really, "smaller portions" as a WDW health initiative. I can assume that will not coincide with smaller prices.

BTW: did anyone else read they've pulled the very popular Macadamia Mahi-Mahi from the Kona menu? But it's being replaced by two other fish (tuna and ono -- can't really judge expense issues until you know grade/size, and it could just be seasonal). But oh yeah, the Torte no longer comes with ice cream.

 

[50 years Too!]

I guess what bothers me is how all the restaurants are becoming more the same. The things that made each restaurant unique are disappearing.
Case in point--all that creme brulee at every restaurant!
Same drinks menu at every restaurant!

That butter pound cake represented diversity at the world. I guess we're all supposed to like the same desserts.

Bottom line is the culprit. The larger the purchase the smaller per item charged.
Basic economics. Just like at McDonalds, Target etc.
Except wait, they still expect us to pay top dollar on those discount meals.

Sad.

 

[DVC Sadie]

*Sigh* The homogenization of the Disney Restaurants. They really are sucking the fun out of eating on the property. When we were there in Sept. we got really tired of Creme Brulee and Bread Pudding. The Creme Brulee is okay the first 3-4 days but there is absolutely nothing exciting about Bread Pudding.

ITA!

Menu changes have been totally horrific in the last three years and pretty soon no one will be able to find their favorites.

First they took away the duck, then lobster ......so on.....and so on to the point of all the food we use to love is not only on the endangered species list but total extinction from the menu's.

 

[pepperw23]

I just heard that LTT no longer serves Butter Grilled Pound Cake as a dessert for lunch.

Why?

This was, hands down, the best dessert I've had at Disney World.

We loved it. Now it's gone. Gone the way of the PORiverside cheesesteak. And the sausage on the Whispering Canyon skillet. We don't eat hugely fatty foods in real life. That's what vacation is for. But now the food police are dictating what we can enjoy.

These new draconian food policies are ruining Disney World. Which of your favorite foods have been targeted for being politically incorrect?

"Holy weightgain Batman, that looks good!!!" I agree with you it does seem that Disney is loosing all the gooey, artery clogging, sugar rush, who cares I'm on vacation, foods we all love. It is a shame really. At least Eisner didn't care about our health, and that was a good thing, I really didn't need him to.

I hope they see the light soon and bring back that cake. Shame if I never got to try it lol.

 

[SnowWhite]

The "food police" or some higher power at Disney has decided to force "healthy food" choices on our children, although really not a choice, they have little options. Our trip this past May our kids were forced to choose from a very limited menu of boneless plain chicken and carrots and dessert options were vanilla ice cream or mixed fruit. Now I believe in healthy food for my children as much as the next guy but good god man..this is vacation!!! I believe my children should enjoy themselves fully as long as they are getting their milk and a good breakfast I say have fries and chicken nuggets and macaroni every night!! And whats with the "Kiddie Kone" at Kona?? Its now on the adult menu! KIDDIE KONE people. It suffered the same fate as the chocolate moose and smores at LeCellier. So now we must order this for our kids at twice the price (or suffer with the fruit cup while they enjoy "our" desserts while on the dining plan)
I guess some people are happy with the changes but not me, if they needed to add a healthy option then add it but don't take away what already works!

Thanks Mel but Jenny apparently grew up and moved out and left no forwarding number....

 

[mickeysgal]

"Holy weightgain Batman, that looks good!!!" I agree with you it does seem that Disney is loosing all the gooey, artery clogging, sugar rush, who cares I'm on vacation, foods we all love. It is a shame really. At least Eisner didn't care about our health, and that was a good thing, I really didn't need him to.

I hope they see the light soon and bring back that cake. Shame if I never got to try it lol.

I'm not so sure Disney is loosing the bad-for-you foods. The granddaddy of all fatty foods (imho), Lobster Bisque is still a lively choice on at least two to three menus, ice cream abounds throughout the world, cheeses, etc.

 

[DVC Sadie]

I'm not so sure Disney is loosing the bad-for-you foods. The granddaddy of all fatty foods (imho), Lobster Bisque is still a lively choice on at least two to three menus, ice cream abounds throughout the world, cheeses, etc.

I agree!

It is not the bad for you food that has been extinct or endangered but the food that costs more to buy, make or bake.

The choices WDW now offers is the cheapest they can get away with without a revolution.

 

[ZZUB]

The food police theory is somewhat of a grassy nole issue, ZZUB.

As long as it's not a gassy knoll.

Whether it was the food police (evidently not just my own paranoid delusion if the posts of "others" are to be relied upon in making our arguments) or Disney squeezing every last dime out of a dessert, this remains an issue of some great food items being stripped off of the menus. And while it is certainly true that there are plenty of unhealthy foods still available, some of us prefer not to be subjected to the SAME thing at every venue.

If this was an isolated instance of a food item disappearing, I'd take my lumps and move on. But it isn't. CamColt listed but a few of the menu items which have been sent the way of Chuck from Happy Days. Never to be seen or mentioned again. Which leads me again to my original question, where does it end?

 

[itchin2go]

For goodness sake, you're getting all upset over a piece of cake (brining up conspiracy theories and all) that almost anyone could whip up at home being taken away, in a World full of food.

Yeah - it's not like the OP had to deal with people pushing their 5 year old kids around in strollers or anything horrifying like that....

Seriously, some people like menu items that have been removed. Any reason why that's subversive and wrong? Seems natural to me. Let them lament the loss of their favorite cake. Grilled pound cake sounds pretty good to me.

 

[lexmelinda]

As long as it's not a gassy knoll.

Touché.

Where does it end?

When every dime is squeezed out of all of our wallets and Disney World is empty.

 

[mickeysgal]

If this was an isolated instance of a food item disappearing, I'd take my lumps and move on. But it isn't. CamColt listed but a few of the menu items which have been sent the way of Chuck from Happy Days. Never to be seen or mentioned again. Which leads me again to my original question, where does it end?

Happy Days/Chuck...

I understand what you are saying. Really. However, you've got to admit that without any change we'd probably still be eating iceberg lettuce, mozzerella sticks, fish sticks, cream of chicken and rice soup, etc. instead of the more exotic offerings that we have today. I agree, there appears to be more of a level playing field as far as menu choices. Gone are the days of a full menu full of truly unique, offerings at each restaurant that are found specific to a particular region or country. Salmon for everyone!

 

[my3disneygirls]

I don't see the 'food police' impacting adult meals as much as been said here.
At 50's PT you can get fried cheese, onion rings, fried chicken, brownie sundae...
At Chefs: Cheese laden flat breads, butter soaked escargots, lobster bisque, gratin de macaroni...
Casey's Corner: Hot dog, corn dog, fries...
ESPN: Nachos, fries, burgers, hot dogs, ruben...
Narcoossee's: Fried calamari, cheese plate, chowder...

This is just a few places that have not been impacted by the 'food police'. there are too many restaurants and items to mention. I suppose it's all a matter of opinion, but I see no conspiracy. Certain people love certain things at Disney. There are millions of people who visit Disney. I find it arrogant to state that most of that large group of people like one thing over another.

I have heard rave reviews of dole whip and others saying I don't get it. I have yet to try one, but I want to just to see what all the fuss is about. Just remember you can't please everyone.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Seriously, some people like menu items that have been removed. Any reason why that's subversive and wrong? Seems natural to me. Let them lament the loss of their favorite cake. Grilled pound cake sounds pretty good to me.

It's not subversive and/or wrong. There's certainly a difference though between lamenting the loss of something and getting really angry over it.

I can understand the frustration with menus becoming uniform. (I can't say that was my experience but maybe it was the restaurants that we ate at?) This is a valid argument. But it didn't seem like that's what the OP was saying. The OP was talking about the food police "shoving food down our throats".

 

[Backstage_Gal]

For what it's worth, the no transfat and healthy options (or non-options) for kids is actually costing Disney TONS of money, it is not to squeeze another dime out of guests, more of a PR thing, fighting the obesity issue of america.

 

[Minnie]

Marita - Nice to "see" you BTW......

I have a feeling that Disney is making up in other ways for what it may be costing them to offer the healthier choices.... The lack of unique desserts on the kid's menu is just one of the ways.... It seems like each day at the top of the thread board another increase of some sort appears. Whether it be admission prices, missing AP discounts, parking, or menu changes. I have to admit though I still can't wait to go back.... Higher prices or not

ZZUB - I about cried when I found out they took away the pineapple bread and pineapple dessert at O'Hanas. Now I have to admit the bread pudding is pretty tasty but I miss my pineapple!

Gotta love the restaurant board on a dull evening. Heck this has been nearly as good as a pool hopping, refillable mug thread

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Hi, Minnie, nice to see you, Miss you!! come rejoin the group! I dont even know which board I am on or which thread, I just followed a link
PM me if you want to know where we are.

 

[1000thhappyhaunt]

Here's your






After much trial and error and a small grease fire in my blender... I have combined the missing Disney foods you're yearning... NAY PINING... for into ONE DECADENT and DELICIOUS DISH!


I call it:

Canadian Butter Grilled Open-faced Cheesesteak Poundcake With Sausage/Pecan Drizzle.!!!! Served with your choice of vanilla ice cream, fries or carrots. But carrots are unavailable.


You'll need one heck of a big spoon, Dude.

And try not to gush too much, K?



Anywho... I've been trying to PM you the recipe.

Don't you accept PM's?


If not, WHY?????



Cheers, Mel.

 

[queenmum2]

That butter pound cake represented diversity at the world. I guess we're all supposed to like the same desserts.

Yup - during our October visit last year, we all LOVED us some chocolate cake in a cup...and the kids looked forward each CS meal to the yummy sugar free gel "treat"...

NOT!

At least Tusker House had REAL slices of cake...real BIG slices of REAL cake with frosting and sprinkles and everything....but, it's not the same restaurant anymore, so I'm sure those are gone with the wind as well.

I'm totally with ya ZUBB.

Tracie

 

[PoohHappens]

Let them eat cake............and butter, and carmel sauce, and saturated fat, and a little trans fat, ......it is vacation


Even the desserts I ate this last trip were not a rich and decadent as before. Things were dryer and just did not have what it takes to make me long for them for the next year while I AM enjoying my side of carrots at home.

I bake frequently and can tell you that if you remove the richer bad for you politically incorrect items the food does not taste the same, you just cant sub skim milk for heavy cream you just do not get the same results.

Now I have no idea what is really happening at WDW, but something is amiss--whether the item is just missing altogether, or just does not taste the same. Is it money saving on ingredients, is it banned ingredient I do not know.

 

[1000thhappyhaunt]

'Cause I noticed that you haven't popped back in to ask... NAY PLEAD...for your recipe.

But...I'll leave it here for you. All the same.


Ok.


Here we go:


Canadian Butter Grilled Open-faced Cheesesteak Poundcake with Sausage/Pecan Drizzle

Cheesesteak Poundcake:

2 tbsp. rendered beef or mutton fat
1 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 inch thick slice premium poundcake
1/2 cup sauted onion and pepper mix
2 slices american cheese
2 slices provolone cheese
6 oz. thin sliced ribeye steak
1 cup mayonnaise

Using a griddle or frying pan, coat grilling surface liberally with rendered beef or mutton fat and butter mix. Heat till all solid chunks have melted into a uniform yellowish grease. Grill both sides of poundcake slice until warm. And sticky.

Remove from heat.

Layer the remaining ingredients one by one. Using the cup of mayonnaise much like one would use glue or paste. With a spoonful of mayonnaise glue the onions and peppers to the poundcake. Then glue a slice of american cheese to the mix. With mayonnaise. With more mayonnaise glue another slice of provolone cheese to the american cheese. Now using a good two tablespoons of mayonnaise glue the ribeye slices to the cheese. Top with more mayonnaise and glue two more cheese layers separated with mayonnaise to the top of the steak. Throw up. Then, broil the Cheesesteak Poundcake until the cheese, mix and mayonnaise topping has slightly melted.

Top with "Sausage/Pecan Sauce" aka "Sticky Cat Barf":

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup softened butter
1/2 cup Cheez Whiz
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled hot Italian Sausage.

Combine first four ingredients in sauce pan and heat until blended. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and sausage.

Serve over Cheesesteak Poundcake.

1 serving.


Enjoy!


Cheers, Mel.




P.S. I only pray you have a slight intollerance to eggs. That will be thanks enough.