Why all the double talk?

[MommyinHonduras]

Why are some of you so definite that a TS meal should include an entree for every eater and 20% tip and then complain that Disney is pricing out the average family. Why can't a person order a cupcake and coffee at BOG or an app and water at signature restaurant and tip 15% if the food/service is just ok. Why do you all feel that Disney deserves full tables with big checks and big tips instead of normal people eating and tipping how they decide? I see so much snarky from some of you to others who simple ask questions. I am learning a ton here and am very thankful to so many of you who share but man, some need to keep their thoughts and opinions to themselves. Like mama says if you do not have anything nice to say, better to say nothing at all.

Ok rant over. Feeling like I am in Jr high today and the bullies are picking on people when it's none of their business.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Going to get the popcorn...the show's about to start!

 

[brertoad]

I think the BOG thread is pretty clear - that there are people who are using the pre-park ADRs and only ordering a "$5 cupcake" for 2 or 4 or more people to share is clearly in order to get an advantage - early access to MK. While most every other restaurant which offers a pre-park access is priced per head (like the buffets) rather than a la carte.

I'm guessing most tables don't order a $5 cupcake and leave so they can go get in line for 7DMT. But if this begins to happen more than not - Disney is going to put a stop to it; and people are speculating this is why they are changing the menu pricing yet again.

With other Table Service meals, where there is clearly NO INCENTIVE (like early park access), you should not feel bad about ordering an appetizer or salad or soup, or just a dessert, you would not be gaining what some people consider an "unfair" advantage over other guests. Not to put words in your mouth but you are asking why doing something at one place is not okay while doing it somewhere else is okay - so obviously the difference in this case is early park access.

What one tips or what one does on their vacation is obviously their own business, but if they make it public - people are going to have opinions and they will post their opinions as well. Some people are definitely upset that others are using the system in a way that can be viewed as an unfair advantage that might ultimately ruin it for other people - i.e. higher prices or changes where they charge per head as they originally intended, like people asking if they will get the "free" pastry service if they just order a cupcake or just a coffee.

I think people paying OOP end up getting charged higher prices because of the Disney Dining Plan. Just my 2 cents.

 

[brinkley07]

I agree that there are plenty of people who have learned to play and abuse the system. It's unfortunate because the end result is always a negative for all. We've scored multiple ressies because people abuse the system and horde reservations. I will say the most freeing thing I did this year was to get TIW. Now I order only what I want to eat, feel less full, and still get a discount. For those that just want an app or to share a meal I think it's great, but I do agree that having 5 people order 1 cupcake just to get early entry is abuse. However, I do sympathize for those who save and save to have their one Disney experience and can't get the FP they truly want. It's a slippery slope.

 

[MommyinHonduras]

That is my point, why is someone who wants a $5 cupcake or a $2.50 cup of coffee and go get in line less entitled to the preopening entrance than some willing to pay $14 for breakfast of cereal for their kid and then go get in line? Both are valid offerings by the restaurant.

I agree this ddp is seeming to make prices crazy. But it seems it is working, restaurants are booking 6 months in advance, people stalk the internet hoping to snag the offer, willing to pay crazy rack rate prices to get it. Let them if they can.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

I think the BOG thread is pretty clear - that there are people who are using the pre-park ADRs and only ordering a "$5 cupcake" for 2 or 4 or more people to share is clearly in order to get an advantage - early access to MK. While most every other restaurant which offers a pre-park access is priced per head (like the buffets) rather than a la carte.

I'm guessing most tables don't order a $5 cupcake and leave so they can go get in line for 7DMT. But if this begins to happen more than not - Disney is going to put a stop to it; and people are speculating this is why they are changing the menu pricing yet again.

With other Table Service meals, where there is clearly NO INCENTIVE (like early park access), you should not feel bad about ordering an appetizer or salad or soup, or just a dessert, you would not be gaining what some people consider an "unfair" advantage over other guests. Not to put words in your mouth but you are asking why doing something at one place is not okay while doing it somewhere else is okay - so obviously the difference in this case is early park access.

What one tips or what one does on their vacation is obviously their own business, but if they make it public - people are going to have opinions and they will post their opinions as well. Some people are definitely upset that others are using the system in a way that can be viewed as an unfair advantage that might ultimately ruin it for other people - i.e. higher prices or changes where they charge per head as they originally intended, like people asking if they will get the "free" pastry service if they just order a cupcake or just a coffee.

I think people paying OOP end up getting charged higher prices because of the Disney Dining Plan. Just my 2 cents.

Then why on earth offer the $5 cupcake? Why solve the problem you have described by raising the price of a breakfast meal? Why not eliminate the cupcake and make meal prices more reasonable? The new price increase will probably encourage people to share a meal or order from the kids menu or just get the cupcake, if they make these pre-park ADRs at all.

I agree that early park access is a great benefit of eating breakfast at BOG (and frankly, the only reason we have ever eaten breakfast there). So perhaps Disney could find a better solution than raising meal prices, if the problem really is cheap customers. Seems as if they could charge a per-head entry, like they do at the buffets. Make the per-head price more QS equivalent. Then everyone has to select a meal.

 

[L&Lfan]

I hate cheap people taking advantage of the system. Enough said and flame away to your heart's content!

 

[TeresaWen]

I hate cheap people taking advantage of the system. Enough said and flame away to your heart's content!

It is not a system. It is just breakfast. Order whatever you want as long as it is on the menu.

 

[5kidsmommy]

I hate cheap people taking advantage of the system. Enough said and flame away to your heart's content!

My daughter and I shared a meal not only because I am cheap but because when we were on the dining plan it was just way too much food. When we went to BOG we even took a to go box out because we had extra pastries. I learned my lesson on that trip and that is to never do the dining plan again. I thought it would be fun since it was just the two of us but honestly it was more of a pain than it was worth. We will pay out of pocket from now on. Seriously we were sick of looking at desserts by the end of our trip.

 

[marchingstar]

Why do you all feel that Disney deserves full tables with big checks and big tips

You're conflating two separate arguments: that Disney deserves full tables and big checks and that your server deserves a reasonable tip. As far as I'm concerned, anyone can order whatever they'd like at a TS restaurant. It's not uncommon for DP and I to split a meal, or to make a meal out of appies, and I would always encourage anyone who wants to see BOG book a table at any meal for a cupcake if that's what they can afford/what they want to eat. But if that cupcake comes with a glass of water at a table that's been set for your order by an employee whose wage is based largely on tips, it's only fair to tip for that labour (and in my view to tip a bit better to recognize that just as much work went into prepping your table and serving you as would any other customer).

 

[HopperFan]

I guess I just haven't read what you have, and calling people bullies ...

BOG is an anomaly at Disney and the complaints have always been its poor plan, their constant changes and not even following their own published plan. My and others complaints are that adding this cupcake option further drives losses and will keep actual meals there (that many enjoy) costs climbing. Add the difficulty in getting a reservation, makes no business sense.

I have never read anyone saying it's not right to go in a TS and order appetizers and drinks. It's a great option that I have enjoyed. But I do have issue with the guest who orders minimal then continues to tie up a table for an hour and more. Servers are losing pay. Had a family tie up two seats at Sci-Fi for an hour telling server they were waiting on DS. Spent all of $15. When he arrived they told server they changed their mind on eating. I was right in front of them, could hear them, the entire plan was for a delay so younger DS could watch the movies and enjoy without buying food, just a few drinks. Not cool.

Tipping amounts are a personal decision, but they are part of someone's income.

Yes, Disney is at fault for allowing loopholes in numerous locations for guests to gain advantages. Yes we get that many things are "allowed" but for some of us, we are just not comfortable with taking advantage to the detriment of others.

Snarky, yes it happens because it is a discussion board. Key word discussion; opinions, disagreeing points of view, passion about some things but rarely have seen name calling, like bullies. Most of us on here are attempting to offer constructive help where we can and sometimes it's a good discussion on a hot topic not directed at anyone. More likely directed at Disney. I think some people take offense simply because it may apply. Overall there is a good group on here but a plus of the new forum is the ignore button - you won't have to read comments of folks who offend you.

 

[Paigevon]

Then why on earth offer the $5 cupcake? Why solve the problem you have described by raising the price of a breakfast meal? Why not eliminate the cupcake and make meal prices more reasonable? The new price increase will probably encourage people to share a meal or order from the kids menu or just get the cupcake, if they make these pre-park ADRs at all.

I agree that early park access is a great benefit of eating breakfast at BOG (and frankly, the only reason we have ever eaten breakfast there). So perhaps Disney could find a better solution than raising meal prices, if the problem really is cheap customers. Seems as if they could charge a per-head entry, like they do at the buffets. Make the per-head price more QS equivalent. Then everyone has to select a meal.

I agree. This makes no sense. My family of 6 visiting would have all had an actual breakfast there, even over-priced, but we literally cannot now. We'll officially be one of those buying just a coffee because we have not budgeted (and wouldn't want) to spend $167 on 6 breakfast sandwiches... This is completely exasperating the problem that has been described in detail.

 

[bumbershoot]

Then why on earth offer the $5 cupcake? Why solve the problem you have described by raising the price of a breakfast meal? Why not eliminate the cupcake and make meal prices more reasonable? The new price increase will probably encourage people to share a meal or order from the kids menu or just get the cupcake, if they make these pre-park ADRs at all.

Ah, you make too much sense for Disney!

Sigh. If only you were the one making decisions there...

 

[Nancyg56]

Then why on earth offer the $5 cupcake? Why solve the problem you have described by raising the price of a breakfast meal? Why not eliminate the cupcake and make meal prices more reasonable? The new price increase will probably encourage people to share a meal or order from the kids menu or just get the cupcake, if they make these pre-park ADRs at all.

I agree that early park access is a great benefit of eating breakfast at BOG (and frankly, the only reason we have ever eaten breakfast there). So perhaps Disney could find a better solution than raising meal prices, if the problem really is cheap customers. Seems as if they could charge a per-head entry, like they do at the buffets. Make the per-head price more QS equivalent. Then everyone has to select a meal.

The main concern that many of us have is that Disney is going to put a stop to sharing at BOG and it will become an eatery that requires one credit or one set price to enter. WE have seen Disney react by shutting down any of the "loopholes" that exist when it becomes clear that there is what they consider to be abuse.

Disney does not need to "find a better solution" when it comes to pre park opening breakfasts, they aleady have the market cornered. So far they have been very easy on meal sharing in BOG, which I think is fantastic, but if they find that too many people are entering on one "ticket" and then helping themselves to beverages etc, while sharing that one platter..this little perk will be closed as well. I do not will reduce the price of these meals, but they will eventually make it a per head charge, just as you suggested.

Personally, I believe that BOG has an identity crisis and for the life of me I cannot understand why the management has allowed this restaurant to waffle between being a fixed price eatery and an ala carte cafeteria. Pick one and run with it, but for the love of God, make up your mind! No wonder there are people who will finagle a cupcake to get inside, it is like an attraction! The cupcake is their ticket to view the Rose!

 

[Nancyg56]

OP- I have no idea what you read today to get your bloomers in a bunch, but in over ten years I have never seen people on the DIS tell folks they cannot order dessert and coffee or just appetizers and a drink when they dine at TS restaurants...not even at CG when they want to view Wishes. I do see them suggest that the servers rely on their tables for their livelihood so remember compensate.

I know that there are people who discuss gratuities on their threads, so others will respond with their opinions. This is a discussion board, you need opinions to discuss.

You picked BOG as one of your points. As you may have noticed thread, BOG gets filled up quickly, with people not able to get ADR's 180 days out, so it makes sense that many have an opinion about selecting dessert and coffee in a restaurant that routinely has many peopple who want a meal there shut out.

 

[tiggergal15]

Yes people complain about this...then use multiple magic bands to hoard FPs, throwaway room ressies, etc. Its amazing what gets their undies in a bunch when those same people are doing a bunch of their own " questionable" practices to get what they want.....
Just watching the show..

 

[tiggergal15]

Oh..and I totally plan on doing this..and have done this on the past...get a TS ressie..then order app,drinks or just desserts....its fast and easy and If Disney didn't allow it they would make everything buffet....flame away...

 

[Nancyg56]

Oh..and I totally plan on doing this..and have done this on the past...get a TS ressie..then order app,drinks or just desserts....its fast and easy and If Disney didn't allow it they would make everything buffet....flame away...

I have not seen any flames about this. In fact while I have seen discussions about ordering limited items at various restaurants, we all know that for now, Disney allows this practice. People have opinions about how this option will impact us on the future in regards to BOG but no one said you should not do this.

We all know there are ways to get around the system in regards to holding multiple ADR's and fps and we all know that when Disney had enough they will drop that hammer too. And then there will be other work arounds. Most of us just want guests to play fair.

 

[tiggergal15]

It is fair..I get my ressies just like I am supposed to at 180....or whenever..if I'm lucky to get a pre- opening one you can bet I'm gonna eat light and fast and not waist time with a complete meal. I'm gonna get into the park as fast as I can...not cheating...smart...

 

[Nancyg56]

It is fair..I get my ressies just like I am supposed to at 180....or whenever..if I'm lucky to get a pre- opening one you can bet I'm gonna eat light and fast and not waist time with a complete meal. I'm gonna get into the park as fast as I can...not cheating...smart...

For now you can do this. In the event Disney puts a stop to the ala carte features of what is advertised as a fixed price meal, you can eat as fast and as light as you choose, but you will be spending either one CS credit or about $25.00 to do so. This is what we are all discussing may happen. I am not advocating this be the case, but I am saying that if I was a gambler I would bet the farm enforcement of the cost per person is on the horizon.

Disney has a habit of getting folks used to benefits or perks, and then the cost begins to rise. Look at how this has worked for BOG. There are multiple threads either posting how a BOG prepark ADR got them on the Mine train multiple times before RD, or threads asking how to make sure the BOG prepark opening ADR will gain them access to the mine train. And a lot of people are using the ADR to gain that access. How much is it worth though? Disney may be willing to gamble that now folks are using this restaurant as a FP to attractions that are difficult to go on, it may be worth a lot of money. You liked it the first time ad you were able to split a meal between 3 people? Are you willing to pay full price for all of you to get on that train 3 times before RD? Is Disney technically charging for access to teh attraction? Nope. It is the food. Just like CP and CRT.

I would take advantage while that window is open because if all of the belt tightening that we see is going to continue, can changes (Or enforcement, choose your word) for BOG be that far behind?