Why all the double talk?

[MakiraMarlena]

How would it be that anybody here has any kind of say as to what somebody else should order? I go to Le Cellier and order two appetizers and a kids portion of cheese soup. If you don't think I should order that way, well, you are not eating with me. WDW has no rule in its restaurants that anybody must order an entrée, dining plan notwithstanding. If anybody tells you differently, that is their opinion, ignore them. If WDW has a problem with BOG they will come up with a rule that everybody has to order food there.

On the other hand, you can't tell anybody on the boards that they can't express their opinion. If they are breaking board guidelines, report them. Otherwise they can say whatever they like.

Tipping is another matter and I don't think they let that discussion get started on the board here, because it's such a hot button topic.

 

[GillianP1301]

I've never understood this idea that people must order a minimum amount of food at a TS restaurant. And I certainly had neve heard such an opinion before these boards and specific to Disney eateries. A person can order as much or as little as they like, no matter what the restaurant, no matter where it is.

As for all this flap about BOG and the $5 cupcake to get a jump on rope droppers, to me it is the exact same thing. Why do I care what the person at the table next to me is eating? If you want to wake up super early to eat a cupcake for breakfast, have at it. Everybody has the same opportunity to do the same, so it's not elitist or showing favouritism in any way. Is the $24 breakfast entree price outrageous for BOG? Most definitely, especially given that it's mediocre food, at best. But it is a business and they have a crazy high demand that supports an inflated price, they'd be crazy not to take advantage of it. If suddenly they had a half full restaurant, they'd rethink that plan. And, like many WDW restaurants, people (like myself) also enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurants and some may like to try and get a jump on the rope droppers, and that is fine too.

It all boils down to my overall philosophy which is, if you don't like something, turn it off/don't buy it/walk away. If you don't want to pay to eat at BOG, then don't. There are tons of other options for food at WDW.

 

[Nancyg56]

How would it be that anybody here has any kind of say as to what somebody else should order? I go to Le Cellier and order two appetizers and a kids portion of cheese soup. If you don't think I should order that way, well, you are not eating with me. WDW has no rule in its restaurants that anybody must order an entrée, dining plan notwithstanding. If anybody tells you differently, that is their opinion, ignore them.

Right, and that is why I think the original post is misleading. The only place folks seem to really suggest that the cupcake option may backfire is BOG, and honestly, we are discussing it here because it came up, but not because folks seem to complain about it. At least not enough for anyone to consider that we are bullies.

BOG breakfast is advertised as a fixed price meal, and I have often wondered why Disney has not enforced it. It really makes no difference to me, we usually get our breakfast there and it holds us til lunchtime. I have never noticed that this restaurant is overflowing with guests who are just drinking coffee, so I imagine there is room for all of us. The only thing that may make a difference in my opinion, and that will not happen while I use a CS credit on the meal, is that if enough people are stretching that tray of pastries, and helping themselves to beverages they have not paid for while they split their entree, the cost will continue to increase to cover that cost. If I paid full price OOP I might have a different opinion.

It has always been my opinion that if Disney allows something, then even if we have an opinion about the practice, it is not okay to tell folks they cannot do it. I always disliked ADR hoarding, and was pretty opinionated about it, but until Disney put their plan in place to reduce it, It was nto my business. Same with the dining sites. I was always too cheap to pay, but until Disney stopped the practice It was not my place to tell anyone what was right or wrong.

Time will tell what Disney will do to make more money from BOG, but until then....

 

[aaarcher86]

I've always seen it suggested and mentioned to order just apps, or get free water, etc.

Kudos on picking the outlier restaurant for your argument.

 

[Ensusieasm]

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.

Could it be that they decided to offer the cupcake in order to satisfy guests requesting "The Grey Stuff". They aren't offering any of the other cupcakes. I really think it's all about folks asking for the Grey Stuff and the chef trying to make them happy. It is the land of pixie dust after all!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

BOG is Disney's problem. If they want to "close the loophole" they will have a policy stating that you can't make a breakfast reservation and then order just a cupcake or beverages. Until then, it's "procedurally" fair game, and the moral arguments are interesting but sort of irrelevant. And do people tip at BOG breakfast? isn't it considered counter service? I'd think the bigger concern with BOG would be guests who wanted to have a full meal getting frustrated upon learning that they couldn't get a reservation because some other guests are booking them up to just drink water and eat a cupcake because what they really want is to hot foot it to 7DMT, not to eat breakfast.

But the only thing that will help ease that frustration is Disney making a rule that stops that sort of ordering specifically at BOG breakfast.

 

[GillianP1301]

Could it be that they decided to offer the cupcake in order to satisfy guests requesting "The Grey Stuff". They aren't offering any of the other cupcakes. I really think it's all about folks asking for the Grey Stuff and the chef trying to make them happy. It is the land of pixie dust after all!

This thought crossed my mind too. So many people raving about the Grey Stuff and wanting more access to it, so they give it to us and now that gets a new complaint.

This whole thing definitely falls under the "you can't make everyone happy all the time" umbrella.

 

[jsmla]

Maybe I'm not reading correctly but is the problem that some think everyone should order an entree at BOG so that Disney doesn't institute a policy requiring everybody to order an entree?

 

[Ensusieasm]

Maybe I'm not reading correctly but is the problem that some think everyone should order an entree at BOG so that Disney doesn't institute a policy requiring everybody to order an entree?

 

[BigAlsGal]

Now I'm all for paying good money for a good meal. BOG breakfast is in no way worth that price. Glad I got to try it while it was "cheap".

 

[Nancyg56]

Maybe I'm not reading correctly but is the problem that some think everyone should order an entree at BOG so that Disney doesn't institute a policy requiring everybody to order an entree?

I think that it is more complicated than this. IMO, Disney does not like to say no to people, so when they opened BOG and folks started splitting I think they ignored it. And then raised the price. As I said, if it's allowed I se no reason not to take advantage. But as in all good things.... Lol!

 

[Nebraska_Disney]

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.

I don't understand this at all. If a person wants to go into and experience a dining establishment at Disney, they make the reservations, take the time they need/want to enjoy it, pay their check, and leave. It should not be dictated on time. It should not be dictated by how much they spend. It should be dictated by the CUSTOMER, who is always right BTW. I really don't care if I tie up a table for hours, if that is what I want to do and I am a paying customer, so be it.

 

[tiggergal15]

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?

Since I never do the DDP I won't be paying $25 for anything...that's y I pay OOP..and bring food with me then I can do what I want and be fast and happy....if I choose to sit in BOG , enjoy the atmosphere for 15mins and just order a drink and fries and enjoy the AC thats my right...then yes go on as many rides as I can...that's just plain smart...now I've seen the castle,refreshed myself and maximized my ride time in the park...just plain smart

 

[aaarcher86]

I don't understand this at all. If a person wants to go int and experience a dining establishment at Disney, they make the reservations, take the time they need/want to enjoy it, pay their check, and leave. It should not be dictated on time. It should not be dictated by how much they spend. It should be dictated by the CUSTOMER, who is always right BTW. I really don't care if I tie up a table for hours, if that is what I want to do and I am a paying customer, so be it.

No. Totally disagree on the customer always being right. Personally, I think it's just something people say when they know they're being difficult.

As far as tying up a table - just because you can doesn't mean you should. If you'll tip out your server for the time, I think it's fine. But if you stay fit a few hours and tip a few bucks I think it's completely discourteous.

 

[TeresaWen]

Maybe I'm not reading correctly but is the problem that some think everyone should order an entree at BOG so that Disney doesn't institute a policy requiring everybody to order an entree?

Exactly! This is all quite hilarious!

 

[Nebraska_Disney]

No. Totally disagree on the customer always being right.

As far as tying up a table - just because you can doesn't mean you should. If you'll tip out your server for the time, I think it's fine. But if you stay fit a few hours and tip a few bucks I think it's completely discourteous.

I guess we will agree to disagree. I don't receive compensation when the service is slow in a restaurant and I should not be punished for enjoying the themed atmosphere of many Disney restaurants. Like others have said, they are attractions and should be enjoyed as much/little as the paying customer would like, it is not being discourteous as Disney has me paying to be in the park already (for those places in parks). So you are saying, not only is a server tipped on providing good service, but for their time? New rules I guess.....

 

[aaarcher86]

I guess we will agree to disagree. I don't receive compensation when the service is slow in a restaurant and I should not be punished for enjoying the themed atmosphere of many Disney restaurants. Like others have said, they are attractions and should be enjoyed as much/little as the paying customer would like, it is not being discourteous as Disney has me paying to be in the park already (for those places in parks). So you are saying, not only is a server tipped on providing good service, but for their time? New rules I guess.....

I personally think so. Yeah. If the time is completely out of the ordinary. If the service is slow it affects the server as well. And personally, if it's ridiculous, I've been compensated adequately.

In a three hour window that table can turn 3x for three different tips. If you've taken it up for three hours for $15, yeah, I find that rude. In the same way I find it rude when people under tip to save money because they're on a budget.

The servers have to tip out other people. When we stay at BW3s to watch a football game and keep a table for four hours we make we sure we compensate for that.

If you disagree, that's fine. It's never a rule that people have common courtesy. Clearly.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

no...the customer is not ALWAYS right.

 

[rg35]

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.

What also doesn't help is that you would keep reservations for 6 people at restaurant in which you have no intention of ordering food at. If you are only going to order coffee, there is a Joffrey's kiosk at the TTC.

 

[kamik86]

Since I never do the DDP I won't be paying $25 for anything...that's y I pay OOP..and bring food with me then I can do what I want and be fast and happy....if I choose to sit in BOG , enjoy the atmosphere for 15mins and just order a drink and fries and enjoy the AC thats my right...then yes go on as many rides as I can...that's just plain smart...now I've seen the castle,refreshed myself and maximized my ride time in the park...just plain smart

Well this will work at BOG unless disney decides that too many are doing this and all pre-park ADR restaurants have to be fixed price locations. So that you get charged money just for walking in the door.

Until then yeah, everyone can order whatever they want.