Why did Olivia's @ OKW have to change?

[MinnieGirl33]

I think my exact statement was, "Disney has become like a designer handbag- accessible to the masses and cheapened in quality."

Great analogy!

 

[greenban]

Interesting.....so next time I just won't be upfront with anyone when we want drinks/appetizers/dessert only. I'll just wait to be seated and then tell them we're not ordering an entree. I can't see anyone asking us to leave after we've been seated. Sometimes it doesn't pay to be upfront honest.
We were tempted as well to complain to someone about how Tony's treated us, but ended up not doing anything based on the fact that it was just too much trouble and we were on vacation.

I would like to offer my sincere and public apology for how badly I treated these fine people. I was not even aware of my actions!

Again, I'm sorry!

-Tony

 

[MiaSRN62]

I would like to offer my sincere and public apology for how badly I treated these fine people. I was not even aware of my actions!

I accept your most gracious apology Tony

 

[diznyfanatic]

While some might consider ordering only appetizers and drinks "bad form", I don't agree. Ordering water, coffee, drink, or a soda only at a TS restaurant is what I consider to be "bad form"

If the argument being used is that people are taking up needed space which should be reserved for those having larger checks, should single guests not be allowed to dine in TS restaurants?

I'm assuming most would think that would be very wrong, and it IS, but I'd wager that a single diner's bill who ordered a single entree meal, isn't much more than a couple of people ordering appetizers and drinks.

This is a slippery slope to walk indeed, if this is really happening as a matter of policy at some of the TS places, rather than just some renegade employee making a bad call.

 

[Pa@okw95]

You know I thought the same thing, but I was too scared to post my thoughts without wearing a flame suit. I said the exact same thing to my DH when we left chef Mickey's this June. I think my exact statement was, "Disney has become like a designer handbag- accessible to the masses and cheapened in quality."

Nice to hear from someone that feels as I do.

 

[manning]

Anyone know the phone numbers of the top honchos at WDW? Perhaps if they got a phone call every time this happens they may do something about it.

 

[mello]

If people are truly upset and let them know, perhaps it will make a difference.

 

[Peepster]

Well, it's been quite awhile since I posted and have been following this thread with great interest. I truly do hope those of you disappointed with the dumbed down menus will contact WDW. However, with as busy as the parks (and restaurants) have been do you think we'll be heard? I'm still waiting for an answer to last Christmas' comment/question.

 

[momtosydneyntodd]

I mean really--there are some restaurants that should be available to all--no matter your income. Chef Mickey's should be available to every child--regardless of their parents' income. I have no problem making character meals available to the masses. Seeing a child's dirty little face light up when Mickey walks in--priceless. In fact, let's make Chef Mickey's free. And for those who think that Chef Mickeys is like a cheap handbag--go eat at the Brown Derby! Now let's see a smile on one of those dirty little faces.............. shall we?????? That is DISNEY MAGIC!!!

 

[Purrrrfecta]

I mean really--there are some restaurants that should be available to all--no matter your income. Chef Mickey's should be available to every child--regardless of their parents' income. I have no problem making character meals available to the masses. Seeing a child's dirty little face light up when Mickey walks in--priceless. In fact, let's make Chef Mickey's free. And for those who think that Chef Mickeys is like a cheap handbag--go eat at the Brown Derby! Now let's see a smile on one of those dirty little faces.............. shall we?????? That is DISNEY MAGIC!!!

The point of this had nothing to do with income. It had to do with supply and demand. When the demand for something increases the quality often decreases. Chef Mickey's food quality and service has really gone down. JMHO

 

[momtosydneyntodd]

Purrrfecta- From the posts/quotes that you highlighted and the comments that you made-I got the impression that you were talking about WDW guests who are less fortunate. If I am mistaken, I apologize. Thank you for clearing that up.

 

[OneMoreTry]

I mean really--there are some restaurants that should be available to all--no matter your income. Chef Mickey's should be available to every child--regardless of their parents' income. I have no problem making character meals available to the masses. Seeing a child's dirty little face light up when Mickey walks in--priceless. In fact, let's make Chef Mickey's free. And for those who think that Chef Mickeys is like a cheap handbag--go eat at the Brown Derby! Now let's see a smile on one of those dirty little faces.............. shall we?????? That is DISNEY MAGIC!!!

It used to be in the early 70's that you were lucky to see mickey or goofy or donald or minnie at WDW AT ALL. It was definitely NOT a guarantee pretty much regardless of income. In my opinion that's the way it should be. Characters at meals were not guaranteed so it was WAY COOL if you saw one. Keeping an eye out was one of the most fun parts of WDW. Not a fab five on every corner. You knew they places they frequented, like movie star's favortie restaurant.

There are lots of things that have changed over the years. All pretty much ruled by the almighty buck. If you can charge twice as much to have a guy in a cute suit walk by every twenty minutes then do it.

And realize, WDW IS NOT FOR THE MASSES. They can't afford it. Growing up we usually did a day trip from MIami when admission was 6.25 for an adult, although the number of rides one could do was unlimitd. It was treat to stay at one of the few motels near the south gate or to camp at Jellystone. The masses go to Dollywood , which is really pretty decent.

 

[SimbaNoodle]

It's ashame whats happening at the Disney Restaurants. I know like alot of other DVC members, the dining experience becomes just as important as the parks. My family always looks forward to certain restaurants and I hope that they all do not become the same.

 

[Purrrrfecta]

Purrrfecta- From the posts/quotes that you highlighted and the comments that you made-I got the impression that you were talking about WDW guests who are less fortunate. If I am mistaken, I apologize. Thank you for clearing that up.

You are welcome.

I am not looking at this from a political perspective of the fortunate vs. the less fortunate; Socialist vs. Capitalist, class is based on other factors other than income etc. etc. I am strictly looking at this from the point that Disney's original intent with the deluxe resorts and Character meals was to make them exclusive to those were willing to pay the money, and in return the guest were given well appointed rooms and upscale meals. Since the dining plan has kicked in we are all expected to pay the same amount of money and get less in return.

When I first started going to WDW, my husband and I were in Graduate school. I had no income, and stayed at the Beach Club. I had to pay off that student loan that I used to pay for my trip, but it was well worth it. I felt like I was treated like royalty, and it is one of the reasons why I continue to come back every year, and spend as much money as I do. It is the same with going to Chef Mickey's. It is very expensive to eat there. $85.00 for two adults and one child is quite a bit. If I pay that much money out of pocket, which is what I did last year because I was not on a dining plan - I want food that is of quality not quantity. If I wanted that I would have chosen to go to Golden Corral in Lake Buena Vista. and paid $10 per adult instead of $26. I am not saying Chef Mickey's is at that level, but there are some restaurants at Disney that are not far behind since this Dining plan has kicked in. Seven years ago the food at Chef Mickey's was a lot better than it is now. When I ate there back then I felt like I was in a decent restaurant, as should have been with the money I spent to eat there. This year, however, I didn't feel that way. I just think they are trying to get as many reservations in there as they can, and Chef Mickey's has become like a cattle herd.

 

[Hank's R&R]

The point of this had nothing to do with income. It had to do with supply and demand. When the demand for something increases the quality often decreases. Chef Mickey's food quality and service has really gone down. JMHO

As far as food quality goes, I don't think it has gone down. As for the service-- yes. It has declined a good bit, even in the last two years.

 

[SimbaNoodle]

Unfortunately, I have followed several threads dealing with this subject and they all become about class before its over. I feel the dining plan has enabled many people to schedule TS meals that before they would not have scheduled. This increased demand has caused Disney to restructure the way they do things. As far as quality and service, I was there two weeks ago and felt the quality and service was as good as ever.

I personally still prefer my DDE card. We eat one or two TS meals per trip. The DP would be too much food.

 

[manning]

However, with as busy as the parks (and restaurants) have been do you think we'll be heard? I'm still waiting for an answer to last Christmas' comment/question.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!!!

Better to try than not.

 

[rinkwide]

...I personally still prefer my DDE card...

I'd venture that handy little piece of plastic has some culpability here too.

 

[Chuck S]

I'd venture that handy little piece of plastic has some culpability here too.

To a certain degree, perhaps. But remember, the DDE is not available to every DVC member or resort guest as is the Dining Plan. And the DDE has been around a lot longer than the 1 1/2 years of this plan...although it did become available to all AP holders in 2005.

Limited eligibility for the DDE means that it does not have as much impact as the DDP.

Nor would the DDE account for the change in take-out policy at Olivia's/Good's, as the DDE never applied to counter service venues, except at places that had no table servicce restaurant.

 

[disneymama73]

I think those Disney World cookbooks are going to become very thin.