Kimosabe
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2012
Adding food courts at deluxe resorts would be a bit much, but there is certainly no reason they can't "plus" the existing quick service options to set them apart from the values or even moderates. There are people who go out of their way to eat certain, unique items, even at value resorts. I have driven to Pop (twice) solely for a King cupcake...and to Art of Animation for a chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick or a unique burger. And rarely do we walk out with just the single item. There are tons of people out there who simply enjoy exploring the deluxe resorts, even if not staying there, and if there is a known "must have" quick service item or two at that resort, people would stay and eat while exploring. If someone is staying at a deluxe and is out by the pool in the afternoon or is coming in from a park late at night, they are much more likely to swing by the quick service place for a really unique flatbread or sandwich but might just skip it if pepperoni or plain cheese is the only pizza option or if the same ol' cheeseburger available everywhere else on property is the highlight of a menu. We love signature and other table service restaurants, but we're not eating there for every meal, even if we're staying in a deluxe resort. There are also plenty of people who want to enjoy the deluxe resorts and stay there for a few nights, but as a result, can't shell out the money for table service (choosing priorities). Any perception that everybody staying at a deluxe resort is filthy rich and only want to be served in a table service restaurant is absolutely wrong.
If there is something unique and really good at a quick service, I am much more likely to notice and be willing to spend a little more time and money at the resort. Captain Cook's is a prime example (to me, anyway) of what a deluxe quick service could and should be. Several very unique options themed to the resort that definitely improve the menu...even at breakfast. I will gladly adjust my MK schedule to hop on the monorail and swing by the Poly for Tonga Toast at Captain Cook's (regardless of where I am staying). But I'm absolutely not going to go out of my way to go by the Beach Club Marketplace on an Epcot morning (even if I am staying at Beach Club!). The Marketplace is an embarrassment to Disney dining.
"Why would Disney provide excellent when adequate will do?" I can't believe I even read that above. It only takes two or three items and relatively little imagination (or cost) to transform a menu from adequate to excellent. And as the parks down the street continue to improve, I hope that Disney will focus more on excellence than relying on adequacy.
If there is something unique and really good at a quick service, I am much more likely to notice and be willing to spend a little more time and money at the resort. Captain Cook's is a prime example (to me, anyway) of what a deluxe quick service could and should be. Several very unique options themed to the resort that definitely improve the menu...even at breakfast. I will gladly adjust my MK schedule to hop on the monorail and swing by the Poly for Tonga Toast at Captain Cook's (regardless of where I am staying). But I'm absolutely not going to go out of my way to go by the Beach Club Marketplace on an Epcot morning (even if I am staying at Beach Club!). The Marketplace is an embarrassment to Disney dining.
"Why would Disney provide excellent when adequate will do?" I can't believe I even read that above. It only takes two or three items and relatively little imagination (or cost) to transform a menu from adequate to excellent. And as the parks down the street continue to improve, I hope that Disney will focus more on excellence than relying on adequacy.