Why I Hate the DDP

[marivaid]

With the exeption of Le Cellier (where it is not the priciest item on the menu) none of the restaurants are located in the parks.

CRT and Crystal Palace both offer prime rib for dinner and are in MK.

There's always some kind of dead cow available at every restaurant in the parks or at resorts. By the way,you're really missing out. Some of the best restaurants are in the resorts.

 

[apostolic4life]

One way to streamline operations would be to decrease selections which I'm sure as an Executive Chef apostolic4life would agree with.

I agree 100%, but I do not believe the streamlining was a result of the DDP. As I have stated earlier, I think Disney would "streamlined" or homogenized their operation over time to maximize their profitability. Of course, this is speculation on my part based on the market trends I have seen over the last 5 years or so in the food industry. The changes are based more on the decision Disney had made to follow the "chain restaurant" business model so production and food costs can be better controlled. I think the DDP was implemented as a catalyst so Disney could facilitate the changes so many have noticed. Yes, I have seen some differences in the variety from venue to venue too, but I think the food quality is still better than you would receive at one of the popular big box chain restaurants!

 

[LoraJ]

apostolic, check out the changes at the bars thread. Lots more discussion about the menus being standardized due to the DDP. Are you going to call them liars too?

 

[marivaid]

apostolic, check out the changes at the bars thread. Lots more discussion about the menus being standardized due to the DDP. Are you going to call them liars too?

Wow. No need to get nasty. He didn't call anyone a liar, he just happens to think there is another reason why the food is being standardized.

How can you blame the DDP for changes in the DRINK menus when the DDP doesn't include any alcoholic drink of any kind ? While you're at it why don't you blame it for the new generic mugs.

 

[LoraJ]

Wow. No need to get nasty. He didn't call anyone a liar, he just happens to think there is another reason why the food is being standardized.

How can you blame the DDP for changes in the DRINK menus when the DDP doesn't include any alcoholic drink of any kind ? While you're at it why don't you blame it for the new generic mugs.

Never said I was blaming the standardized drinks on the DDP. Just thought there were some interesting posts about the food towards the end not mentioned here.

His posts were implied that people were making up their conversations with chefs.

 

[apostolic4life]

apostolic, check out the changes at the bars thread. Lots more discussion about the menus being standardized due to the DDP. Are you going to call them liars too?

Never said I was blaming the standardized drinks on the DDP. Just thought there were some interesting posts about the food towards the end not mentioned here.

His posts were implied that people were making up their conversations with chefs.

Wow, there is some bad mojo going on here. When food is the point you wanted to convey, maybe you should mention it next time (you can always go back and edit that post to make it seem like you made your point ). If you would correctly read my post I specifically said (not implied) the problem is not that someone has lied (which I specifically address), but rather the information could have been from a disgruntled employee who could have an axe to grind or low moral issues. I stand by my assertions that any employee who would put a negative spin on any aspect of the dining experience (or any other of Disney's business) to a customer should be fired. They are there to support the policies implemented by the managment. If they do not like the policies or feel the policies cause too much work for them they should get another job.......oh, but I guess it would be better to change a whole corporate philosophy to make a very vocal few happy!!!!!

I apologize to everyone who has been enjoying the great conversation here since it seems that the conversation has taken a nasty turn........for this I will refrain from posting in response to such mean spirited posts. I have been respectful of all views different from my own and I feel that should be the standard on every thread (differing opinions and good hearts are what make boards like this work).

 

[apostolic4life]

Wow. No need to get nasty. He didn't call anyone a liar, he just happens to think there is another reason why the food is being standardized.

How can you blame the DDP for changes in the DRINK menus when the DDP doesn't include any alcoholic drink of any kind ? While you're at it why don't you blame it for the new generic mugs.

It is nice to have friends!!!!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I apologize to everyone who has been enjoying the great conversation here since it seems that the conversation has taken a nasty turn........for this I will refrain from posting in response to such mean spirited posts. I have been respectful of all views different from my own and I feel that should be the standard on every thread (differing opinions and good hearts are what make boards like this work).

I have been involved in other relatively 'heated' threads with apostolic, usually on opposite sides. He/she has never been anything but polite, no matter how controversial the thread has gotten, and deserves to be responded to in the same manner.

I truly hope the above quote does not prevent her/him from posting in this thread, only - as stated - from responding to certain posts.

 

[lustergirl]

wow- this thread is still going on and hasn't been closed yet???

 

[LoraJ]

Really, I wasn't trying to be nasty and I appologize if it came out that way. But that was the gist I was getting from the posts. I just found it fascinating that there were other stories coming to light in the other thread.

Someone else had mentioned the same thing I observed but they weren't called being nasty like I am. But that's fine.

The thing is, some people *have* noticed the standardization, and they have every right to complain, don't they? If I state a fact about my job, doesn't mean that I am disgruntled. And so what if they are disgruntled, does it discount the facts that they are stating?

Now there are rumors that the Le Cellier menu will be changing even more so than how it was dumbed down when we last went. If this rumor is true, will more people finally see what is happening?

 

[kaytieeldr]

apostolic, check out the changes at the bars thread. Lots more discussion about the menus being standardized due to the DDP. Are you going to call them liars too?

If you mean the drink menus, exactly four posts out of 126 blame the DDP - and two of those were facetious.
If, on the other hand, you're refering to the numerous 'straying from the topic' posts that instead discuss (and blame) the DDP, well, similar, if not identical, statements can be found on the numerous "DDP stinks" threads.

 

[txmomto1]

I've got to say I don't see how anyone can get upset while at WDW. This is the happiest place on earth, and while you are here, you are on VACATION. If there is a long line, oh well! There are ways to avoid it. If the service is bad, it's a rare occasion, as most service is stellar.
I personally love the DDP. The food is not the best I've ever had, but it's still pretty good. I like not having to budget while I am there. There are so many restaurants, I've never really had a problem making ADR's.

That's just me, but I can't HATE anything about WDW.

 

[The Sweetness]

If it does cost how will you be dining at 8 ts you would have never "splurged" on? You just proved my point about DDP making quality, service and availabilty ridiculous.
The fact is CS people now use TS where they never would have in the past. This has caused all the above mentioned issues.

I dont expect you to agree with my logic, but it is what it is. I have only stayed onsite once before, it was at ASMO for 2 nights back in the '90s. I was the first guest in our room in the Dalmations building. That made me feel special. Other than that, the convenience and setting didnt impress me enough to lure me away from the value of the Days Inn or HoJos where I would now pay $50 per night. The latter of the 2 would also inc free scheduled transport to USF, SW, WDW, or Wet & Wild. A free buffet breakfast for me, DH, and DDs was also included daily. There was also a fridge in the room.

In addition to paying ALOT more for the room, and not getting the free daily breakfast, and having to pay extra daily if we want a fridge, I did not get any discount on tix as a FL resident, or a AAA member. I know I could have done better by not paying rack rates.

What made me decide to do the pkg anyway, was the fact that a CS lunch and TS dinner were included in the costs. Just this once, I wanted to have the luxury of dining out daily and not fretting about the costs. This goes for CS as well, if not more so.

As a *cs person* I am glad that the DDP has given me this oppritunity. If it isnt convenient for ppl who dont like to plan, they can either take what's available for walk-ins, use CS, get room service where available, dine OP, or ofcourse, if you are that disgusted with me and the other DDp'ers, just spend your hard earned vaca $ elsewhere. Its all about choices. I chose to pay more than I had to for the convenience of the DDP, and I'm not blaming the cost on anyone


As for declines in restaurant choices/ service/ quality... If you arent satisfied, seek elsewhere. WDW woulddnt offer the pkg if it wasnt in their best interest

 

[cougartrace]

I've got to say I don't see how anyone can get upset while at WDW. This is the happiest place on earth, and while you are here, you are on VACATION. If there is a long line, oh well! There are ways to avoid it. If the service is bad, it's a rare occasion, as most service is stellar.
I personally love the DDP. The food is not the best I've ever had, but it's still pretty good. I like not having to budget while I am there. There are so many restaurants, I've never really had a problem making ADR's.

That's just me, but I can't HATE anything about WDW.

Buts that's never a reason to let DISNEY slide on customer service...

 

[txmomto1]

Buts that's never a reason to let DISNEY slide on customer service...

Agreed, but I think people should put things into perspective. If the CM is rude, I think you should let a manager know, and I know the WDW company will deal with it.

I still think that overall, the customer service at Disney is outstanding. It's funny, I called this morning, and paid off my room. I found myself thinking that the CM on the phone was not very friendly. Then I thought about it. He really was actually very nice. He just was not as superior as some of the other CM I've spoken to. He was still great though.

Life's too short to spend a second HATING a meal plan.

 

[apostolic4life]

I have been involved in other relatively 'heated' threads with apostolic, usually on opposite sides. He/she has never been anything but polite, no matter how controversial the thread has gotten, and deserves to be responded to in the same manner.

I truly hope the above quote does not prevent her/him from posting in this thread, only - as stated - from responding to certain posts.

Thanks for the support........ I try to always be respectful even in my disagreement with others!

 

[apostolic4life]

I've got to say I don't see how anyone can get upset while at WDW. This is the happiest place on earth, and while you are here, you are on VACATION. If there is a long line, oh well! There are ways to avoid it. If the service is bad, it's a rare occasion, as most service is stellar.
I personally love the DDP. The food is not the best I've ever had, but it's still pretty good. I like not having to budget while I am there. There are so many restaurants, I've never really had a problem making ADR's.

That's just me, but I can't HATE anything about WDW.

Beautifully stated!!!

 

[apostolic4life]

Agreed, but I think people should put things into perspective. If the CM is rude, I think you should let a manager know, and I know the WDW company will deal with it.

I still think that overall, the customer service at Disney is outstanding. It's funny, I called this morning, and paid off my room. I found myself thinking that the CM on the phone was not very friendly. Then I thought about it. He really was actually very nice. He just was not as superior as some of the other CM I've spoken to. He was still great though.

Life's too short to spend a second HATING a meal plan.

Great way to look at it........great attitude txmomto1!

 

[MasterShake]

I recently saw a movie that reminded me of what a "walkie" looks like when they see someone with an ADR/DDP get a table while they are turned away.

28 Weeks Later

It's not a pretty sight.

VIVA LA DDP

 

[drakethib]

I have to say, we did DDP not to long ago for the first time and I really don't remember eating a bad meal any time.

SSR has the Turf grill I believe which was awesome, Coral Reef was also yummy, heck the character breakfast was even great to me.

The food got there quick and we were able to enjoy our meal as we wanted.

I guess I am just a low class trash sort of guy, because IMHO I ate very well and sure didn't go hungry.If I had one compliant it would be that there was way too much food to eat in one setting.