Witnessed much waste of food during free dining

[Mickiethepooh]

Seems to me that if Every single person that orders anything in Disney ate every bit of it, not one hungry person elsewhere in the World would be any less hungry. Disney is not about to say, let's stop serving Appetizers and desert and send them to Africa or where ever. The Disney dining plan board is not the place to protest World Hunger.

 

[lustergirl]

I have to agree with many of the posts- who cares what other people are doing? I can't believe the OP would take the time to watch what other people are doing or eating. The OP probably would of complained about all of the food that my teenage sons ate last year on our free dining trip in September. They both cleaned their plates and joked that this was a eating marathon. And just to add:
They are both very athletic and burn calories quickly no matter what they eat. I don't want everyone to think that I am promoting obesity in children- ha!!

Personally I go to disney to have a great time with my family and don't take the time to watch others- it is their business what they are doing.

 

[Kaler131]

Seems to me that if Every single person that orders anything in Disney ate every bit of it, not one hungry person elsewhere in the World would be any less hungry. Disney is not about to say, let's stop serving Appetizers and desert and send them to Africa or where ever. The Disney dining plan board is not the place to protest World Hunger.

I agree!

 

[Priorityonecb]

The Disney dining plan board is not the place to protest World Hunger.

I agree! I've never really understood the "Don't waste food" thing...the only other option is to put it into your body when you are full and don't need it. *That can't be healthy and seems the lesser of the two options. Maybe I am missing something...

 

[StrollPatrolMom]

Not that it makes it any better...but having little kids means wasting food here in my house...

DDP or not my kids never eat everything thats offered to them, and they are both good eaters.

thats life in the US. We're very fortunate. I'm sorry I can't ship my kids leftovers to Africa, but thats the reality.

 

[4orm]

That's not what I'm getting at. It's the sense of entitlement. Of course it's not going to directly effect World hunger. But the money of single appetizer that goes uneaten would be better spent at a food bank.

 

[StrollPatrolMom]

If you teach them not to waste you will be teaching them how to become obese.

thats not necessarily true either. You can use restraint when ordering once kids are older..if you mean it in the sense of forcing kids to clean ther plates just for the sake of having an empty plate then I 100% agree with you.

We ruin our children's ability to recognize when they are full when you employ that tactic, very unhealthy especially with 1/3 of kids being overweight...

 

[northie]

Disney has dropped the free appetizer for 08

I guess they think they can turn more tables faster.

Plus it was too much food

Personally I wish they'd let us choose. We love the appetizers. We always order one when we go out. But we never get dessert so taking away the appetizer and making us get dessert instead means we probably won't bother with the dining plan.

 

[jjohnson]

The DDP works out the best for us in our situation. There are so many family scenarios that what works for one may not work for others. I'll continue to buy it, however my DSs are disappointed that the appetizers will no longer be included in 2008.

Exactly. As much as DH & I enjoy the plan it no longer "works" for our family anymore.

 

[StrollPatrolMom]

That's not what I'm getting at. It's the sense of entitlement. Of course it's not going to directly effect World hunger. But the money of single appetizer that goes uneaten would be better spent at a food bank.

well on THAT theory, perhaps none of us should be going to Disney at all, considering its discretionary spending...if everyone donated their Disney vacation money to food banks instead of taking a vacation I think we can all agree that would make a significant difference...

 

[Todd&Copper]

I do find it a little bit hypocritical, though, that they encourage recycling of paper and plastic all over the place yet place no emphasis on the "reduce" part of the equation [reduce, reuse, recycle] as in REDUCE WASTE.
I really don't like seeing tons of food go to waste, either. I am not advocating "cleaning the plate" but I think a lot of people get so caught up in making the most of their dining dollars that they are not actually considering the massive quantities that are being served them. I'd never use the dining plan b/c I simply don't eat that much food daily [I just can't do a TS each day] but it does really bring up the connundrum: make the most of it and order all the food, or lose some money on it and order only what you truly want. Of course, when it is free, this isn't really the issue. And servers won't necessarily be encouraging people to pad their bills by ordering all that they can next year when tip is separate.
I do see the OP's point and think people just get too damn defensive on these boards. You people always see everything as a personal indictment of your behaviors or patterns. Get over yourselves already - everything is not all about you. Sheesh!

 

[Hollymom1229]

Just got back and I find this entire thread hysterical. We were on the DDP for the last time this trip. It just proved too much food in the end. We enjoyed our meals thoroughly, and at quite a few restaurants split meals, namely 50's PTC and Chefs De France. For whatever reason at Turf Club they told us we couldn't split meals, and if they saw us sharing once it was one the table they'd have to take another credit off the plan. This resulted in half of mine and DH's steaks going to waste and almost all of our desserts. At the signature restaurants we were able to do the 3 courses because they were smaller, but at the regular places it was just too much food.

 

[lilyv]

Just got back and I find this entire thread hysterical. We were on the DDP for the last time this trip. It just proved too much food in the end. We enjoyed our meals thoroughly, and at quite a few restaurants split meals, namely 50's PTC and Chefs De France. For whatever reason at Turf Club they told us we couldn't split meals, and if they saw us sharing once it was one the table they'd have to take another credit off the plan. This resulted in half of mine and DH's steaks going to waste and almost all of our desserts. At the signature restaurants we were able to do the 3 courses because they were smaller, but at the regular places it was just too much food.

Gosh, that would really irritate me. I feel, as an adult, that I don't need wait staff (AKA Mom?) dictating how I'm going to eat. DH and I often enjoy a couple of appetizers, and then share a dessert. With bread, and a glass of wine, it's a nice, not too heavy meal. We don't DDP, we just eat what we want-not too much, and very little waste. Much of the fun of being on vacation is doing what makes you happy.

 

[4orm]

well on THAT theory, perhaps none of us should be going to Disney at all, considering its discretionary spending...if everyone donated their Disney vacation money to food banks instead of taking a vacation I think we can all agree that would make a significant difference...

I was saying the cost of the 'wasted' item would be better spent elsewhere, not cutting out all personal spending to donate.
Moderation is all I'm saying.
When it comes to DDP it's different. All those items come in the package. If it's out of pocket and you know you can't eat a dessert, just don't order it.

I do find it a little bit hypocritical, though, that they encourage recycling of paper and plastic all over the place yet place no emphasis on the "reduce" part of the equation [reduce, reuse, recycle] as in REDUCE WASTE.
I really don't like seeing tons of food go to waste, either. I am not advocating "cleaning the plate" but I think a lot of people get so caught up in making the most of their dining dollars that they are not actually considering the massive quantities that are being served them. I'd never use the dining plan b/c I simply don't eat that much food daily [I just can't do a TS each day] but it does really bring up the connundrum: make the most of it and order all the food, or lose some money on it and order only what you truly want. Of course, when it is free, this isn't really the issue. And servers won't necessarily be encouraging people to pad their bills by ordering all that they can next year when tip is separate.
I do see the OP's point and think people just get too damn defensive on these boards. You people always see everything as a personal indictment of your behaviors or patterns. Get over yourselves already - everything is not all about you. Sheesh!

Here here!

 

[4orm]

Gosh, that would really irritate me. I feel, as an adult, that I don't need wait staff (AKA Mom?) dictating how I'm going to eat. DH and I often enjoy a couple of appetizers, and then share a dessert. With bread, and a glass of wine, it's a nice, not too heavy meal. We don't DDP, we just eat what we want-not too much, and very little waste. Much of the fun of being on vacation is doing what makes you happy.

Exactly why we don't do DDP. We eat smallish meals more than three times a day. I love appetizers and sometimes prefer to make a meal out of two rather than have a giant entree. I've learned to order one thing at time. I can order something else if I'm still hungry. If I order too much upfront I can't very well return it when I realize I'm stuffed from the prior items.

 

[twinspluscade]

DH and I visted WDW in September during the free dining. Being DVC members we are not eligible for free dining but that is just fine with us. We did use the DDP on two other occasions, and found that it did not suit us for a number of different reasons. Good plan, just not for us.

Anyway, being aware of the free dining I did pay a little more attention to other tables near by and what they were ordering. One day we had lunch at LTT. Next to us was a family of two adults and 3 children in the 7 to 10 age group. First came a round of soda for each one. Then out came five (yes five) orders of the tavern cheese with marinara sauce. Each of the kids put a good dent in their appetizer because they were hungry. Next came five entrees. Each child had the burger with fries. (unsure what the adults had) They were rather large burgers for a kids menu item. One plate went untouched. The other two burgers had one or two bites taken from them. I thought that was a shame. Perhaps the kids could have shared an appetizer or entree'. You could tell that the waiter was slightly annoyed by the waste. But boy was I shocked when out came five apple dumplings with ice cream desserts. The two adults had a few bites and the other three were cleared away untouched.

I know it is free.....but still it would be a good idea to teach your children about not wasting food. I cringe to think what those children did learn from that dining experience.

There were other incidents in other restaurants, however LTT was by far the worst we witnessed. I apologize for getting on a soap box but I needed to get this off my chest.

Ummmmm why do you care? Did you not get any food because it all went to the other table? I find it almost creepy that someone would be so closely watching what another family orders that they'd know exactly what they get. .Really, sometimes people on the DIS need to just relax a bit and enjoy their own vacation instead of playing "Big Brother" to everyone elses'.. Obviously, if Disney was losing that much money with free dining they wouldn't be offering if for the fourth year in a row.

That being said...I do agree that--for our family--the DDP is too much food. For that reason, we probably won't ever do it again. We did all buffets and family-style meals on our last trip (with free dining , so we didn't have to deal with appetizers, entrees, desserts. I knew going into it that a three-course meal would be too much for us.

 

[asmit4]

That's not what I'm getting at. It's the sense of entitlement. Of course it's not going to directly effect World hunger. But the money of single appetizer that goes uneaten would be better spent at a food bank.

So by this logic, we should not go to disney more than once in our lifetimes "b/c the $$$ would be better spent at a foodbank" or heck, let's not go on any vacations, and give ALL that $$$ to the poor.....can't have that "sense of entitlement"....

Many of you see where I'm going with this I'm sure. How is that family hurting someone by eating only 1/2 their burger?

I'm leaving for disney in 1 week and we have the DDP. You can call me an American, a person who eats too much or even a piggy- but I can tell you 1 thing is for sure... I plan to order an appetizer, a full meal, and a dessert for our TS credits and if I eat 1/2 of what's on my plate so be it!

They paid for it! Why do you care what they eat? If I don't eat it, then disney just makes more $$$, they don't give my unordered appetizer away, or the $$$ that came from it away to charity.

 

[cdtommie]

I understand what the OP is saying...my SIL throws out any leftovers they have left over all the time even if it's filet mignon...even after large family parties...I was brought up that it's a shame to waste food...if we can catch them before it goes out in the garbage we take it home and eat it during the week. Guess a lot folks these days just don't see thowing out food as a big deal...enjoying some nice homemade brushetta and macaroni salad that was destined for garbage heaven this week in fact...leftover chicken marsala from sunday's dinner on tap tonight.

Agree that the DDP is too much food (especially at counter and 1TS restaurants). Last trip we told them not to give us the dessert at all our CS...will do the same in a couple of weeks.

 

[Colleen27]

Anyway, being aware of the free dining I did pay a little more attention to other tables near by and what they were ordering. One day we had lunch at LTT. Next to us was a family of two adults and 3 children in the 7 to 10 age group. First came a round of soda for each one. Then out came five (yes five) orders of the tavern cheese with marinara sauce. Each of the kids put a good dent in their appetizer because they were hungry. Next came five entrees. Each child had the burger with fries. (unsure what the adults had) They were rather large burgers for a kids menu item. One plate went untouched. The other two burgers had one or two bites taken from them. I thought that was a shame. Perhaps the kids could have shared an appetizer or entree'. You could tell that the waiter was slightly annoyed by the waste. But boy was I shocked when out came five apple dumplings with ice cream desserts. The two adults had a few bites and the other three were cleared away untouched.

Just a thought here - those menu selections are 5 adult meals. The cheese app and the apple dessert aren't on the kids' menu. So either the kids looked younger than they were, or that family was among those who 'up-aged' their kids during free dining so everyone could order off the adult menu.

 

[Colleen27]

Personally I think people should order what they want and eat as much or as little as they care for. Cleaning your plate is NOT a good idea.

I agree. And I don't really get the push to maximize the value of the dining plan, especially when it is free. Why try to squeeze every last penny out of it, rather than just enjoying the freedom of ordering whatever you actually want to eat?