New Enhancements, Dining Options Coming to Disney’s BoardWalk

[LSLS]

No it doesn’t. Well rounded offerings are only needed when you are looking to serve a large cross section of the general public and/or looking to attract multiple different consumers do a location. Disney isn’t looking to do either.

The boardwalk location isn’t open or really marketed toward the general public. There isn’t public parking located at the boardwalk. There isn’t Disney transportation that brings people to and from the boardwalk area itself (as distinguished from the Boardwalk hotel.). There isn’t dedicated or late night transportation leaving the boardwalk area either, making it hard for people to visit the area after visiting a park/park closing and then get back to their resort (unless they are staying in area.)

Right now the boardwalk is basically an extended lobby for the hotels in this area. If you are Disney you are looking for business and offerings that are going to be popular for the people staying in that area. As there isn’t really an economy hotel in this area, you aren’t focused on offering that would be popular for the demographic typically staying at art of animation for example.

Are you saying high end clientele never want to go to any sort of offering other than high end restaurants? Especially ones with picky preteens/teens? Or ones that want more of a grab and go?

 

[WorldExplorer]

Are you saying high end clientele never want to go to any sort of offering other than high end restaurants? Especially ones with picky preteens/teens? Or ones that want more of a grab and go?

As someone who has stayed at Boardwalk four times, I only eat gold-dipped caviar.

What is this "bread" you speak of?

 

[Purduevian]

Grab and go Meals/Heavy snacks available and the boardwalk

• Classic Dog
• Golden Dragon (Hot Dog)
• Mexican Street Dog
• Giant Mozzarella
• Nashville Hot Mozzarella
• Pickle Dog
• Warm Corned Beef Reuben
• Meatball Sub
• Italian Sub
• Chicken and Walnut Salad Wrap
• Ham and Cheese Croissant
• Roasted Turkey Sandwich
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Oven-Roasted Turkey Sandwich
• Italian Sub (yes a second one)
• Rotisserie Chicken and Walnut Salad Wrap
• Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
• Quinoa Mixed Berry Power Bowl
• Pepperoni Pizza
• Cheese Pizza

I think it one of the QS places started selling a basic burger, some chicken strips, and some fries I think most people would be covered

EDIT I guess this was old info: Adding room service:

• Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
• Traditional Cheese Pizza
• Signature Pizza
• Wood-grilled New York Strip
• Chicken Breast Parmigiano
• Fresh Pasta with White Clam Sauce
• Vegetable Pasta
• Fresh Catch
• Seared Scallops
• Angus Chuck Cheeseburger
• Angus Chuck Cheeseburger with bacon
• Vegetable Panini
• Turkey Carver
• Hand-breaded Chicken Breast Sandwich

(still no chicken tenders surprisingly)

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

Are you saying high end clientele never want to go to any sort of offering other than high end restaurants? Especially ones with picky preteens/teens? Or ones that want more of a grab and go?

No i am saying you don't need well rounded offering to appeal to everyone, when you are targeting only certain demographics. Especially when pricing is a factor. While some people might chose a cheaper option if one is available, you don't need to have one if your target audience will pay for a more expensive option if a cheaper one isn't available, as opposed to not purchasing at all. You also don't need it when a portion of your target audience places perceived higher value on something based upon price.

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

The fact that you can’t get a simple burger, funnel cake, cotton candy, fried Oreos, classic Boardwalk/ carnival junk food etc on the boardwalk is kind of mind boggling, but you can instead pay $22 for a piece of cake, as if that would exist on any real Boardwalk. For what they’re trying to draw inspiration from — the Jersey shore — there’s not much on the Disney Boardwalk that is even remotely what you’ll find in the place it is allegedly inspired by.

High end is fine but two expensive options are enough. Give us some moderate options and a true quick service with indoor seating and a varied menu. I don’t see why that is an impossible ask.

This isn't a real boardwalk thought, and no one would WANT this area to reflect what the Jersey shore boardwalks look like.
Leaving aside a judgment call on the trash that can typically be found at places like Point Pleasant or Sleazeside heights, the areas are not set up and not intended to be in any way shape or form similar. First, NJ boardwalks are NOT connected to dedicated hotels/resorts. They are not attempting to limit who shows up. Public general parking is WIDELY available for NJ boardwalks because they are encouraging day trippers and the general public. Its a numbers game getting the most people possible crammed onto the boardwalk to spend 40 dollars trying to win a 10 stuffed animal, or grabbing a slice of pizza and cheese teak.

WDW is the exact opposite. Access is purposefully restricted. There is not general parking lot or access to the area. The are not trying to make it easy for people to get into and out of the area.

Nor is the late night/bar scene anywhere near the focus at WDW as it is at the NJ Shore. No spicy's or Jenks. WDW doesn't WANT to be the jersey shore. It doesn't want to be a late night spot or sell abunch of garbage (or to say it more neutrally, it doesn't want to be set up to do high volume, low margin sales.)

 

[FutureCEO]

The fact that you can’t get a simple burger, funnel cake, cotton candy, fried Oreos, classic Boardwalk/ carnival junk food etc on the boardwalk is kind of mind boggling, but you can instead pay $22 for a piece of cake, as if that would exist on any real Boardwalk. For what they’re trying to draw inspiration from — the Jersey shore — there’s not much on the Disney Boardwalk that is even remotely what you’ll find in the place it is allegedly inspired by.

High end is fine but two expensive options are enough. Give us some moderate options and a true quick service with indoor seating and a varied menu. I don’t see why that is an impossible ask.

A festival in CT had $15 for a fried Oreo. I would rather spend $22 on a piece of cake.

 

[FiestaFunKid]

Grab and go meals are one thing - pizza window, corndogs, premade sandwiches, etc....but...The Boardwalk used to have both ESPN and Big River - so mid priced sit-down food location i.e. Geyser, Wailulu, Beaches, would be a welcome addition IMO. It doesn't have to mirror current jersey shore feel - Disney could certainly class it up or make it feel classic even if food was burgers and funnel cakes, etc.

 

[KDM31091]

This isn't a real boardwalk thought, and no one would WANT this area to reflect what the Jersey shore boardwalks look like.
Leaving aside a judgment call on the trash that can typically be found at places like Point Pleasant or Sleazeside heights, the areas are not set up and not intended to be in any way shape or form similar. First, NJ boardwalks are NOT connected to dedicated hotels/resorts. They are not attempting to limit who shows up. Public general parking is WIDELY available for NJ boardwalks because they are encouraging day trippers and the general public. Its a numbers game getting the most people possible crammed onto the boardwalk to spend 40 dollars trying to win a 10 stuffed animal, or grabbing a slice of pizza and cheese teak.

WDW is the exact opposite. Access is purposefully restricted. There is not general parking lot or access to the area. The are not trying to make it easy for people to get into and out of the area.

Nor is the late night/bar scene anywhere near the focus at WDW as it is at the NJ Shore. No spicy's or Jenks. WDW doesn't WANT to be the jersey shore. It doesn't want to be a late night spot or sell abunch of garbage (or to say it more neutrally, it doesn't want to be set up to do high volume, low margin sales.)

I get it, I'm not saying it should have the umm, lower end vibe of some of the Jersey shore. I'm from the Philly metro originally and definitely have experienced what you are saying many times in NJ. However, for a place inspired by it, they could still have takes on the classic Boardwalk food. Not being able to get a QS burger, funnel cake, fried oreos, cotton candy, I mean I don't understand that logic at all. But that's just me. Yes you can pay $25 for a burger at Beaches and Cream but I think more options are needed.

Either way, I think we can all agree that while Cresent Lake has some great sit down options for special occasion type dining ($$$$) it is lacking in a true quick service or modestly priced table service other than Trattoria Al Forno which is more typical Disney prices but still not inexpensive. No one's eating at the Flying Fish or Cake Bake more than once a trip IMO if not less often than that. I think they are one and done type places for a lot of people due to the sheer cost. A lower priced Boardwalk style diner would obviously make less money per dish than Cake Bake, but would probably do far more volume. I don't know. I think a large food court style offering would do really well and fill in a lot of the gaps. They could still make it have a nicer, high quality vibe than something like All Stars food court, while filling in the gaps in the food offerings in variety and price levels. There is plenty of unused wasted space. Big River Grille has been closed for 2 years now and not a peep about a replacement. Disney could just open their own thing instead of relying on a 3rd party tenant who will inevitably have to have high prices to cover the rent.

I understand they do not want insane volume on the Boardwalk but I think they've gone too far the other direction where it is a ghost town many nights at this point, especially during the week.

 

[KDM31091]

Grab and go meals are one thing - pizza window, corndogs, premade sandwiches, etc....but...The Boardwalk used to have both ESPN and Big River - so mid priced sit-down food location i.e. Geyser, Wailulu, Beaches, would be a welcome addition IMO. It doesn't have to mirror current jersey shore feel - Disney could certainly class it up or make it feel classic even if food was burgers and funnel cakes, etc.

Exactly!! This is what is needed. Fill in the dining gaps. Not everyone can afford Flying Fish or Cake Bake regularly. Or wants to pay for it even if they can afford it. Deli and BC Marketplace also have very limited options.

 

[mitchk]

This isn't a real boardwalk thought, and no one would WANT this area to reflect what the Jersey shore boardwalks look like.
Leaving aside a judgment call on the trash that can typically be found at places like Point Pleasant or Sleazeside heights, the areas are not set up and not intended to be in any way shape or form similar. First, NJ boardwalks are NOT connected to dedicated hotels/resorts. They are not attempting to limit who shows up. Public general parking is WIDELY available for NJ boardwalks because they are encouraging day trippers and the general public. Its a numbers game getting the most people possible crammed onto the boardwalk to spend 40 dollars trying to win a 10 stuffed animal, or grabbing a slice of pizza and cheese teak.

WDW is the exact opposite. Access is purposefully restricted. There is not general parking lot or access to the area. The are not trying to make it easy for people to get into and out of the area.

Nor is the late night/bar scene anywhere near the focus at WDW as it is at the NJ Shore. No spicy's or Jenks. WDW doesn't WANT to be the jersey shore. It doesn't want to be a late night spot or sell abunch of garbage (or to say it more neutrally, it doesn't want to be set up to do high volume, low margin sales.)

Now this depends on what jersey shore you are talking about… There is a lot of parking, but you have to pay for the parking depending on what time the season is parking can be $25 a car easily and when you speak of no hotels on the boardwalk Wildwood has the shore Plaza The Kings Inn, Montego Bay, which are all located directly on the boardwalk… And Ocean City is closed or should I say closed Wonderland pier which is now going to become either a hotel or upscale condos with options to rent… Besides that if you’re true South Jersey shore person the best pizza in the world is on the Wildwood boardwalk a little place called Mack’s Pizza

 

[UNCgolf]

They should really have some kind of diner that serves breakfast all day (pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, omelettes) along with burgers, chicken fingers, etc.

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

Now this depends on what jersey shore you are talking about… There is a lot of parking, but you have to pay for the parking depending on what time the season is parking can be $25 a car easily and when you speak of no hotels on the boardwalk Wildwood has the shore Plaza The Kings Inn, Montego Bay, which are all located directly on the boardwalk… And Ocean City is closed or should I say closed Wonderland pier which is now going to become either a hotel or upscale condos with options to rent… Besides that if you’re true South Jersey shore person the best pizza in the world is on the Wildwood boardwalk a little place called Mack’s Pizza

Oh you absolutely have to pay to park no doubt. But the parking is available. Just like you can get day passes to get to the beaches. It's set up to attract large amounts of general public people, not just people who are within walking distance or living/staying in the area.

I can't really comment on Wildwood, as i haven't schlepped that far down the parkway. Our summer place is in Lavallette so the two boardwalks i would be forced to go to were the ones i mentioned.

 

[Notes from Neverland]

Grab and go Meals/Heavy snacks available and the boardwalk

• Classic Dog
• Golden Dragon (Hot Dog)
• Mexican Street Dog
• Giant Mozzarella
• Nashville Hot Mozzarella
• Pickle Dog
• Warm Corned Beef Reuben
• Meatball Sub
• Italian Sub
• Chicken and Walnut Salad Wrap
• Ham and Cheese Croissant
• Roasted Turkey Sandwich
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Oven-Roasted Turkey Sandwich
• Italian Sub (yes a second one)
• Rotisserie Chicken and Walnut Salad Wrap
• Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
• Quinoa Mixed Berry Power Bowl
• Pepperoni Pizza
• Cheese Pizza

I think it one of the QS places started selling a basic burger, some chicken strips, and some fries I think most people would be covered

EDIT: Adding room service:

• Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
• Traditional Cheese Pizza
• Signature Pizza
• Wood-grilled New York Strip
• Chicken Breast Parmigiano
• Fresh Pasta with White Clam Sauce
• Vegetable Pasta
• Fresh Catch
• Seared Scallops
• Angus Chuck Cheeseburger
• Angus Chuck Cheeseburger with bacon
• Vegetable Panini
• Turkey Carver
• Hand-breaded Chicken Breast Sandwich

(still no chicken tenders surprisingly)

BoardWalk Inn doesn't offer room service. Grand Floridian is the only WDW resort that has room service at this time.

 

[KDM31091]

BoardWalk Inn doesn't offer room service. Grand Floridian is the only WDW resort that has room service at this time.

Another mind boggling thing given the rates of the rooms. Room service should be a given at the prices Disney charges for the rooms.

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

Another mind boggling thing given the rates of the rooms. Room service should be a given at the prices Disney charges for the rooms.

Why? Room service in my experience is more utilized in business class hotels, where people are on work trips, many times solo, and are getting meals to the room either to continue working, or they don't feel like going out to a restaurant by themselves.

How many people are at WDW that are 1) staying in their rooms during regular meal times? 2) would rather sit in their room and eat as opposed to eating in parks/restaurants; 3) Want to have a family of X eating around their beds as most hotels aren't set up with area's for a family of 4+ to eat in them.

People who eat in restaurants generally order more. They have another round of drinks, they decide they do want the desert, ect. Why would WDW want to staff the infrastructure for room service without a significant value add. Especially when you consider that with independent hotels, there is at least a value of having people eating in their rooms, as opposed to leaving the hotel and going to an independent restaurant. IN WDW unless your driving off property, your alternative dining locations are going to be in the bubble and WDW isn't loosing out on any revenue.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Why?

Are you asking financial or guest satisfaction?

 

[Purduevian]

BoardWalk Inn doesn't offer room service. Grand Floridian is the only WDW resort that has room service at this time.

whoops... must have found an old article about it. That is shocking that not all deluxe resorts have room service...

The Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration can be booked for $87 tonight offers room service

 

[Purduevian]

Why? Room service in my experience is more utilized in business class hotels, where people are on work trips, many times solo, and are getting meals to the room either to continue working, or they don't feel like going out to a restaurant by themselves.

How many people are at WDW that are 1) staying in their rooms during regular meal times? 2) would rather sit in their room and eat as opposed to eating in parks/restaurants; 3) Want to have a family of X eating around their beds as most hotels aren't set up with area's for a family of 4+ to eat in them.

People who eat in restaurants generally order more. They have another round of drinks, they decide they do want the desert, ect. Why would WDW want to staff the infrastructure for room service without a significant value add. Especially when you consider that with independent hotels, there is at least a value of having people eating in their rooms, as opposed to leaving the hotel and going to an independent restaurant. IN WDW unless your driving off property, your alternative dining locations are going to be in the bubble and WDW isn't loosing out on any revenue.

I used it once on my last trip (at the Hilton Disney Springs). With AK closing at 6pm and with an almost 2 year old... we just ordered room service and ate in our room and started winding him down. It's at least nice to have the option. With a restaurant already on site... it really cant cost the hotel much to make this an option. (maybe 1 minimum wage staff member extra during peak times to run the food upstairs)

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

Are you asking financial or guest satisfaction?

Well it has to be both really.

I mean if something doesn't make financial sense, there is no reason for a business to do it. I mean i could say it would increase guest satisfaction if they offered everyone a free days ticket for every night you booked at a hotel. Sure that would get great guest satisfaction numbers but it makes no business sense.

I would also say if you don't have a high enough percentage of your guests who would use an offering (here room service) it doesn't make any business sense to invest a ton of resources into it, even if the few guests who would want room service would be happy to see it added.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I mean if something doesn't make financial sense, there is no reason for a business to do it.

Sure there is. On the topic of the boardwalk - there is a reason to operate shops at a loss to avoid having empty storefronts and give an abandoned vibe.

I’m not a room service type of traveler - but I would expect a Disney deluxe resort to offer it. Do the moderates and values no longer do the pizza delivery either?