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Cosmic Ray's outdoor patio to be enclosed with work starting this week
- Thread starter wdwmagic
- Start date
COProgressFan
Well-Known Member
You know, for many months of the year, dining outdoors is quite pleasant in FL. In fact, it's one of the things we look forward to most when we visit from up north during the winter. So it's a shame to lose some of that.
I understand the need to maximize seating, because Cosmic Ray's is a madhouse. (Though, I'm not sure why...the food is probably the worst counter service in the park). The problem is that TDO always takes the cheapest/easiest/half-hearted solution that doesn't address the real problem at hand.
This is symptomatic of the larger issue at the MK that they never seem to actually want to address -- capacity. There is a capacity problem and Cosmic Ray's simply can't accommodate the crowds during peaks times. But when you've closed so many dining locations over the years, what do they expect? There are fewer places to eat in 2014 with 17 million visitors than in the 1980s, when there were far fewer guests. Meanwhile, Tomorrowland Terrace still sits empty right across the way, as well as Tortuga Tavern and the multitude of other locations we've discussed on these boards.
More tables and more bodies in an already crowded mess hall environment isn't the answer to a better experience for guests.
MissM
Well-Known Member
But for many MORE months of the year, it's just too darn hot. And when you're walking around in the heat, sweltering, the last thing you want to do sit down and eat sweaty and miserable. A/C functions as a rejuvenation to help you cool down and be able to get back out and face the heat again. I know I've NEVER sat outside when it's hot. I don't even check if there's seating because I wouldn't sit there anyway. I've only sat out there in cooler weather a scant handful of times. If they keep it open-view, but climate controlled, I think it's win-win for just about everyone.
Mad Stitch
Well-Known Member
No! I loved eating out there because no one else was ever out there and it was peaceful. I guess I lost my quiet spot.
This wouldn't add any additional capacity to Cosmic Ray's. It just brings the seating that was outside, inside into the AC.
Hub-side with a great view of the castle.
This wouldn't add any additional capacity to Cosmic Ray's. It just brings the seating that was outside, inside into the AC.
Hub-side with a great view of the castle.
sshindel
The Epcot Manifesto
Thanks!
Shows my wife is right, I'm the most unobservant person ever. I've been going to the MK for my entire life, since the 70s, and never even knew that Ray's had outdoor seating there.
COProgressFan
Well-Known Member
I guess technically it doesn't add capacity, but it makes capacity that was there more useable.
COProgressFan
Well-Known Member
Its a silly point of debate, but it's probably nice enough to dine outside from say mid-October to April? Maybe half the year? Obviously, weather varies tremendously and everyone has their own level of comfort.
It's just shame to see another quiet outdoor space crammed with more people. They've already gotten rid of so many tree and places to sit elsewhere.
Yet ironically, it looks like they just redid the outdoor seating area at Pinnocchio's, so go figure.
MrMorrowTom
Member
Ugh, I liked sitting outside. You could listen to the water, people watch, while getting away from the crazy madness of people inside the restaurant. Granted it was hot during the summer months but during the other 9 months of the year it was a quiet little oasis of getting away from the hustle and bustle of the park.
Well, I got to find a new spot I guess.
Well, I got to find a new spot I guess.
Foolish Mortal
Well-Known Member
I'm all for this ! Not a fan of eating outside, even if it's perfect conditions. Especially when wild life these days will attempt to steal food without fear.
Boooooooooooooo!!!!!I love sitting outside on the patio instead of inside where it's loud and noisy.
I have a BETTER solution - demolish Stitch and extend inside seating to THAT area. Just a thought.
That and replace Cosmic Rays altogether. I hate the separate bays for different foods and what a chaos bin. Could be better food too. And no, Sonny Eclipse is not entertaining, just loud.
WDWFan_Boston
Well-Known Member
How about this: open Tomorrowland Terrace 365 days a year?
donsullivan
Premium Member
I really like that outdoor seating area as a chance to catch some fresh air in a slightly quieter location than inside. With rare exception, the heat really wasn't an issue for me- but I live here so I'm pretty much used to it. The sounds of the waterfall and maybe a castle show in the background made for a nice relaxing place for lunch.
JenniferS
When you're the leader, you don't have to follow.
Me neither.Thanks!
Shows my wife is right, I'm the most unobservant person ever. I've been going to the MK for my entire life, since the 70s, and never even knew that Ray's had outdoor seating there.
I haven't eaten there in the past 4 sans-kids trips, but when we did, we used to eat inside to listen to Sonny.
We've since graduated to CHH, and doubt we'll ever go back to the mad house that is Cosmic Rays.
Tigger1988
Well-Known Member
Catching fresh air isn't an issue for me during a MK visit. Getting out of the sun is. This is a great move!
FrankLapidus
Well-Known Member
I used to like sitting outside, not only was there a nice view but it allowed me to eat my cheeseburger and chili-cheese fries in relative quiet without the incessant sound of metal chairs being dragged along the floor that is so annoying when the inside of the restaurant is crowded.