Is it just me, or are the Be Our Guest menus NOT appealing at all?

[luv]

To the OP: I know what you are trying to say. I am a very picky eater as well and though I am getting more adventurous as I get older I still like to know what I am eating. If something sounds too frou-frou (even though it may not be) it will be harder for me to try it and I don't like being forced to try something If I am not ready.

I think making the menu sound so 'authentic' is scaring away potential customers. It's the same as in Epcot's France. Before I went there for the first time I feared I wouldn't be able to eat anything on the menu. But once I learned the basic food (I love my steaks) I was good to go. So to me, keep the menu but I would 'dumb down' the description just a little bit; if it is steak and fries, call it that...though I think who ever decided steak and french fries was a good combo was off their rocker....Or keep the fancy name (since this is fine dining in an enchanted castle) but give us better descriptions.

I understand what the others are saying: something different, upscale, un-quick service type food. That's great! I am so glad we have another fine dining selection. But if this is the ONLY description we get: "Thyme-scented Pork Rack Chop - with au gratin pasta, seasonal vegetables and red wine au jus," I am going to say to myself: What the heck is "Au Gratin?" and "what is Au jus?" it makes people nervous and I think basically, that is what the start of this thread is about.

Anyway, my take aside, I would not worry so much about the food. This restaurant will be like every other Disney restaurant. You go for the ambiance and the food is kind of a bonus. And they are very accommodating; the servers will help you find something, I am sure. Try it once and if you don't like it, at least you can say you gave it a shot.

Good luck!

"au" means "with.". Just like on Spanish menus when they use "con" (chille con carne - chile with meat.)

"au jus" is "with juice". They take the juice from the meat, mix it with other stuff (in this case red wine and possibly other ingredients) and serve it either poured over the meat or, much more likely at Disney, on the side.

"au gratin" is "with cheese"

When they use "scented", which is so dumb, the meat usually comes out with some kind of crumb thing on it and has the particular "scent" (herb) mixed into the crumb. Sometimes, it's just meat with herbs sprinkled on top.

They don't usually serve breaded meat au jus...in my limited experience, anyway. I used to date a chef. I should see if I could find him online, lol. OMG! He came right up! He seems to be doing vey well for himself - winning awards and all kinds of crap, which is good. He was a hell of a nice guy. And not at all snooty about food, which most chefs aren't, IME. They can talk that stuff, but they don't have to be pretentious - they are chefs, lol. He could make all that frou-frou crap...and he really was into food stuff, no doubt...but nice, laid-back...I'm emailing him, lol. Not sure if I should mention the missing hair.

Most chefs do not think people who don't speak any french or eat frou-frou food are dumb...because they know better. And though can cook all that crap, most chefs don't spend a ton of time cooking, lol. The sous chefs do that. Another thing I picked up.

This thing sounds like pork chop with thyme sprinkled on it, served au jus, Mac n cheese and some sort of vegetable (they aren't saying which...I'm guessing potatoes and carrots, although asparagus and apple stuff are popular choices). But we will have to see what, exactly, it is.

 

[luv]

Thank you - that was exactly my point earlier. A pet peeve: "with au jus sauce" = with with juice sauce. Thank god BOG didn't fall into the bad grammer hole, as so many OTHER places have . Like "pie with a la mode" .

There is only ONE thing that disappoints me about BOG - and it's really WDWs business, not mine.... Look at the COST of building BOG! And in the end? No Character Dining, No Signature Dining... just "Special and Unique". That's a pretty big investment to get a place ranked right up there with 50's Prime Time and Coral Reef .

Well, the menu seems to imply it is "red wine au jus", using "au jus" as a noun, but nobody has seemed to have a problem with that. I sure don't. I get the intent. It's just not that big a whup. But I do wish they'd have more clear explanations of what, exactly, will be on the plate.

And I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that the servers will wish it was more clear, too!!

I was sure the Beast would be out in a parlor area. I figured he couldn't work the room, being so large (and so unsure ), but I am shocked that he won't be there at all. And disappointed. Don't care much about meeting Belle, but was so looking forward to the Beast.

I seriously hope they don't trot out Prince Adam or whatever his name is. He's a dork and I don't like him.

 

[DougK]

The menus must be appealing to someone because I cannot get a reservation during our upcoming early December trip!

 

[tink65]

I thought it looked pretty good..... Unfortunately, I was not able to get an ADR for our upcoming trip! We will be checking out the lunch options though. I think they look good too. It will be nice to have something other than the usual....though we are huge fans of Columbia Harbor House and think they offer some great options that don't include burgers or pizza!

 

[ScoutN]

I think it is a fantastic Menu, will be great to see kids eating something more adventurous than a burger for a change.

This. Stuff outside of the typical Burger King menu tends to shun people off. I am all in favor of QS food being different. It does not have to be McD's style everywhere.

 

[rufio]

I seriously hope they don't trot out Prince Adam or whatever his name is. He's a dork and I don't like him.

Agreed!

 

[Weather_Lady]

I'm not sure what anybody is finding so off-putting about the menu. It's meat. And fish. And pasta. With interesting sauces. And salads. And desserts. It's diverse and there are half a dozen entrees I'd be interested in. Perhaps it's like some others said -- it's the upscale descriptions that are turning people off, rather than the food itself. If one doesn't have culinary training, doesn't often dine out or doesn't enjoy watching a lot of the Food Network line-up, it would be a bit like reading another language (and in some cases, it IS another language).

That's okay, though -- no menu can be all things to all people. If the menu doesn't sound good to you, there are lots of other options to suit your fancy, and I'd be happy to occupy your ADR for you!

 

[Weather_Lady]

...and for those decrying the menu as unexpectedly "frou-frou" and "pretentious" -- you are aware that "after all, Miss, this is France," are you not? Were the menu any less grandiloquent, we'd have to attack it as "poor theming."

(Caveat: I'm of French descent, so I think it's okay for me to say this without sounding "Frenchist.")

 

[Mukta]

I must be some foodie or just a pretentious jerk or something because I felt the menu was a bit uninspired and they were just trying to make it sound more fancy than what it is.

Me, I'll go to the Brown Derby instead and get Potato and Leek Soup, Duck Two Ways and some Créme Brulée or eat in EPCOT or something.

I'm with you. I don't like it because it seems too basic. I was hoping it would be a little more inspired.
For the price, I would like signature level food.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

It just goes to show, you can't please everybody. I think the restaurant has struck a pretty good balance. It fills a need that the Magic Kingdom has for a decent table service dinner option without characters. It's French-inspired without being so extremely "foreign" that it alienates simpler palates (which, face it, is the majority of WDW tourists). There will always be the person that complains if there are no chicken nuggets on the menu. There will always be the person that complains if there is no pâté on the menu. And with the Disney crowd, there would be the people who complained if there was pâté, but the menu didn't call it "grey stuff."

 

[lostpro9het]

Well I'll be honest, today's announcement made the menu much more appealing to me

 

[Monkee Girl]

Perhaps it's like some others said -- it's the upscale descriptions that are turning people off, rather than the food itself. If one doesn't have culinary training, doesn't often dine out or doesn't enjoy watching a lot of the Food Network line-up, it would be a bit like reading another language (and in some cases, it IS another language).

That's exactly what I was saying in my post. I am a very picky eater and I don't watch those shows and I am not going to pretend like I am some sort of food snob. I think most Disney Guests are in the same boat if not worse and will be hesitant to want to try anything. It may be simple for a lot of foodies but a normal person won't take the time to google words on the menu.

Me, I am willing to give it a shot though I will probably be sticking to the steak. I am not adventurous and don't care for the majority of the food options. The meal would be more for the experience and ambiance of the restaurant.

The cupcakes look absolutely darling though!

One question I do have is it really only the 2 dessert dishes? Cupcakes and cream puffs? That's not a problem but I thought there would be at least a few more options considering it is a French restaurant and they are known for their pastries and desserts.

Again, it all comes down to give it a shot. It won't kill anyone to try the place at least once and if you like it great, and if you don't there are lots of other options.

 

[luv]

I saw the pics. Frou-frou for certain.

The cupcakes are very cute. I hope they taste good.

 

[scottnj1966]

I'm not liking it either. I think Disney management is quickly losing touch. Yes I want to move away fast food, but this is just ridiculous. I understand the french theme but your talking about the Magic Kingdom. young kids. they are not going to eat this.
And the fact they are going against Walt's ideals and bringing alcohol into the MK is one big black mark for this management team. They should be ashamed. they finally have crossed the line. Mark my words, this is the day you can point to where Disney has lost its magic.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I'm not liking it either. I think Disney management is quickly losing touch. Yes I want to move away fast food, but this is just ridiculous. I understand the french theme but your talking about the Magic Kingdom. young kids. they are not going to eat this.
And the fact they are going against Walt's ideals and bringing alcohol into the MK is one big black mark for this management team. They should be ashamed. they finally have crossed the line. Mark my words, this is the day you can point to where Disney has lost its magic.

I disagree. This is the day (well, technically yesterday was the day) when Disney did what it took to maintain the highest possible standards of theming and immersion. Remember what Lumière said during his big musical number: "After all, Miss, this is France!" Or have people forgotten that line because they're too caught up in the hype over grey stuff?

The food looks very good for what it is - theme park food. I was hoping for more authentic French dishes, but at least the presentation appears to be elegant. If anyone here is worried about their kid's ability to enjoy grilled chicken breast or macaroni with tomato sauce, go somewhere else. There are more than enough places to get chicken nuggets or mac n' cheese, and not every 9 year old wants the same 3 options at every meal - let kids have one spot in the park where they can get something relatively light and healthy.

Also, why does everyone insist that MK is for "young kids"? If that's the case, am I a weirdo for being 20 and enjoying it? What about all of you who are way older than me? The Magic Kingdom isn't for young kids - it's for everyone. And now, it's also for adults who can responsibly enjoy a glass of wine with their Mussels Provençal.

 

[rufio]

I disagree. This is the day (well, technically yesterday was the day) when Disney did what it took to maintain the highest possible standards of theming and immersion. Remember what Lumière said during his big musical number: "After all, Miss, this is France!" Or have people forgotten that line because they're too caught up in the hype over grey stuff?

The food looks very good for what it is - theme park food. I was hoping for more authentic French dishes, but at least the presentation appears to be elegant. If anyone here is worried about their kid's ability to enjoy grilled chicken breast or macaroni with tomato sauce, go somewhere else. There are more than enough places to get chicken nuggets or mac n' cheese, and not every 9 year old wants the same 3 options at every meal - let kids have one spot in the park where they can get something relatively light and healthy.

Also, why does everyone insist that MK is for "young kids"? If that's the case, am I a weirdo for being 20 and enjoying it? What about all of you who are way older than me? The Magic Kingdom isn't for young kids - it's for everyone. And now, it's also for adults who can responsibly enjoy a glass of wine with their Mussels Provençal.

Agreed. I never travel with children and I love MK! Regardless, not every kid is stuck on the same old chicken nuggets. And the children's menu isn't really that adventurous. I'm still not sure why people are getting so bent out of shape over beer and wine at a French restaurant. To say that "this is the day you can point to where Disney has lost its magic" is a little over the top, in my opinion.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

To be honest the menu looks great and seems better than some other places that need some help. Melrose, Cinderella's to name a few.

Now is it going to taste good? Ingredients, seasoning, grade of meats, preparation, other factors, etc...

For everything on that menu, I have had outstanding versions and then very bad. Potato soup, french onion, other items etc.

I have been going to WDW since I was a child in the 80's and right up to adulthood. I have eaten many places several times and I have seen the great, good, bad, and worse...

I have eaten more ts than cs so I really can't wait until the initial visitor food reports come out, and of course, the photos.

 

[stlbobby]

I'm not liking it either. I think Disney management is quickly losing touch. Yes I want to move away fast food, but this is just ridiculous. I understand the french theme but your talking about the Magic Kingdom. young kids. they are not going to eat this.
And the fact they are going against Walt's ideals and bringing alcohol into the MK is one big black mark for this management team. They should be ashamed. they finally have crossed the line. Mark my words, this is the day you can point to where Disney has lost its magic.

Actually, Walt was all about providing an experience beyond just "young kids".

I am also confused. When WDW shutters it's doors permanently will it have been the demolition of Horizons, re-themeing of Imagination, introduction of meet and greets, ADR's, DVC, proliferation of resorts, Free Dining, the Dining Plan in general, Fastpasses, closing Pleasure Island, or using French words on a menu that was the day the "Magic" died? Because it is getting really hard to keep track.

Just because you don't like something doesn't mean it is bad, evil, or the end of WDW. There are 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, over 130 attractions, over 200 restaurants, around 30 resorts, and dozens of other activities. If you don't like something find something else to do. If there's not enough that appeals to you at WDW find somewhere else to vacation.

 

[Phonedave]

The food looks very good for what it is - theme park food. I was hoping for more authentic French dishes, but at least the presentation appears to be elegant. If anyone here is worried about their kid's ability to enjoy grilled chicken breast or macaroni with tomato sauce, go somewhere else. There are more than enough places to get chicken nuggets or mac n' cheese, and not every 9 year old wants the same 3 options at every meal - let kids have one spot in the park where they can get something relatively light and healthy.

.

Or. not every 9 year old wants to eat the same burgers, fries, chicken that is on every menu. My 13 y/o daughter has been eating food that is on this menu since she was 6 or 7. She agonizes at Chefs de France over if she should get the filet or the duck. We had dinner at California Grill one night and she ordered some vegatable raviolli dish in a cream based sauce. The waiter came over and asked if everthing was OK, and she pointed to the sauce in the bottom of the plate and asked "what is this?". He must have thought a 10 y/o did not know it was sauce and was expecting some tomato based sauce, and he said "That is the sauce, we put it on the bottom". She gave him this look like "I KNOW that" and then said "No, I mean what is in it. I am tasiting something sweet and not sure what it is". She and the waiter then had a 10 minute conversation about the fact there was pureed sweet corn in the sauce, and the pros and cons of having it in there.

I commend WDW for putting together this menu that provides at least a halfway decent dining option at the MK.

-dave

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Or. not every 9 year old wants to eat the same burgers, fries, chicken that is on every menu. My 13 y/o daughter has been eating food that is on this menu since she was 6 or 7. She agonizes at Chefs de France over if she should get the filet or the duck. We had dinner at California Grill one night and she ordered some vegatable raviolli dish in a cream based sauce. The waiter came over and asked if everthing was OK, and she pointed to the sauce inteh bottom of the plate and asked "what is this?". He must have thought at 10 y/o did not know it was sauce, and he said "That is the sauce, we put it on the bottom". She gave him this look like "I KNOW that" and then said "No, I mean what is in it. I am tasiting something sweet and not sure what it is". She and the waiter then had a 10 minute conversation about the fact there was pureed sweet corn in the sauce, and the pros and cons of having it in there.

I commend WDW for putting together this menu that provides at least a halfway decent dining option at the MK.

-dave

It sounds like your 13 y/o daughter is a burgeoning foodie, and it's nice to hear that she enjoys trying some interesting dishes on the adults menus. And for the younger crowd, perhaps BoG will be a good stepping stone for kids who are interested in expanding their food horizons (but still feel more comfortable with 'normal' fare - chicken breast and pasta with tomato sauce aren't exactly gourmet).

Even the adults menu offers plenty of safe choices, like roast chicken or grilled strip steak. As for me, I can't wait to enjoy those mussels provençal, and probably the salmon or ratatouille as my entree.