News New Caribbean Beach Resort table service restaurant announced - Sebastian's Bistro

[21stamps]

@tirian , I couldn’t quote you correctly.. but I couldn’t agree more with what you said!

Nope. Ironically I love Sebastian. You really suggested I'm not aware of Sebastian? That's priceless! LMAO. I know Mermaid inside and out. I loved that movie as a kid. I need no refreshing

But this is not necessary. I'm glad everyone can suddenly recognize the restaurant now that it's called Sebastian's. Why can't any of you take off the glasses? I'm not a snorter nor a hater. I call it how I see it.

What makes it better beacuse they put Sebastian on it? No one seems to be able to give me a logical reason why it's "better". @Tony the Tigger ? I'm honestly asking, not being snarky, I want to know why this is a better change. They could have updated the decor without the name change. For me this shouldn't even be an issue but I resent the idea that characters make things better.

Remember all those Magic Kingdom rides WITHOUT characters you love?

Why can't we have both? But hey, how about we theme Big Thunder to Woody and pals? Who cares they already have a land in another park, it's CHARACTERS! Yay! That's what I see this as. Even though I *shouldn't* be bothered by this. I mean, I think nods are actually cute when done right. I'm tired of Disney overly doing it.

Both of you should know I try to be a little more positive than this but I think it's stupid. I'm not trying to convince anyone to think my way but I genuinely want to know how this is "more Disney" to any of you and how this makes it better? I want real answers because I'm trying to understand it.

I just don't understand the blind defense. And that's what it is.

It's interesting to me that a few posters run to the defense. It's not necessary. Just have a discussion with me.

I’m not blindly defending.. I just think it make sense to throw a nod to Disney’s famous Caribbean Crab in their Caribbean Resort.

I didn’t understand how people aren’t seeing the link there. It’s not out of the blue.. Sebastian is completely in theme.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Why can't we have both?

Both of you should know I try to be a little more positive than this but I think it's stupid. I'm not trying to convince anyone to think my way but I genuinely want to know how this is "more Disney" to any of you and how this makes it better? I want real answers because I'm trying to understand it.

I just don't understand the blind defense. And that's what it is.

We can and do have both, and it’s not blind defense.

I appreciate things with characters or not. I just refuse to accept that anything with them is “less than” when you’re at WDW.

I would argue many people expect to see more characters - because they’re at Disney World.

And in this case, it’s really inconsequential. So I don’t much care either way, but it’s not wrong just because Sebastian is involved.

 

[Kman101]

We can and do have both, and it’s not blind defense.

I appreciate things with characters or not. I just refuse to accept that anything with them is “less than” when you’re at WDW.

I would argue many people expect to see more characters - because they’re at Disney World.

And in this case, it’s really inconsequential. So I don’t much care either way, but it’s not wrong just because Sebastian is involved.

Ok. I appreciate your take. Thanks.

But I do think you have some rose colored glasses on. That's OK. WDW is people's happy place. It's ultimately mine too, but I still have my eyes open.

But you haven't answered me, really. Why is it "better" with characters? You don't think it's less than, that's fine, but why is it better? Is the answer simply "I just like characters more"? Which would be more than enough of an answer.

 

[21stamps]

Ok. I appreciate your take. Thanks.

But I do think you have some rose colored glasses on. That's OK. WDW is people's happy place. It's ultimately mine too, but I still have my eyes open.

But you haven't answered me, really. Why is it "better" with characters? You don't think it's less than, that's fine, but why is it better?

I’m not Tony, but I’ll give my answer.. it’s an appropriate nod.. Disney has so many characters ranging across all types of themes.. Sebastian is from Jamaica, right? Why not use his name, it’s Disney World after all.

 

[Kman101]

@tirian , I couldn’t quote you correctly.. but I couldn’t agree more with what you said!



I’m not blindly defending.. I just think it make sense to throw a nod to Disney’s famous Caribbean Crab in their Caribbean Resort.

I didn’t understand how people aren’t seeing the link there. It’s not out of the blue.. Sebastian is completely in theme.

It is in theme.

I just don't see why characters have to be attached to everything, that's all. I totally understand a set amount of guests think things like big statues of Buzz and Woody "are Disney", I'm not begrudging that even if that's what this seems to be painted as.

Like I said, it works just fine, I shouldn't care about this, but I'm annoyed over the idea that everything needs a character tie in. I feel like I'm talking in tongues or something! lol.

So those that like characters, you'd be just fine if they bought Casper the Friendly Ghost and turned Haunted Mansion into a ride featuring him? Or say putting Woody and Jessie and Bullseye in Thunder Mountain? I mean, characters are fun, so why not? LOL. That's how I see the character infusion as.

And remember, I'm one of the people who suggest Inside Out, BH6, WALL-E, etc. for Future World. I'm not against characters at all when used right (and again, this should have been a non starter for me but it just really irritated me; it's tough to be annoyed about something and few share that). Like you guys "don't get" the problem I have, I don't get why something is "better" because they slap Sebastian's name on it.

Just trying to get some understanding, not trying to knock anyone for how they see the parks. I'd never do that.

 

[Kman101]

Absolutely not...Shutters lacked any sort of theming as well... It just was.

Absolutely. But it could have received a fantastic update and still be called the same thing. But people don't "recognize" Shutters. They recognize "Sebastian's" and that's the crux of this change. It's marketing and brand recognition. I wish more people saw this. Sure it's *really* not a big deal, it just speaks to me about their character mandate.

 

[21stamps]

It is in theme.

I just don't see why characters have to be attached to everything, that's all. I totally understand a set amount of guests think things like big statues of Buzz and Woody "are Disney", I'm not begrudging that even if that's what this seems to be painted as.

Like I said, it works just fine, I shouldn't care about this, but I'm annoyed over the idea that everything needs a character tie in. I feel like I'm talking in tongues or something! lol.

So those that like characters, you'd be just fine if they bought Casper the Friendly Ghost and turned Haunted Mansion into a ride featuring him? Or say putting Woody and Jessie and Bullseye in Thunder Mountain? I mean, characters are fun, so why not? LOL. That's how I see the character infusion as.

And remember, I'm one of the people who suggest Inside Out, BH6, WALL-E, etc. for Future World. I'm not against characters at all when used right (and again, this should have been a non starter for me but it just really irritated me; it's tough to be annoyed about something and few share that). Like you guys "don't get" the problem I have, I don't get why something is "better" because they slap Sebastian's name on it.

Just trying to get some understanding, not trying to knock anyone for how they see the parks. I'd never do that.

I don’t see the exact problem other than just having a problem because it’s a character? I don’t know, I read all of these posts saying that it’s not in theme or “why would they use Sebastian?!” .. and I just wondered if people forgot who he was- a Jamaican crab.

I’d have a problem if the restaurant was decorated in LM theme.. but it just looks like a subtle name.. nothing more, nothing less.

 

[Kman101]

I don’t see the exact problem other than just having a problem because it’s a character? I don’t know, I read all of these posts saying that it’s not in theme or “why would the use Sebastian?!” .. and I just wondered if people forgot who he was- a Jamaican crab.

I’d have a problem if the restaurant was decorated in LM theme.. but it just looks like a subtle name.. nothing more, nothing less.

Sebastian absolutely fits.

But why do they *need* to use him? That's all I'm pointing out and trying to ask. It's not "anti-character", for me at least. I love characters. I just don't need Woody's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

The problem I have isn't with using a character at a restaraunt (it's not that simple and I sound crazy arguing against this when I'm just trying to argue against the real problem: Disney management). The crux of my problem is Disney believing they "need" to do this.

But I feel we've all probably wasted a lot of time on this silliness

I just wanted some perspective from those who defend their decisions to explain why it makes it better. You've made the point it's a fitting change, in theme, and I can't disagree, I don't disagree.

Serious, and hopefully last question: Does it being called Sebastian's make you want to go there more than it being called Shutters? I have to think that's part of the reason for the change: people recognize Sebastian. They're more likely to go there than they would have gone to Shutters. The change is likely for more than just slapping on a character. They likely believe it will increase foot traffic there. I can't fault them for that, but they used to trust in themselves that they could deliver a fantastic experience, characters or not, that people would want to come to. Now they think they "need" characters everywhere. I wish this made more sense to you and others

 

[LSLS]

Why?

I do subtle hints of Disney at my house. But you’re at WDW.

A few reasons. First, because it doesn't really fit the theme. This isn't an overly-cartoon resort (ala Pop). 21Stamps I think isn't understanding what the theme issue is. It's not that Sebastian isn't Caribbean, it's that nothing about this resort has to do with cartoon characters, so this looks out of place. They aren't a part of any of the playgrounds/pools from what I can see, but we are randomly throwing one on a sit down dining place? That is why I think the name. Take his picture out and I would really like the name.

Second, it looks to me like this is going more upscale, and a cartoon crab for a place like that seems very out of place to me.

Last thing, to go back to the movie, it seems strange to me that they are front and centering the crab who sang a song decrying humans eating seafood.

At the end of the day, what is really going to matter is 1.)Food quality and 2.)Price. Those are far and away the two biggest reasons that the moderate resorts always have empty table service restaurants. I highly douby cartoon crab will keep people away or that it will bring people in.

 

[21stamps]

Sebastian absolutely fits.

But why do they *need* to use him? That's all I'm pointing out and trying to ask. It's not "anti-character", for me at least. I love characters. I just don't need Woody's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

The problem I have isn't with using a character at a restaraunt (it's not that simple and I sound crazy arguing against this when I'm just trying to argue against the real problem: Disney management). The crux of my problem is Disney believing they "need" to do this.

But I feel we've all probably wasted a lot of time on this silliness

I just wanted some perspective from those who defend their decisions to explain why it makes it better. You've made the point it's a fitting change, in theme, and I can't disagree, I don't disagree.

Serious, and hopefully last question: Does it being called Sebastian's make you want to go there more than it being called Shutters? I have to think that's part of the reason for the change: people recognize Sebastian. They're more likely to go there than they would have gone to Shutters. The change is likely for more than just slapping on a character. They likely believe it will increase foot traffic there. I can't fault them for that, but they used to trust in themselves that they could deliver a fantastic experience, characters or not, that people would want to come to. Now they think they "need" characters everywhere. I wish this made more sense to you and others

No, it doesn’t make we want to visit it more with a character name. I just think, even if it wasn’t a Disney character, that “Sebastian's Cafe” has a better ring than “Shutters”.


The most “offensive” restaurant in Disney (in my opinion) is Citricos. The decor makes me lose my appetite, I can’t eat there. I don’t care what the name is.. they need to change the interior!

 

[Kman101]

No, it doesn’t make we want to visit it more with a character name. I just think, even if it wasn’t a Disney character, that “Sebastian's Cafe” has a better ring than “Shutters”.

I really don't hate the idea itself, ultimately. I know I'm probably looking like a loon. But I appreciate the answers, it was what I was looking for I do think they probably assume more people will want to go there, I can't really fault that theory. I get it, from their perspective. I think it seems like a nice upgrade. I like the name Shutters, but I understand it not being appealing to everyone.

I just hate the reliance on characters because they don't think what they have to offer is appealing enough. That was ultimately what it was about. The name change here is actually fitting and makes sense. I just eyeroll at the idea that we're all too stupid to recognize and enjoy something because it doesn't have a character attached, that's all. Thanks for humoring me lol

 

[21stamps]

A few reasons. First, because it doesn't really fit the theme. This isn't an overly-cartoon resort (ala Pop). 21Stamps I think isn't understanding what the theme issue is. It's not that Sebastian isn't Caribbean, it's that nothing about this resort has to do with cartoon characters, so this looks out of place. They aren't a part of any of the playgrounds/pools from what I can see, but we are randomly throwing one on a sit down dining place? That is why I think the name. Take his picture out and I would really like the name.

Second, it looks to me like this is going more upscale, and a cartoon crab for a place like that seems very out of place to me.

Last thing, to go back to the movie, it seems strange to me that they are front and centering the crab who sang a song decrying humans eating seafood.

At the end of the day, what is really going to matter is 1.)Food quality and 2.)Price. Those are far and away the two biggest reasons that the moderate resorts always have empty table service restaurants. I highly douby cartoon crab will keep people away or that it will bring people in.

Honest question though,

How is the photo of the crab any more “cartoonish” than these-

 

[LSLS]

Honest question though,

How is the photo of the crab any more “cartoonish” than these-

View attachment 304449View attachment 304450

Neither one has a face for one. But honestly, if the restaurant was getting more of a beach bar type theme with sandwiches/nachos/etc., I'd get it to an extent. The interior looks nothing like what those interiors look like.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Ok. I appreciate your take. Thanks.

But I do think you have some rose colored glasses on. That's OK. WDW is people's happy place. It's ultimately mine too, but I still have my eyes open.

But you haven't answered me, really. Why is it "better" with characters? You don't think it's less than, that's fine, but why is it better? Is the answer simply "I just like characters more"? Which would be more than enough of an answer.

Not rose colored glasses, just not glasses with cracked lenses.

It’s not necessarily “better” with characters, but it is reasonable to expect them. It shouldn’t be jarring or offensive.

Did Disney actively decide not to use characters because they somehow detract? Or did he just not have that many recognizable properties in the mid-1900’s?

He wanted a pirate ride and a haunted mansion for his theme park. Cool. He took an attraction first used at the World’s Fair. I’m guessing that was a very pragmatic decision.

Do you think if he had made a pirate movie on the level of Snow White back then that he wouldn’t have used those characters on his pirate ride? Would he have decided not to use them on purpose out of some kind of artistic (supposed) integrity?

Why does a well known cartoon crab have less merit than a picture of a conch shell that you could see anywhere?

What’s the backstory of this restaurant?

 

[Missing20K]

What’s the backstory of this restaurant?

"What is a backstory?" -Disney exec

 

[21stamps]

Neither one has a face for one. But honestly, if the restaurant was getting more of a beach bar type theme with sandwiches/nachos/etc., I'd get it to an extent. The interior looks nothing like what those interiors look like.

I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think an interior needs to be a “beach bar” feel just because it has a “Caribbean” exterior. Most restaurants don’t, even in the Caribbean.

As far as menu, I’m definitely expecting prices and items similar to a Landshark.. which are in line with all other Disney resort TS restaurants.. some items may be priced a little more or a little less, but comparable.

 

[SteamboatJoe]

Did Disney actively decide not to use characters because they somehow detract? Or did he just not have that many recognizable properties in the mid-1900’s?

This is probably the only reason I am willing to accept the expansion of IPs in the parks to a certain degree but it still needs to be done with integrity. Sebastian serving seafood does not meet this criteria in my personal opinion. Calling it Louis's Les Poissons or something like that would've brought in the desired IP, stayed true to story, and would've been comical.

 

[peter11435]

Calling it Louis's Les Poissobs or something like that would've brought in the desired IP, stayed true to story, and would've been comical.

But would have been far worse thematically since he has no connection to the Caribbean.

 

[SteamboatJoe]

But would have been far worse thematically since he has no connection to the Caribbean.

You could tie in Sebastian via Louis and there is plenty of French influence in the Caribbean. LM isn't really set in the Caribbean anyway so the only thematic tie in is the accent of the voice actor.

 

[21stamps]

You could tie in Sebastian via Louis and there is plenty of French influence in the Caribbean. LM isn't really set in the Caribbean anyway so the only thematic tie in is the accent of the voice actor.

No, Sebastian himself is from Jamaica (an Island in the Caribbean).. sings calypso music (originated in Trinidad and Tobago, played throughout the Caribbean countries)..

Disney doesn’t have to stretch here, both of those things exist in the Caribbean.