New Enhancements, Dining Options Coming to Disney’s BoardWalk

[FigmentFan82]

while the overall theming of the establishment could have better fit the boardwalk, i do think espn was a good fit to fill a certain demographic. but the overall reality is that those types of entertainment themed restaurants like planet hollywood aren't the draw they used to be, so it makes sense that its gone away

 

[Ayla]

you laugh, but I experienced the same thing... It was a wrong fit for the resort...And truthfully I do not want to see franchise chains inside the bubble... Disney Springs has gone that route...but the resorts should not have an ESPN Sports Bar or an Applebees... the offerings should be unique and special...especially when I am paying $400 a night to stay in the Disney bubble....

You're kidding, right?

 

[Bocabear]

Totally not kidding. When I am at a deluxe resort, no I do not want a McDonalds or Miller Ale House as part of the property dining options. I am sure no one at the Four Seasons wants a Chilis in their lobby either...

 

[James Alucobond]

Totally not kidding. When I am at a deluxe resort, no I do not want a McDonalds or Miller Ale House as part of the property dining options. I am sure no one at the Four Seasons wants a Chilis in their lobby either...

Watch out for Victoria and Chick-fil-Albert's.

 

[Touchdown]

Totally not kidding. When I am at a deluxe resort, no I do not want a McDonalds or Miller Ale House as part of the property dining options. I am sure no one at the Four Seasons wants a Chilis in their lobby either...

I wouldn’t complain if a Ruth Chris, Wolfgang Puck, or Hells Kitchen was there though (they are all chains.) If a chain is suitable for the hotel it’s ok.

Imagine if the Pop cafeteria was a McDonalds/Burger King/Chick Fil A/Dairy Queen/Pizza Hut/Panda Express/Dunkin/Starbucks where you could mix and match sides and dishes as it was all just one register. It would be a massive hit, and would certainly be on theme and appropriate scale. Heck land a regional brand to replace one of the above (Culver’s/In&Out) and it would be a sensation.

 

[Bocabear]

I wouldn’t complain if a Ruth Chris, Wolfgang Puck, or Hells Kitchen was there though (they are all chains.) If a chain is suitable for the hotel it’s ok.

Imagine if the Pop cafeteria was a McDonalds/Burger King/Chick Fil A/Dairy Wueen/Pizza Hut/Panda Express/Dunkin/Starbucks where you could mix and match sides and dishes as it was all just one register. It would be a massive hit, and would certainly be on theme and appropriate scale. Heck land a regional brand to replace one of the above (Culver’s/In&Out) and it would be a sensation.

Ok, if I am staying at a value resort and they had Culvers, it would be an upgrade...lol
but I don't think a McDonalds or Pizza Hut would belong at any of the Deluxe resorts... I never thought that the ESPN Zone was a good match for The Boardwalk... And when you are spending a bundle to be in the bubble, doesn't everyone want things you can't get at home? Better quality offerings than the usual?

 

[larryz]

I heard about a cast member accidentally backing up into a meat slicer. He got a little behind in his work.

His female colleague later did the same thing.

Disaster.

 

[SteveAZee]

His female colleague later did the same thing.

Disaster.

Reminds me of the cow that tried jumping over the picket fence... utter disaster.

 

[Aurorafan]

Reminds me of the cow that tried jumping over the picket fence... utter disaster.

udder disaster indeed

 

[WDWTrojan]

I like that people think this is going to be some kind of high-end deli akin to something in NYC and not just pre-made sandwiches in a display case.

 

[castlecake2.0]

People are acting like Disney has never operated a restaurant that requires staff to handle a knife. They use a meat slicer everyday in my location, along with proper training and cut resistant gloves.

 

[dreday3]

People are acting like Disney has never operated a restaurant that requires staff to handle a knife. They use a meat slicer everyday in my location, along with proper training and cut resistant gloves.

No, I just don't think we are going to see someone slicing meat with a meat slicer behind the counter for each sandwich.

Unless they go for the full deli experience, which they may, but I'm not going to bet money on it. And if the sandwich is good, the sandwich is good and I don't care where the meat was sliced!

 

[Bocabear]

freshly sliced meat makes a difference in flavor, texture, and quality...otherwise it is subway.
If the meat was sliced daily at intervals, that would be fine but to have bags of meat sliced weeks in advance will change the quality of the finished product.

 

[dreday3]

I'm assuming sliced fresh each morning off-site, then delivered to deli/bakery. But that's only because I have no idea how large the space is.

 

[MagicHappens1971]

People are acting like Disney has never operated a restaurant that requires staff to handle a knife. They use a meat slicer everyday in my location, along with proper training and cut resistant gloves.

It’s because said people think CMs are stupid.

 

[dreday3]

It’s because said people think CMs are stupid.

I don't see that anyone said anything close to that.

You guys are very dramatic.

 

[JoeCamel]

No, I just don't think we are going to see someone slicing meat with a meat slicer behind the counter for each sandwich.

Unless they go for the full deli experience, which they may, but I'm not going to bet money on it. And if the sandwich is good, the sandwich is good and I don't care where the meat was sliced!

Even if the sandwich is mediocre. Looking at you Earl

eta: IMO the reason Earl is popular is it is the "cheap" place to get something to eat. I gave it two shots and would much rather be at Publix

 

[DisneyDebRob]

Even if the sandwich is mediocre. Looking at you Earl

This. It makes me laugh that some think Earl’s is the best place ever for sandwiches. Good quick bite? Sure. It fills the need in a area with no sandwiches but to say its great food is pushing it.
As for espn going, i will miss it. I loved going to Epcot on Sunday.. having a relaxing fun day and ending up at Espn for the Sunday night football game. Gave me a bit of time to sit back and relax and if i was lucky, catch my team playing. I get people saying that is was noisy and loud.. maybe even didn’t fit into the boardwalk area but i think we can say that about numerous attractions and restaurants throughout Disney anymore. At keast replace it with something original. Another bakery? That makes how many..about 10-15 throughout Disney? Not including the kiosks with sweets? Now i have no reason to go to the boardwalk.

 

[plutofan15]

I'm so sorry you had to endure that absolute horror.

I join you. Goodbye ESPN! Never went inside. Never wanted to. Last time I stayed at the BoardWalk, I was having an amazing final Disney day at Epcot. It was a Sunday in the fall. We walked back to the room, still full of Disney giddiness to wait for our Magical Express and walked past ESPN to the sounds of drunken fans screaming at TV screens, some were outside as well. Disney bubble popped! Not the final memory I wanted from that trip. If that makes you happy, more power to you, but it’s the wrong spot for such a place.

Shocking. Sports fans drinking beer and cheering for their teams. The horror of actually hearing people cheer and, God forbid, some people having the nerve to be outside. I have encountered many more drunken guests in Epcot than in or around Club ESPN in all the years I have been visiting. Watching some guy puke in the bushes in the Germany pavilion and a woman not being able to walk without stumbling while she is yelling at security, talk about your so called popped bubble.

 

[plutofan15]

Totally not kidding. When I am at a deluxe resort, no I do not want a McDonalds or Miller Ale House as part of the property dining options. I am sure no one at the Four Seasons wants a Chilis in their lobby either...

At least now you won't have your delicate sensitivities offended by the common man enjoying his sporting event as you saunter back to your deluxe accommodations with your nose held snootily up in the air. Lighten up. Aside from Super Bowl Sunday when extra tables and TV screens are setup on the boardwalk, I have never heard a bit of noise coming from Club ESPN aside from the speakers outside which were barely audible. Besides. boardwalks have always had businesses which were not considered high end establishments. If anything, Disney's boardwalk is a highly sanitized version of the 40s boardwalk. I know, I know you are paying $400/night for a deluxe hotel and think you should not have to walk past such a place full of riff raff. But there are plenty of others who do enjoy having the option of grabbing a burger and beer while being able to watch their favorite team. As you can see by this photo of Coney Island of long ago, places which serve beer have been around on boardwalks for a long time. Seems to fit the theme to me.