The Spirited Back Nine ...

[GoofGoof]

What does that have to do with Disney keeping Diamond Horeshoe, Tortuga Tavern, and Tomorrowland Terrace closed for most of the year? Not to mention Adventureland Veranda always being closed.

I think he was kidding...at least I hope he was

 

[lazyboy97o]

It's most likely due to more people becoming health conscience and turning to fresh fruit and vegetables for their sustenance. "Kitchen Kabaret" and "Food Rocks" at EPCOT played a big roll in helping to educate the guests.

I don't know about how things are wherever you may be from, but in Florida menus are not fixed by law.

 

[GrandRoyale]

And Disney has abandoned And highly underutilized dining capacity.

Ok, not gonna argue with you on that. But that wasn't the point of the post you quoted. The whole point of what I said was to point out that Universal's convenience isn't some brilliant strategy by them that makes Disney look bad, it's the result of a much different visitor demographic and much less crowds. I have no idea what that has to do with Disney's seasonal restaurant closures...

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

What does that have to do with Disney keeping Diamond Horeshoe, Tortuga Tavern, and Tomorrowland Terrace closed for most of the year? Not to mention Adventureland Veranda always being closed.

ETA: An honorable mention goes to the Odyssey at Epcot as well.

Mike, he's a troll, recently evicted from Maelstrom no doubt

 

[lazyboy97o]

Ok, not gonna argue with you on that. But that wasn't the point of the post you quoted. The whole point of what I said was to point out that Universal's convenience isn't some brilliant strategy by them that makes Disney look bad, it's the result of a much different visitor demographic and much less crowds. I have no idea what that has to do with Disney's seasonal restaurant closures...

It is a strategy, building and operating sufficient capacity.

 

[AEfx]

What does that have to do with Disney keeping Diamond Horeshoe, Tortuga Tavern, and Tomorrowland Terrace closed for most of the year? Not to mention Adventureland Veranda always being closed.

Exactly - that's why when folks say that MK is in need of added dining options, I think more accurately they really just need to take advantage of the ones they already have.

One of the biggest surprises about visiting Disneyland for the first time years ago was the massive difference in food service. Of course, Disneyland is simply more "packed" than MK in general (it took a bit to get used to attraction entrances being right next to each other in some cases, as we are used to wider spacing - in the end, I found it quite charming though), but besides that it simply felt like there were more places to eat in general (and it's mostly not ADR required), there was a much greater variety within the restaurants they have. I had a great cafeteria-style full breakfast in Adventureland*, for example - I don't think you can get much else at MK aside from pastries unless you book a character meal.

Because of all the vast differences between the two coasts and their resorts, I'm sure there are many factors as to why - but what I took away from it was that Disney is definitely capable of a more diverse selection, they simply don't do so at WDW.


*Though, side note, the biggest dining surprise for me was the Denny's across the street from Disneyland. It's as close a walk to the park entrance as the Florida parks are to their bus stops. The place was massive, I've never seen such friendly efficient service at any chain restaurant, let alone a Denny's, and the food was almost ridiculously fresh and well-cooked. I'd be willing to bet it's the among the busiest Denny's in the country, the place is run slicker than anything I have ever seen from a chain. We ate there three mornings - it was great, because they offer a full menu all day.

 

[ford91exploder]

Ok, not gonna argue with you on that. But that wasn't the point of the post you quoted. The whole point of what I said was to point out that Universal's convenience isn't some brilliant strategy by them that makes Disney look bad, it's the result of a much different visitor demographic and much less crowds. I have no idea what that has to do with Disney's seasonal restaurant closures...

Availability IS a strategy the restaurant I went to that night was FULL and they kept filling tables, Not like Disney where they turn you away when the restaurant is half or less full because they are 'optimizing' staffing.

As a comparison it's not hard for Uni to make Disney look bad at least with respect to dining, especially QS where customers are reduced to eating on the trash cans because there is no space in the venue.

 

[Mike S]

Exactly - that's why when folks say that MK is in need of added dining options, I think more accurately they really just need to take advantage of the ones they already have.

One of the biggest surprises about visiting Disneyland for the first time years ago was the massive difference in food service. Of course, Disneyland is simply more "packed" than MK in general (it took a bit to get used to attraction entrances being right next to each other in some cases, as we are used to wider spacing - in the end, I found it quite charming though), but besides that it simply felt like there were more places to eat in general (and it's mostly not ADR required), there was a much greater variety within the restaurants they have. I had a great cafeteria-style full breakfast in Adventureland*, for example - I don't think you can get much else at MK aside from pastries unless you book a character meal.

Because of all the vast differences between the two coasts and their resorts, I'm sure there are many factors as to why - but what I took away from it was that Disney is definitely capable of a more diverse selection, they simply don't do so at WDW.


*Though, side note, the biggest dining surprise for me was the Denny's across the street from Disneyland. It's as close a walk to the park entrance as the Florida parks are to their bus stops. The place was massive, I've never seen such friendly efficient service at any chain restaurant, let alone a Denny's, and the food was almost ridiculously fresh and well-cooked. I'd be willing to bet it's the among the busiest Denny's in the country, the place is run slicker than anything I have ever seen from a chain. We ate there three mornings - it was great, because they offer a full menu all day.

Looks like I found a good place to eat when I'm staying near Disneyland. Sometimes Denny's just hits the spot

 

[GoofGoof]

Exactly - that's why when folks say that MK is in need of added dining options, I think more accurately they really just need to take advantage of the ones they already have.

One of the biggest surprises about visiting Disneyland for the first time years ago was the massive difference in food service. Of course, Disneyland is simply more "packed" than MK in general (it took a bit to get used to attraction entrances being right next to each other in some cases, as we are used to wider spacing - in the end, I found it quite charming though), but besides that it simply felt like there were more places to eat in general (and it's mostly not ADR required), there was a much greater variety within the restaurants they have. I had a great cafeteria-style full breakfast in Adventureland*, for example - I don't think you can get much else at MK aside from pastries unless you book a character meal.

Because of all the vast differences between the two coasts and their resorts, I'm sure there are many factors as to why - but what I took away from it was that Disney is definitely capable of a more diverse selection, they simply don't do so at WDW.


*Though, side note, the biggest dining surprise for me was the Denny's across the street from Disneyland. It's as close a walk to the park entrance as the Florida parks are to their bus stops. The place was massive, I've never seen such friendly efficient service at any chain restaurant, let alone a Denny's, and the food was almost ridiculously fresh and well-cooked. I'd be willing to bet it's the among the busiest Denny's in the country, the place is run slicker than anything I have ever seen from a chain. We ate there three mornings - it was great, because they offer a full menu all day.

Amazing...I've never heard the words, efficient, friendly, fresh and Denny's in the same sentence. That's something I may need to check out.

 

[Phil12]

What does that have to do with Disney keeping Diamond Horeshoe, Tortuga Tavern, and Tomorrowland Terrace closed for most of the year? Not to mention Adventureland Veranda always being closed.

ETA: An honorable mention goes to the Odyssey at Epcot as well.

Because, as McDonald's is now finding out, too many items on the menu is a bad thing. At WDW they discovered that too many restaurants is also a bad thing. The idea is to maximize profits while offering a reasonably healthy menu. I specifically chose Mickey D's for this comparison because that's a good comparable for the general quality of food offered at WDW. Mickey D's has realized that four different versions of the Quarter Pounder is too many. Now, you're going to have just one Quarter Pounder.

WDW had way too many restaurants that were selling nothing more than variations of the same menu items so they closed those redundant eateries. I think folks have realized that when you have giant turkey legs, churros and fresh fruit available at the carts, the restaurants are not needed for an epicurean experience. Sitting down while eating is over rated.

Some people complain about the long wait in the standby queues but if you buy some cart food and eat it in the queue you're killing two birds with one stone and maximizing your time in the parks.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Because, as McDonald's is now finding out, too many items on the menu is a bad thing. At WDW they discovered that too many restaurants is also a bad thing. The idea is to maximize profits while offering a reasonably healthy menu. I specifically chose Mickey D's for this comparison because that's a good comparable for the general quality of food offered at WDW. Mickey D's has realized that four different versions of the Quarter Pounder is too many. Now, you're going to have just one Quarter Pounder.

WDW had way too many restaurants that were selling nothing more than variations of the same menu items so they closed those redundant eateries. I think folks have realized that when you have giant turkey legs, churros and fresh fruit available at the carts, the restaurants are not needed for an epicurean experience. Sitting down while eating is over rated.

Some people complain about the long wait in the standby queues but if you buy some cart food and eat it in the queue you're killing two birds with one stone and maximizing you time in the parks.

At least you come up with some interesting ways to be contrarian.

 

[Kman101]

Yeah, that's not why restaurants are closed. TDO is cheap. Period. It's not doom and glooming on Disney, it's just true.

 

[GoofGoof]

Because, as McDonald's is now finding out, too many items on the menu is a bad thing. At WDW they discovered that too many restaurants is also a bad thing. The idea is to maximize profits while offering a reasonably healthy menu. I specifically chose Mickey D's for this comparison because that's a good comparable for the general quality of food offered at WDW. Mickey D's has realized that four different versions of the Quarter Pounder is too many. Now, you're going to have just one Quarter Pounder.

WDW had way too many restaurants that were selling nothing more than variations of the same menu items so they closed those redundant eateries. I think folks have realized that when you have giant turkey legs, churros and fresh fruit available at the carts, the restaurants are not needed for an epicurean experience. Sitting down while eating is over rated.

Some people complain about the long wait in the standby queues but if you buy some cart food and eat it in the queue you're killing two birds with one stone and maximizing you time in the parks.

Wow, sorry, I really thought you were just making a joke.

I don't think healthy has anything to do with it. WDW quick service food menus have all become more generic with the popularity of DDP. Can't have a unique item that costs a little more in one location or online fan sites will be directing everyone there to "maximize" the value of DDP by eating there. Meals have to cost around $10 at every location. The menus have gotten smaller and the food has gotten worse. They do offer healthy options for kids now as part of a healthy eating campaign, but I don't think that has anything to do with seasonal closures at counter service locations.

Not having specific locations open seasonally has more to do with cutting operating costs. Rather than having 2 restaurants half full you close one and just have 1 open but full. The problem is that crowds are hard to forecast and even if you nail a forecast of how many people are going to show up on a given day it's more difficult to figure out what time they will eat. The seasonal counter service places are usually closed during times when free DDP is offered. A larger portion of guests are eating at table service restaurants since it's free than would be if they were paying the bill at the end of the meal.

I think the point the other person was making is that Disney's restaurants get more crowded because of seasonal closures. This is definitely true, but only 1 contributing factor to why it's much easier to get a meal spur of the moment at Universal.

 

[Goofyernmost]

Amazing...I've never heard the words, efficient, friendly, fresh and Denny's in the same sentence. That's something I may need to check out.

The last time I was there was in 2005, but, that is what I found as well. I ate all my meals there with the exception of noon time. That I got from the QS places in Disneyland itself. It was great service, back then, and the food was really good and reasonably priced.

 

[Phil12]

Yeah, that's not why restaurants are closed. TDO is cheap. Period. It's not doom and glooming on Disney, it's just true.

There is no accounting for taste. I've heard people rave about restaurants that I think are awful and I have very much liked other restaurants that other people absolutely dislike. So I tend to agree with you. What you call them being cheap is to them optimization of service.

My own experience over the years at WDW has been that if I find an establishment I really like, I know from experience to enjoy it while I can because I know it will be gone shortly or the menu will be drastically changed. I know never to go to any restaurant at WDW with the expectation that the food will be as good as it was the last time I visited.

Food tastes are funny. I often hear people that drive to WDW say they can't wait to get down south so they can eat at Waffle House. It's kind of like the way people in the east used to crave Coors Beer when it was only available west of the Mississippi river. There's nothing special about In-N-Out Burgers either but some people think very highly of them.

So I think it really all boils down to expectations more than actual food quality or taste. I think of myself as a food optimist. I don't expect much and I'm pleased with most anything I get.

 

[Phil12]

Wow, sorry, I really thought you were just making a joke.

I don't think healthy has anything to do with it. WDW quick service food menus have all become more generic with the popularity of DDP. Can't have a unique item that costs a little more in one location or online fan sites will be directing everyone there to "maximize" the value of DDP by eating there. Meals have to cost around $10 at every location. The menus have gotten smaller and the food has gotten worse. They do offer healthy options for kids now as part of a healthy eating campaign, but I don't think that has anything to do with seasonal closures at counter service locations.

Not having specific locations open seasonally has more to do with cutting operating costs. Rather than having 2 restaurants half full you close one and just have 1 open but full. The problem is that crowds are hard to forecast and even if you nail a forecast of how many people are going to show up on a given day it's more difficult to figure out what time they will eat. The seasonal counter service places are usually closed during times when free DDP is offered. A larger portion of guests are eating at table service restaurants since it's free than would be if they were paying the bill at the end of the meal.

I think the point the other person was making is that Disney's restaurants get more crowded because of seasonal closures. This is definitely true, but only 1 contributing factor to why it's much easier to get a meal spur of the moment at Universal.

I agree with you. I especially think you're absolutely correct about the way the DDP fundamentally changed the menus at WDW. I have seen first hand how people on the DDP feel the need to eat their full amounts so as to get the best value. It's no wonder to me why so many guests use ECV's.

My family and I have always been in the healthy habit of eating about three to six small meals a day as dictated by exercise and appetite. I'm amazed to see some people sit down and eat a platter of bacon, eggs, waffles, toast, coffee and orange juice for breakfast. They then follow it with a huge lunch and a bigger dinner and a snack before bedtime. I fully understand that WDW has to tailor their menus to the average guest family.

Another thing about WDW is the water. It's important to stay well hydrated at WDW and I have no problem with drinking the water from the water fountains. Yet others revile at the mere thought of drinking from the fountains and instead get ice water from the restaurants or bottled water from the cart vendors. I've even heard of people that bring flavor packs to the parks so they can mix it with their water for a more pleasing taste. For me, the water fountains work just fine.

 

[PhotoDave219]

I agree with you. I especially think you're absolutely correct about the way the DDP fundamentally changed the menus at WDW. I have seen first hand how people on the DDP feel the need to eat their full amounts so as to get the best value. It's no wonder to me why so many guests use ECV's.

My family and I have always been in the healthy habit of eating about three to six small meals a day as dictated by exercise and appetite. I'm amazed to see some people sit down and eat a platter of bacon, eggs, waffles, toast, coffee and orange juice for breakfast. They then follow it with a huge lunch and a bigger dinner and a snack before bedtime. I fully understand that WDW has to tailor their menus to the average guest family.

Another thing about WDW is the water. It's important to stay well hydrated at WDW and I have no problem with drinking the water from the water fountains. Yet others revile at the mere thought of drinking from the fountains and instead get ice water from the restaurants or bottled water from the cart vendors. I've even heard of people that bring flavor packs to the parks so they can mix it with their water for a more pleasing taste. For me, the water fountains work just fine.

Uhhhhhh that water tastes nasty. I will pay 2.50 a bottle all day.

 

[GoofGoof]

There is no accounting for taste. I've heard people rave about restaurants that I think are awful and I have very much liked other restaurants that other people absolutely dislike. So I tend to agree with you. What you call them being cheap is to them optimization of service.

My own experience over the years at WDW has been that if I find an establishment I really like, I know from experience to enjoy it while I can because I know it will be gone shortly or the menu will be drastically changed. I know never to go to any restaurant at WDW with the expectation that the food will be as good as it was the last time I visited.

Food tastes are funny. I often hear people that drive to WDW say they can't wait to get down south so they can eat at Waffle House. It's kind of like the way people in the east used to crave Coors Beer when it was only available west of the Mississippi river. There's nothing special about In-N-Out Burgers either but some people think very highly of them.

So I think it really all boils down to expectations more than actual food quality or taste. I think of myself as a food optimist. I don't expect much and I'm pleased with most anything I get.

I never got the love for Waffle House, but you lost me at In-N-Out Burger. I drool like Homer Simpson just thinking about it

I agree with you. I especially think you're absolutely correct about the way the DDP fundamentally changed the menus at WDW. I have seen first hand how people on the DDP feel the need to eat their full amounts so as to get the best value. It's no wonder to me why so many guests use ECV's.

My family and I have always been in the healthy habit of eating about three to six small meals a day as dictated by exercise and appetite. I'm amazed to see some people sit down and eat a platter of bacon, eggs, waffles, toast, coffee and orange juice for breakfast. They then follow it with a huge lunch and a bigger dinner and a snack before bedtime. I fully understand that WDW has to tailor their menus to the average guest family.

Another thing about WDW is the water. It's important to stay well hydrated at WDW and I have no problem with drinking the water from the water fountains. Yet others revile at the mere thought of drinking from the fountains and instead get ice water from the restaurants or bottled water from the cart vendors. I've even heard of people that bring flavor packs to the parks so they can mix it with their water for a more pleasing taste. For me, the water fountains work just fine.

We had the DDP once. It was too much food. Way too much and I'm a big eater (especially on vacation). I can't imagine doing the deluxe version. I prefer the multiple small meals approach, but when on vacation those small meals may very well be Mickey Ice Cream Bars or French Fries. When I was younger I could eat until my gut was gonna bust then run a half marathon, but now if I eat a huge meal I have a hard time following that up with several miles sprinting around a theme park (especially in the heat).

I'm with Dave on the water fountain thing. I'll pay for the bottle. I am going to miss the stroller days. I know it es people off, but we would use that thing like a shopping cart. I would buy a few cases of bottled water from Garden Grocer and bring 2 per person to the parks for the day. They fit easily in the storage bin under my double stroller. If you can't beat em, join em.

 

[ford91exploder]

I never got the love for Waffle House, but you lost me at In-N-Out Burger. I drool like Homer Simpson just thinking about it


We had the DDP once. It was too much food. Way too much and I'm a big eater (especially on vacation). I can't imagine doing the deluxe version. I prefer the multiple small meals approach, but when on vacation those small meals may very well be Mickey Ice Cream Bars or French Fries. When I was younger I could eat until my gut was gonna bust then run a half marathon, but now if I eat a huge meal I have a hard time following that up with several miles sprinting around a theme park (especially in the heat).

I'm with Dave on the water fountain thing. I'll pay for the bottle. I am going to miss the stroller days. I know it ****es people off, but we would use that thing like a shopping cart. I would buy a few cases of bottled water from Garden Grocer and bring 2 per person to the parks for the day. They fit easily in the storage bin under my double stroller. If you can't beat em, join em.

For summer we usually figure 4-6 bottles of water per person/day. Freeze most and put them in a small day pack we all carry

 

[Mike S]

I don't mind the water from the fountains much. Heck, last time I brought a bottle with me and filled it up from them when needed.