Are we seeing the beginning of the end of Disney owned and operated full service restaurants? Almost everything in Epcot, DAK and Boardwalk as well as al of DTD is third party. Personally, not a fan of most of the third party places. I hope this is not a trend for the future.
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Third Party Restaurants
- Thread starter tampabrad
- Start date
They will never go away completely but I see the vast majority of new restaurants in WDW being third party. Personally, I do not mind it so much as the flavors at the Disney restaurants tend to be a bit similar across the board.
The third party places might not always be better but they do provide a change from the Disney way of things.
The third party places might not always be better but they do provide a change from the Disney way of things.
Pioneer Hall
Well-Known Member
I think it has been this way for a while, and people just haven't noticed. Ownership in World Showcase has been steady for quite some time, as has Downtown Disney. There are 4 table service restaurants at the Boardwalk and 1 of them is truly 3rd party. Disney owns the ESPN name even if the restaurant is operated by a different division and Cat Cora has an interest but not ownership in Kouzinna. I think that Disney will open their own restaurants in situations that make sense for them (as they did with Sanaa not that long ago). Personally, I don't mind 3rd party restaurants at Disney if they don't go too chain crazy which I don't think they have. They have been pretty good about the occasional Planet Hollywood and Rainforest. While Disney might now own La Hacienda de San Angel, I bet that nearly everyone eating there would think that it is a Disney restaurant. If it is done well, then I don't see a problem.
mickeysshoes
Well-Known Member
I have to agree with both Richard and Evan. 3rd party is a nice change in options and taste from everything Disney and as long as we dont see a FGIFridays or Chili's it is all good. We dont go to Disney to eat what we can get at home.
xdan0920
Think for yourselfer
This brings up an interesting question I think.
Historically what percentage of on property restaurants have been 3rd party?
As Evan said, most people would never know Hacienda was not Disney owned, and I am sure that is the case for most guests, and most 3rd party restaurants currently operating on property. And without the internet shrinking the world, and offering up this kind of information, how many of us would even be aware of these 3rd party affiliations?
So, it stands to reason, maybe a large number of restaurants have always been 3rd property, and we just did not know.
So, Martin?, any answers on this subject? Has WDW always had a large percentage of 3rd party restaurants?
Historically what percentage of on property restaurants have been 3rd party?
As Evan said, most people would never know Hacienda was not Disney owned, and I am sure that is the case for most guests, and most 3rd party restaurants currently operating on property. And without the internet shrinking the world, and offering up this kind of information, how many of us would even be aware of these 3rd party affiliations?
So, it stands to reason, maybe a large number of restaurants have always been 3rd property, and we just did not know.
So, Martin?, any answers on this subject? Has WDW always had a large percentage of 3rd party restaurants?
Pioneer Hall
Well-Known Member
I can't say anything for sure, but I believe that most of World Showcase was always third party and as DTD expanded it was third party as well. Other than that, the most expansion in restaurants has been at resorts which Disney owns the majority of (outside of Coronado).
Pioneer Hall
Well-Known Member
Pretty sure most of them do.
WDWLOYAL1971
Active Member
It's always been this way. Disney operates with alot of sponsorships for a certain period of time, but they follow Disney's guidelines. When M.K Openned, Tony's was Oscar Mayer and before Nestle it was Borden just two examples. It doesn't bother me at all.
Pioneer Hall
Well-Known Member
Sponsorships are a bit different than 3rd party operation. A sponsorship just has the company pay a certain amount for advertising, and in restaurants using a certain product. Third party operation involves a completely separate company coming in and controlling that restaurant. They hire their own people, supplies, etc and then pay a fee to Disney for being there.
dreamfinder
Well-Known Member
I think its the trend as long as outsourcing continues to be popular. Because in all honesty, that's what it is. As with any outsource, some are better than the in house service, and some are worse. Disney sees it as a way to continue to offer some amount of variety, with a much smaller amount of risk. Disney gets a cut of their profits, rent, what not, with minimal if any risk. As long as the contract ensures that certain standards are met with regards to service, appearance what not, Disney loses nothing.
As PPs have mentioned, I'll take it so long as it helps to ensure variety in the parks. Most of the CS are run by Disney and look how homogenized the menu has become. If you have good food, that isn't the same as every other location on property, I don't mind too much who runs it.
As PPs have mentioned, I'll take it so long as it helps to ensure variety in the parks. Most of the CS are run by Disney and look how homogenized the menu has become. If you have good food, that isn't the same as every other location on property, I don't mind too much who runs it.
PRNCSAurora
Active Member
Other than the World Showcase and DTD, does anyone know what restaurants in the park are run by a third party?
I guess I am one of those people who never realized Disney didn't run the restaurants.
I guess I am one of those people who never realized Disney didn't run the restaurants.
Yack and Yeti at AK is the first one that comes to mind.
Zummi Gummi
Pioneering the Universe Within!
The vast majority of the third party restaurants DO accept the DDP, however.
Pioneer Hall
Well-Known Member
Also, everything at Coronado Springs is operated by the same company that runs the Mexican locations at Epcot.
worldfanatic
Well-Known Member
Disney will never get completely out of the restaurant business.
There's simply too much money to be made with dining ideas that other companies can't (or won't) follow.
A mix of Disney owned and 3rd party restaurants should remain at WDW for years to come.
As others stated....A Good thing!
There's simply too much money to be made with dining ideas that other companies can't (or won't) follow.
A mix of Disney owned and 3rd party restaurants should remain at WDW for years to come.
As others stated....A Good thing!