Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>I'm surprised by that TP2000 as I have never heard anyone call Napa just passable.<< You did know Al Lutz did say the same thing or have you forgotten that?
Originally Posted By TP2000 Looking at the sentence I typed again, I don't think I said that how I meant. If there had been an edit feature, I would have said... "But on the flip side it's also possible to have service that is only "passable", and it's never been as flawlessly spectacular as the service I encountered at Magellan's." I meant that in my numerous visits to Napa Rose, I remember a couple of times where the service overall just didn't seem polished enough, and instead of exceeding expectations I simply got service that was "good enough" rather than stellar. The Napa Rose CM's, while some of Anaheim's finest to be sure, have just a bit of an unpolished edge at times. The Studio at Hotel Montage down in Laguna Beach, for example, has service that is so good and so polished that I would swear they spend a few hours every afternoon practicing how they are going to do the dinner service come 7:00 o'clock. The service at Magellan's was just stellar; so kind, so gracious, so respectful, so unobtrusive, and yet always right there within a split second of needing water, rolls, butter, coffee, etc. And those Magellan's costumes? Did you see the detail and embroidery and perfectly starched ruffles? How much do you think those cost per person?!? A thousand bucks?
Originally Posted By leemac <<The Napa Rose CM's, while some of Anaheim's finest to be sure, have just a bit of an unpolished edge at times. >> I'm still surprised as the majority of Napa staff have been there since January '01 (in fact the vast majority). You really should mention it to Michael Jordan (the restaurant's general manager) if you have experience service less than exceptional. They strive to be the best in SoCal and most restaurant critics tend to agree.
Originally Posted By leemac <<You did know Al Lutz did say the same thing or have you forgotten that?>> No I didn't know that but I don't read his blogs anyhow. I take everything he says with a pinch of salt. Create a thread on here and ask LP-ers if they have ever had just a passable experience at Napa. I'd bet only a handful at best could admit to that. It isn't just the finest restaurant in the Disney universe but one of the best in the world IMO. I've eaten at few establishments that don't match Napa for ambience, service, food and wine.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Agreed. On my travels, I find the Napa Rose has some of the finest dining, ambiance and service in the world. Even better than some of the few 7 star restaurants in Dubai. It is my favorite restaurant in all the world, but I could be biased. Besides loving fine dining, I love California cuisine and wines (Native and homesick), I'm a sucker for Disney (aren't most of us here?) and I love the view of Grizzly Peak!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh, I should add I have not yet experienced TDS or the Miracosta, so I find it hard to compare. However, like LeeMac, I travel and dine extensively.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Well davewasbaloo, siince you are not connected to Disney as much as Lee is, then I will have to believe it and try it on my next visit to DLR. It's just that I take most everything Leemac says with a pinch of salt since I feel he is biased due to his internal connections and press clearance.
Originally Posted By leemac <<It's just that I take most everything Leemac says with a pinch of salt since I feel he is biased due to his internal connections and press clearance.>> Your choice. I know what I like and what I don't and I'm vocal about either.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN You mean you are vocal about it "as well". We don't do that brit speak around these parts. BTW... I must ask.. do you have like a buzzard that goes off everytime I post on LP? Seems like you post minutes after me every time I come on line.
Originally Posted By leemac ^^ If your ego wants to believe that then go ahead. The truth is that I'm working on finishing the next issue of Tales and check the boards in between tasks.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>The truth is that I'm working on finishing the next issue of Tales and check the boards in between tasks.<< Oh, in that case, I won't word play with you for now so you can carry on your duties.
Originally Posted By leemac ^^ Is some of the merch out already? I'm not that taken with the 5th logo I must admit but then it isn't dissimilar to the 1st-4th logos which were equally uninspiring. Just too nautical (I know, I know what should I expect from a theme park based on the seas). I just don't think it reflects the various events they have planned for the 5th. Why didn't it mimic Mythica or Tower of Terror? They had some of the Mythica merchandise at the 5th Welcome Cruise in Yokohama and it is kinda cute (although it doesn't truly reflect the spirit or even design of the show). The Cruise photos should be up on LP early this week.
Originally Posted By disneywatcher >> It's just that I take most everything Leemac says with a pinch of salt since I feel he is biased due to his internal connections and press clearance. << I don't know about biases related to a person's job affiliation, but I certainly do question the judgment and observations of anyone who thinks DCA is better than DisneySea.
Originally Posted By leemac I can always rely on you disneywatcher to point that out at any opportunity. Thanks.
Originally Posted By disneywatcher >> The little details at Napa Rose are often overlooked, the mens room on my last visit looked like a tornado had blown through, and the extreme grace and pride that the Magellan's CM's all displayed is lacking at Napa Rose. << Merely another example in the dumbing down of excellence associated with the DisCo's operations in Anaheim. I sometimes wonder if this erosion in pride -- or a willingness to go the extra mile -- has been exacerbated by the embarrassing nature of the park near Downtown Disney and the Grand Californian, referring to tacky, cheesy DCA?
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>^^ Is some of the merch out already?<< Not as far as I know. But I am getting an eyeful of it from the latest Disney Fan magazine here as I type, as an article is previewing a lot of the merchandise to be on sale this week at TDR. In the "HOT HOT NOW at TDR!" section, they are even showing a tee and hat for TOT with that cursed statue that's supposed to be integral to the storyline of that TOT. I can see at least 20 different items there I'd like to have. As for the Mythica stuff.. the Mickey and Minnie design on it is classic OLC animated drawings of the characters. Very refined and stylish look, even though seems like they are taking the Dramatic DisneySea approach for some of that merchandise... very feminine, and delicate in designs. That may be why you are not quite impressed with it.
Originally Posted By leemac <<In the "HOT HOT NOW at TDR!" section, they are even showing a tee and hat for TOT with that cursed statue that's supposed to be integral to the storyline of that TOT.>> The idol is integral to the Tower's storyline.
Originally Posted By leemac <<As for the Mythica stuff.. the Mickey and Minnie design on it is classic OLC animated drawings of the characters. Very refined and stylish look, even though seems like they are taking the Dramatic DisneySea approach for some of that merchandise... very feminine, and delicate in designs. That may be why you are not quite impressed with it.>> Possibly. I enjoyed Dramatic but the merchandise was more skewed to the female population than anything I have ever seen. Considering they could have played up the mythical aspect (dragons, unicorns, griffins etc.) I'm surprised by that.
Originally Posted By leemac <<The little details at Napa Rose are often overlooked, the mens room on my last visit looked like a tornado had blown through>> I had missed that. I am very surprised as the Napa is always spotless. I can't even imagine why that was the case. Again it should have been pointed out to the manager. I just don't understand people that gripe about it but aren't willing to notify management.
