Originally Posted By dlkozy >>>"I think this "change" in the food choices at Disneyland has to do with the increasing problem with obesity in the United States."<<< Oh please. RB is now serving sandwiches instead of stew-and you think this "change" to sandwiches has to do with obesity? LOL! And davewasbaloo your statement >>"Then we will have to wait for a local who can come anytime eats their desert only (because they snuck in some..."<<<--Poor you because you might have to wait because someone else might like to enjoy the atmosphere of BB too-because YOU saved up for this trip? Why do you think that you are THE only person who saves up to go to DL? And if Disney is beginning to loose it's shine for you-stop going!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>The biggest problem with needing PS for the better restaurants is my kids don't always eat on a schedule - it's easier as they get older - but I remember when they were younger - when they get hungry they want to eat otherwise every one is unhappy. Maybe if they offered more real food options instead of more quick service, everyone could eat better food.<<< Exactly my point. Riverbelle Terrace offered something fairly decent that didn't require reservations, which is great with excited kids. Now that option is gone in many respects. And fukurcz - once again you and I totally agree.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>I don't have an issue with waiting for locals to eat if they have a whole meal, it's the people that take a PS slot just for dessert that annoys me. And don't worry, if DL is a bust, it will be my last trip to the US parks, that's almost certain. But I would rather voice my opinion and hope that other do too, and maybe Disney will stop cutting back and actually start to plus again. You know, like they used to?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Folks, my point here is not about money, or how often you go, or how long you save. My point is RBT could offer hot and cold offerings - you know like they always used to. And no, I don't have a problem with change, in fact in the old days of Disneyland I always looked forward to it. But it has been a long time since Disney has made a change for the better IMHO. (well except maybe the addition of the Grand and DTD). Also gottaluvdavillains - I would love to try Yamabuki. I suppose my disappointment is there are very few quality offerings without leaving the park, and now they have taken away another. That is down right frustrating - especially when you have little ones who like real food - not chicken fingers or sandwiches. Maybe I have just lived in Europe too long. At DLP dining is a key part of the experience, same at Epcot. And in 2002, our trip to DLR was also as much about the culinary experiences.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<Then I must be riff-raff! That's funny fkurucz.>> I didn't say that everybody was riff-raff. But the change in demographics from weekends to weekdays is very noticeable. Lots of guys (and gals too) covered in tattoos, dressed in cammies, dropping F-bombs left and right. One could be forgiven for thinking that one had made a wrong turn and ended up at Six Flags by accident. Again, I'm not saying that everyone is like this on weekends. Not even the majority. But its different than than during the week.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<<--Poor you because you might have to wait because someone else might like to enjoy the atmosphere of BB too-because YOU saved up for this trip? Why do you think that you are THE only person who saves up to go to DL?>>> Methinks that DLR management wants to have its cake and eat it too. They want people to visit from out of town, to drop up to $400 a night to sleep in one of their overpriced hotels, to stay multiple days at the "resort", but then offer them what is basically a day tripper experience. You almost make it sound like DWB has an obligation to the WD Co. I've got news for you. He is a premier customer, who spends an order of magnitude more per day visited than the typical SoCal AP'er. He should expect his keister to be kissed, and if it isn't there are plenty of other fine vacation destinations who will demonstrate their appreciation for the level of customer that he is.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<Also gottaluvdavillains - I would love to try Yamabuki. I suppose my disappointment is there are very few quality offerings without leaving the park, and now they have taken away another. That is down right frustrating - especially when you have little ones who like real food - not chicken fingers or sandwiches.>> And if you do venture out to DtD to eat, expect long lines (even when they have plenty of empty tables) and slow service. I have basically given up on eating there. Its just easier to hop into the rental car and drive down Harbor Blvd.
Originally Posted By llanatoye Sounds like the two of you, DWB and fkurucz, really aren't the kind of guest that should waste your time on Disneyland. I see lots of changes, yes, but I don't view them necessarily as liabilities. Anyone, premier guest/customer or not, that walks into Disneyland expecting his keister to be kissed, is not looking to enjoy the experience. Your dollars really need to be spent somewhere other than Disneyland. At one of those other "fine destinations that will demonstrate their appreciation". You have no "obligation" to the WD Co. Give me a goth any day. Tatoos don't offend me and some of the worst language I've heard at the Park have been from over heated and frustrated moms and dads. I had promised myself that I would drop this thread because every one is entitled to his/her opinion but it just steams me when some one almost demands to be entertained and delighted to their own over- inflated level. And since you, fkurucz, seem to be stepping in as DWB's spokesperson maybe you could tell me why he's giving them just one more chance. Could it be that he just might have a good trip? Oh that could never happen, now could it? I apologize ahead of time if I have offended anyone, that wasn't my intention. I'm a nice, little old lady that happily spends time and money at Disneyland. Oh I suppose that because I don't travel thousands of miles or spend thousands of dollars on one trip you can discount my opinion; but I wish you wouldn't. You two make me sad. p.s. I have been know to wear cammies to the Park. Didn't know there were also under cover fashion police to contend with.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<I had promised myself that I would drop this thread because every one is entitled to his/her opinion but it just steams me when some one almost demands to be entertained and delighted to their own over- inflated level.>> Given how Disney over-inflates its prices, how is this unreasonable? If you pay BMW prices, you would expect BMW service and quality, wouldn't you? <<And since you, fkurucz, seem to be stepping in as DWB's spokesperson maybe you could tell me why he's giving them just one more chance.>> I think that he has been pretty clear about it: he hasn't been to DLR for many years. I expect that he will see some things that please him, and others that don't. FWIW, he said (in post #42) that he pretty much agreed with what I said. <<I have been know to wear cammies to the Park. Didn't know there were also under cover fashion police to contend with.>> I see that I hit a nerve. I hope that you aren't also one of those skinheads that I see with vulgar tattoos and mouths that can't shut off the verbal diarrhea.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<Anyone, premier guest/customer or not, that walks into Disneyland expecting his keister to be kissed, is not looking to enjoy the experience.>> Then Disney needs to make up its mind. Is DLR a local day tripper park, or is it a "Resort"? "Resort" guests pay top dollar to stay at resorts, and (rightly so) expect to be pampered. While it is some ways superior to WDW, it is my opinion that DLR remains a day tripper oriented "resort", and that this is its greatest weakness.
Originally Posted By llanatoye You didn't hit a nerve, just the opposite actually, it was just very telling that you seem to be one to judge on so many levels and of so many places and people. I know that I get what I pay for when I go to Disneyland. As I said previously, I am an older lady, 61 to be exact, no tatoos and it seems lately that the only verbal diarrhea I seem to have is after I read certain posts. I guess that this has seemed to bring out the worst in me but I truly love Disneyland, and yes probably visit and see the Park through rose colored glasses. I hope I always do, I never want to change the way I feel about being there and it will take a lot more than dining choices (or not) to make me want to stop visiting. Again, so sad for you two
Originally Posted By llanatoye Why should Disneyland have to make up it's mind? You decide what you want it to be for yourself. No one else. I guess everyone has their own interpretation of resort. As Hunter S. Thompson once said, "You buy the ticket you take the ride" No one has a gun to your head making you buy the ticket.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains SO - I guess by wearing your rose colored glasses you can just turn a blind eye to the changes that aren't necessarily for the better - instead of like some of us, keeping our eyes open and clear therefore speaking out about our dislike of some of the changes. Everyone understands Disneyland will always change and evolve - the part we don't want to see is it turn into just another park with generic food and atmosphere - We the people just want to speak out and remind the people in charge to reevaluate what they are doing and take a look back at what Walt said he wanted for these parks he put his name on lovingly - If they can look at what Walt's dreams were for his parks and then look at the parks and still see his dreams evolving - then they are succeeding - if not maybe it's time to reassess what they are doing and therefore listen to us the people who spend our money (be it daily or saving for years) to experience Walt's dream!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo llanatoye - I do understand what you mean, I used to have the same view. I hope I go to DL and have a wonderful time, that's why I am trying it again. But having seen both WDW and DLP slide dramatically over the years, I am concerned DL may be too be going down the same route. I do hope my fears are esuaged this visit. But seeing the toonisation of attractions, the dumbing down of menus, prices rising with reduction of service. Fact is, if you are a day visitor, your experience will definately vary than if you are staying on site for an extended visit. I found that in 2002, we had the best visit to DL as adults, better than our honeymoon at WDW and or our numerous trips to DLP. However, I feel I have every right to voice my disatisfaction at the current trends in the hope they will change. The reality is, I have been a lifetime fan of Disney, to an obsessive level many times, making severe sacrifices to fuel my addiction. But I am very upset at some of the decisions being made. However, some of the responses on this thread has been downright mean, and I uncalled for, simply because I do not agree that everything is right at the house of mouse. Fcurucz is right, Disney want their cake and eat it too. We know 80% of DL's visitors are locals, and that is right. But 20% of us are not local, and they appeal to us to be the high rollers of the resort. I would never pay the $1000 a night fees to stay at the DLH at DLP, but a number of Americans do - why? Because they have come a long way to experience the best Disney has to offer. Just like if our kids were a bit older, we would probably eat several meals at the Napa Rose and we have opted to stay at the Grand. something like a sandwich bar will not annoy you if you are just there for a day, but when you are there for several days, it does start to become an issue as you vye with several other long stay visitors for good dining options. again, if they offered a hot and cold menu like before, I wouldn't mind. Or if they opened a sandwich hatch on the terrace and sold hot food inside, fine. Like it or not, Disney has been dumbing things down across the world. I noticed it most at WDW - Mexian and Noodle bars were shut at the Magic Kingdom. Unless you were at Epcot or Animal Kingdom, almost all the quick service offerings were the same - pizza, burgers, hot dogs, salads. And except Epcot and a few signature restaurants, most of the table service restaurants were offering 5 items, virtually the same as the other dining establishments. When on a 2 week vacation at WDW, this is not a good situation. And then they went and stopped serving african food at the Counter Service restaurant in Animal Kingdom Lodge. For me, what I used to love about Disney, especially WDW is it could feel like you were travelling around the world while walking a few hundred yards. At DL I could be at the turn of the century, visit deepest darkest Africa, enjoy life of the Big easy or the great outdoors, take in the old frontier, step into a storybook, or enjoy the promise of the future. This was not just naming conventions, architecture, or attractions, but also shopping experiences, and dining (I remember eating astronaut ice cream at tomorrowland). I don't ever remember burgers at DL, but teriyaki steak at the Tahitian Terrace, dole whips at Adventureland, Mont Cristos and virgin Mint Juleps at the Blue Bayou, fried chicken at the Riverbelle Terrace or a churro. These are things that are a little more unique or special, tied to the theme. Sad with shopping - it used to be as much a part of the attraction. That's why I did not mind paying a premium for certain things. If you could buy turquoise jewelry in Frontierland or browse antiques in New Orleans instead of the same pins, plush, Jack Sparrow and Princess gear in every store. To me, this is a clear desolving of the magic. Sure, if you are going once or twice a year and running around to get on your fav attraction, you may not notice. But if you are a firm fan that like's to take one's time, then these things become very apparent. Upon reflection, it's not a case of familiarity breeds contempt either. These are real changes. I am open minded on these things, afterall I am really looking forward to seeing the subs again, trying DCA's ToT, enjoying Aladdin and many other new experiences. And DL has my fav versions of the Railroad, Mark Twain (though I miss the burning cabin and Big Thunder falls), Pirates of the Caribbean and 2nd fav Haunted Mansion. So I am sure we will have a great time. But if I am disatisfied about something I will say so. And as for expecting the magic to happen - that is a crock lady. I hve been to DL and seen mute autistic kids speak, terminally ill kids smile for the first time in ages, my kids giggle with glee, and I will dance with my wife and kiss in town square as per tradition. But the reality is, Disney is losing a lot of what once made it special. If it meant paying more to get it back, I would. And even the DCA makover, the only thing that really excites me there is the Carland, plus some of the placemaking of the entrance. Something has gone wrong somewhere in WDI and Team Disney.
Originally Posted By onlyme What's the deal here, giving Dave so much flack. Of course, DL's dining options have dwindled. No doubt about that. We go every couple of months, and for us, the dining experience IS part of the whole, Disney experience. But, what are my choices...chicken, chicken, chicken, and more chicken. Or, I could have a slice of pizza...no thanks. Many menues ago, I used to enjoy the steak or fish at the RB. That's long gone. Or, we loved eating at the outdoor BBQ. That's gone. And, no, the BBQ at Rancho del (whatever-it's-called) is not the same. Or, how about a burrito with tons of lettuce, and a scoop of processed meat...no thanks. I dare you to go to Cafe Orleans and order the shrimp salad. I love to watch faces of unsuspecting guests, as the waiter brings out a huge head of lettuce with just 3 giant shrimp on top....for about $15. I do enjoy eating at Cafe Orleans. But, if I was on a budget, I'd be screwed. No doubt, that if I was traveling from a different continent, I would be expecting a bit more, and quite disappointed in what I found. Sure, there are offerings at DTD, but when we head back into the park at 5p.m., after a nice nap, I don't want to leave the park to eat. I just want to stay at DL and enjoy a dinner. But, it's getting more difficult.
Originally Posted By onlyme Oh, and the BB. Please...the ridiculous prices for mediocre food. I don't think so. We used to go once per year, and for me, it was all about the atmosphere, not the food. But, after having a couple of bad prime rib dinners...no thanks. But, it's still got the best atmosphere in the park. It's just not worth it to me.
Originally Posted By onlyme >>I truly love Disneyland, and yes probably visit and see the Park through rose colored glasses. I hope I always do, I never want to change the way I feel about being there and it will take a lot more than dining choices (or not) to make me want to stop visiting.<< For sure, the lack of dining options will not stop me from visiting and loving the park, but I'm just a 4-hour drive away. Dave, on the other hand, travels thousands of miles, and spends thousands of dollars each visit. Something I wouldn't do. So, I can certainly understand his point of view.
Originally Posted By fkurucz << it was just very telling that you seem to be one to judge on so many levels and of so many places and people.>> Sorry, but when I visit the "Happiest Place on Earth" I don't expect to be submitted to a barrage of vulgarity. If that makes me "judgemental" then so be it.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<Why should Disneyland have to make up it's mind? >> Because its a business, and as a business it needs to know who it intends its customers to be. Based on most of its decisions, the management appears to be content with it being a local, day tripper park. But at times they pretend that its a "resort". They should make up their collective minds.
