Originally Posted By Sport Goofy << If you pay BMW prices, you would expect BMW service and quality, wouldn't you? >> Well, if you were smart, you would probably buy a Toyota and get better service and quality than any BMW offers for the price.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<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.>> BTW, its not just me. We had a family reunion at DLR 2 years ago and EVERYONE noticed the difference between weekend and weekday demographics. Some family members used to live in SoCal and were totally taken by surprise. All were extremely disappointed with the crudeness and vulgarity that they experienced on the weekend. Some had not been to DL in 15 years and commented that it wasn't the DL that they remembered. We are also aware that this won't change, and that the weekend crowds simply reflect the overall demographics of SoCal. We are realistic and will continue to avoid the weekends if and when we go again.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<Well, if you were smart, you would probably buy a Toyota and get better service and quality than any BMW offers for the price.>> It depends on how you gauge "quality". I learned the hard way that most Toyotas handle poorly. I once had a Corolla and felt it was a death trap, especially in winter driving conditions. It was the worst handling car I have ever owned, bar none. That is not "quality" in my book. There is more to quality than Consumer Reports definition of or "quality" (and no, I don't own a BMW). In any case my point still stands.
Originally Posted By fkurucz <<Some had not been to DL in 15 years and commented that it wasn't the DL that they remembered.>> I also understand that if one lives in SoCal, then one will be used to this "culture" (or worse, be a part of it) and it won't be noticeable on weekends at DL.
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 <<< whoa, how did a WE type "discussion" end up in Disney Dining? >....I'm outta here>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Originally Posted By llanatoye Smart move, wish I had left sooner, I'll probably never post an opinion on LP again.
Originally Posted By monorailblue I won't be trying the new River Belle Terrace--to much $$$ for too little. It really is that simple. Another restaurant loss that is less frequently mentioned is the loss of Carnation Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant in about 1997. The old Carnation had a much bigger menu than the current place (which was heavy on cold sandwiches last I checked), and had a couple of dozen hand dipped ice cream configurations. There is now no indoor seating (= not open in rain), and a slimmer pate of offerings. It isn't gourmet by any standard, but it used to offer a very reasonable sit-down alternative. Now, it is over priced, too small, too blah, and, generally, just a shadow of what it once was. Somehow, after a nice redo of Plaza Inn and a good (initially) opening with Redd Rockett's, EVERYTHING food wise has gone down hill from there. Plastic plates? As one famous movie line puts it: "It's enough to make to you puke."
Originally Posted By monorailblue Oh, and DWB, this may make me sound like a crude, dumbed-down American, but Cheesecake Factory is a good bet--though I realize you're looking for on-site places to eat. CF has one of the largest menus available, and the food is generally quite well made, in my experience.
Originally Posted By dlkozy >>>"You almost make it sound like DWB has an obligation to the WD Co. I've got news for you. He is a premier customer, who spends an order of magnitude more per day visited than the typical SoCal AP'er. He should expect his keister to be kissed, and if it isn't there are plenty of other fine vacation destinations who will demonstrate their appreciation for the level of customer that he is."<<< Since you posted this right after my response-I can only guess that you were aiming at me. First off I too am a PREMIERE customer-I travel hundreds of miles to be there and when I do travel to the DLR I am bringing our whole extended family of 10 with us! I spend thousands when I am there and I do not expect anyone to "kiss my keister" because of the amount of $$$ that I spend NOR SHOULD ANYONE ELSE! And if anyone does feel that way, there is nothing that DLR could ever do to make their trip as wonderful as their mind expects!
Originally Posted By dlkozy And I would almost rather hear an occassional F bomb than the constant negativity that is spewing from some of the guests that frequent the Disney parks.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 WOW! Dave, dude, I'm impressed that you've stirred up such emotion and banter, but on the Dining Board? This place gets less action than many spirits I know ;-) FWIW, I think you will have a GREAT time at DL. While you'll notice some dumbing down, I don't feel it's anything like WDW. Merchandising is mUCH WORSE than dining. So, even though I understand where you're coming from, I think you're making a bit too much out of this based upon the general WalMarting of the parks you've seen in Florida, and to a lesser degree (give Karl and George time, they're trying) in Paris! Believe me, I hear what you're saying ... when you mentioned the removal of all the African food items at the Mara at the freaking AKL ... oh boy, that's one of my prime examples. But, seriously, DL is great. I think you'll be amazed at how much better the park just looks since '02. And while Buzz isn't anything different than what you've seen in DLP, the Nemo Subs are very nice (not great, but quality) Space Mountain is terrific. DCA is kind of in a 'in-the-middle' period between what it was and what it will be (can't you say that about anything really?) and while the crappy generic Grumpy sweatshirts and Mickey tees and Hannah Montanta CDs are everywhere, the place is still a whole lot better than some give it credit for. And dining ... well, I don't see much all that different from your last visit. Blue Bayou actually has food now that is close to being worth the crazy prices (the prime rib went from Sam's Club boil in a bag to real, high-quality yummy stuff when they redid the place). Napa Rose is still one of the best culinary experiences in SoCal, which says so much. Storytellers is wonderful and Hook's Pointe is the best-kept surprise of Disney Resort dining. Yamabuki was always terrific, but it's been two years since I've been back and I've heard they renovated the menu upward to go with the new dining room. Haven't been to Steakhouse 55 since they changed the name, but it was always very good ... and you can almost walk (sans kids) to a Morton's or a Ruth's Chris if you want something non-Disney. Catal headlines a strong group at DD, except for Rainforest Cafe. I personally love HoB, chain or not. And I had the best taco of my life at Tortilla Joe's. I will say that after 5-6 days, there really isn't much left if you don't want to go off-property. But it's Anaheim, not WDW or DLP. They can call it a resort all they want, but the fact is you can walk from the main entrance to McDonald's, Quizno's, or Mimi's faster than you can get to most resort restaurants. If you want any specific advice or opinions feel free to ask here or email me. But, seriously, DL is still GREAT ... it just is suffering from poor leadership at the top (like all the parks Disney owns) and CM turnover. Still, you will have a GREAT time!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks Monorail Blue - we fully intend on trying the populr Cheesecake Factory - we are spending a week in Nor Cal, and a week at Newport Beach before we go to DL, so we thought about trying it then. I enjoyed a slice of cheesecake and coffee at WDW Disneyquest Cheesecake factory. I am keen to try a stand alone.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>I do not expect anyone to "kiss my keister" because of the amount of $$$ that I spend NOR SHOULD ANYONE ELSE! <<< I never said I did. All I said is I felt it was a real loss for them to take a hot food location and turn it into a sandwich bar. I really do not know where the animosity came from.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thanks Spirit, I don't know what happened here. I do know I am very pleased to read your post. I am hoping that DL is better than our trip to WDW - I am sure it will be. I am so pleased to hear the Walmarting is not as bad. WDW is almost depressing due to the rate of decline. DLP is a mixed bag, and I can at least say, except for the abysmal merchandising, DLP is the best I have seen it since the early 90's, so there is still hope. I am really looking forward to seeing the Tikiroom refurb and everything else. As for food, we like to eat our main meal of the day at Lunch (I know, very European) and therefore don't really want to leave the park for it. I am sure we will have some good meals while we are there, in fact we will be making our reservations this week. It's just a real shame there are not more quality counter offerings as this is a much better choice with a 2 and 4 year old who really vary on when they want to eat (particualrly in a different time zone). Riverbelle Terrace was one I was looking forward to taking them to. FWIW - we love the Downtown Disney options, just a shame we have to leave the parks and wait so long. Oh well, as you say, they are much closer than WDW and DLP options. This is one of the many reasons why we prefer DL to WDW. I suppose I am just getting a little nervous now. Because if this trip is as disappointing as WDW, I will be really upset. The reason being is I always hailed DL as being the best of the best in the world. Glad there is still an awesome time to be had. I'm looking forward to it.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Dave, DL has in no way fallen to WDW standards, albeit not for lack of trying! They just can't get away with so many of the things they do in Florida when 70% of the guests on any given day are considered locals (Santa Barbara to the Mexican border) let alone with a savvier base of guests who live in the entertainment capital of the world. I think just walking down Main Street and seeing it not outlet mall like WDW and seeing how clean, crisp and new everything looks will remind you that you're in Walt's park. And the shopping is still better than the MK, although not better than say EPCOT.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 Oh, and how this blew up is simple ... much like another Spirit, you have a strong writing voice and strong opinions, and that can be intimidating to others. I get it all the time ;-)
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Cheers Spirit...I have been wondering lately. Ironically, my Marriott boards have similar debates on the quality issues, and the passion runs nearly as high. It just goes to show, a difference of opinion does not need to be about politics or religion to spark animosity.
Originally Posted By dlkozy >>>">>>I do not expect anyone to "kiss my keister" because of the amount of $$$ that I spend NOR SHOULD ANYONE ELSE! <<< I never said I did."<<< I never accused you of saying that. I was responding to the poster that said, and I quote... >>>" 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."<<< Yeah. No, don't think so.
Originally Posted By liveforvacations I have just finished reading this entire thread and my first thought is, what is wrong with a little criticism? We can still love Disneyland without thinking it is perfect. I am with DWB, when you go on vacation, food is definitely an important part of it as not having to cook every day is a vacation in itself. That being said, you still want good food! Especially when you are paying the prices Disneyland charges! When it comes to dining, Disneyland does not do a good job and it is not because they are incapable, IMHO it is because they are only looking at the bottom line. Profit! I can say that the new menu at Riverbelle Terrace is not appealling to my family and now there is one less place to eat in the park. I can see though how the menu choices will probably require less staff and possibly less food spoilage and therefore, more profit. Sure you can eat at Downtown Disney, which we do and enjoy, but it sure annoys me because it takes a lot of time out of my day going back and forth and waiting even if I do have a reservation. Not to be cynical, but what does Disney care? You have the people who have paid to get in for the day who are happy to line up and buy the overpriced and unappetizing food or you have the people who have paid to get in for the day who go to Downtown Disney to eat and then return to the park. Either way, Disney makes money! I am afraid DWB that no matter what we say here or even if we write to Disney to complain, nothing will change as long as Disney continues to have long line ups to buy their expensive non- appetizing food! The food at Disneyland is very disappointing and we all know that Disney could do so much better if they wanted to. IMHO, this is not cynical or negative, it is just realistic and it makes me sad for Disneyland!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Thank you liveforvacations. It is vry sad indeed, but what worries me even more is how some people go all hyper when someone dares to speak up. They actually proliferate the degredation in some ways, and that is the really sad part. I do appreciate your feedback because I have really been wondering if I am soured in some way and have even reconsidered whether I should spend so much time on these boards. But I will persevere.
