Highway in the Sky Dine Around with Wishes viewing area

[aviva5675]

kind of shocked you got such a fast and personal response! Would like to be comped for the double appetizer, double entree, lesser desserts, and no alcohol at all.

 

[AngiTN]

kind of shocked you got such a fast and personal response! Would like to be comped for the double appetizer, double entree, lesser desserts, and no alcohol at all.

Did you not know when you booked that you wouldn't be drinking? They never comp because someone books something they know has alcohol included just because that person doesn't drink.

I don't think people with allergy issues normally ask for compensation when their meal has to be adjusted either. It just goes along with their trying their darndest to meet the needs of everyone. I think it's a bit too far to ask for compensation, no?

Though of course it doesn't hurt but honestly not sure I'd feel right to do so.

 

[jpeden]

Did you ask or did she mention, about a change in desserts offered?

She stated the amount of food was the same which leads me to believe the desserts were left alone, but I didn't ask. I was more concerned about the removal of a course. Although, I do. Eli eve they're going to start using the tea room for an upcharge event - why else would it not be available at night? Unless it's to be renovated?

 

[jpeden]

kind of shocked you got such a fast and personal response! Would like to be comped for the double appetizer, double entree, lesser desserts, and no alcohol at all.

I copied George Kalogridis on the email to guest relations. That, in my experience always makes sure you receive a fast response. Apparently he reads all of his emails personally and then has a team that handles them for him. Not sure how much of that is true, but it's what I've been told.

 

[jpeden]

Will they offer everyone the comp but only does that complain

The comp I was offered was not in relation to this event, so I don't expect it to be offered to everyone.

 

[HopperFan]

So, I received a call from Guest Relations this morning. The lady informed me that the change was made due to the fact that the enchanted tea room is no longer available to be used for this event. She didn't say why it wasn't going to be used anymore. but that they were taking feedback and considering what changes to be made. She did offer a very nice comp to make up for the change, so that was nice.

Will they offer everyone the comp but only does that complain

Well - let the complaints start rolling in. Let them figure out if they want to hand out comps, reduce the price or find a new lovely spot to bring back course 4 and bring back a couple desserts.

I totally get if you go from a couple nights to what 4-5 nights a week that the room would be difficult to set aside since I'm sure it's used for private parties ................ but they could come up with another option. But the reason demand was high enough to increase supply was the special event that was offered. If they are going to reduce it by a course, hand me a plastic cup of champagne to go, and reduce the desserts turning a nice mini dessert party .... then they have watered down the event that they put out there that created the demand. I'm not cancelling yet, but I might if it stays this way, but unless this is reversed I for sure don't see me repeating it like I had planned for future trips and not sure I would tell others to book.

I'm thinking this is the route to go!

My DS9 and I did our DIY-Highway in the Sky on December 19 and, since you were all so encouraging, I wanted to report back that it was a BLAST!!! We got into Trader Sam's right at 4 pm and had "cocktails" and apps. Then on to the Grand Floridian for a treat from the gingerbread house (which we saved as I knew we would still be eating a lot!). Off to the California Grill for a 5:50 pm ADR where we got to see both Jingle BAM AND Frozen Holiday Wish from the observation deck. Then, MK! We attempted a quick ride on BTMRR (I was able to snag a FP+ earlier in the day), but got rained out. Luckily, the weather cleared and it was on to the Wishes Dessert Party with Plaza viewing. We were stuffed, but still managed to eat some desserts and had the most amazing view of Wishes - the best we've ever had! All in all, believe it or not with ALL that we did, cost was about $20 less than if we had done the actual Highway in the Sky Dine Around event, but that is probably due to the fact that I didn't have any alcohol at any of the venues. We will definitely do this again. I am so glad we opted to do this instead of the actual event, and so happy the event inspired our DIY evening! It's definitely something we will never forget Thank you all, again, for your words of encouragement!

 

[jpeden]

Well - let the complaints start rolling in. Let them figure out if they want to hand out comps, reduce the price or find a new lovely spot to bring back course 4 and bring back a couple desserts.

I totally get if you go from a couple nights to what 4-5 nights a week that the room would be difficult to set aside since I'm sure it's used for private parties ................ but they could come up with another option. But the reason demand was high enough to increase supply was the special event that was offered. If they are going to reduce it by a course, hand me a plastic cup of champagne to go, and reduce the desserts turning a nice mini dessert party .... then they have watered down the event that they put out there that created the demand. I'm not cancelling yet, but I might if it stays this way, but unless this is reversed I for sure don't see me repeating it like I had planned for future trips and not sure I would tell others to book.

I'm thinking this is the route to go!

I was told it would not be reversed.

 

[Mutant]

Thank you so much, aviva5675 - I agree, it's be really surprising that there haven't been more reviews. I guess that's due to the very small number of people that get to experience this event: 25 per day, and until recently only 2 or 3 nights a week.

FWIW, I'll be going on January 27, and I plan on live-blogging on Instagram. I'll make sure to post my info on here the day before!

Mikat - I'll be at this on 1/27 too! I was planning to give an update here after we are home. FWIW this change isn't a deal killer for me. We're looking forward to the experience & I realize the first few runs of these are fine tuning.

 

[HopperFan]

I was told it would not be reversed.

Then first and foremost they need to change the website because it is no longer a 5 course meal.

Well, I will wait for future reviews ...... but if it appears to stay the same, I am leaning towards cancelling and letting them know why.

Just sad because I feel like they put out something really special, got people booking and selling it out, adding more dates .... and then let's eliminate 20% of the event and possibly pull back on the last stop - yet charging the same amount. And the course they pulled is likely the most intimate and interactive. Oh well, I hate to say but I'm not surprised.

 

[jpeden]

Then first and foremost they need to change the website because it is no longer a 5 course meal.

Well, I will wait for future reviews ...... but if it appears to stay the same, I am leaning towards cancelling and letting them know why.

Just sad because I feel like they put out something really special, got people booking and selling it out, adding more dates .... and then let's eliminate 20% of the event and possibly pull back on the last stop - yet charging the same amount. And the course they pulled is likely the most intimate and interactive. Oh well, I hate to say but I'm not surprised.

I don't want to sound like I'm defending Disney, because I think the way they've done this is wrong, but part of me does wonder if this was also logistical. I feel like the first few groups were rushing to get back to the Contemporary in time for the fireworks. It might make logistical sense to change this to four courses, and provide the cheese and champagne on the deck in a more relaxed setting. I would be okay if they moved to that to be honest.

 

[HopperFan]

I don't want to sound like I'm defending Disney, because I think the way they've done this is wrong, but part of me does wonder if this was also logistical. I feel like the first few groups were rushing to get back to the Contemporary in time for the fireworks. It might make logistical sense to change this to four courses, and provide the cheese and champagne on the deck in a more relaxed setting. I would be okay if they moved to that to be honest.

I'm the first to say everything at Disney is read the fine print "subject to change" but in this case they eliminated 20% or more of the event. And the one part that was intimate, interactive and made it more than someone plopping food/drink in front of you. If it's logistics, skip the check in at the Wave. Let's just meet at the Polynesian.

Personally, I don't want champagne and cheese with desserts and cordials. It does not appeal palate wise. It doesn't even make sense dining wise.

And again, the website is blatantly wrong.

 

[recmouse]

I don't want to sound like I'm defending Disney, because I think the way they've done this is wrong, but part of me does wonder if this was also logistical. I feel like the first few groups were rushing to get back to the Contemporary in time for the fireworks. It might make logistical sense to change this to four courses, and provide the cheese and champagne on the deck in a more relaxed setting. I would be okay if they moved to that to be honest.

I thought the same thing about rushing back to see Wishes but then you know what... start earlier!

 

[recmouse]

I copied George Kalogridis on the email to guest relations. That, in my experience always makes sure you receive a fast response. Apparently he reads all of his emails personally and then has a team that handles them for him. Not sure how much of that is true, but it's what I've been told.

Wow... I sent my email Friday and still no response. Sorry as I guess I should know this but who is George Kalogridis?

 

[recmouse]

I'm the first to say everything at Disney is read the fine print "subject to change" but in this case they eliminated 20% or more of the event. And the one part that was intimate, interactive and made it more than someone plopping food/drink in front of you. If it's logistics, skip the check in at the Wave. Let's just meet at the Polynesian.

Personally, I don't want champagne and cheese with desserts and cordials. It does not appeal palate wise. It doesn't even make sense dining wise.

And again, the website is blatantly wrong.

Even if they change the website now, when I signed up for it AND PAID for it, it was for 5 courses.

 

[jpeden]

Wow... I sent my email Friday and still no response. Sorry as I guess I should know this but who is George Kalogridis?

He's the President of the Walt Disney World Resort. His email is readily accessible via google.

 

[jpeden]

I'm the first to say everything at Disney is read the fine print "subject to change" but in this case they eliminated 20% or more of the event. And the one part that was intimate, interactive and made it more than someone plopping food/drink in front of you. If it's logistics, skip the check in at the Wave. Let's just meet at the Polynesian.

Personally, I don't want champagne and cheese with desserts and cordials. It does not appeal palate wise. It doesn't even make sense dining wise.

And again, the website is blatantly wrong.

I agree 100%. I was more or less just thinking out loud. Maybe the could move the champagne and cheese to a lounge at the Contemporary and have it there which would help speed it up. Unfortunately, I do feel like it was just them cheapening out, nothing else.

 

[HopperFan]

Note: I said I think in my original post, or one thereafter, that the cheeses were Tillamook, Brie and the cheddar. I said the cheddar was chunks. So there are 3 cheeses, one was served as pieces, while the other two were little slices.

My review was my two cents only and to describe my experience. Not meant to be inflamatory or defamatory. Only informatory and explanatory. I am also surprised that there haven't been any/more reviews of the dinner on this thread.

Just curious did you still get the gift box with truffle(s) at the end? Just trying to recalculate value.

 

[aviva5675]

yes

 

[HopperFan]

So this was my first estimate based on the original first hand reports:

$25 Valet
$8.50 Soup WAVE
$10 Drink WAVE one full pour
$20 2 Appetizers TRADER SAM
$11 Mai Tai TRADER SAM without keeping mug full pour
$46 Short Rib / Scallop CITRICOS
$10 Wine Pairing, 1 full glass or 2 half glasses, white and red
$18 Cheese Platter GF
$20 per glass Champagne GF , refills available, priced for 2
$50 SMALL dessert party with alcohol and fireworks view ($80 for MK one)
Cordial refills available but I'll just leave the price
$10 Gift box of Truffles to go
$0 3 Cast Members, plus resort CMs and special attention

So it's at $228 plus tip and tax ($280)
Even if you don't use Valet still good.
If you don't drink that drops you to around $160 plus tip and tax ($196)


Based on recent reports I am amending:

$0 New website mentions nothing about Valet being included
$8.50 Soup WAVE (maybe, reports are it is very small)
$10 Drink WAVE one full pour
$18 Appetizers TRADER SAM (reports these are small so reduced slightly the value)
$11 Mai Tai TRADER SAM without keeping mug full pour
$46 Short Rib / Scallop CITRICOS
$10 Wine Pairing, 1 full glass or 2 half glasses, white and red
$0 Cheese Platter GF
$8 per glass Champagne GF , refills available, priced for 2 (now just one on the go)
$20 SMALL dessert party with fireworks view ($80 for MK one) (reduced to 2 F&W sized desserts, cheese chunks)
Cordials and Coffee in above
$8 Gift box of Truffles to go (once saw inside probably overpriced so reduced)
$0 3 Cast Members, plus resort CMs and special attention

$139 plus tip and tax ($199)
Now that is much closer to the actual cost, and at this point you look at alcohol if you don't drink.
Eliminates an entire course where CMs talked about cheese and pairings in a private room (only private room of event). I get no monetary value but certainly brought considerable experience value, at least for us.

I have talked to DS about everything that was there when we booked and what the experience appears to be now, and he agreed with me that he would rather just cancel it and create our own evening "event" .......... honestly what $ I will get back will pay for a Universal AP for me (he is buying his own) so we may just turn the entire weekend into a Universal trip.

We are already doing a private event at Universal. Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade fully open only for those at event. Unlimited non-alcohol drinks including Butterbeer, ice cream (Florean's) and buffet dinner. (cash bar) Lots of the HP entertainers and more not announced yet. Last year they had private viewing for the night projection show, a DJ and also opened Mummy and Transformers. 3 AWESOME hours. Only about 1000 people. ALL for $134 so ............... and that is marked up from UO since event sponsored by another company.

I will post here before I cancel in case anyone wants to pick it up, March 11.

 

[AngiTN]

She stated the amount of food was the same which leads me to believe the desserts were left alone, but I didn't ask. I was more concerned about the removal of a course. Although, I do. Eli eve they're going to start using the tea room for an upcharge event - why else would it not be available at night? Unless it's to be renovated?

That's possible. They just finished other areas at GF. Maybe they are moving to that area next?