....but I can't say for certain. What I can say, is: "wow, Disney sure is getting expensive and the food just isn't the same".
Just got home from our most recent trip. In fact, the car is still loaded but this was bothering me so much, I had to post about it and this seemed like the most relevant place.
I stayed at the Boardwalk Concierge. I give it two ratings. First, the staff was phenomenal! The room was fabulous and the hotel in general, was outstanding! On those points, I would say there is no decline in the "magic". If any of the Boardwalk Concierge Staff reads this, allow me to say: "you people do an awesome job!". The staff alone, probably allows me to say, the added cost, along with the quality of room and view/location, made the cost well worth it! It had to be however, as the "food" served there, frankly, was anything but, memorable! I expected a big spread of delicacies but was disappointed to see, a budget grade offering of inexpensive and not so tasty finger food. Which included, goldfish crackers and gummie bears. The wine however, was decent and well stocked.
Hats off to the staff however, they did the best with what they had and they are not responsible for the offerings of the day!
As I wasn't able to get my fill from the Concierge, I relied on other restaurants. We did the Lu'au, as we often do. Still in my opinion, the "best value at Disney World". It never disappoints and the baked chicken, is the "best chicken I've ever eaten". Unfortunately, that is the only food experience this trip that was positive!
We walked to Epcot and I felt like Mexican. I was shocked, to see the price of a taco at the counter service (yes, the "counter service outside") was......: $11.95!!!! I was floored! I have to admit, I didn't actually "see" the taco. It may have been a biggie! And it may have had all sorts of "stuff" on it! But I've never known any amount of "stuff" to be worth almost $12.00!
I also had fish and chips at England. Bland, greasy and overpriced.
We also stopped by Captain Cook's at the Polynesian where I ordered a: $9.00+ cheeseburger and dried out fries. The burger had no seasoning, no juice and was possibly one of the worst burgers I've ever eaten, for sure, at least at Disney. I wouldn't feed it to my dog it was that bad!
We ate other places as well, with varying degrees of quality. China counter service is getting more and more pricey, the portions are getting smaller and frankly, the food tastes no better than what you get out of a box!
I know prices are going up. With our current people in charge in government, that appears to be a trend that will continue for years. I understand Disney needs to make a profit and I have no qualms with them charging what is required to stay afloat and solvent.
But, when I am paying "top dollar", I DEMAND the quality that I am paying for and will accept no less. Disney to me, is a paradox. They put on a great show, maybe the "best" show. It is a place of fantasy that meets so many expectations. Yet, in some areas, they are failing and failing miserably (IMO).
This last trip, has me so disappointed. It's not just the $12.00 taco....., it's the fact that the $12.00 taco isn't worth the tortilla it's made upon.
I hope that somewhere along the way, that those with the influence to make change, realize that Disney Quality should never be an oxymoron. As it is now, in regards to overall food, sadly it is.
