Disney Springs Discussion

[ralphoutloud]

Since when did celebrity chef equal fine dining? I suppose it does for the kind of people who automatically order whichever bottle of wine is at the most expensive end of the wine list, rather than which would actually go best with their meal.

If we're talking class, well, Cowfish doesn't do their own frozen food line, so they win there.

I do think kingcooger asked the key question: "are we judging 'fine dining' by the price or the quality?"

Don't you know expensive=quality?!

Not at all what I said. In-N-Out has amazing quality burgers, but it's not "fine dining". Celebrity chef doesn't equal fine dining either, but I know if Universal opened a Gordon Ramsay or Giada restaurant on property it would be packed every night. Don't get how you inferred I meant "expensive=quality" from that, because I've had my fair share of expensive meals that weren't good and from 'celebrity chefs' i.e. Guy Fieri's Chophouse.

Just my opinion though. Not really trying to argue it with anyone, we have differing opinions, that's fine. I just think CW would step into the next level if the next phase included some real fine dining aside from Emeril's. Doesn't have to be a celebrity outlet, but it's just something I'd like to see down the road, especially with Disney stepping up their food game outside of the parks.

 

[kingcooger]

Just because food is good quality doesn't make it 'fine-dining'. I'm talking more gourmet options, celebrity chef outlets, top notch experiences. Cowfish has great food, good enough service, and a nice experience, however would you consider it in the same tier of say a Wolfgang Puck or Gordon Ramsay establishment? That's what I'm getting at by fine dining. Doesn't have to be Michelin-starred or anything, but my family and I always have one or two "nice" dinners every vacation, and at Universal on property, there aren't many options for that. I like the plan they have, but I'd love to see more unique dining options and especially some more gourmet outlets for the next phase of Citywalk. They have the inexpensive and middle price ground covered. Would love to see some real Asian flavors or a nice steakhouse in CW, even something Mediterranean or Greek inspired would be welcome. Additionally there's not really a great Seafood place on prop unless you count Lombard's, which I've personally never tried.

I wanted to come back around to this as I did not have time yesterday to respond: now I know what you mean. You are speaking more to ambiance than price point. That did not come across to me in your first message but it definitely comes across in this post.

To be honest, I agree. I do think Universal should have at least one more restaurant on CW with great ambiance, food, and pricing but that being said, they need to wait a bit yet. All of the types of restaurants you listed would be great as far as I am concerned.

 

[IAmFloridaBorn]

Things coming along nicely.

 

[BallyNerve]

Not at all what I said. In-N-Out has amazing quality burgers, but it's not "fine dining". Celebrity chef doesn't equal fine dining either

Except you literally said that in your previous post:

Just because food is good quality doesn't make it 'fine-dining'. I'm talking more gourmet options, celebrity chef outlets, top notch experiences. Cowfish has great food, good enough service, and a nice experience, however would you consider it in the same tier of say a Wolfgang Puck or Gordon Ramsay establishment? That's what I'm getting at by fine dining.

 

[OrlandoGuy]

He said Wolfgang Puck and Gordon Ramsay have gourmet restaurants, not that just because they're celebrity chefs they offer fine dining. It's a coincidence, not a correlation.

 

[SeventyOne]

Oh, I would eat at The Boathouse, no problem. But a $40 dessert? I'd sooner die.

That $40 dessert serves 8 - 10 people (it says 4, I know first-hand that's a huge underestimate). $5 a head not bad at all for one of the best desserts I've had on property.

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WDW's and the Orlando tourist market in general isn't used to paying for high quality food?

Completely disagree with saying Orlando (tend to agree with WDW for the most part). Problem for Universal is that there are a glut of high-end restaurants blocks away in the Dr Phillips area. CW still primarily caters to people coming out of the parks, just as DTD primarily caters to WDW resort guests (with some CMs/locals mixed in). Sand Lake Road has enough $60 steaks and fresh lobster that it's hard for places associated with theme parks to compete.

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My parents were disappointed in several meals on our last trip to WDW but raved about Tchoup Chop and Vivo at UOR. Disney's Dining Plan has hurt a lot of restaurants on property.

Unfortunately for Boathouse, they just announced they will start taking DDP, as a signature. Not sure they can keep up the quality under those parameters.

But this and the lack of crowds I saw Saturday afternoon seems to bear out my prediction--there just isn't a market for four or five of these places in DTD. May not even be a market for one.

 

[UNIrd]

When you say counterparts.... you do mean "Restaurants of similar value" correct?

Just wanna make sure...

I meant compared to Disney's Mexican joint, Italian joint, etc.

I was with some Disney regulars, first time to UO in YEARS and never stayed in the resort before.. and they kept commenting on how much better the food is at Universal. Mind you, it was mostly counter service around the parks and resort and Cowfish 2x. I was like, "Yeah? I mean.. i know it's alright.." and they were like "NO, this is GOOD."

 

[Nick]

Unfortunately for Boathouse, they just announced they will start taking DDP, as a signature. Not sure they can keep up the quality under those parameters.

But this and the lack of crowds I saw Saturday afternoon seems to bear out my prediction--there just isn't a market for four or five of these places in DTD. May not even be a market for one.

According to WDWMagic, Boathouse starts taking DDP soon. Entrees for two will be 4 credits.

 

[shiekra38]

I meant compared to Disney's Mexican joint, Italian joint, etc.

I was with some Disney regulars, first time to UO in YEARS and never stayed in the resort before.. and they kept commenting on how much better the food is at Universal. Mind you, it was mostly counter service around the parks and resort and Cowfish 2x. I was like, "Yeah? I mean.. i know it's alright.." and they were like "NO, this is GOOD."

You must consider the Hotels (which have a very good selection) in with the overall 'restaurant' count at Universal...There are plenty of options at Universal for everyone..

From fine to counter service

 

[Milla4Prez66]

I went to Downtown Disney today for the first time, in a LONG time and I'm pretty intrigued to see how the final Disney Springs looks.

Btw, that new Marvel store they opened is a joke. My living room is bigger and they sell trash in there, you can find better stuff at any local comic book shop.

 

[Yabbadabba Doh]

Is the "NBA Experience" venue coming to DTD just a different version of NBA City closing at UCW or is this a new company/venture?

 

[GadgetGuru]

Oddly enough, I can't think of an Orlando shopping/dining area that is dedicated to luxury shopping for tourist. Granted, I'm not a resident. But, it seems like Mall at Millenia is more for locals and the outlets aren't very high-end. Disney Springs seems to bring the Vegas shopping scene to Orlando. It'll be interesting to see if Orlando's clientele can support that.

 

[ralphoutloud]

Oddly enough, I can't think of an Orlando shopping/dining area that is dedicated to luxury shopping for tourist. Granted, I'm not a resident. But, it seems like Mall at Millenia is more for locals and the outlets aren't very high-end. Disney Springs seems to bring the Vegas shopping scene to Orlando. It'll be interesting to see if Orlando's clientele can support that.

I don't think Orlando is quite at that point. Even the shops at Disney Springs aren't THAT high end. I am sure though if Orlando continues on this explosion of growth we'll get a complex like that somewhere, just not...now.

 

[GadgetGuru]

Fair enough. In comparison to CityWalk, and with Boathouse, it seemed like they were headed that way.

 

[UK-Trigg]

I always head out to Altamonte Springs for my shopping trips, nice mall, less crowds and better prices Disney Springs ain't gonna change my shopping habits.

 

[Hockeyman55]

I always head out to Altamonte Springs for my shopping trips, nice mall, less crowds and better prices Disney Springs ain't gonna change my shopping habits.

That is because you are an educated consumer :thumbs: Some of these tourists (even some locals) don't know any better

 

[BallyNerve]

But, it seems like Mall at Millenia is more for locals and the outlets aren't very high-end.

Um, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Rolex and Tiffany aren't high end?

 

[Teebin]

Um, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Rolex and Tiffany aren't high end?

Yeah, it is as if GadgetGuru has never been there before. Silly. That wing of the mall is a pretentious hell hole of expense.

 

[GadgetGuru]

Poor phrasing on my part. I meant that Mall of Millenia is for locals. Meanwhile, the various outlets around Orlando don't seem to be very high-end.

 

[Teebin]

I just saw an aerial of the DS Town Center construction. Did they eat up all of the east side parking lot for that? My goodness, I had no idea that was happening.