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Be Our Guest- Wine and Beer at Dinner...
So, this disneyparks blog story about the food is the first time I've seen anything about the restaurant serving alcohol... which is weird considering how closely/obsessively I've been looking for news on it...
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blo...FY12Q2FBDM0365
WDW: 2012 (Contemporary), 2010 (Caribbean Beach) , 2007 (Animal Kingdom), 2001 (Beach Club)
DLR: 5/2014, 4/2014, 10/2013, 1989, 1979
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09-13-2012 01:50 PM
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Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
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Here's a link to a PDF of the full wine and beer menu:
http://t.co/sPBOX7D6
I'm really surprised.
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This is actually pretty huge news, as of course the MK has been off limits for beer & wine since 1971. I think it's a great move, and am much more likely to dine there now. But I can see where some folks just might get their undies in a bunch over this. Should be interesting!
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And they are saying it will only be during the Table Service times and only beer and wine. But I think this is a pretty slippery slope. This isn't like Club 33 in DLR. That's a very restricted place for one thing. Whereas Be Our Guest is going to be a pretty busy place for some time. And I don't think they will truly be able to keep it at only one restaurant. Alcohol makes money and anything that makes money usually gets duplicated everywhere...
WDW: 2012 (Contemporary), 2010 (Caribbean Beach) , 2007 (Animal Kingdom), 2001 (Beach Club)
DLR: 5/2014, 4/2014, 10/2013, 1989, 1979
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I saw this being tweeted a bit ago and I will share what I said:
Makes you wonder - evolution or breaking tradition?
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I don't see it as a problem. It's not like they will be handing out "to go" cups (at least I hope not). Alcohol is available at all the resorts and other parks. I've been in the MK with people who wanted a drink and they make a quick run over to Poly and come right back. I don't think it's much different. Personally, I don't drink so it's a non-issue for me anyway, but even if I did I doubt I'd drink that much since a Coke runs $3 I can only imagine what a glass of wine runs! LOL
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I'm glad to see the change but personally, I prefer mixed drinks. Though it's nice to know you can get a glass of wine in a French restaurant.
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I am a bit disappointed. I feel Walt didn't want alcohol in the MK for a reason, and it seems to break from tradition. Let's hope they don't start allowing gum now too
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Just as an aside, Walt was not involved with Magic Kingdom design. He died in 1966.
I don't see an issue with it. It's wine and beer with a meal, and only served inside the table service restaurant. That allows for a greater level of control on how much is served to an individual. As it stands right now, it's easy enough to take the monorail to a resort and have drinks, then return to MK afterward, so this change just allows people to enjoy a nice meal with wine without having to leave MK.
I'm happy to see the wine and beer choices they have on the menu, especially the Chimay. The beer selection is more varied than what will be at the Belgian kiosk for Food & Wine! Hopefully I'll get to eat there eventually once the reservations aren't as hard to get.
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I did know Walt died on December 15, 1966; however he was very much a part of the design of the Magic Kingdom. Alcohol was not allowed at Disneyland because Walt didn't want it there (Club-33 is not open to the public). So when MK was built, it followed with the "rule." I just stated that it seems to break from tradition which is what Gusman asked.
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Originally Posted by
danyoung
I think it's a great move, and am much more likely to dine there now. But I can see where some folks just might get their undies in a bunch over this. Should be interesting!
I agree. I will be much more likely to attempt to get an ADR at Be Our Guest knowing I can enjoy a glass of wine with dinner.
If only I could get one at the Liberty Tree....but see - that's how it starts! If it sells well at Be Our Guest, and really I can only assume it will, I wonder how long before it spreads to other table service dinner-time places?
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Originally Posted by
MMlover
I did know Walt died on December 15, 1966; however he was very much a part of the design of the Magic Kingdom.
Not true, from what I've read. The only input he had on the MK was that it would be somewhat analogous to DL. Most of Walt's attention went into the design of E.P.C.O.T. as a real city, not as a theme park. The east coast park didn't interest him much, but E.P.C.O.T. certainly did.
The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.
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Originally Posted by
danyoung
Not true, from what I've read. The only input he had on the MK was that it would be somewhat analogous to DL. Most of Walt's attention went into the design of E.P.C.O.T. as a real city, not as a theme park. The east coast park didn't interest him much, but E.P.C.O.T. certainly did.
Well, if I may, I think what MMlover means is that as MK is, essentially, the east coast Disneyland, it followed many if not all of the same "rules" that Disneyland (under Walt's direct guidance) followed, including no alcohol; the fact that this has been the rule at MK since its opening in 1971 lends credibility to this idea.
I'm not sure how I feel about the idea. I will certainly enjoy quaffing a fine lager at Be My Guest, but I won't lie, a bit of me got just a bit sad when I heard the news.
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I recall the video of Walt talking about the "Florida Project" so he had some input
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I say it's about time and I hope alcohol becomes available in other MK restaurants and at other times of day. I'm tired of being taunted by those martini-bearing robots at the Space Mountain exit. Cheers!
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Thanks, Petesimac. Again, I was just stating my opinion of whether or not I felt it was evolution or breaking from tradition.
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I'm rarely shocked by Disney news, but this really floored me. Here are my thoughts in no particular order of importance:
1) I can't say that I think it's a bad idea, but I am definitely against beer/hard drink kiosks through out the MKs. In general I'm a traditionalist and do not embrace change. This could start a trend. I don't really care about the "What Would Walt Do?" argument. Is this a change for the better? Probably, but I can't wrap my head around it yet. I do not want Blue Bayou to start serving wine, but if they opened a higher class of restaurant of DL, maybe.
2) I enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. If I ate here I would definitely imbibe.
3) I'm impressed by the beer/wine list. Though some of those prices ($17 a glass!) make me blush. I don't think there will be anyone getting sloshed there.
4) Despite DL and MK being "dry", there are still people under the influence. People dining at Club 33, DCA, DTD, hotels, etc. At MK, the Contemporary Resort is a short walk away. Even at DCA and the other WDW parks I don't think I've ever seen a "drunk" person. Sure people happy and having fun, but no obnoxious behavior. And I trust Disney security to take care of any issues.
5) I like that the beer/wine fits with the French restaurant theme.
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If corporate Disney is about anything these days, it's about generating revenue streams under the auspices of providing quality entertainment value. Face it, there is just too much money to be generated from the sales of alcoholic beverages for Disney to turn their back on. That $40 dinner at Blue Bayou just jumped up $10 - $20 - $30 or more with wine pairings. On a hot summer day (like last week), someone enjoying a cold beer (or two) with their chicken and ribs at Big Thunder BBQ would be quite nice. It may even make the place popular. Disney is only talking beer and wine at this point but the profit margins on mixed drinks are even greater. A typical chain restaurant with full bar makes about a 750 - 1000% profit on a single mixed drink. At Disney prices, go up from there. The mixed drink may be a bit too much of a taboo breaker at this point, but within a few years or so, it too will make its appearance in Walt's park.
What about Walt? - people are saying, he didn't want alcohol in his park. I don't think corporate Disney really cares about Walt's ideas at this point. That ship has sailed long ago. Walt Disney today is a tremendous marketing tool that has almost been reduced to character status. It seems if you want to see the real Walt Disney these days, you need made the trek to San Francisco and the Disney Family Museum where you can still be in awe of his creative imagination and genius.
What about the kids? At the prices Disney charges, mass consumption of alcohol is a difficult proposition. It's just too expensive too go overboard and I'm sure Disney would have strict policies on serving those would did step over the edge to the point of affecting the enjoyment of other park guests (including children). They could also be restrictive on where alcohol is served in the park. But think of the casino model. Someone who just had a couple glasses of wine at Cafe Orleans may be far more likely to drop some dollars over at Pieces of Eight for little Jimmy on souvenirs. Cynical outlook? Kind of.
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dban3 -
I think you make some very valid points. Disney Resorts are there to make $ at the end of the day.
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Originally Posted by
petesimac
Well, if I may, I think what MMlover means is that as MK is, essentially, the east coast Disneyland, it followed many if not all of the same "rules" that Disneyland (under Walt's direct guidance) followed, including no alcohol; the fact that this has been the rule at MK since its opening in 1971 lends credibility to this idea.
Originally Posted by
TinaMouse
I recall the video of Walt talking about the "Florida Project" so he had some input
While both of the above are true, the fact is that the exact layout of the MK, down to the detail of rides and restaurants, was not established when Walt died in 1966. So the rule of no alcohol in the MK, while based on the long standing DL rule, was a corporate decision, not a Walt decision.
The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.
- James Taylor
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I see the people at DCA with beers in their hands and I always wonder what kind of an example is that for kids? If you can't go to Disneyland without a having a drink, then that is very sad for you. It's becoming less about the kids and more about their parents. If you want a drink with dinner, go somewhere offsite (like Tony Roma's). Why teach your kids that mom and dad have to drink at amusement parks? Also, you have the select people at DCA who drink way too much and it shows. I have nothing against people who might want a drink every now and then, but I don't like the idea they're going to be carrying their booze around the way they do at DCA (and there will be those who do).
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Originally Posted by
danyoung
This is actually pretty huge news, as of course the MK has been off limits for beer & wine since 1971. I think it's a great move, and am much more likely to dine there now. But I can see where some folks just might get their undies in a bunch over this. Should be interesting!
I think it's a great move. I hope that DL starts serving beer and wine at Blue Bayou personally. We would be more likely to start eating at a restaurant that served wine or beer. Not that we are big drinkers but I like having a glass of wine with my meal.
Originally Posted by
dban3
What about the kids? At the prices Disney charges, mass consumption of alcohol is a difficult proposition. It's just too expensive too go overboard and I'm sure Disney would have strict policies on serving those would did step over the edge to the point of affecting the enjoyment of other park guests (including children). They could also be restrictive on where alcohol is served in the park. But think of the casino model. Someone who just had a couple glasses of wine at Cafe Orleans may be far more likely to drop some dollars over at Pieces of Eight for little Jimmy on souvenirs. Cynical outlook? Kind of.
No not cynical to me. I agree with this completely. Alcohol at DLR is too expensive for people to really get trashed. Of course you will always have the exception to that but I would bet most drunk people you see at California Adventure didn't get drink everything there. They probably started somewhere cheaper.
Oops, I just noticed this is a Walt Disney World forum and I'm talking about the DLR. I linked in from the Disneyland Update.
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Originally Posted by
joannefm2
I see the people at DCA with beers in their hands and I always wonder what kind of an example is that for kids? If you can't go to Disneyland without a having a drink, then that is very sad for you. It's becoming less about the kids and more about their parents. If you want a drink with dinner, go somewhere offsite (like Tony Roma's). Why teach your kids that mom and dad have to drink at amusement parks? Also, you have the select people at DCA who drink way too much and it shows. I have nothing against people who might want a drink every now and then, but I don't like the idea they're going to be carrying their booze around the way they do at DCA (and there will be those who do).
This appears to be misdirected to a certain extent. Disney seems to have no issue with people walking around with florescent yellow cups in DCA. The Cove Bar is an open air cocktail lounge. Many believe that street parties such as ElecTRONica and Mad T. Party are thinly veiled disguises for the selling of high priced alcoholic beverages. At EPCOT, the practice of spending a day drinking ones way through the World Showcase is common place (and handsomely profitable for Disney). So Disney provides the means and opportunity, people just do what is permissible. The other thing that seems to be out of place is that a Disney park is exclusively for families. It's not - it's for newlyweds, single adults, couples just needing getaway, older people whose kids have left the house. Something like the Food & Wine Festival caters to adults without kids. As long as things are kept under control (which is something Disney prides itself on), there is room for enough for everyone young and old to enjoy.
If you really want to show kids a bad example, try a professional baseball or football game or even Friday night at Applebee's.
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Originally Posted by
missm
No not cynical to me. I agree with this completely. Alcohol at DLR is too expensive for people to really get trashed. Of course you will always have the exception to that but I would bet most drunk people you see at California Adventure didn't get drink everything there. They probably started somewhere cheaper.
Oops, I just noticed this is a Walt Disney World forum and I'm talking about the DLR. I linked in from the Disneyland Update.
It's hard not to compare east coast vs. west coast at this point. Given the number of booze carts at EPCOT, it seems the time has come to test the waters at MK. And under the One Disney standard, alcoholic drinks in the parks are way expensive on both coasts. But if you really want to party, people will find a way to imbibe with or without Disney's help.
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I don't really have a preference one way or another if a Disney theme park serves alcohol or doesn't, though in this case, it really makes no difference to me since I don't drink beer and am not much of a wine drinker.
But other than the tradition argument, I have to say I've never really understood the argument that it's ok to have some form of alcohol in every other park (and every other domestic Disney theme park does serve hard alcohol) as long as it's not in Disneyland/Magic Kingdom. At least someone arguing against alcohol in any of the parks would make sense to me, though I'm also not sure how the mere imbibing of alcohol means a parent is setting a bad example for their children.
Was there a concrete reason why Walt didn't want alcohol publicly available in Disneyland? But even with that tradition, I'm not sure it can be argued that even if Walt had that stance at one point, that he might not have changed his mind in the current day and time.
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