Running out of Turkey legs 15-20ish minutes before Prince Eric's closure, should Disney transfer turkey legs from liberty square or burden the guests?

[disneydad393]

Hi y'all,

I was wondering if anyone else has had this experience and if you think this is acceptable at Disney because it was highly annoying. A few days ago I was at MK with my family and arrived at the Prince Eric turkey leg stand approximately 25ish minute prior to close with the sole intention of getting a turkey leg then going on the little mermaid ride. After waiting in line for 10ish minutes I was informed by a cast member that there were no more Turkey Legs and that the nearest one's were at Liberty Square. This is despite no signs indicating limited time offering, or "while supplies last" or anything indicating they may run out, or anyone informing the people waiting in line that they may run out.

In addition, Disney could of been proactive and had the Turkey legs from Liberty Square transferred over instead of forcing everyone to either make the trek all the way there or stay hungry as the eating options in MK (especially that area) are very limited. I reached out to guest relations and their response as this is an issue that Disney could of prevented and this was the response I received back:

"Thank you for reaching out to us at the Walt Disney World Resort.

I am sorry to hear Prince Eric's Village Market ran out of Turkey Legs on your visit. As you can imagine this is a popular item and can sell-out. I do understand your disappointment in waiting fifteen minutes to find the item you wanted was sold-out. As there are other items available there, such as drinks, pretzels and fruit the Cast Members may not know what each Guest wants when standing in line.

I was happy that the Cast Member was able to advise of another location that still had the Turkey Legs available, but I understand your frustration in needing to visit a different area of the park. I do understand that you were hoping for some sort of consideration, but unfortunately, at this time, that is not something we would be able to provide to you.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. "

For the amount of money we pay to be Annual pass holders and planning involved in a vacation in Disney, it is just highly ironic that Disney is not held to any type of standard regarding their own planning and can just willy nilly mis-plan and instead of taking responsibility of the issue they shift the burden of the solution onto us the consumer.

Such as this issue was a problem Disney could of solved by (1) planning better or (2) proactively having Turkey Legs transfers, and instead of doing that they instead shifted the burden upon the customer who was not in the best spot to predict this issue. Now I know in the wide scheme of life this isn't a huge issue, but it is something that impacts the quality of my vacation at Disney as unpredictability and inconveniences at Disney add up and do negatively impact my vacation.

TL;dr: is it acceptable for Disney to run out of Turkey legs at prince eric 15 minutes before closing and tell guests to go to liberty square vs having Disney proactively transfer the Turkey legs from Liberty square when they realize they may run out. aka should Disney or the guest bear the burden of the solution.

 

[reddog21]

is it acceptable for Disney to run out of Turkey legs at prince eric 15 minutes before closing and tell guests to go to liberty square vs having Disney proactively transfer the Turkey legs from Liberty square when they realize they may run out.

Yes especially 15 minutes before closing. I would rather have a cart run out of food that late than make too much and have to throw it away.

I would be more aggravated they didn't indicate an item was sold out so you wouldn't waste your time waiting in line.

 

[disneydad393]

Yes especially 15 minutes before closing. I would rather have a cart run out of food that late than make too much and have to throw it away.

I would be more aggravated they didn't indicate an item was sold out so you wouldn't waste your time waiting in line.

Exactly, no communication at all for 10ish minutes as waited, I still don't get why Disney didn't have the Turkey legs moved instead of inconveniencing everyone. Plus it was time spent waiting in the sun as their is not really any effective shade in that line.

It appears based on the response I received Disney doesn't really care because the items didn't "sell out," their solution proves that.

 

[fla4fun]

it might be a food safety issue, or it might be that the transfer would take so long that the Prince Eric location would be closed when they got there. I don’t have an issue with them running out at that location just before closing. I have had that happen at regular non-Disney restaurants in the past. It happens. I do think they could have a pre-prepared sign that they could set up when they do run out, so that guests know before getting in line.

Did they actually contact Liberty Square to confirm they had turkey legs, or was there a possibility that location could also have run out? Just wondering if they said that to pass the problem to a different location. Now THAT would make me mad, if I walked to another location due to what a CM said and that second location was also out. I am sure they only make a certain amount each day due to the prep time.

I am sorry you didn’t get your treat. I know how disappointing it can be to miss out on something you’ve looked forward to.

 

[disneydad393]

it might be a food safety issue, or it might be that the transfer would take so long that the Prince Eric location would be closed when they got there. I don’t have an issue with them running out at that location just before closing. I have had that happen at regular non-Disney restaurants in the past. It happens. I do think they could have a pre-prepared sign that they could set up when they do run out, so that guests know before getting in line.

Did they actually contact Liberty Square to confirm they had turkey legs, or was there a possibility that location could also have run out? Just wondering if they said that to pass the problem to a different location. Now THAT would make me mad, if I walked to another location due to what a CM said and that second location was also out. I am sure they only make a certain amount each day due to the prep time.

I am sorry you didn’t get your treat. I know how disappointing it can be to miss out on something you’ve looked forward to.

I wouldn't think it would be a food safety issue since when Prince Eric location closes they transfer the turkey leg's to the Gastons place to purchase if they have an excess amount, and there they do say it is more of a limited time offering and its not on the official menu.

Yea I have had it occur at non-Disney restaurants too but I guess I hold Disney to a higher standard especially when they have access to Turkey legs somewhere else in the same park.

I am unsure if they contacted Liberty Square, but Liberty square did have the Turkey legs.

I agree a better system should be in place as this type of experience is completely preventable. I think that is what annoys me the most about this situation, how it is so easy to prevent the situation and despite that Disney still decides to transfer the Burden to the guests. Plus dealing with Hangry kids isn't fun, especially when the next spot is a decently far walk.

 

[HopperFan]

I was wondering if anyone else has had this experience and if you think this is acceptable at Disney because it was highly annoying. A few days ago I was at MK with my family and arrived at the After waiting in line for 10ish minutes I was informed by a cast member that there were no more Turkey Legs and that the nearest one's were at Liberty Square. This is despite no signs indicating limited time offering, or "while supplies last" or anything indicating they may run out, or anyone informing the people waiting in line that they may run out.

I find it completely acceptable.

I am glad they aren't cooking food to potentially waste at the end of the night. They should always stop cooking ahead of close. I am glad as a AP and Stockholder they aren't wasting money on CMs to run food across the park. All of that is proper planning and responsible budgeting/management. The goal of each location that has to cook food ahead is that they plan to run out just before closing so they don't waste food. System seemed to be working that night.

You waited until almost closing to get a turkey leg. Highly doubtful those legs are cooked there so they probably don't know until a final call from kitchen that no more are coming. They wouldn't know what the people are ordering in front of you and would have no reason to announce something has run out until it has. I have been in many lines at Disney, even in restaurants at Disney where I wanted a specific item and they ran out when it was my turn. It happens ESPECIALLY right before closing because they aren't going to prep food that might not get bought. It's an inconvenience, not a big deal. Def not a big enough deal to spend time writing an email about. Disney's response was completely appropriate. Its a turkey leg.

And it's a large messy snack ... that you were going to take on the Little Mermaid ride? I don't think they would have let you on with it, unless you had a container to put it in while you rode.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Yes it is acceptable for the stand run out of Turkey legs and to burden guests with that long, arduous 5-10 min walk to Liberty Square.

I wouldn’t have been ticked at anyone over a 10 min wait in the sun, it just would have felt like a bad luck moment when the CM told me they were out.

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

It stinks, but I also think its acceptable and you need to get over it. There are times I have wanted specific items that were either sold out or not available at a location. I got over it. If missing out on one food item ruined your trip to the degree that you communicated it to the company and then joined this board for the apparent purpose of complaining about it, then I feel for you. It just shouldn't be that big an issue. Disappointing? Sure. But move on. In the grand scheme, that's a pretty small disappointment in life

 

[disneydad393]

I find it completely acceptable.

I am glad they aren't cooking food to potentially waste at the end of the night. They should always stop cooking ahead of close. I am glad as a AP and Stockholder they aren't wasting money on CMs to run food across the park. All of that is proper planning and responsible budgeting/management. The goal of each location that has to cook food ahead is that they plan to run out just before closing so they don't waste food. System seemed to be working that night.

You waited until almost closing to get a turkey leg. Highly doubtful those legs are cooked there so they probably don't know until a final call from kitchen that no more are coming. They wouldn't know what the people are ordering in front of you and would have no reason to announce something has run out until it has. I have been in many lines at Disney, even in restaurants at Disney where I wanted a specific item and they ran out when it was my turn. It happens ESPECIALLY right before closing because they aren't going to prep food that might not get bought. It's an inconvenience, not a big deal. Def not a big enough deal to spend time writing an email about. Disney's response was completely appropriate. Its a turkey leg.

And it's a large messy snack ... that you were going to take on the Little Mermaid ride? I don't think they would have let you on with it, unless you had a container to put it in while you rode.

I find your response a tad trolling and unnecessarily combative. Obviously, I was not going to bring a Turkey leg onto the little Mermaid ride or even into the queue................................ I was planning on eating it prior to even getting into queue.

Also, I think you are basing your position on the misbelief that after 6pm all the Turkey legs at Prince Eric's get tossed out. That is not what happens actually. The remaining Turkey legs are transferred to Gaston's. Again Prince Eric's closes at 6pm, the other place that sells turkey legs around 9pm. Also, given that the average Turkey leg costs about $12 and the average cast members makes around $15-$20 an hour, it would also be cost effective to have the turkey legs transferred as I doubt every single person who wanted a turkey leg at prince eric's will go to liberty square to receive one. Thus from a shareholder perspective this is not maximizing profit because a dollar received at that exact moment is worth a lot more than the potential to receive that dollar later on. That's business 101.

Again if you read my post you would of seen that they could of asked the people at the front when they realized they were running low. Also again no one is suggesting the kitchen can do anything about this, turkey legs take time to make. Once again the issue was they could of been proactive and had the transfer complete.

Also, from a shareholder perspective the Turkey legs cost more at prince eric ($14.49) since it comes with a bag of chips (high profit margin) whereas at the liberty square it does not and only costs $12.49. It can also be assumed (as I have witnessed many times) that most people do not get the bag of chips at liberty square, and in fact I did not get the bag of chips, thus the shareholders likely actually suffer as a result of this. In my own specific circumstances, I saved the $2. That is $2 not going to the shareholders..........................

 

[disneydad393]

It stinks, but I also think its acceptable and you need to get over it. There are times I have wanted specific items that were either sold out or not available at a location. I got over it. If missing out on one food item ruined your trip to the degree that you communicated it to the company and then joined this board for the apparent purpose of complaining about it, then I feel for you. It just shouldn't be that big an issue. Disappointing? Sure. But move on. In the grand scheme, that's a pretty small disappointment in life

No one is saying it is a major issue, it is just an issue that should not be occurring and in fact if Disney planned properly and been proactive it would not have occurred. That's the issue

 

[disneydad393]

Yes it is acceptable for the stand run out of Turkey legs and to burden guests with that long, arduous 5-10 min walk to Liberty Square.

I wouldn’t have been ticked at anyone over a 10 min wait in the sun, it just would have felt like a bad luck moment when the CM told me they were out.

do you have young kids? Because with young kids I assure you it isn't that quick of a walk. The point of the post is who should make the walk, one cast member with all the turkey legs or all the other guests ( guests who are on vacation)

 

[disneydad393]

I find it completely acceptable.

I am glad they aren't cooking food to potentially waste at the end of the night. They should always stop cooking ahead of close. I am glad as a AP and Stockholder they aren't wasting money on CMs to run food across the park. All of that is proper planning and responsible budgeting/management. The goal of each location that has to cook food ahead is that they plan to run out just before closing so they don't waste food. System seemed to be working that night.

You waited until almost closing to get a turkey leg. Highly doubtful those legs are cooked there so they probably don't know until a final call from kitchen that no more are coming. They wouldn't know what the people are ordering in front of you and would have no reason to announce something has run out until it has. I have been in many lines at Disney, even in restaurants at Disney where I wanted a specific item and they ran out when it was my turn. It happens ESPECIALLY right before closing because they aren't going to prep food that might not get bought. It's an inconvenience, not a big deal. Def not a big enough deal to spend time writing an email about. Disney's response was completely appropriate. Its a turkey leg.

And it's a large messy snack ... that you were going to take on the Little Mermaid ride? I don't think they would have let you on with it, unless you had a container to put it in while you rode.

Also, the hammer the point home as I too am a Disney shareholder, not transferring the Turkey legs increases the chances of MK having Turkey leg waste at the end of the day because not everyone who wants a Turkey leg at Prince Eric's will go to liberty square. Thus, overall less people will consume turkey legs that day and thus increase the risk of liberty square having left over turkey legs at the end of the day. Turkey legs that could of been purchased by people at prince eric's, if the proper transfer too place. As a shareholder the method used currently is not ideal and does not maximize shareholder profit.

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

OK, I think you have made your point. I also think you're being disingenuous by asking whether the situation is acceptable. You have already decided it is not and are refuting anyone that disagrees with you. Nothing wrong with your opinion. But if you don't want any other opinions, don't ask for them

 

[gottalovepluto]

do you have young kids? Because with young kids I assure you it isn't that quick of a walk. The point of the post is who should make the walk, one cast member with all the turkey legs or all the other guests ( guests who are on vacation)

All of the other guests. Even guests who are on vacation. (When you ask the public's opinion, you're gonna get answers you don't like.) Kids are not going to change my opinion either, everything on planet earth takes longer with kids lol.

 

[tguz]

Kudos to the turkey leg planner....seems they nailed the amount to make.

 

[MrWreckless]

Locations run out of food all the time. If it’s an item I know I want, especially if it’s a limited time offer, I try to grab it no later than 3pm.

Also do you know that they have the capacity to transfer large amounts of Turkey legs on a whim between those two locations and not break food safety laws? It’s not like they can just place them in shopping bags and walk them over.

 

[disneydad393]

Locations run out of food all the time. If it’s an item I know I want, especially if it’s a limited time offer, I try to grab it no later than 3pm.

But then why not indicate that on the menu or somewhere so people are aware of this? It is not common sense or knowledge that the single entrée offered is just a limited time offer.

 

[disneydad393]

Kudos to the turkey leg planner....seems they nailed the amount to make.

that is an interesting take, how so?

 

[disneydad393]

Locations run out of food all the time. If it’s an item I know I want, especially if it’s a limited time offer, I try to grab it no later than 3pm.

Also do you know that they have the capacity to transfer large amounts of Turkey legs on a whim between those two locations and not break food safety laws? It’s not like they can just place them in shopping bags and walk them over.

They have the ability to transfer Turkey legs between Prince Eric's and Gastons and I have had to wait in the past for a transfer between Liberty square and Prince Eric's so they can. It appears it mostly has to do with them wanting to actually do it and it appears in this instance they were just likely lazy or didn't feel like it.

 

[MrWreckless]

But then why not indicate that on the menu or somewhere so people are aware of this? It is not common sense or knowledge that the single entrée offered is just a limited time offer.

I’m not trying to be rude or anything but most people have encountered a restaurant running out of a particular item in their lifetime. I don’t see why Disney restaurants would be excluded from that, especially 15 minutes before close when if they cook too much there is a very high chance they will need to toss a bunch of food. At this point when I go to a spot and they are about to close I’m expecting something to not be available.

It’s not something that needs a sign posted.