Tutto Italia NOW OPEN in Italy

[Red Randal]

Are you suggesting Tutto Italia, a place that just opened, will close again fairly soon to make room for the actual new Italian restaurant?

If you're right, what was the point of opening this one? I'm very confused.

That's exactly what I'm suggesting. I'm pretty sure they did it because they didn't want Epcot to be without an Italian restaurant for too long, especially with stuff like the free dining plan and Food & Wine Festival going on where dining is a focus.

[Jared]

That's exactly what I'm suggesting. I'm pretty sure they did it because they didn't want Epcot to be without an Italian restaurant for too long, especially with stuff like the free dining plan and Food & Wine Festival going on where dining is a focus.

That's stupid. I have nothing else to say.

[Figment!]

It's more likely because the Patina Group's Operational contract started September 1, 2007, but they were not able to develop and schedule to install a new concept location to start at that date or soon after.

Rather than let the area (which they are now paying for) sit empty, they have re-opened the former location under a new name with a new menu as an interim offering.

[Knitty Kitty]

Well, I'll be taking one for the team!

I just called to make reservations for our December trip and was able to get an ADR for a Saturday evening prior to IllumiNations! Tutto Italia DOES participate on the Dining Plan and it counts as ONE TS credit.

Yay! I'm so glad I checked this thread before asking. That was exactly what I wanted to know!

[wildernesslady]

I just booked for the Jan. We're so excited. This will be perfect for the night before the marathon.

[Rodders]

I think it's cool that it's open already but a shame that it's been rushed out. I guess the renovation work really isn't ready to start until the new year. I'll be there next September so I really hope it's ready in time for me.

[Dsnygirl]

We'll be headed that way in October, so I'll let you know then!! Can't wait to try it!!

[EmcDuckRN]

At the new restaraunt in Italy "Tutto Italia"... I've started to see the menu around on the net on different WDW websites. Can you believe the prices? $24 for a lasagna? $16 for a Ceasar Salad (at lunch????) Or $60 pp (adult) for a family style? (dinner)

Who are they kidding? I expect that from the resorts, but in the park?

It is like the biggest attack on my last nerve... I count(ed) the food at WDW as one of the experiences that I looked forward to.

First the menus at my favorites go through huge changes, and not for the better, then they close Alfredo's which I loved, and they replace it with this, which at those prices I won't be stopping in...

so (1) Is anyone else seeing these prices or are they eggaerated?
(2) If those are the prices, what are your feelings, will you be going or passing it by?
(3) Am I the only one disappointed with the food changes this year? Because it is honestly making me

[mudpuppysmom]

Yeah, I'm thinking $16 for a caeser salad is just a tad over the top......and $19 for chicken caeser salad......We more than likely will not be stopping at this place anytime soon. And the Family Table option.......you really would have to order THE most expensive items from what they offer for it to be advantageous!

[May524]

We won't be stopping in this restaurant. The prices are WAY too high! I agree 19 for a chicken cesear salad! That is nuts!

[Disney1]

My daughter and family are there at Disney now, and she said the restaurant was packed this week. You couldn't even get a reservation.

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Situations like this will just increase the number of people on DDP. I would NOT pay those kinds of prices for a salad?? and would only spend that kind of money in a very upscale type of restaurant.

This is one of the reasons why we enjoy going outside of WDW sometimes for a meal.

[kbean]

I don't mind putting the money out for food if it's worth it. And with those prices you expect a doggie bag but you're going to have to leave what you don't eat because your in a park.

[tiaramom]

Is This On The Ddp?
And Is It Inclusive Of The Family Style $60 Pp
Is That Too On The Plan?
Anyone Know?
Thanks

[SBETigg]

The prices are up there, but I find them comparable with the area's selections. It didn't really bother me. I'm eager to try it and see if it's worth it.

[TiggerTopper]

Yes it is on the DDP - only 1 TS. I booked my ADR for my December trip as soon as I read that they were taking reservations and confirmed this with the cast member.

[KarenP]

It is expensive but then all restaurants in WDW are. I will be eating here, but on the dining plan. Not sure I would pay these prices out of pocket. Let's hope the food is good.

[BrerGnat]

Honestly, I don't find that expensive at all.

At most restaurants around here, a dinner sized ceasar salad is around $15-16 and it's usually $2-3 to add chicken to it.

$24 for lasagna is not much higher than the average cost for a dinner entree at any other restaurant. Of course, if it were me, I'd NOT order something as "standard" as lasagna if I were paying $20 something for the entree. I'd order something I couldn't make myself at home. Just my 2 cents...

[cal5755]

I was devestated when I learned Alfredo's was closing!! We will probably be trying the new restaurant to see how it is!

BTW.. most restaurants let you take your left overs with you. My uncle eats food we bring back to the hotel in the middle of the night.

[floridamom]

I think the cost is relative to the location from which you come. Those prices may not seem high to someone from New York or L.A., but they are high by Central Florida standards.

Personally, I would not be surprised to see more WDW restaurants adopt higher prices. Now that the new (2008) Dining Plan is going to exclude gratuity and one course, the only way to maintain its "value" would be if the out-of-pocket cost increased noticeably. Since this is a "new" restaurant, they can set higher prices from the beginning with (possibly) less uproar than say, Le Cellier raising each entree price by $5-$6.

Also, the fact that so many now use Magical Express means that Disney has established a growing "captive audience."

I don't mean to sound cynical. I still think Disney offers a great entertainment value. I recently visited NYC where I spent twice as much a a single-day non-discounted park admission to watch a 2-hour Broadway performance that was good, but not great. Then I paid twice as much for dinner at a restaurant that was not half as good as most TS meals I have had at WDW. (I'm certainly not saying all NYC restaurants are bad--just the one we happened to pick that night!)

Anyway, we will just keep an eye on prices, and adjust our spending in other areas accordingly if we want to "splurge" on some meals while at WDW.