Disney Guests Notice Reduced Portion Sizes After CFO’s Comments on “People’s Waistlines”

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Two Mickey Mouse shaped waffles, served at multiple Walt Disney World Restaurants, on a plate with strawberries and orange slices.

Credit: Disney

Last November, we reported on an unpopular comment from The Walt Disney Company CFO Christine McCarthy during a quarterly earnings call. After announcing that Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort would cut food portion sizes to save money, McCarthy said the change would be “good for some people’s waistlines.”

Related: “Shrinkflation at Its Finest,” Disney Guest Stunned By $10 Cake Sliver

Many Disney Parks fans were offended by these comments. Amid reports of declining food quality, many were frustrated that McCarthy would choose to insult Guests instead of address complaints. 

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Nevertheless, changes took place almost immediately. Over the past year, many Guests have expressed frustration at receiving less food at the same or higher price as before. That trend continued this week when u/RiverCounter posted to Reddit:

Since COVID, when we’ve done takeout/restaurants, the portion sizes have gotten smaller and the food is of poorer quality – are the food places (quick/table service) the same? Have you noticed that you’re given less than before – or is it they jacked up the prices but kept the quantity the same.

The post received hundreds of comments and votes of support. Dozens of Disney Park fans mentioned McCarthy’s 2021 comments and said they’ve also noticed smaller portion sizes. “A few quarterly investor meetings ago, Disney explicitly said shrinking food portions was part of their strategy. It’s not just in your head,” u/fatalynn7 wrote.

A piece of chocolate cake on a plate
Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World Resort appears to be keeping track of Guests’ thoughts on portion sizes. u/CluelessQuotes said they received a survey after their 2021 visit to Walt Disney World Resort that specifically asked “about my thoughts on portion sizes of food.”

Related: EPCOT’s World Showcase Remains Deserted Despite Food & Wine Festival

“Ha, we just left the park and the survey was focused heavily on Disney Genie questions but still some about portions,” u/DucksEatFreeInSubway replied.

la creperie de paris
Credit: Disney

While many Guests said they didn’t mind the reduced portion sizes, they lamented the reduced topping bars and declining quality of Disney Parks foods.

“The portions I don’t generally mind,” u/Bonobo555 said. “But I feel the quality in terms of ingredients and preparation and service have taken a huge hit while the demand for ever larger tips continues. I don’t get it.”

EPCOT cookies and sweets at Festival of the Holidays Foodie Guide
Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Related: A Disney Dining Guide To All The Restaurants At Magic Kingdom 

“Portion sizes may be slightly smaller. But where Disney has really been cheap and cutting corners is the topping bars. Pre Covid they were a thing of beauty,” u/LaysOnFuton recalled. “They offered the standard lettuce and tomato, but also had sautéed onions/mushrooms, unlimited sour cream/guacamole, etc…. Now the topping bars are sad tubs full of Heinz ketchup and honey mustard.”

What do you think of portion sizes at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort? 

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