Takumi-Tei Reimagines Menu for a Unique Japanese Dining Experience at EPCOT

Horizons '83Aug 21, 2024

Touché...

larryzAug 21, 2024

Why not both...? If you can afford it, of course ;)

larryzAug 21, 2024

I wonder if the hotel concierge could rustle up some transportation to take you right to the back of the pavilion... for an appropriate emolument, of course... ;)

TruebloodAug 21, 2024

Takumi-Tei was exceptional when we are there years ago, and I would happily go back. The problem the must be struggling with is cost... $250 plus park entry makes it more expensive than V&A, which has a Michelin star. I can get an exceptional 13-course Omakase meal locally near me for $175, so $250 is a little steep (Disney bubble, I get it), but the extra money for park entry will steer locals elsewhere. That said, it's an easy sell if you're in the park anyway.

Horizons '83Aug 21, 2024

Some can afford it, but just don't see value in it. I'd rather spend in extra $600 on a nicer hotel room/resort for example.

DobergeAug 19, 2024

Yes, both Monsieur Paul and Takumi Tei suffer from what makes them unique as premium dining experiences in a theme park. With the amount of money commanded for premium dining at $195, $250, and $295 for Monsieur Paul, Takumi Tei, and V&A's, I suspect that most people don't want to roll in straight from a day in the parks but want to freshen up, and theme park dining is a disadvantage for this. I think even if V&A's was considered an equal experience that it would still be more popular exactly because it's in a resort and not a theme park. It's much easier to get to V&A's and make the short walk from monorail or porte cochere if driving or ride sharing over. Two weeks ago I made about the shortest trip one could from Boardwalk to Monsieur Paul and it felt like a real commitment to walk over in the heat/humidity, tap into the park, and walk a short distance from the International Gateway, so I imagine it's worse for anyone coming from the front of the park or first needing to get to Beach Club or Boardwalk before even beginning to walk into EPCOT. And then at these prices, paying $295 for V&A's feels like a modest up charge for a better experience that's more accessible. Having been to both Takumi Tei and Monsieur Paul this year with neither being very busy, it wouldn't surprise me if they're cannibalizing one another. While very different experiences they're like cannibalizing each other for whatever is left behind of folks not snagging V&A's reservations. And, again at comparative prices and experiences, many not getting a V&A reservation are going to put off premium dining until another trip. A price increase at V&A might help push some to Monsieur Paul and Takumi Tei.

larryzAug 18, 2024

It's a premium dining experience. Like the old saying goes: if you have to ask how much, you can't afford it.

DobergeAug 17, 2024

Taken together it reads like they're not satisfied with what they're making per diner but given availability they are also hesitant of $250 cost. The increase increase from $150 to $250 reminds me of California Grill going prix fixe in light of people opting for the most affordable way to make an experience work for their budget. Whereas California Grill change was about squeezing more juice as it was a change from being so popular that diners coming in and only order an appetizer and dessert to share lowered profitability floors, the Takumi Tei change feels like a change for survival. The AP change seems also like like both a means to make more money but it brings in line with V&A and Monsieur Paul which also do not offer AP discounts.

minaayindraAug 16, 2024

I agree, I just found out it is not only $250 each, but it is another $100 each to reserve a specific dining room. They have got to be kidding!

aladdin2007Aug 15, 2024

one by one the third parties have been nixing this

DCBakerAug 15, 2024

2 updates: According to an e-mail from Mitsukoshi, beginning September 1, Takumi-Tei will no longer offer an Annual Passholder or DVC discount. Takumi-Tei will also now be open on Wednesdays, beginning September 4. The restaurant will remain closed on Tuesdays.

Hockey89Aug 07, 2024

Almost impossible to believe knowing the food in Japan.

larryzAug 07, 2024

"Weird crunchy soft shell crabs or something..." And the Japanese friends thought that was exotic???

SplashJacketAug 02, 2024

I believe they did.