50's Prime Time Cafe - need advice

[Lidian]

I need some advice on 50's ... DH is against eating at 50's and said I can book anywhere else in the park. However, I really want to eat at 50's, solely for the reason DH doesn't - the theming. I'd love to have Mom (or whoever is taking care of us that night) tell us to keep our elbows off the table and eat all our veggies. This is the sort of stuff I love about WDW - theming! People staying in character! And I know the kids would get a blast out of seeing us being scolded for not cleaning our plates.

Now, I'm sure if I booked an ADR here, DH will forgive me, but I want him to be just as excited about it as I am. I know that won't happen ... and I really don't want to book an ADR that he won't be happy with either. He takes us to WDW solely because he knows it makes us happy - and he loves to eat (I'm sad to say, he's not a fan of the Mouse).

I've heard mixed reviews on the food (at almost any eatery in WDW) and that its possible we may get a server who's "not really in character", but I'm willing to take that chance.

Does anyone have any advice on how I can talk DH into thinking he'll enjoy a meal here as much as me and the kids? Obviously, dining isn't something worth fighting over or anything like that - and if I can't convince him in one conversation we'll go back to SciFi and I'll save 50's for a DH-free trip. But I do really think that if DH would just relax a bit, he'd enjoy the theme at 50's and get into it. (Which is the only reason I ask - because I know he'd like it if I could make a compelling argument.) Thanks DIS'ers! You're the best!

 

[addiln]

dw and i really loved this place. the food was so good and the milk shakes were awesome. we had the meatloaf and pot roast there. both us said it was one of our best meals on that trip. the themimg was great. getting in trouble since we did not wash our hands, not finishing our veges, and my elbows on the table. it was a fun meal and well worth it. i think the food was 10x better then sci-fi and well worth the trip.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Tell him that this is his chance to tap into his inner goofball! No one will know who he is, you will never see these people again...go and have FUN! Become a kid again, isnt that what WDW is all about??

 

[Lidian]

i think the food was 10x better then sci-fi and well worth the trip.

DH loved SciFi (as did I). But oddly, I think he loved it more for the theme than the food. (He's my wonderful geek and had a comment for every clip they showed.)

But if you think the food was 10x better ... he may reconsider for the food. To DH, food is the main attraction at WDW.

Question: Does Mom (or whoever takes care of you that night) force you to clean your plate for dessert? I'd expect stern looks and some scolding and stuff ... but will they drop the issue if DH didn't want to play along?

 

[Havana]

We have been going to WDW for 5 years and finally went to 50's in Dec.
It was so much fun! I can't wait to go back.

 

[Hopefully]

It is usually a "cousin" now, not "Mom", and the antics really depend on the server you get. Our trip last year was a hoot. It was DH and I, Adult DS and his girlfriend and her parents. Our waitress hounded him the entire meal on how he should propose to her, right then and there. He was a bit embarrassed, but it was all in fun.
In general, I have seen the servers really pushing eating your veggies, and trying to feed adults who did not finish their food etc. But I think they try to sense the vibe they are getting from the guest.
If this is something your husband would be uncomfortable with, I wouldn't push it on him. It is not for everyone.
Enjoy.

 

[Meteora]

Hi!
I think one thing to consider is to think about how you will feel if you work hard to talk him into 50s, he agrees, and then he really doesn't like it, either because of the food or the service. Will you feel guilty? Will he feel like he needs to pretend to like it to make you happy? Will he be annoyed? Because as cool as the 50s PT Cafe is, it's not foolproof. Sometimes the food isn't great. Sometimes you get a lackluster server. You don't want to promise him something (like excellent food) that the restaurant might not deliver.

Also--and this is just a thought--it sounds like your DH is going on this whole vacation for the sake of you and your kids, not because it' something he particularly wants to do. Within this trip, he has specifically said this is something he does NOT want to do. You might be right; he might love it. But he also might not, and you know from experiences that there are other experiences he WILL enjoy.

I feel your pain, because I'd love to visit this restaurant, but my parents are not into it. And, at this point, I think I've given up on them being converts.

 

[Sawhiskey]

If it gets too intense can't you just say sorry mom, but DH is a bit shy and needs some space. Have a great trip though either way.

 

[cmb4314]

I always liked 50's Prime Time Cafe (though I'll admit it's probably been 15 years since I was there). The servers and theming are great. The food, I don't remember too well.

I like Sci-Fi as well, but to me the car tables lose their appeal halfway through the meal when you realize that it's kind of hard to converse with the people you're sitting with.

 

[jdisnut]

Question: Does Mom (or whoever takes care of you that night) force you to clean your plate for dessert? I'd expect stern looks and some scolding and stuff ... but will they drop the issue if DH didn't want to play along?

The servers are usually quite adept at reading their audience and crafting the shtick around different personalities. If your husband seems uncomfortable by the playfulness, I suspect your "Mom" will either tone it down or redirect it.

But doesn't undermine the entire experience at 50's Prime Time?

I read threads like this fairly often, nice folks concerned about a relative disliking this particular restaurant. I know you and your children want to eat there, but is it really worth dragging your husband somewhere you know will make him squirm? It's his vacation, too. There are enough restaurants on property to satisfy anybody. It just seems a bit unfair and deceitful to spring this onto him at the last moment without at least gauging his reaction.

Maybe with time to prepare, he'll enjoy the meal more.

 

[mdelano4]

Question: Does Mom (or whoever takes care of you that night) force you to clean your plate for dessert? I'd expect stern looks and some scolding and stuff ... but will they drop the issue if DH didn't want to play along?

We were there last year and had a "cousin" who looked like he would have rather been anywhere else. No character, no pizzazz, no nothing. However, the waitress at the table next to ours (an older woman, not sure if she was Aunt or Mom) was great with her guests. They had a difficult child and she clearly didn't push him too hard to eat all his veggies. I don't think you will have much to worry about. If your husband can name the movies at Sci-Fi, then the decor in 50sPTC should interest him as well.

 

[disneychic2]

DH and I love 50s PTC and try to eat there every visit. We did not like Sci Fi at all. But to each his own. What we like about 50s is the food. The pot roast is great as is the chicken. And the milkshakes are the old fashioned kind that you cannot drink right away b/c it is so thick! They actually serve it with a spoon. The setting is true to the 50s and there are tvs with old sitcoms playing. Maybe DH would like those. Good luck and enjoy no matter where you go!

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

I just ate there on Sunday and it was pretty low key. There was one large group and they had the waitress who did the most antics - and I don't think that was a coincidence. These people are good at picking out how far you can go with each different family. I think 50's Prime Time has the best food in all of DHS so I hope your DH changes his mind.

 

[Areaction]

Agreed, fried chicken & pot roast are some of the best I have ever had. Disney or other.

The pot roast is so good, we try & copy the recipe & make at home every once in a while.

I wasn't bothered by the service, it was fun. I too do not like to be messed with & I think they read it very well.

 

[Nadjalu]

Take it from someone who doesn't get into it....if he really doesn't like it nothing you do will change that for him.

DH loves the antics, so I put up with it at WCC for him, but that's it. That is all I can handle of the craziness and I am a Disney nut. Just something about it at dinner I don't get into.

How about you and the kids going and having DH do something else for a couple hours? Maybe a golf or fishing thing? A massage? Or just having quiet time to himself? Would he like that?

But I wouldn't manipulate the situation, it makes for an uncomfortable meal.
Especially if he said "anywhere but there".

 

[sydneysmom]

If your DH is so opposed to going, why are you trying so hard to make him "want to like it" ? I honestly don't mean that sarcastically, but I guess my question is, if he doesn't want to go, why not just go without him if you really want to go ?

It's only one meal...he's not miserable, you're not worrying if he's miserable, everyone's happy. He'll probably have some nice down time and he can eat where he wants.

Just a thought....it's always good to keep the peace on vaca.

 

[disnut8]

I have to agree with the posters who suggested letting him do his own thing for that lunch. I once basically told my husband that he was going to see a play with my son and I because we (my son and I) wanted to see it. Fully knowing my husband does not like plays at all. The play was "Cats", it is a classic but my son and I knew my husband would not be all that thrilled. While we enjoyed the performance, we both come home a little disappointed that my husband went only because of us. So it was a good experience, not a great one. Since then, husband stays home when I want to see a play.

 

[hannahryan]

I've heard mixed reviews on the food (at almost any eatery in WDW) and that its possible we may get a server who's "not really in character", but I'm willing to take that chance.

Does anyone have any advice on how I can talk DH into thinking he'll enjoy a meal here as much as me and the kids?

We ate there this past Thanksgiving and I have to say all 6 of us, rather particular people, really enjoyed our food. Now our server who was very nice, didn't get into character at all. I was disappointed because we would have really enjoyed that. I talked to the host on the way out to ask about this. He said some servers are really "into it" and some are not. He suggested in the future to request what type of server you prefer upon check-in. I was so happy to hear this. Now when we go back in a couple of weeks, I know our experience will be more fun.

I would suggest you tell your husband about the recommended meals there (esp. those he loves) and then offer to request a toned down server upon check-in. Then everyone will be happy.

 

[piperdown]

DH loved SciFi (as did I). But oddly, I think he loved it more for the theme than the food. (He's my wonderful geek and had a comment for every clip they showed.)

But if you think the food was 10x better ... he may reconsider for the food. To DH, food is the main attraction at WDW.

Question: Does Mom (or whoever takes care of you that night) force you to clean your plate for dessert? I'd expect stern looks and some scolding and stuff ... but will they drop the issue if DH didn't want to play along?

I wouldn't say I was force fed, but my "uncle" did take my plate and fork and played "here comes the airplane" with the green beans I neglected to finish.

DH and DD thought it was absolutely hilarious, and I thoroughly enjoyed the antics.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I mostly agree with the other posters that you may just have to go your seperate ways to be happy. I don't know how much they'll play with you at 50's if you're alone though...maybe look for people who have done solo meals at 50's for reviews?

My other suggestion is if you do go and your hubby joins you, you can still play and tell them to lay off at the same time. Something along the lines of "I know we should visit more often but you know how shy Bob gets at big family gatherings!" They'll probably take the hint.