50's Prime Time Cafe Question

[suzanna1066@comcast.]

The last time I was at Disney (way back in the 90s), we ate at 50's Prime Time Cafe and there was no "show". The server just took our order and brought us food. I was not aware they were supposed to be in "Mom" character until I discovered the Dis. Is the character thing something new, did we have a bad server or did we as guests do something "wrong"?
I don't remember the food being that memorable but think it would be fun to go back if I could get the full experience. How do we ensure the servers will be in character?
Many thanks!

 

[Pakey]

We've eaten here 3 times in the past 5 years and have never had a CM in character. We've been asked to set our own table but that's been the extent of it. Maybe it's luck of the draw?

 

[WilsonFlyer]

We eat there every time we go (usually 2 times a year) simply because I love the food.

In the last 2-3 years, it does seem CMs have gotten slack. It definately used to be more of a show than it seems to be today. I guess it's a delicate balance. It used to tick me off that I was paying $100 for supper only to have some $0.02 waiter to incessantly tell me to take my elbows off the table. It's all in good fun but some of hem didn't seem to get the look when enough was enough.

I suspect that may be the reason it's toned down some. I imagine there have been more and more complaints as time has passed and people have become less tolerant of "playing along".

 

[Jubilee]

Just wanted to say we were there last Sept. 2007 and it was during free dining and we had one heck of a show! Even another table was involved. We were a large party and we let her know (via provoking her) that we wanted to play. My husband had his elbows on the table and I pointed it out. She told me not to *******....he did it again (on accident) and then she drew a line of ketchup in front of him... it went on from there and I had to sing I'm a little teapot and itsy bitsy spider lol... our server was younger btw, so they call themselves "cousins"

 

[Aimeedyan]

It was always intended to be themed that way, but not all the waitstaff get into character for it - which is disappointing.

When you check in at the hostess station, you can tell them you really want something interactive as your waiter and see if they will seat you with someone like that.

It's truly hit or miss.

 

[Jakesmom1]

We have only been once (going again next month), Yay I can finaly say next month.

Our cm was wonderful, pretty much tormented me the DM,
everything from not finishing my plate (airplane) to not letting me order desert (finaly gave in). My DS loved it, since Im usually the one complaining about him at restaurants.

Food was ok, but the experience was fun.

 

[disnut8]

Prime Time servers are really caught between a rock and a hard place. They have "sections" to serve. One table in that section might want the entire interaction. Another table might want just a bit of interaction. And a third one might want to just eat. All the tables are close together so the third party will have to endure the antics that the first party wants.

My husband and I are fine with whatever we get. But we can never bring either set of parents. They would HATE it.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Sometimes we get CM's that are not into and sometimes we get CM's that are totally into it...tell your Host that you are ready to be reprimanded for bad manners and they should give you a great CM

 

[Conan the Librarian]

Disney World...like every other part of life... is only as fun as YOU make it. You have to bring the magic with you to make it work.

Like other posters have writen, you play with the CMs, and they will play back. If you act like a boiled turnip, you'll get nothing.

We have always had a great time at 50's (We'll be eating there in 5 more days! WHOO HOOO!) and have always had great interaction. I make an effort to avoid having to sing 'I'm a little Tea Pot'.

 

[diavolobella]

My experience at Prime Time was great, and our CM was so much fun. He MADE our experience, and we went back again before our trip was up because my kids specifically wanted to visit him again.

If you don't want to play along, I don't recommend that you go there. If you do want to play, and you feel like your CM is hesitant, I echo what others have said, let them know by kidding with them, and hopefully they will respond.

I feel very bad for CM's who work there and are afraid to play with the customers because of people who are intolerant of the playful interaction, which is a major part of the whole point of going there. I also feel sorry for a CM who encounters a customer who has the attitude that the CM's are beneath them. It doesn't matter how much you pay for the food. Paying a lot of money for food doesn't mean a server is beneath you - at Disney or anywhere else. At Prime Time you are supposed to be paying for the entire themed experience, so you shouldn't get grouchy when the CM is doing their job. If you don't want to play, there are plenty of other options.

 

[karibritt01]

Our "Aunt Flo" was really fun. She made the kids set the table, reprimanded DH for elbows on the table, etc. She made the mom at the table behind us finish her veggies... I should point out that the mom was NOT happy! We told her we were supposed to be meeting another DISer there: CourtneyandRyan. She went through the entire restaurant hollering for them until she found them! They were shocked and embarassed to say the least, but it was fun!

BTW... try the fried cheese appetizer and the s'mores!

 

[mizzouHHR]

Our last trip there we had a great experience. The interaction with the kids was great and everyone enjoyed the kidding. I even had to stand in the corner for not cleaning my plate, which my kids got a real kick out of . As others have said I think it is up to you to get across the message to your CM that you don't mind the kidding, and they do the rest. I understand some just want a meal, but at Disney, we are there to have fun, and everything has a theme. Just go with the flow and enjoy it. You can have a boring meal when you get home.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

I've eaten there at least 7 times and always had a great show. Last year our server, Auntie Sherry, scolded me for elbows and said it was our final warning. Two minutes later my buddy Goofy got caught and had to sing I'm a Little Teapot. The year before, our cousin asked each person in his large section their name, then introduced them to everyone else. As new tables came in, it continued. I would say he had 30 people in his section, so it was quite a feat. We all had to cheer good eaters and boo bad ones. I've never been in the corner, but I did get a time out.

 

[DisneyHolidayFan]

We have had both; fun servers and then those who seem to have a quieter personality (probably they feel uncomfortable). Regardless, we love the food!!!

 

[poutytink]

Auntie Claire is the BEST!!! She really knows how to get into it!! I always ask for her. Just go and tell the hostess that you want a server who really likes to play, you may have to wait, but it is soooo worth it!

 

[Melora]

We've been there 7-8 times and every time had a great server and experience. Sometimes the server hasn't been as outgoing as some of the others. Basically if they see a group of people that look like they want to have fun, most servers go for it and act the part.

Most of the time one of older kids gets in trouble for something. One time my daughter got sent to another table to eat! It was all in good fun though!

I also know better then to get green beans with my meal because I know I wont eat them and I don't want to get scolded! I always substitute corn.

 

[suzanna1066@comcast.]

Disney World...like every other part of life... is only as fun as YOU make it. You have to bring the magic with you to make it work.

Like other posters have writen, you play with the CMs, and they will play back. If you act like a boiled turnip, you'll get nothing.

I understand this to a point but I wonder about all the poor sods that simply do not know they have to bait the server into playing the part. If the UG is any indication, the vast majority of DW visitors do not read the DIS or books like UG.

 

[Melora]

First time we went there we had no idea about the whole role playing thing and they played with us anyway.

Most of the time when we go in we have a server who gets right into the part without any coaxing from us.

 

[savannahjean85]

Ours CM was wonderful she was sister ____ something I am drawing a blank but young around our age. She had DF set the table and told us to get to know our cousins. She asked if I had a horrible fishing accident because of my nose and lip ring. She teased us about our anniversary pins. She actually did the airplane thing for a "cousin" sitting at the table next to us! It was great we had so much fun. She was very quick, so it was fun to watch her interact with everyone. The best part was that the little boy (3-ish) at the table next to us didn't get the whole deal so he proclaimed very loudly that he didn't like that rude girl; as to which she smiled and informed him that she would have to get him more ice cream to make him sweet which the little boy loved.

 

[PGHProducer]

Every time I've gone, the waiters have been in character. In fact, the last time I went, my waiter's name was Topher (even remember the CM)... I got in so much trouble for not remembering what color the soap was in the bathroom that he wouldn't serve me dessert until I went back and checked.

It always stinks when you don't have a CM who wants to play.