50s Primetime

[dskib]

Ok. We're looking at having dinner at the 50s prime time cafe next year, and I'm really unsure about it. Having the server be so involved in my meal sounds really annoying. I cannot fathom myself enjoying it.

If the servers see that the guest really isn't into it, will they tone it down or does it just get worse?

Thanks,
Deb

 

[Coconuts]

Our server at our meal was actually not into it, which disappointed me a little. I was watching some of the other tables really having some belly laughs and the kids were wondering why we weren't doing the same shenanigans as them. Usually I am more like you; I am a low key, out of the spotlight type of person, and just want to enjoy my meal, but I expected a little more enthusiasm than our server had. As far as the meal was concerned, even without a lot of server interaction, this was one of our favorite meals of the trip! It was all delicious comfort food and the surroundings looked like my mother's kitchen.

Enjoy your meal.

 

[walkdmc]

We've been there 3 times. Once, we had a cute, "cousin"-lady waitress. She was great. We've also been there when a male waiter made a boy (about 10-11) stand against the door jamb, facing the jamb, with a packet of sugar between his nose and the wood. He had to "hold" the packet with his nose pressed to the jamb for 3 minutes. The waiter yelled and asked everyone to reprimand the boy for picking on his sister. It was funny b/c the boy took it in stride. But, if you got a bashful kid up there, it would've been uncomfortable.

Two other times we had really quiet servers. One guy was annoying b/c he knew he was supposed to act like family and would catch himself just being a regular waiter and interject some weird comment, very quietly. In a whisper, "are they your elbows on the table? I'm supposed to tell you to get them off".

Note to CMs at 50's PT: You are a busy body relative. No need to be insulting but own the part, or work at a restaurant with a different theme.

 

[FigmentChick]

I've never eaten there, but I have heard from close friends that have that the food is great. However, even if the food were the best in WDW, I would not eat there.....I just don't think I could take the interaction. And I know that's part of the restaurant's charm, but that's why I stay away.

Have fun!

 

[PoohsFan1]

When we dined there last March our "Cousin" did not do anything...he was nice and all but he didn't do any of the antics. With that said, the table next to us had a "Cousin" that was in full character. At one point in time, he made the dad get up and sing "I'm a Little Teapot" while doing the actions because he got up to go to the bathroom without asking first. Just before the dad had to do this, I was overhearing the scolding, so I started to laugh. The "Cousin" noticed this and made me sing the song and do the dance WITH the dad. It was all fun and games, and what I guess I am trying to say is, even if you have a "Cousin" that is not into the antics, watch out for those around you that are....because you are NEVER safe

 

[DLB]

our "cousin" wasn't that into it either, and I wished that he had been more into it for the kids sake and I guess ours! Like a PP the other tables around us had better "cousins". The food was excellent!! We will def be going back this next trip for sure!

Just think of it like a dinner show? Also, if you follow the "rules" they will have no reason to bother you. (i.e say please and thank you, keep your elbows off the table etc.)

 

[Sugardimples]

If you are this uncomfortable you should not go there. The "antics" are what this restaurant is all about. Pick a different restaurant.

 

[Pakey]

We have eaten here many times and have never had any antics other than being told to keep our elbows off the table and eat all of our vegetables. Even when vegetables are not all eaten, nothing has been said.

We have eaten here at least a half dozen times, we don't want the antics and have not had to deal with it.

 

[TDC Nala]

I think it's possible you can ask the server to be left alone and that you'd just like to be served like you would be in any restaurant.

But there will be stuff going on all around you, so if you don't want to even observe and have a quiet meal, I'd pick another restaurant.

 

[Stephen121795]

I think they should have a signal device on the table so guests can alert the staff if they want the special treatment or if they do not want the special treatment.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Our 12 year old is autistic and gets very upset over being reprimanded if she doesn't understand the reasons or by having strangers look at her. We dined there in August. When our "cousin" put the napkins and silverware in a pile in the middle of the table and sternly told the kids to set the table, DD12 got confused and kind of upset. I quickly told him that she's autistic and won't go along much and he was great after that, never drawing attention to her. He kidded around with the rest of us and she even eventually got into it by telling on DH which made our cousin just light up and have fun scolding him. He thanked her and talked to her as though he was our cousin but still didn't direct any of the antict towards her. He really handled it perfectly.

 

[mmay60046]

We ate there in September '09. I don't think it lived up to all the hype I had heard. I was expecting a much more interactive experience than what we had and I wasn't all that impressed with the food either. The funnest part we had was hanging out beforehand waiting for our table and interacting with the hostess.

 

[lacy1101]

We have gone to 50s PT every trip and always enjoyed it very much - until last year. We had a young woman for our server (late 20s/early 30s) who was doing the usual "grumpy relative" routine. She wasn't the best we've had, but she wasn't bad either - until my 17yo son decided to join in the antics - you know, doing little things to cause her to "get after" him. She got really mad! I mean it was very awkward and embarrassing after that. She tried to keep going with the routine, but we just weren't into it after that happened. Very disappointing . . .

 

[Kelblum]

We found that our server really read us pretty well. DS was really into it and played along with her, while DD is really shy and wanted her space. Our waitress did exactly what my children wanted! DD really enjoyed watching her brother get picked on!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

I love 50's Prime Time! It's a lot of fun!

 

[texasteacher35]

This time last year, we had a great experience.....and when we went in July 2010, the servie and server was TERRIBLE! She was rude and soooooo slow...and it wasn't even busy!

The food is pretty good, so we are gonna give it one more try when we head to WDW again in November 2010...I think it just all depends on your server!! Some are awesome!!!!

 

[sjanus]

We really like 50's Prime Time! We've been there many times. We are going again at the end of November. It does differ as to who the server is....last time our server was not very interactive at all, which was disappointing....it was a male, seemed uncomfortable with it. It can be a lot of fun, mostly they follow your lead. None of ours have been to the point of intrusive. But if you don't like this kind of interaction probably not a good idea. The food is decent, but not the best at Disney. We actually enjoyed Hollywood & Vine last time, even though we don't usually do buffets, excellent!

Sandy

 

[bunkkinsmom]

We dined there last year and loved it. Our server reminded my of the waiter in Pulp Fiction. (Steve Buscemi) Not in appearance, but in manner. He was very laid back. We were seated and there were 4 adults and 3 kids. He walked up to my DD and said "You the oldest?". She nodded shyly. He tossed the napkins and silverware in the middle of the table and said, "Then set the table, what are you waiting for". She ate it up!

Later, I asked where the restroom was. He said "Down the hall where it's always been, what kind of question is that?". I love that sense of humor, but I can see how some might not find it funny.

We however, had a blast. He was not over the top, but he was so relaxed in his role that it was natural.

 

[Ro Z]

Food here is great. They usually will leave you alone when they realize you are not into it. But a few years ago we were with a friend who was 23 years old. We ordered our drinks and she orderd a chocolate shake. Our drinks were served but hers wasn't. She was told she couldn't have dessert before dinner!! That kind of stuff is not funny to me. We try to eat at the bar because we don't want to be abused by the 'family' but like the food.

 

[MJMcBride]

I find the place dumb myself. I dont like being bothered during my meal. You could try going to the Tune In Lounge