Aspiring to be a Disney Server?

[Sneak144]

Hello! This is my first post . I am a server at a chain restaurant and we all know that WDW server jobs are the most lucrative in Orlando. I currently got hired as a seating host and they said I can transfer in 3 months. I was hoping to ask any current servers

1)How long was the waiting list at your restaurant?
2) How did you go about getting the job?
3) Any more information on transferring to become a server? I've heard a hundred different things about becoming a server, like first you can only pick up shifts but you can't be on the schedule? So when do you actually get on the schedule?
4) How long are the waiting list for signature restaurants and for normal TS restaurants?

Any help is appreciated. THANK YOU!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1)How long was the waiting list at your restaurant?
. . . usually 2-2½ years

2) How did you go about getting the job?
. . . put in a "bid" preference on-line

3) Any more information on transferring to become a server?
. . . all openings are unionized bid jobs
. . . you must go through the bid process
. . . this means seniority-based, and new-hires need to build seniority time

I've heard a hundred different things about becoming a server, like first you can only pick up shifts but you can't be on the schedule?
. . . you need to have the training to be able to pick up a shift

So when do you actually get on the schedule?
. . . once trained, you just go on-line to pick up a shift

4) How long are the waiting list for signature restaurants and for normal TS restaurants?
. . . like I mentioned, usually more than 2-years
. . . I personally know one guy who waited just under 3-years for a minor character meal
. . . Signature eateries and places like CRT can be much longer


NOTE: Based upon location, servers can make $100,000+, so the competition
is tough and the waiting lists long.

 

[mom2of2]

You have to put in a transfer for server, you then are called to casting for a server interview and depending on how you score you will be statused into a category either family or fine dining. Then you pick up to 5 restaurants in your category and then you wait.

I was statused both, I chose family. I opened my availability to all 7 days, all hours. I was on the list for 3 months before something opened in my category. I was at that restaurant for 3 years and had a transfer in for almost 6 months when I was transferred to my current location.

Some hints: do not choose any character dining---extremely hard to get into
do not ask for full time--the list for full time servers is years long
be prepared to take whatever is offered and just get in the door
do your absolute best to not get any points and to shine in your current position.

The majority of servers are part time. They only get 24 hours a week and have to be careful not to get capped. Chances are you will only get scheduled 3 shifts per week, you can pick up shifts but need to watch your hours.

The income that RS stated is NOT the norm. That might be for full time servers that are in fine dining/dinner show/pre paid character meal. NO ONE that I know of, and I know A LOT of servers in many different locations, make anything close to that amount. Matter of fact, the majority of part time servers have 2 jobs

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . .The income that RS stated is NOT the norm. That might be for full time servers that are in fine dining/dinner show/pre paid character meal. NO ONE that I know of, and I know A LOT of servers in many different locations, make anything close to that amount. Matter of fact, the majority of part time servers have 2 jobs . . .

1) TRUE.
2) I only wanted to show what is possible.
3) For the best bucks and largest incomes,
. . . Signature meals (eg, Flying Fish, Jiko, Cali Grill)
. . . Expensive Character Meals (eg. CRT) *
. . . Dinner Shows (eg. HDDR, LUAU, BBQ) *
. . . catering server (eg. weddings, conventions) *

* Tips of 18% are already included in the bill by union contract, and frequently people plop down more cash as a tip.

 

[Sneak144]

So which restaurants would have the shortest waiting list? I'm assuming theme park restaurants are always busy but what about restaurants like The Flying Fish? Resort restaurants?

Thanks!

 

[WDW-BWV]

What are points? For rule violations. ? Fo all jobs have a Damarit system?

 

[suzannews]

Where are you going to be a seating host? Some restaurants will let you shadow a server for a shift but that is up to your managers. Have you been a server outside of Disney?

My opinion, get your foot in the door as a seating host and keep your record card clean. I thought it was 6 months before you could put your name on the list for a transfer but maybe it's been changed to 3? Once you are eligible to transfer, be willing to take any restaurant offered. You will also need to have full availability (AM, PM or a combo depending on the restaurant and be willing to work any of the 7 days of the week). After being statused as a server, you are eligible to transfer after 6 months with a clean record card and at that time, you can be picky about where to go.

Ask more questions if needed.

Good luck!!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . but what about restaurants like The Flying Fish? Resort restaurants? . . .

1) Flying Fish is one of the longest waitlists to become a server.
2) This is the MOST expensive eatery on-property, on a per-capita basis.
3) Which means the biggest tips on property (strictly based upon check amounts).
4) FF is even more expensive than Victoria & Albert's !!!!!!!!
5) You need to try for a cheaper non-sig, non-character meal, such as *
. . . Be Our Guest
. . . Coral Reef
. . . Kona Cafe
. . . Liberty Tree Tavern (lunch)
. . . Olivia's
. . . Turf Club
. . . Shutters
. . . Yak & Yeti


* Not a gurantee for a shorter waitlist, but logical.

 

[TwoAtDisney]

My opinion, get your foot in the door as a seating host and keep your record card clean. Once you are eligible to transfer, be willing to take any restaurant offered. You will also need to have full availability (AM, PM or a combo depending on the restaurant and be willing to work any of the 7 days of the week).

I agree. Most important, as stated above -
1. Be available for whatever is offered.
2. Take what you can get.
3. Be willing to wait your turn.

Knew someone who did just the above. Got Boatwright's, but didn't want it. Accepted it graciously. Took the shift offered. Did a good job; maintained a pleasant & helpful attitude; really hustled; helped others; did her time. Got transferred to Boma. Don't know if she wants to stay there or move elsewhere.

Good luck.

 

[mom2of2]

What are points? For rule violations. ? Fo all jobs have a Damarit system?

yes. You get points for being late, not clocking in/or out, calling out of work for sick or personal reasons etc. So many points result in either a reprimand or dismissal depending on the time frame. This is for all CM's

 

[Sneak144]

1) Flying Fish is one of the longest waitlists to become a server.
2) This is the MOST expensive eatery on-property, on a per-capita basis.
3) Which means the biggest tips on property (strictly based upon check amounts).
4) FF is even more expensive than Victoria & Albert's !!!!!!!!
5) You need to try for a cheaper non-sig, non-character meal, such as *
. . . Be Our Guest
. . . Coral Reef
. . . Kona Cafe
. . . Liberty Tree Tavern (lunch)
. . . Olivia's
. . . Turf Club
. . . Shutters
. . . Yak & Yeti


* Not a gurantee for a shorter waitlist, but logical.

I heard be our guest has an insanely long list as well? and are you sure flying fish is that expensive lol. I doubt the check average is a wopping 150+ like V&A.

I was hoping for Coral Reef. That should have a relatively low wait time right?

And I only said Flying Fish because a friend of mine works there lol.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . and are you sure flying fish is that expensive lol. I doubt the check average is a wopping 150+ like V&A . . .

1) Yes, I am sure.
2) We had a training class in November, and this was described.
3) When you add drinks, appys, entrées, deserts, wine, it averages more than V&A.
4) It was a trick question on the "Jeopardy" fun stats game we played in class.
5) We had heard this before, but this is the first time we saw it detailed.

 

[Sneak144]

So are the non-signature hotel restaurants still really busy or are they mostly dead?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

So are the non-signature hotel restaurants still really busy or are they mostly dead?

1) Would not call them dead.
2) But, most non-sig, non-character hotel eateries are usually slower.
3) Plus, most are a lot smaller in size and number of tables than other eateries.
4) But, if you are trying to become a server, "any port in a storm".

 

[distherapy]

1) Yes, I am sure.
2) We had a training class in November, and this was described.
3) When you add drinks, appys, entrées, deserts, wine, it averages more than V&A.
4) It was a trick question on the "Jeopardy" fun stats game we played in class.
5) We had heard this before, but this is the first time we saw it detailed.

Can you share the math?

If I select the most expensive appetizer ($18 - the cheese or the sushi), entree ($47 - signature duo), throw in a side for good measure ($12 - asparagus), and dessert ($9 - concession trio), I "only" get $86 for a person. V&A menu prix fixe begins at $135.00 per guest.

The wine could change things, but I'd imagine many people get the V&A wine pairing at $65 per person (minimum), so it's not like Flying Fish guests drink $50+ of wine while V&A guests drink $0.

What am I missing?

 

[DHSbutcher]

Hello! This is my first post . I am a server at a chain restaurant and we all know that WDW server jobs are the most lucrative in Orlando. I currently got hired as a seating host and they said I can transfer in 3 months. I was hoping to ask any current servers

1)How long was the waiting list at your restaurant?
2) How did you go about getting the job?
3) Any more information on transferring to become a server? I've heard a hundred different things about becoming a server, like first you can only pick up shifts but you can't be on the schedule? So when do you actually get on the schedule?
4) How long are the waiting list for signature restaurants and for normal TS restaurants?

Any help is appreciated. THANK YOU!

I called and scheduled an interview at my 3 month mark, that interview was scheduled for a month later and that was the first available. Then I was asked to pick 5 restaurants, and told I would be called when something opened up. 7 months later I got a call and I am now working at a not very popular resort restaurant. But it is not that bad. Anything is better than nothing. I plan to transfer as soon as possible.

 

[Sneak144]

Do you still make good money? I was hoping if I was waiting so long for a spot that I would be averaging more than $100 a night.

 

[mom2of2]

it depends on the restaurant, meal time you work, length of shift, station, assigner, tip outs, guests...too many variables to tell you for sure that you will make $100 or more a shift

 

[Sneak144]

bump!

 

[Iowajes]

Do you still make good money? I was hoping if I was waiting so long for a spot that I would be averaging more than $100 a night.

I worked at a Chili's in a small town, and most dinner shifts servers made $100 (in tips, not including their salary). Is there really not a non-disney place in Orlando you can do this without the super long seniority wait?