Biergarten Seating ?

[kymom99]

Wow, we had the opposite experience. We were mocked by our tablemates because we didn't drink. It was the first day of our honeymoon and we didn't have time to get breakfast or lunch. Neither of us felt like having a drink so we didn't. The others at our table we not very nice about, they wanted to know why we weren't drinking. I thought it was very rude, because we had said nothing about it. They mocked us about other things too. Needless to say we hurried up ate then left.

I would go back but my husband isn't sure because he is worried it would happen again. That was in 2007, now I would say something to the other couples. We had every right to choose if we wanted a drink and it really should have been none of their concern. Oh well, lesson learned.

I would have said, "Oh, are you buying??"

 

[troynkasey]

Twice we've been as a group of 6 and both times we had tablemates. Both times they were great. One couple loved seeing our girls interact. They were pretty quiet though. The other time the couple drank beer and sang along like everyone else. It was a good time. If you don't like the beer, singing, and homely feeling, then it's not the experience for you. It's about the culture and that's how they do it in Germany.

We've been to the Biergarten like 4 times and always have a good time, eat good food, and drink good beer. And all 4 times we've had kids with us.

 

[poffles]

There were four of us and we got a table to ourselves. I think it might depend on how busy they are. To tell you the truth, I wouldn't have cared if someone else was at the table with us cause the atmosphere keeps your attention and when the band is playing you really don't care who is near cause that and the food will be your focus.

Loved this place the most of all the places we ate and I never thought of myself as "loving" German food (and actually still don't) but the food and atmosphere took you away from Disney park mode completely. The beer might have helped

 

[Kaleigh]

Adding my voice to the rest who say you will probably be sat with others. My DH hates this as well, so I understand. We have found it to be most uncomfortable when it is just the two of us sitting with others (especially next to another twosome; silence, then attempts at awkward conversation) It just seems easier to block the other people out if you have a slightly bigger party, so I would think that six of you would not feel that awkward.

 

[ms_missy66]

I didn't read everyone's replies, but we've been to Biergarten at least four times and the sitting with other people thing has never been an issue. The first time was an awesome experience. The four of us were seated with another family with similiarly aged children and we enjoyed each other's company. We're not the most outgoing of folks, but they were really nice.

The next few times, we were seated with other families that were not open to chatting at all. No problem at all. There was enough room so that it almost felt like they weren't there. Only once did I feel like we mildly miffed the folks we were sitting with, but still, everyone pretty much ignored each other.

IMO, Biergarten is the best buffet and the atmosphere is great. We really enjoy it, despite the shared tables.

Enjoy!

 

[Spaceship Tigger]

This is my only problem with Biergarten; otherwise I love the place. They don't just seat you with others if possible; they actually plan for the number in your party to be seated with another party to try and fill the eight seats at the table. In the case of our last trip (and our upcoming one), we had five people so we get seated with another party of three. The seating is basically two tables of four put together. That means one of our party is more or less seated at the other party's table with them instead of with us.

Everyone we've ever sat with has been friendly enough though (or just ignored us), so no real complaints other than some awkwardness.

 

[toymom10]

This is my only problem with Biergarten; otherwise I love the place. They don't just seat you with others if possible; they actually plan for the number in your party to be seated with another party to try and fill the eight seats at the table. In the case of our last trip (and our upcoming one), we had five people so we get seated with another party of three. The seating is basically two tables of four put together. That means one of our party is more or less seated at the other party's table with them instead of with us.

Everyone we've ever sat with has been friendly enough though (or just ignored us), so no real complaints other than some awkwardness.

Can you request to be seated at an individual table of 4? (we will be a party of 4)

 

[disneyfan55]

Can you request to be seated at an individual table of 4? (we will be a party of 4)

There are none. All seat 8.

 

[TDC Nala]

I do understand there are SOME (probably very few) smaller tables. I havent' seen them but have seen posts from people who were seated at tables for 6 or 4. However, I do not think you can request them and be guaranteed one. Those who are absolutely against sitting with another party are better off either going with a party of 8 or skipping Biergarten. I do not believe they will separate tables to accommodate a party of four who just doesn't want to sit with another party. You can ask, but you should probably have some alternative in case you are told "no."

 

[JLR]

My Dd and I are eating at Biergarten 2 weeks from today. I guess I assumed we'd be seated with others, and I thought that would be fun. My daughter is extremely social so it should be fun.

 

[fairestoneofall]

Biergarten is one of our family favorites. We've always had nice people seated with us. I'd say to stick your husband on the opposite end of whoever is seated with you.

And we do not drink alcohol. But I would never judge or glare at anyone seated with us who did.

 

[rlovew]

We have plans to eat at Biergarten in about 2 weeks- we won't be drinking (my DH has a seminary class that night and will be driving afterwards) and I don't care for the taste of beer- but we have no problem with anyone else drinking. It is my husband's first time but I have been alone before and was seated with a nice family of 5 and a couple- I was in between the 2 groups at the table- everyone enjoyed the experience and was friendly- some with beer and some without.

 

[PammieJ]

[QUOTE and they were Red Sox fans to boot.[/QUOTE]


You mean there are people out there who aren't Red Sox fans?

 

[Sweetpeamd]

Eating at Biergarten is one of my favorite meals b/c we have 4 young children. Every year, I wish that I could capture the look of the 2 poor souls who are forced to share our table with us!!! Usually it is a young, newlywed couple or an older couple. The looks on their faces at check-in are PRICELESS! Ha!!!
To answer your question, the chances of you getting your own table are slim to none. It's such a great experience, though. Please try to convince your husband that it's worth it. Especially if you have young kids, the entertainment is fantastic.

 

[tony67]

Eating at Biergarten is one of my favorite meals b/c we have 4 young children. .....

That's my nightmare. I would not want to be the bad example for the 4 kids. ;-)

I would not be comfortable enjoying 2 or 3 liters of beer at a table with 4 kids. I'd much rather be at the table with the stiffs who hate alcohol and judge me, I would enjoy annoying them.

 

[sssteele]

My wife and I travel to WDW several times a year, and often want to stop at the Biergarten to get out of the heat, enjoy the entertainment, and have a beer. It seems to be increasingly difficult to get seated if you are not eating. We are always asked if we have ADRs, and get the feeling that they are trying to turn us away because we don't intend to eat. If they list the Biergarten as entertainment in the times guide, you shouldn't be made to feel that your not welcome unless you intend to eat a meal. Has anybody else had this experience, or do you only enter the facility if you plan to eat a meal?

 

[briarwolf]

When we ate there last year there was three of us(Me, DW, DD (6 at the time). We shared a table with two other couples. The one couple (younger)kept to themselves. The other couple (a little older than us, I was 41 at the time) was great. We talked and laughed and shared stories. The wife had ordered a beer that she ended up not liking so I traded her for mine. We had a great time. I don't think we would have had nearly as much fun if we were seated with someone opposed to drinking.
Maybe they should ask if you are a drinker or non-drinker when you make your ADR and try to seat people accordingly...I guess that would be a logistical nightmare! LOL.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

I've eaten at Biergarten about 10 times and have had only one mildly annoying incident, and that was back when BG was a TS with a menu. We were seated with a man who was entering the army the next day and was seeing if he could drink enough to stay drunk all through basic(not that I really blame him). Once we had a privalte table(very slow night). In Dec my buddy and I were sat with 2 families of 3 who turned out to both be from Canada and we got teased a lot about being foreign. They were a lot of fun. We once sat with an Oriental couple from LA who sipped tea and toasted with the best of them.
If I were ever seated with someone who commented on my bier, I would say that I was surprised, I didn't know the Biergarten served crabs.

 

[TDC Nala]

I was unaware until recently that you had the option to enter Biergarten for a drink without purchasing the buffet, so I have never tried that and do not know if people who do it are treated badly because they're not buying a meal. If it's busy I don't think I'd do it.