Blue Bayou appetizers and dessert only?

[Malcon10t]

I’ve always believed that if you can’t afford to leave a generous tip for good service, then you really can’t afford to be dining someplace nice. The two pretty much go hand in hand!

I think you might be surprised at how bad some people are about tipping. I have several friends who are servers/bartenders who tell stories about regulars spending an average of $15 per person on a meal, and leaving $1 per person. I've seen a large family of 6, 4 kids, where the server did EVERYTHING to keep this family's children happy, and they left $5 on what I expect was probably close to a $100 tab. (BTW - IRS taxes servers receipts at 8%, assuming that is the minimum tip they would receive, so this server would be paying taxes on $3 they didn't receive from this customer!)

I am a generous tipper. I've had people get upset because I was second in a line of people and a server (who knows I have issues standing) came and got us (2) from the line and sat us at her table. (The people in front of me were not thrilled even though they were seated 20 seconds later.) But the server knows I have issues, but she also wanted me in her section. I've pulled into the DLH valet, and had a valet tell me "I'll be right back to help you!!" Next thing another valet (we know both) swoops in and says "I'll get you unloaded!" (We usually completely fill one cart.) I laughed and said Valet 1 was going to help us when he got back, and Valet 2 says When he gets back isn't going to get you to your room quicker! I like great service, and I am willing to tip for it.

 

[ChrissyLou]

I would call to verify their policy, especially as it sounds like it changes depending on time of year or server. We've eaten there for lunch and I wasn't impressed at all (mediocre/high priced food) - it was far too dark to even see in front of us to enjoy the ambiance (maybe that has changed) and there are FAR better offerings, in my opinion, in the parks. Plus our server was awful and sweating all over the place - there was some sort of confusion between the number in our party (we had a child) so I am not sure if the confusion was we did or didn't count the child (usually I say x amount of people, plus one in a highchair) and then our server was asking if we picked something up off the table (the restaurant had just opened, so it wouldn't have been a tip, but I honestly don't know what it was he was looking for) anyway it seemed like there was a weird disconnect between the hostess and the server, but I felt like we got the brunt of it. Honestly it ranks up there as one of the top two or three worst dining experiences of my life. However, some people love it and rave about it.

I tip accordingly, 15% (my minimum for basic service), but I don't care where I am, Disneyland or elsewhere, I have never felt an obligation to tip more than what the service called for or feel like I need to tip more than what I ordered for. If it's great, I'll tip that way, if it's just all right, it'll be 15% and no more. I don't think anyone should feel guilty for taking up a table if they're paying customers, as long as you're not a party of five ordering one ice tea, four ice waters, one appetizer, one dessert...that is a little ridiculous at a hard to come by table restaurant, but I think at the price of drinks/desserts these days if you want to do a combination of offerings and it's reasonable you should be able to do so, enjoy your meal, tip accordingly and go on your merry way. Being polite with your server obviously goes a very long way.

I am sure the policies are there to avoid a scenario like I used above, but I don't care for a place that is going to militantly dictate to me what I have to order - without being somewhat reasonable or flexible, especially when kids are part of your group and with the many food allergy/preferences these days.

 

[disneychrista]

I'd feel a bit guilty taking a table and not ordering entrees (just personal opinion).

Why? I have been known to order an appetizer as my meal. Not as a budget thing but as a that is what I wanted to eat thing.

 

[Cal-Pie]

Why? I have been known to order an appetizer as my meal. Not as a budget thing but as a that is what I wanted to eat thing.

I just think it's rude. That's my personal opinion, just like I stated in my post. Anyone is welcome to have a differing opinion. At other restaurants, I would have no problem ordering just apps, or just desserts. But, given that BB reservations are in high demand, I think it's a different situation. Once again, personal opinion, no more or less valid than anyone else's.

 

[gmi3804]

Not sure why you’d want to go if a good chunk of the party doesn’t like the selections.