Bribing host to get a table

[aubriee]

I can't seem to find the thread now, but a few weeks ago there was a thread on here where someone asked if money talked when it came to getting a seat at a WDW restaurant---If a person could hand the person at the podium a bribe and get in without a reservation. The general consensus was that it did not and that a host/hostess was not even allowed to accept a bribe. Well, I was shocked to see it actually happen last week. I asked at Narcoosee if I could check in a little early for my ADR. The man at the desk asked the usual questions: Do you have a reservation "Yes" Are you staying at this resort? "No" Are you on the DDP? "Yes" Then he told me it would be about 10-15 minutes. The lobby was empty with two other couples standing right outside on the deck holding beepers, so I sat in the chair right next to the podium. Just a few seconds later a couple came in and asked to be seated. They were asked the same usual questions: Do you have a reservation? "No" Are you staying at this resort? "No" Are you on a DDP? "No but" and at this point the guy smirked and handed the host a rolled up bill. I didn't see how much it was, but definitely saw it was money. I waited, thinking this guy was going to get an earful. Instead the host took it, slipped it into his pocket, and said he'd see what he could do. Within just a minute the couple was seated (ahead of both me and the other two couples who had ADRs. We all needed two persons tables).

 

[angelmav]

Why does this not shock me? I get that we all like to think of disney as a magical/mystical place, but bottom line, the people that work there are still just people, not pixie dusted elves always doing what is right. Guess I have always been too cheap/embarrassed to ever try it though.

 

[Havana]

If I saw this happen it would take away from the magic of being in the Disney bubble.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I would report the CM. Bad enough to have done that. And then done in front of another guest. That is not the Disney way or image.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

Good for them!!!

Everyone defends Disney for doing things because they "are a business" first. I'll defend the CM because he has to put food on his families table first. Disney chooses not to live to the 'Disney standard' these days I can't see how they could possible maintain those standards with the CM's. "Tipping" the host/hostess for a quick/better table is a time honored dining practice.

 

[Uncleromulus]

True. But didn't I read on several prior threads on this same subject that Disney frowns upon the practice and if the CM is somehow discovered, termination will follow?
So I guess if you try it at a WDW restaurant, better be sure it is very confidential.

And it dosen't always work--remember the Seinfeld episode at the Chinese restaurant??

 

[Bradsdadg]

time honored dining practice.

I'd call it cheesy. Big time CHEESE factor. Not tradition.

 

[GeorgeG]

I'm sure the "tipper" felt satisfaction for getting his way and probably considers himself more important than the average guest. I have to wonder if it would have even bothered him at all if the CM lost his job over this "time-honored tradition."

Just imagine the effect this tradition would have if it was widely accepted throughout WDW. All those "free" diners would go hungry in a hurry.

No ADR, early for your ADR, not a guest at that resort? Fine. Be polite and wait fifteen minutes and you will probably be taken care of without stooping to bribery!

 

[CathieArms]

. I have to wonder if it would have even bothered him at all if the CM lost his job over this "time-honored tradition."

While this situation would bug me a bit, I fail to understand why the tipper should be the least bit "bothered" by whether the CM lost his job over this. If the CM isn't following the rules for his employment, then how is that IN ANY WAY the fault of the tipper? You either live by a code of ethics or you don't; you are responsible for yourself; nobody else is responsible for your failure to follow the terms of your own employment.

An ethical CM who is told that the rules are that he is not to accept "tips" for preferred treatment would simply say "Thank you, sir. I'll do the best I can, but the terms of my job do not allow me to accept tips."

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

You guys are missing the important part of my point. Disney is always defended for it's money grubbing business practices yet refuses to pay their CM's decent wages. This act, while not proper and certainly a dangerous practice for the CM, perhaps indicates how desperate they (the CM's) are to make a decent living.

Disney's feet need to be held to the fire for their poor treatment of CM's in general, IMO.

 

[TDC Nala]

Closing as it's tipping discussion.