California Grill - Dessert Only

[DisneyandBeerLover]

Thanks for your opinion...I am taking everyone’s thoughts in.

The first bolded item above...you say I’m taking a table away from a family who wants to eat a full meal. Not sure I’m getting that. That other family had the same opportunity to grab the reservation as we did.

As for the second item...Why would the server be disappointed if we order an adequate amount and tip generously? We habitually tip 30-40 percent for fantastic service. We are an older-ish couple, we make a nice living, and we always show our appreciation to CMs who embrace the Disney customer service spirit.

Honestly, I would be super happy with you as my table! While I don't work at California Grill, you honestly sound like a great table to have. Who knows who would take your place if you didn't have it. It could be a family who racks up a $300 tab and tips $30. Getting $30 on $100 is better because servers typically have to tip out on their sales. Servers get good tables and bad tables. We get $5 on $100 and $100 on $50.

You and your family sound amazing, go for it!

 

[Farro]

Thanks for your opinion...I am taking everyone’s thoughts in.

The first bolded item above...you say I’m taking a table away from a family who wants to eat a full meal. Not sure I’m getting that. That other family had the same opportunity to grab the reservation as we did.

As for the second item...Why would the server be disappointed if we order an adequate amount and tip generously? We habitually tip 30-40 percent for fantastic service. We are an older-ish couple, we make a nice living, and we always show our appreciation to CMs who embrace the Disney customer service spirit.

You did ask for opinions, and people are giving theirs. You may not like their opinion, but you did ask...

Just go with the plans you feel comfortable with and be happy with your decision! I wouldn't try to make people defend their own opinion when you wanted it.

 

[OneinThree]

Honestly, I would be super happy with you as my table! While I don't work at California Grill, you honestly sound like a great table to have. Who knows who would take your place if you didn't have it. It could be a family who racks up a $300 tab and tips $30. Getting $30 on $100 is better because servers typically have to tip out on their sales. Servers get good tables and bad tables. We get $5 on $100 and $100 on $50.

Tips? CG doesn't have any policy which states that you have to tip the servers (for parties less than 6). As such, you expect anything in particular given that some feel they need a rule to tell them what to do, how to do it, and when to do it.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Being out faster means nothing. The fireworks is the end of the night for the server. They will likely not get another table when you and your kids leave.

Your comparison of a family with young children doesn’t hold water with me. That family is there for a real meal instead of gaming the system for fireworks at CG. The difference is in the intention.

Why not snack a bit before and arrive at CG 30 mins early for your ADR and have a real meal?

You're trying to convince her to snack a bit beforehand and show up 30 min early for her ADR (even though it states you shouldnt show up earlier than 15 min before. And a lot of places wont take you in early). Its their ADR. They can choose to order whatever they please. I booked a table for fireworks and ordered only an app and dessert and it was perfectly fine. I didnt feel guilty about it...esp since I was there ALONE.

You asked a question and I’m giving you my opinion. I have never been a fan of people booking hard to get reservations for dessert only. I think it’s gaming the system to see the fireworks or like at BOG previously to see the restaurant and meet the Beast. It’s not like you’re looking for apps or dessert only at Ale and Compass. You’re booking a hard to get reservation at a busy time so you can enjoy the fireworks. In doing so, you take a table away from a family who wants to eat a full meal and that family’s tip from the server.

In reality, there is no rule and you can do whatever you want. The management and wait staff is professional enough to not make you feel unwelcome. However, server is bound to be disappointed if you are their last table even though they won’t show it.

I hear you. There are some posters (and i've read this for myself) who admitted their family of 4 or 5 book BOG breakfast and order ONE KIDS MEAL just so they could be the first to get on 7dmt. That's just wrong. If they each ordered an item, that would've been better. But when you truly just want to go to CG and you each want to enjoy dessert with a glass of wine and watch the fireworks...there's nothing wrong with that. Its not like the OP will order one dessert and one beverage and share between the four of them. (the OP did say they'd each have a dessert and a drink).

OP @CT Disney , its your ADR, your time, your money. Order whatever you please without guilt! Nobody will look at you funny. Trust me, many people have done the very same thing. Its totally fine. Im sorry but i dont believe in force feeding at an ADR just to satisfy guests around you OR the restaurant itself (or the posters on this forum).

 

[TeresaWen]

Being out faster means nothing. The fireworks is the end of the night for the server. They will likely not get another table when you and your kids leave.

Your comparison of a family with young children doesn’t hold water with me. That family is there for a real meal instead of gaming the system for fireworks at CG. The difference is in the intention.

Why not snack a bit before and arrive at CG 30 mins early for your ADR and have a real meal?

Gaming the system????? How on earth is spending a ton of money on drinks & desert gaming the system? My intention is to enjoy CG’s vast wine list and amazing deserts while watching fireworks. Over coffee we will settle up our huge bill which I guarantee is way more than most tables with children.

 

[TeresaWen]

You asked a question and I’m giving you my opinion. I have never been a fan of people booking hard to get reservations for dessert only. I think it’s gaming the system to see the fireworks or like at BOG previously to see the restaurant and meet the Beast. It’s not like you’re looking for apps or dessert only at Ale and Compass. You’re booking a hard to get reservation at a busy time so you can enjoy the fireworks. In doing so, you take a table away from a family who wants to eat a full meal and that family’s tip from the server.

In reality, there is no rule and you can do whatever you want. The management and wait staff is professional enough to not make you feel unwelcome. However, server is bound to be disappointed if you are their last table even though they won’t show it.

No one is “taking a table” away from anyone else. We make ADRs. OP - I hope you have a blast. My husband and I do this often. At $16 or more for a glass of wine we spend quite a lot and make magical memories. Will be doing this in October to see hallow wishes.

 

[CT Disney]

You did ask for opinions, and people are giving theirs. You may not like their opinion, but you did ask...

Just go with the plans you feel comfortable with and be happy with your decision! I wouldn't try to make people defend their own opinion when you wanted it.

Hi @Farro! Sorry if I'm coming across defensive. Definitely not my intention. I get sensitive when people subtly (or not-so-subtly) imply that we are gaming the system, being cheap, taking advantage...any of those. I really do want to do the right thing for all involved (including my family, the servers, and the restaurant).

I am totally OK with people providing their thoughts. But, if they give an opinion, I may ask a follow-up clarification question. I don't see the harm in asking someone why they feel the way they do.

Thanks for the advice and I'm going to read along with an open mind