Can we avoid the goofy antics at 50's PT?

[TinkerBelle_325]

We have dined at 50's many times and we have had servers range from super animated to just average.

A "standard" round of antics will involve:

1. Setting the Table (knives, forks & napkins are in a basket on the table)
2. Keeping your elbows off the table
3. Eating "all" your veggies (they often make you take one more bite before you can order dessert)

I have had amazingly fun servers that have their own "antics"

There was an "uncle" that would have his tables chant "No Tower for an Hour" as they left He also had a "family photo album". It was pictures that previous guests had sent him of their lunches/dinners at 50's!

We've seen "Mom's" make people stand in the corner, airplane or Choo-choo a mouthful of food, even bring "green bean sundaes" (Yup! A plate of green beans topped with whipped cream and sprinkles!)

However, most servers take a reading on their individual tables and don't go overboard if they suspect you just want an "antic-free" lunch.

I've also dined solo at the Tune-In Lounge and there are no antics there

 

[loxie]

I dont mind some antics, I dont wanna be sent to a corner tho...ha I read somewhere that if a guy is wearing a cap/hat they will MAKE you take it off, is that true? Im pretty sure my hubby will be wearing one since he thinks his hair is thinning & is self conscious about it so he wont want to do that, & will be annoyed.. thats kinda what Im worried about it.

 

[piglet33]

I read somewhere that if a guy is wearing a cap/hat they will MAKE you take it off, is that true? Im pretty sure my hubby will be wearing one since he thinks his hair is thinning & is self conscious about it so he wont want to do that, & will be annoyed.. thats kinda what Im worried about it.

He eats in restaurants with a hat on? That's rude.

 

[walkdmc]

We've been there 3 times and each time got a really subdued server. The last guy was actually a dud. However, the table next to ours had a very boisterous server. I'd let them know at check-in so they can seat you with a dud, LOL.

 

[Dotsie]

While I thought the decor of 50's PTC was awesome I felt the food was the worst we had at WDW..horrible. I do realize that some restaurants are better than others but this place had horrible food. I had the pot roast and it was so dry and stringy. My DH had the meatloaf and he didn't like it and believe me, he'll eat anything.
Our waitress didn't act over the top at all. She just told DH to keep his elbows off the table... and they do cram you in there tight.

 

[Withacy]

I dont mind some antics, I dont wanna be sent to a corner tho...ha I read somewhere that if a guy is wearing a cap/hat they will MAKE you take it off, is that true? Im pretty sure my hubby will be wearing one since he thinks his hair is thinning & is self conscious about it so he wont want to do that, & will be annoyed.. thats kinda what Im worried about it.

Considering that a man wearing a hat INSIDE - especially while eating - is a major breach of etiquette, I'd say it's pretty much a given. Even the most restrained server will probably suggest he remove it.

Maybe I'm just an old fuddy-duddy, but a man wearing his hat while he eats in a restaurant is going to draw much more negative attention (and notice) than thinning hair ever would.

 

[kamik86]

This is the one thing I am dreading about our trip in October. My mom requested everyone go there so I have to. I have some anxioty problems (undiagnoised my mom doesn't even know I have been having these issues since middle school, only my husband does) and if I get sent to a corner or something like I would probably break down espeically if hot/tired as we generally are and either end up screaming or crying... I hope it goes to screaming at least I would rather do that in the middle of a resteruant and just be able to say I was mad then have my entire family (whole extended family is going) know some of this stuff...

Its made even worse by I can 100% positively say I will not like the veggie that comes with the best sounding (otherwise) dish on the menu. So I either have to order something I won't like as much or will risk this.

 

[Withacy]

This is the one thing I am dreading about our trip in October. My mom requested everyone go there so I have to. I have some anxioty problems (undiagnoised my mom doesn't even know I have been having these issues since middle school, only my husband does) and if I get sent to a corner or something like I would probably break down espeically if hot/tired as we generally are and either end up screaming or crying... I hope it goes to screaming at least I would rather do that in the middle of a resteruant and just be able to say I was mad then have my entire family (whole extended family is going) know some of this stuff...

Its made even worse by I can 100% positively say I will not like the veggie that comes with the best sounding (otherwise) dish on the menu. So I either have to order something I won't like as much or will risk this.

FIRST - I've never been sent to the corner for not eating my veggies - or anything else. And I've been there at least a half dozen times! One visit we had a very over the top server, but because it was my birthday, she cut me some slack. And that's the only time anyone has ever mentioned what I had or hadn't eaten!

SECOND - Order a substitution. I certainly do. I don't like greenbeans, so I asked for corn. No problem. Or ask them to hold them altogether. THEY WILL DO THAT! If you don't want something, ask them not to bring it. Then you're not wasting your food.

THIRD - Lie. If you don't want to eat something, say you're allergic, or ill. No one's going risk a lawsuit.

Like I said, 1 out of 6 or 7 servers was really into it. And I've only seen anything like this happen in the entire restaurant once or twice. The others would tell you to take your elbows off the table, set the table, give the table homework (you have to come up with a food for every letter of the alphabet or the titles of all the Disney animated movies while you're waiting for your food - something like that) - and that's IT. Don't let yourself get upset by something that's not very likely to happen at all!

 

[loxie]

He eats in restaurants with a hat on? That's rude.

How is that rude? its a casual restaurant at a theme park, its not like its black tie,.. People can go in, in flip flops, tank tops & shorts but a hat is not acceptable?

 

[AppleSister1]

Traditional etiquette says that men shouldn't wear hats inside, particularly while eating. Since this is a restaurant that is about '50s behavior, when that kind of etiquette was followed more closely, I think it's likely someone could ask him to remove his hat. And possibly embarass him about it. Sorry.

 

[trvlgirlmq]

We are avoiding this restaurant as well because of the "antics". I prefer to be left alone to eat my meal with my family.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

Traditional etiquette says that men shouldn't wear hats inside, particularly while eating. Since this is a restaurant that is about '50s behavior, when that kind of etiquette was followed more closely, I think it's likely someone could ask him to remove his hat. And possibly embarass him about it. Sorry.

Bear Bryant wore his hat when the Tide played in the Superdome. A reporter asked him about wearing his hat 'inside'. Bear said no gentleman would wear his hat in somebody's momma's home. Well, the theme of PTC is you're at Mom's house, so that hat better come off. Now somebody show your iggernance and ask who Bear Bryant is.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

In my experience, the antics are very easy to avoid. The servers seem to be pretty intuitive about knowing which patrons will be in to it and which won't. My (hat-wearing) boyfriend and I ate there a few years ago and aside from being introduced to our "cousins" we got no screwball treatment at all. Apparently all you have to do is sit there and look shy and/or surly and you won't get the floor show. And no, his hat was not mentioned ... except possibly by me.

 

[verticalchaos]

The only time I've seen someone be sent to the corner, they had three or more "violations" - usually talking with the mouth full (yes, EVEN if the server comes up to see how things are...let someone else answer if you're still chewing) and elbows on the table with a repeat of one of those. Never just for eating your vegetables.

 

[LAWalz23]

And the food is terrible to boot......

Couldn't disagree with you more! Have been there at least 8 times and have never had a bad meal! Nor a server who was over the top!

 

[o2bnoz]

Kamik86,
First of all, I'm sorry that you experience anxiety. That is no fun, and as you know, if you worry about something ahead of time, it usually just makes the anxiety worse.

I think you'll be fine at dinner, but my suggestion would be that you have a plan. For instance, if you are feeling anxious when you go into the restaurant, maybe mention to your family that you're feeling a little light-headed (or something) and then if it gets a little too crazy inside, you can excuse yourself and say that you need to get some fresh air.

Also, look at the menu and know what you can order (with all of the substitutions so that you won't have something on your plate that you know you won't want to eat). That way you won't have the added fear of being scolded for that.

And finally, if your husband is aware of your anxiety, ask him to be the brunt of the jokes, for you. Tell him to keep his elbows on the table, and to hide his vegetables beside the plate, etc... Chances are that if someone at the table is "misbehaving", then you won't even be noticed!

The important thing to remember is that you are in control of the situation. You have the ability to get up and leave if you are uncomfortable. Even though it's your (real) family that is making you go, you don't have to be subjected to anything that you don't want. Stand up for yourself sweetie!

Good luck and have a wonderful, magical trip!!

 

[canoe86]

And the food is terrible to boot......

This.

The 50's is tops on our list for places to avoid. In fact it is the only one that we have an absolute ban on. It isn't the antics, its the food.

 

[skipperkim]

I need to know when all you who do not like 50's are going so I can get in. I've had several different servers and DBF had a great time there, even creating antics of his own. His favorite restaurant other than LeCellier was WCC, he loved the bottomless milkshake. But if you want really bad food go to Sci-fi. That should make you reconsider bad food.

I've told a server before I was on a diet and I don't plan to eat everything on my plate. If you tell them up front they get it, they will treat you differently. You will probably be asked to set the table. The silverware is in the basket and so are the napkins, it's not that difficult. It's suppose to be food that your grandma used to make not high class food. If you don't like something, I'm sure you could send it back and explain to your server why.

I've also eaten at H&V and it's pretty good too. It's my choice for Fantasmic Dinner Package in fact.

 

[TiaMaria]

Oh heavens! Can you go to Chuck-E-Cheese and avoid filthy, screaming hoards of children?

I strongly recommend the OP make a different ADR. Because if you try to avoid the high-jinx, you will be made an example of to the other tables. So then it won't just be your "cousin" hassling you, you will be held up as "not playing nicely with others" to the other tables nearby. Who am I fooling - nearby means at your elbow (tables are in close quarters here). You see, you will be a "challenge" - with a target on your backs.

If you decide to brave it for the fried chicken and the decor (really you can run in and take a look around), then be prepared to be on your very best manners, set the table, keep your elbows off the table and eat everything on you plate - with your mouths closed!

 

[Dreamer24]

How much substitution is too much to ask for? I really want to try the fried chicken but I only eat white meat so that's what I would want. BUT the vegetables also don't appeal to me. I'd rather have fries and green beans or maybe corn. Is that way too much?