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

[wezee]

DH and I just booked a lunch ressie for 50's PT. We have avoided this restaurant in the past because we are not interested in the whole cousin, aunt, grandma antics. Can we advise our server that we would appreciate a more subdued meal?

 

[Withacy]

DH and I just booked a lunch ressie for 50's PT. We have avoided this restaurant in the past because we are not interested in the whole cousin, aunt, grandma antics. Can we advise our server that we would appreciate a more subdued meal?

I don't mean to be rude (HONEST!), but why would you go? Isn't that a bit like asking if you can go to Tutto Italia, but avoid Italian food?

I suppose you could eat at the bar. But to avoid the "antics", you're not just talking about yourself - there are other people in your area too. People who are looking forward to those antics - who are there for them. But you want a subdued environment, so they have to miss out?

Try Hollywood & Vine. I hear it's a nice place. Or take a break and go over to the Boardwalk - there's a boat.

 

[FirestoneRocks]

Our family has avoided that restaurant for the exact same reasons (and because we have a few picky eaters and don't need them "hasseled") We just choose not to go there.

I think the above poster had some excellent ideas. Choose a different restaurant instead. You'll enjoy it much more.

 

[TDC Nala]

I am sure you can say something to your server, but as the previous poster said there will be "antics" going on all around you, if that doesn't bother you then you can request just to be waited on regularly. You can't advise every server in the area that you would prefer to be left alone, though. Sometimes they comment to each other's tables. It is not a good place for a subdued meal.

You can also try the bar, you can order the full menu there and the bartenders are great. No antics, but it's in the waiting area, so you hear the loud announcements when they call parties to their tables.

 

[derricksonb]

The antics at PT are part of the deal when dining there. We ate there once and thought it was fun (one time), but it's not a place I'd regularly go when there are better dining options available.

 

[wezee]

DH really wanted to try the chicken dinner there and I would like to see the decor. We would never suggest they tone down the antics at other tables because of us. I'm just saying, we would rather be spectators...not participants. Matter of fact, if there is an opening at the Tune-In Lounge, when we check in for our ADR, we will probably request to eat there.

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

while you may not want the antics, you are sitting right on top of the people at the next table, so you will still have to put up with the antics going on at their table. And really, it isn't that bad.

 

[wezee]

Thanks all for the input. I guess we won't know until we try it.

 

[stitch34]

we've eaten there 3 times now... and out of all those times have never had any server be goofy with us. kids probably would have gotten a kick out of it, but nope, nothing fun.

 

[Bradsdadg]

We went a few years ago. And I don't like antics at all. Our server was an older woman, and you could tell she was tired and just haggard looking. The restaurant was uber busy, we had to wait 30+ minutes with ressies. She didn't do any of the antics until we were going to leave, then she decided to make me eat cold mashed potatoes. I choked them down, nearly gagging. I didn't think it was that funny. But eh, it's a nice place to eat otherwise. You may like Sci Fi as an alternative?

 

[ROEDISNEY]

It's all good fun. No harm done. Your in Disney to have fun isn't that what it's all about. Just my opinion. I love this place a must do every trip.

 

[Alexander]

We've been there 3 times and never had uncomfortable antics. We are pretty quiet people, and would not like those bossy mom types either. The only time we had a goofy person was when it was DS's birthday. She sang to him and he got embarrassed so she yelled across the restaurant, "Hey everybody it's cousin XXX's birthday. Let's all sing." They did, he died and I rolled on the floor laughing. I've even taken my dad to eat there, and he would HATE any silly antics. It was actually a great meal, and the PBJ milkshakes are out of this world. I honestly think if you don't respond much to the antics, they will tone it down. If they try to make you eat something (see mashed potatoes above) firmly say no. They aren't going to make you mad, they just want to have fun.

 

[enchantingodin]

I really don't understand the big deal. I have never had anyone be over the top with us. The servers are all usually able to tell what 'sort' of customer you're going to be. If nothing else just let them know when they come up to greet you.

I did this last year when my youngest was going through a very timid stage. I said, "Hey 'Mom' - G... here is feeling a little shy today. But the rest of us are ready for some grub and a fun time." She got the message just fine. And everyone was happy. Especially my little one who loved watching his Daddy get scolded for not clearing his plate.

2 years before that my oldest ended up getting sick and being take to the urgent care center. But got back in time for our dinner ADR. Our server was VERY mild with us. I let him know we had a rough day and he just served normally like we were at any other restaurant. But had plenty of antics for his tables around us. Which we all still enjoyed watching.

So basically - communicate. They won't know unless you tell them. Then sit back and enjoy the show around you.

 

[Jetta8300]

I don't mean to be rude (HONEST!), but why would you go? Isn't that a bit like asking if you can go to Tutto Italia, but avoid Italian food?

I suppose you could eat at the bar. But to avoid the "antics", you're not just talking about yourself - there are other people in your area too. People who are looking forward to those antics - who are there for them. But you want a subdued environment, so they have to miss out?

Try Hollywood & Vine. I hear it's a nice place. Or take a break and go over to the Boardwalk - there's a boat.

I totally understand the OP's post. The reason why those of us who are not really "into it" would go is because (at least in my case) there are no other available reservations anywhere in DHS the night we are going.

I made reservations here having never been to Disney before, and was completely unaware of the "antics" until I read about it on these boards. But now there are no other reservations available. Don't get me wrong, i'm not like REALLY concerned or anything, but I would definitely rather have a more laid back meal that night. I also HATE vegetables! haha. We are going to be good sports and keep the reservation, but I definitely wish we could "opt out" as well!!

 

[verticalchaos]

Also, from what I've observed the times we've gone (we've been fine with whatever went on...nothing too over the top, and our "cousin" was even completely understanding when we explained that I'd been sick the day before so that's why I didn't eat a lot - didn't make me eat any more or anything!), the families/groups that came in with a "leave me alone" coldness were actually more likely to be "picked on" - almost like the server found it a challenge to crack them - than those who you could tell were unprepared or maybe didn't realize everything that could go on but decided just to roll with it. If that makes any sense.

It seemed like the more uptight people seemed to be, the more that seemed to represent a challenge to conquer. I think that's how best to explain it.

 

[Gigi22]

Went there once. Never again. Semi-passable diner food, and foolish goings-on. They would have to pay me a ton of $$ to ever go back. As for that nonsense about cold mashed potatoes--I wonder how long it would take the servers to clean it all off the floor?

 

[DonaldTDuck]

DH and I just booked a lunch ressie for 50's PT. We have avoided this restaurant in the past because we are not interested in the whole cousin, aunt, grandma antics. Can we advise our server that we would appreciate a more subdued meal?

I'm gonna tell Mom you don't play well with others.

 

[DisCopper]

I've been there numerous times over the years. Usually I enjoy the antics, but there have been times when we just weren't in the mood (tired, hot, wet from rain)... the servers have always been very good about picking up on this.

My suggestion is to talk to them about the job. We once had a great server who stayed 100% out of character. He talked to us about things he had done with other people, and how they worked things. He told a great story about trying to get a kid to eat his vegetables. He then secretely got their phone number from the parents, and after the family had gone home, called the kid and reminded him to eat his vegetables. He made the visit great fun for us because it was a little bit behind the scenes.

 

[tinkinthehouse]

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

 

[tio2girl]

Ohhhhh...we have Thanksgiving reservations there, but I don't know that I would enjoy the "antics" - especially not for a Thanksgiving meal. Thanks for the heads up!