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

[Withacy]

Well, my last visit came a year & half after gastric bipass surgery. So I had the perfect explanation if Cousin Stacey tried to get me to eat more of anything - but she didn't. She was actually more concerned that I hadn't eaten much meant that I didn't LIKE what I'd had (which I assured her I had).

(I'd rather order off the adult menu & pay adult price even if I can't eat a lot than eat off the kids menu - 'cause the adults get better choices!)

 

[Lesleyluvsdisney]

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.

We've been twice, and the same! quite relieved actually as DD9 was so stressed about going, in case she go into trouble!! hahaha!

The food is OK.

 

[mom2cookies]

I totally agree with a PP, where IMHO i think the servers act accordingly to the vibes they get from your group. Also, i think the more kids the more " fun". Also, the personality of the server i think plays a part into how much intereaction you get. Also, clue in to your server that you aren't really up to the antics. Just do it quietly.

Also, they can't MAKE you eat something you don't or can't eat. you pay for the food its yours to do what you want with it lol.

a funny story... the one year we went it was 21 of us in all. From an infant a few months old to Granny. Needless to say " uncle dale" had a great time with us. Of course everyone couldn't eat the mountain of green beans, and some of the other things on our plate, so while "uncle dale" was out of the room, we piled all the food we didn't want on Granny's plate ( she was done) so it seemed as if we all ate and she didn't. It threw " uncle dale" for a loop bc he just laughed and didn't know what to say at first.. knowing some kind of response was expected. We all had a great laugh .. even me with a migraine came out of my 'stupor' long enough.

 

[Moms]

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?

Really!?! She MADE you eat the cold potatoes? Come on ... did you think she would spank you otherwise?

We like PTC and have never had any of the CM's go "over the top" with the antics. If you don't want antics, eat somewhere else.

 

[disney_mommy]

Mom and I went when we were there in January, and I was so nervous. I'm very shy and was not looking forward to being made the center of attention. But I really wanted to at least try the restaurant once. I'm not sure if our server could tell I was shy or what, but she never did anything outrageous for us. Very traditional dining experience. She joked with a few people around us (and it was very crowded and the tables are pretty close together), but we were mostly left alone. The food was just okay and I won't be going back again. But I'm glad I tried it once.

 

[Brian Noble]

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?

For an adult couple wanting to avoid the antics, it might be worth eating in the bar. They have the full menu, most of the atmosphere (and the TV loop) but none of the shenanigans.

 

[prncess674]

I am always amazed at people talk about being "hassled" "chided" "scolded" like the things said to them were said in a very stern mean way. All the antics are done by a waiter/waitress who is done up like Grandma with a beehive and cat eye glasses. Every "order" or "scolding" is said with a wink, smile and an overly exagerated finger wagging.

We had a fun waitress. We were a table of 3 adults. Dad is in a wheelchair so she kept referring to him as "scooter" and the table next to us had two teenage boys and they were "junior" and "skippy." Our tables were pretty close together and we were given a group homework assignment. The table next to us had a food allergy and I thought it was funny when she asked if they were just trying to avoid a food because saying the word allergy is like saying bomb at the airport and they take it very seriously. Shortly after that the chef came over and went over their order in great detail to avoid the allergy issue.

On the topic of eat everything on your plate. I had plenty of my pot roast and mash leftover. I asked for a box and it was gladly given over with no scolding.

Overall we loved it and will return.

 

[MartDM]

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.

Likewise here...other than referring to themselves as our cousin when they introduce themselves or making a quick reference to "Mom said clean your plate" or similar, we've never had anything that would closely qualify as antics.

In fact, in our several visits, we've never even seen any antics anywhere in the restaurant.

I don't think you have to worry but, on the off chance you get someone who is really into their role, I'm sure you could just politely let them know you'd rather watch than participate. I'm sure they'd accomodate you as it's easier for them not to have to be in character for you.

As for those who say you shouldn't go unless you want to participate, I disagree. There is no reason you couldn't/shouldn't go to enjoy the atmosphere and decor! Just don't go for the food it's mediocre.

 

[disney1990]

I have always considered everything that goes on as "part of the show". It would be like going to Cinderella Castle and requesting that the Princesses not visit your table. If you don't want to participate, as somebody else suggested, perhaps you should try another restaurant.

We have always considered it fun and entertaining. We always go with a group and kick it up a notch -- you definitely would not want to be sitting next to our group.

 

[princssdisnygina]

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?

Well we ALWAYS ask for all white meat (extra charge) and we ask to get mac and cheese instead of the veggies. They will do whatever you want to do.

 

[CathieArms]

I've been there twice and, honestly, I felt both times that the antics were very tame. I think the worst that ever happened to us was when my FIL overpoured his shake from the shaker into his glass and spilled it on the table. The server joked with him about being too old to play with his food and that she expected more of an adult. It was said all in fun, and my *very* serious - nearly stoic - father-in-law actually got a smile out of it.

Truly, the reason I'm not a big fan of 50s PT is simply because our experiences HAVE NOT been the "fun" that it's all cracked up to be. The food is good (not great, just good), but not good enough to put it at the top of our list just for the food.

 

[ilovejsparrow]

I'm surprised to read so many comments about people being annoyed by the antics. You're on vacation.. loosen up! I've been there at least 5 times and have never seen a server go too over the top. I did once see a server ask a man to stand up and sing and he politely said "no thanks" and that was it!

Honestly, it's kind of annoying when you get sat near a table where the people are sticks in the mud. The server's jokes are all in good fun.

Never had a problem with the food, actually think the pot roast is one of my favorite meals on property. We go to 50s PTC every trip!

 

[cluvsdisney]

The servers at 50s PTC are pretty tuned in to the guests mood and willingness to participate. I don't like that type of attention either. A little banter is ok but there's absolutely nothing enjoyable to me about having my eating habits & preferences announced. I admit I was apprehensive about going there but I kept reading all these "must do" threads and decided to try. It was much worse in my mind. I was never made to clean my plate - thankfully. Since my attempt to substitute mashed potatoes for fries resulted in getting both. That's a whole lotta potato!


A couple reasons to go there when you don't like the antics:
There are limited TS options in that park.
You are willing to take one for the team if everyone else in your travel party wants to go there.

 

[PaulaSB12]

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.

Ok who is he? As for the suggestion of eating at the bar that sounds interesting. Can you use the dinging plan there I would like to try this tradional 50's food but the idea of the "fun" isn't something I would want.