Can you really order two entrees in MDR??

[aidtrismommy]

I don't pretend to completely understand the inner-workings of the kitchen but I do have a sense that all the food is prepared on a line, most things as ahead of time as possible in order to serve the hundreds of people they need to serve in two dinner sittings. They are set out in order and servers must grab what they need and go. Something like this. If you ask for substitutions or something without something on it like a sauce, it does cause a hardship for the kitchen because everything is already prepared and plated. I am not saying it can't be done, but it does slow things down. It is not like a restaurant at home that cooks or prepares meals to order. I wonder if anyone here knows exactly how it works back there...
I sometimes order two appetizers, soup, salad, dessert and no entrée or any combination of anything that I want to try. Our server on the Dream last time always brought out the recommended entrée for all of us to share. On one cruise the server was able to get my son spaghetti and meatballs every night even though it wasn't on the menu, this past cruise he said no and he had to order off the menu. Not a big deal, he still did a great job and we were very pleased.

 

[joannamet]

I order 1/2 portions of all the appetizers I want. #dreamcometrue

I love this tip. I have a lap band and often eat ridiculously small portions but I love to try different foods. Great to know that I can order half portions.

 

[mevelandry]

I love this tip. I have a lap band and often eat ridiculously small portions but I love to try different foods. Great to know that I can order half portions.

From what I heard they can't do it with everything (for main dishes, it can be complicated sometimes) but in many cases they can do it.

 

[PraisingHim]

You can do that.

Weirdly, when I have ordered two salads (because I like a big salad) and an entree (the celeriac gratin dish on Dream), he brought me ONE salad and said that if I still wanted the second I could ask him for it. That made me feel incredibly awkward and weird, so of course I didn't ask for it. It was a bummer. I love a big salad, I love the salad on that menu, and I didn't get what I wanted, which was just another salad.

Meanwhile, people order 3 steaks and all that...and I don't get the extra salad.

As awkward as it may feel, remember that you paid a fortune to be able to eat comfortably.

 

[JMHDisney]

Therein lies the problem. People report experiences with "great" servers who go above and beyond because they want to, not because they have to. Then people get servers who only do what the job requires and don't have the personality/drive to go above and beyond. Because of what people read previously about great servers, they think they had a bad server when the server was doing their job as required by DCL/whatever company. That isn't a bad server. That's an average server. Someone who doesn't even do the minimum would be bad.

I actually think Disney, at their premium price, is selling an experience that includes servers who go above and beyond. So if a server isn't willing to do something as simple as get a kid a side of fruit, they aren't doing what is required by DCL and they are a bad server (if it continues, as anyone can have an off night). If a server in a land restaurant refused to get a side (made up of things that are on the menu and therefore clearly available), I would find that weird too. Obviously there are limits and some people make crazy demands, but if a Disney server doesn't accommodate small requests or doesn't interact with the kids, I do think that is a bad server. And compared to the other servers we have had since who consistently went above and beyond (or at least attempted to), that was definitely a bad server.

And I say this as someone who was a terrible waitress for many years!

 

[Ofinn]

On the last night on one of our cruises our server wanted to thank us for always showing up on time and being so easy going. She asked us if we had any special requests. I asked her if they could do nachos and guacamole. Sure enough the next night we got a nachos and huge bowl of guacamole. I honestly don't remember ever seeing avocados on any of our cruises so I was a surprised she could actually do it.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

On the last night on one of our cruises our server wanted to thank us for always showing up on time and being so easy going. She asked us if we had any special requests. I asked her if they could do nachos and guacamole. Sure enough the next night we got a nachos and huge bowl of guacamole. I honestly don't remember ever seeing avocados on any of our cruises so I was a surprised she could actually do it.

I've seen guacamole at the bar food buffet (late night).

 

[Bishoparc]

I find being on time for dinner each night helps get what you want as well. If you show up 15-30 minutes late and then want special requests it really is difficult to accommodate. We always try to be right on time and the servers really seem to appreciate that.

So far we've had only severs that go above and beyond but I'm definitely nervous each time until we get through the first night.

 

[Ofinn]

I've seen guacamole at the bar food buffet (late night).

Ahh, well I barely make it past 11pm. Im an early riser.

 

[DynamicDisneyDuo]

I actually think Disney, at their premium price, is selling an experience that includes servers who go above and beyond.

That is your opinion and we will have to disagree on that. Disney is selling the Disney experience at that premium price, which does not include servers who are required to go above and beyond for every single guest and every single request. By your thinking, that means any server who fails to do just that is a bad server.

That is where "Pixie Dust" comes in. The extra special touches are meant to be special, not an everyday occurance.

So if a server isn't willing to do something as simple as get a kid a side of fruit, they aren't doing what is required by DCL and they are a bad server (if it continues, as anyone can have an off night).

IF someone can show me a DCL training manual or video that shows they are "required by DCL" to answer every whim of every guest, I'll agree with that. Until then, it is just your opinion.

If a server in a land restaurant refused to get a side (made up of things that are on the menu and therefore clearly available), I would find that weird too.

Why? Not every restaurant indulges the customer's requests. Not every server has the personality to be that go-to. Some are there to do the job, as they are trained to do it, and nothing more. They may know that the kitchen staff on duty won't do it.

Obviously there are limits and some people make crazy demands, but if a Disney server doesn't accommodate small requests or doesn't interact with the kids, I do think that is a bad server.

Again, your opinion. It is, I think, inappropriate to say someone is a bad server just because they don't do what you want them to when it is NOT a job requirement. Mess up your orders? Sure. Ignore you? Sure. Make someone very ill because they missed/ignored an allergy issue? Sure.

And compared to the other servers we have had since who consistently went above and beyond (or at least attempted to), that was definitely a bad server.

So again, you are judging a person by the fact that in the past, others have gone above and beyond for you. Don't forget, many probably don't care one whit about you. Many were just doing it in the hopes you'll increase their tip.

Has every single Disney CM gone above and beyond for you, or are they all bad CMs?

 

[JMHDisney]

That is your opinion and we will have to disagree on that. Disney is selling the Disney experience at that premium price, which does not include servers who are required to go above and beyond for every single guest and every single request. By your thinking, that means any server who fails to do just that is a bad server.

That is where "Pixie Dust" comes in. The extra special touches are meant to be special, not an everyday occurance.



IF someone can show me a DCL training manual or video that shows they are "required by DCL" to answer every whim of every guest, I'll agree with that. Until then, it is just your opinion.



Why? Not every restaurant indulges the customer's requests. Not every server has the personality to be that go-to. Some are there to do the job, as they are trained to do it, and nothing more. They may know that the kitchen staff on duty won't do it.



Again, your opinion. It is, I think, inappropriate to say someone is a bad server just because they don't do what you want them to when it is NOT a job requirement. Mess up your orders? Sure. Ignore you? Sure. Make someone very ill because they missed/ignored an allergy issue? Sure.



So again, you are judging a person by the fact that in the past, others have gone above and beyond for you. Don't forget, many probably don't care one whit about you. Many were just doing it in the hopes you'll increase their tip.

Has every single Disney CM gone above and beyond for you, or are they all bad CMs?

Actually, yes, almost every single Disney CM HAS gone what I would consider "above and beyond" for me. I'm surprised when they don't because Disney has built its business on providing exceptional service and they charge for it.

Perhaps our disagreement is in the definition of "above and beyond". For me, that means a "can do" positive attitude and doing their best to meet requests - not catering to every random whim. I have minimal requests when I travel (after years in the service industry, I'm a low maintenance customer). I do expect my requests to be met when possible. I certainly do not expect to be looked at like I have 3 heads for requesting a side of fruit for my kid!

None of this has anything to do with whether a server "cares" about me - I'm not looking for a new best friend, I'm looking for someone I can overtip for doing a good job. When I was a restaurant server, I perhaps met the technical job description by getting food to the table, but if that was all I had done, I would have been fired. The restaurants I worked at (and I'm sure Disney too) EXPECTED servers to go above and beyond - which to me means trying to accommodate requests whenever possible, keep kids happy at all costs so everyone else enjoys themselves, and keep a smile on your face. Really, service industry basics.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

That is your opinion and we will have to disagree on that. Disney is selling the Disney experience at that premium price, which does not include servers who are required to go above and beyond for every single guest and every single request. By your thinking, that means any server who fails to do just that is a bad server.

That is where "Pixie Dust" comes in. The extra special touches are meant to be special, not an everyday occurance.



IF someone can show me a DCL training manual or video that shows they are "required by DCL" to answer every whim of every guest, I'll agree with that. Until then, it is just your opinion.



Why? Not every restaurant indulges the customer's requests. Not every server has the personality to be that go-to. Some are there to do the job, as they are trained to do it, and nothing more. They may know that the kitchen staff on duty won't do it.



Again, your opinion. It is, I think, inappropriate to say someone is a bad server just because they don't do what you want them to when it is NOT a job requirement. Mess up your orders? Sure. Ignore you? Sure. Make someone very ill because they missed/ignored an allergy issue? Sure.



So again, you are judging a person by the fact that in the past, others have gone above and beyond for you. Don't forget, many probably don't care one whit about you. Many were just doing it in the hopes you'll increase their tip.

Has every single Disney CM gone above and beyond for you, or are they all bad CMs?

Fruit is on every kids menu as either an appetizer, side or dessert. Not bringing a customer something that's listed on the menu, means they are not doing their job.

I had an issue on one of our Dream cruises where the server refused to bring me the plain chicken that's listed on the menu. I told him I didn't want any of the other entrée offerings that night because I didn't like any of them. He refused and I literally sat there and did not have an entrée (after having a bowl of French onion soup for my appetizer).

Poor servers are present on DCL, and yes, refusing to bring fruit for a child when it is a common item listed on the menus makes them not a very good server.

 

[Joel0917]

guy table next to us ordered 3 appettizers and 3 entrees (no sides) every night! NO KIDDING>

 

[bksaffle]

We have always had great service especially with the kids trying new types of food, the servers seem to enjoy getting them whatever they want. I remember one Thanksgiving Day cruise (my son LOVES pumpkin pie), and the MDR's did not have it on the menu....thus he was bummed out. Our head server (not even sure where she got it), all of sudden showed up with an entire pumpkin pie...must I say my son took the left overs back to the stateroom and consumed a piece every day thereafter.

I know sometimes people don't like this, but we have our favorite servers on each of the ships (Or we ask our Friend who is a Manager in the Dinning Rooms), and we request them....because we know we will not be disappointed.

 

[turtle27]

I cannot have bell peppers, so eating on a DCL cruise is an adventure for me. I find the chefs find inventive places to put bell peppers (salsa, salsa does not have bell peppers, or real salsa does not). That being said, the servers have almost always been great on getting me different items, putting together sides and meats, or getting my order early for those menus that have bell peppers in just about everything. On 2 of our cruises, we asked for a plate of cheese and crackers, and had those at every meal, waiting on our table for us when we entered the dining rooms. It was a better version of the all hands on deck platter and very nice to have as an appetizer. There are times where we order 2 entrees, but ask for half portions. We have never had issues. Want to try all the appetizers, let your servers know. If you don't want full portions, let your servers know, you can ask anything, worst case, you get the whole plate and waste some food. Not advocating food waste.

 

[RedSox68]

I've done it many times -- especially on lobster night. But when I do I tell them that I want the second one with no sides or garnishment. If they're not the same entrees you are ordering, then go for it as each one would have different sides and garnish. I've also ordered more than one appetizer and salad.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I typically order an appetizer, entree, and one or two desserts. But, on occasion, I've gotten 2 or 3 appetizers/soup, or 2 entrees. But always - at least one dessert. One cruise our son got the kid's chicken tender meal for his appetizer every night, with an "adult" entree.

 

[RedSox68]

I had an issue on one of our Dream cruises where the server refused to bring me the plain chicken that's listed on the menu. I told him I didn't want any of the other entrée offerings that night because I didn't like any of them. He refused and I literally sat there and did not have an entrée (after having a bowl of French onion soup for my appetizer).

Poor servers are present on DCL, and yes, refusing to bring fruit for a child when it is a common item listed on the menus makes them not a very good server.

Wow, if he really absolutely refused to bring you a simple item that is listed as an alternative on all menus, then there is definitely something wrong with that server being on a Disney cruise. That is unacceptable behavior!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

I'm one that doesn't ask or expect more than what is on the menu. I can't even fathom 2000 or so passengers wanting/expecting something off menu just because it's Disney and they pay for it. I've never been let down. The waste I see coming from the guests is unreal. I do realize some servers bring out more than you ask so that is some of the waste. Just because you can doesn't mean you should, however.

 

[over50visits]

Funny...what goes around comes around. The menu is filled with plenty of options. We choose from them, ask our servers their opinion, and treat them with genuine respect. I know they are so pressed for time, and they have demanding guests who can't be pleased, so we always avoid any special request, and let them know we are flexible if they need it. And every single cruise ever we have had such an over the top experience with our waiters, by the end of the cruise they are asking us if ther is anything special we want, and seem to genuinely appreciate our very real concern for them as hardworking folks, not our servants that we paid a lot for to have them cater to our whims.

I'm just saying, if you choose from the menu, don't be demanding, and go with the flow, you will have a really magical experience, and you might not even know why it was so great!