cheap and tacky?

[Laurajean1014]

I think that's great and I can see what you're getting at, but what if they don't want to sit at the bar - or along the side?

I think what I am getting at is that I don't see this as a special request. I see it as someone using their discretion about what and how much they eat. I imagine - though, again, I expect this is hard for many of us to get - there are people who never order entrees out - it just doesn't suit their waistlines, dietary needs, or health issues. Good for them.

Pull up a chair and "be our guest!"

Absolutely.

Many times apps are way better than an entree. You get to "taste" the restaurant.

I was just pointing out that their is a designated area.

 

[Viki]

Absolutely.

Many times apps are way better than an entree. You get to "taste" the restaurant.

Exactly. In fact, my DP and I sometimes order a selection of appetizers and split an entree, followed, too many times , by desert!

 

[chrismb22]

Of course it's fine. I mean, who can tell you what you can and can't eat anyway. Salads are sometimes bigger than meals now and what if you had ADRs and it was your only night to go to this particular restaurant and you really weren't that hungry? Is it better to order extra food and then just waste it? After all, it's not like you are at home and can take the stuff home with you (I mean, some can but esp. at Disney, the majority of us aren't going to lug a leftover sushi platter on the bus back to our hotel! )

Order whatever you want. Who cares, as long as you leave an appropiate tip, no one is going to care or notice.

 

[Belle5]

Do you have any idea how many times folks at WDW show up at restaurants after a day in the parks and feel too sick from the heat/rides or feel just too full from snacking all day to order a big meal? When you order a drink and appetizer that is balanced out by those who order three times what they need. There is not much difference in your example than the situation where a couple sits down and orders the cheapest chicken entree to share and two waters. Actually, the appetizer/drink folks likely give WDW more money!

 

[lonegungirl]

I guess the problem is that the question isn't whether it is allowable or not, but whether it is regarded as cheap and tacky, which is a subjective decision that will be different for different people.

Personally, I often go to restaurants and order just an appetizer, because I am usually by myself and can't always finish a whole entree by myself. In that case, that would be my meal. I can't offhand remember going in and just having a dessert, but in that case, it would likely be my meal as well. In either case, I wouldn't/don't feel badly about doing it and don't pay attention to the time I go. I don't consider it to be unfair to the restaurant or the other patrons, but I think it would be lying for me to say that I give it much thought.

By extension, you might easily say that it's unfair to others that I eat in restaurants alone anyway, when they might fill the table with parties of 4 instead--in which case I would either have to pack a sandwich or sit down with random large parties and hope they don't notice the extra person...

 

[Lewisc]

I'll admit when I'm wrong. I thought I was responding to the thread where someone wanted to go to Sci-Fi and order just a milkshake and stay a while to take in the atmosphere. Under those circumstances I think they should only go when there are available seats and not during prime meal time.

I think someone just planning on getting appetizers should let the hostess know their plans. It might change where they're seated. It's up to the restaurant to set up any minimum food purchases. Some restaurants may prefer guests just ordering appetizers sit in the bar area and other restaurants may give you a great table, that's reserved for a party with a reservation an hour from now.

CG couldn't stay in business if half the restaurant was filled with guests ordering a drink and sharing a plate of appetizers if those guests plan to stay for a few hours to watch the fireworks. It's up to the restaurant to have a policy that's fair to the guests and the restaurant. Some restaurants only offer a price fixed menu, all customers must order off the menu.

Again, I'm not questioning your right to an opinion. Just your logic.

These items have the highest margin for the restaurant. They make the most money off of them. That you only order them improves their bottom line. As long is someone isn't table squatting (which can happen no matter how much or little food is being served) the restaurant *and* fellow diners are benefitting if someone just orders appetizers or dessert. Someone who is ordering just one of these items will spend much less time at the table than someone ordering a full course meal, or even just an entree. That means the table gets turned over quicker and more guests get seated. These items also tend to have less prep time, which means the kitchen can get them out faster.

Now because of table squatters there may be restaurants that don't allow just getting appetizers or desserts, but short of running afoul of restaurant rules, there is no logical reason that someone would be inconveniencing anyone if they ordered just drinks with appetizers or dessert. Even during "prime" seating time.

 

[seashoreCM]

Sci-Fi and ... take in the atmosphere. ...watch the fireworks. .

If a restaurant offers, directly or indirectly, some kind of special atmosphere or entertainment, anyone fulfilling the restaurant's rules has a right to be there for said atmosphere or entertainment and is entitled to make reservations accordingly.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[CheshireVal]

I'll admit when I'm wrong. I thought I was responding to the thread where someone wanted to go to Sci-Fi and order just a milkshake and stay a while to take in the atmosphere. Under those circumstances I think they should only go when there are available seats and not during prime meal time.

I think a lot of people go to Sci-Fi for snacks and desserts only-- the guide books even recommend doing so!

 

[Lewisc]

If a restaurant offers, directly or indirectly, some kind of special atmosphere or entertainment, anyone fulfilling the restaurant's rules has a right to be there for said atmosphere or entertainment and is entitled to make reservations accordingly.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

If you're going to quote me I wished you would have quoted the next sentance where I said it's up to the restaurant to have a policy that's fair to the restaurant and the guests. The View restaurant (top of the Marriot in NYC) changed and only offers a price fixed menu.

The question is if "it's cheap and tacky" and I'd say ordering an appetizer and a drink and staying at the CG for a few hours is cheap and tacky.

 

[Lewisc]

I think a lot of people go to Sci-Fi for snacks and desserts only-- the guide books even recommend doing so!

Sounds like I'm a minority but planning on only ordering a milk shake seems a little over the edge. Even that I think is OK, I only have a problem if someone makes an ADR during prime meal time and deprives a guest that wants to eat lunch or dinner an ADR.

 

[LglBlonde]

Sounds like I'm a minority but planning on only ordering a milk shake seems a little over the edge. Even that I think is OK, I only have a problem if someone makes an ADR during prime meal time and deprives a guest that wants to eat lunch or dinner an ADR.

Who brought up just ordering a milkshake??? She asked about appetizers & alcoholic beverages!

I'm not aware of any restaurants at Disney that have minimum food purchase requirements - oh the tyrrany that would cause!

 

[Lewisc]

Who brought up just ordering a milkshake??? She asked about appetizers & alcoholic beverages!

I'm not aware of any restaurants at Disney that have minimum food purchase requirements - oh the tyrrany that would cause!

The milkshake example was from another thread. I was responding to a general question on what's appropriate.

Disney handles the minimum food another way, character meals are either buffets or all you care to eat fixed price meals. Other popular restaurants like BOMA are a buffet. V&A has a fixed priced menu.

If too many people make dessert only reservations Disney may look to having some type of minimum but I doubt that many people go to the trouble of making an ADR during dinner time without eating a meal.

 

[chrismb22]

Somehow, I think Disney doeesn't have to worry about losing money -- after all. I'm sure it all balances out on the end. After all, so many people have that (me included ) attitude while on vacation "who cares, if I don't finish it, oh well, I'm on vacation" when it comes to food.

 

[Skroops]

My thought to this is who cares? No, I mean REALLY, who cares? Is it the server? The restaurant? The manager? The other guests? I don't think anyone really cares WHAT you order.

The server wants their tables turned, and tips over 20% of what they sell. They don't care what you order if you tip well and leave quick.

The restaurants are full of people on the free dining plan (which is already "paid"), so why would the restaurant care what your order if you do not sit for hours.

My idea of the ADR, is to reserve a place to sit. If guests are waiting for tables it is a very inconsiderate thing to do to linger for an hour after you are done ordering. Other than that, if you think you want a table at a restaurant, and you make an ADR, it is no ones business what you order.

We eat a lot, and are never on the dining plan. It is just us. I could care less what anyone near me orders. With an ADR or not! Enjoy what you want!

 

[Viki]

this is turning into a funny thread

I agree! It's absolutely hysterical. I keep tuning in just to see what someone else could possibly write and, of course, the therapist in me wonders what this is REALLY about!

 

[P-Dust]

I love a good debate...I think everyone agrees, order what u want, but leave in a timely manner...

 

[boston1029]

We go to places around our house and just order drinks and apps. Most of the time our bill is higher than if we would have ordered a meal. Who cares what you are ordering, it's your table once you sit. Order what you want. Besides, who wants to walk around after a huge meal feeling plump and overly full. I hate that. My dh wants to see the inside of sci fi, but we don't want to sit down for a big meal. He just wants dessert, if that is what he wants then we'll do it. Have fun. That's why we're there.

 

[BriarRosie]

Dragon:

Don't let the naysayers bother you. I've done Jiko solo, and my meal was
two appetizers (soup and the pork and duck firecracker) plus dessert.
Since I was alone, I asked to be at "the cooking place" counter/bar.

But anywhere on WDW property, please don't feel you must order an entree
just because you're at a full service restaurant.

It's not selfish, as you're patronizing the restaurant just like anyone else.

 

[christinou]

I did that quite a few times in August, I would order a salad and then an appetizer as my meal, and never had an issue, of course then I had room for dessert.....
Enjoy and eat what you want.

 

[momandseandodisney]

or do what we do . . . order a few app's that make a meal, and share! Costs the same by the time we are done