Did something last night I never thought I would... (Artist Point)

[vampiroth]

Well, last night my wife and I walked out of a signature Disney restaurant. After waiting 20 minutes for a server to even acknowledge that we were seated, and most likely due to me looking over my shoulder, we decided to leave Artist Point.

I cannot express how disappointed I am in Artist Point. We are here on a 12 day trip and have never experienced that poor of service anywhere on Disney property. Thankfully the concierge at the Polynesian was able to squeeze us in California Grill, which was fantastic. We had our drinks and apps within 20 minutes of being seated. The meal was exactly how I would expect from a signature restaurant.

I sure hope Artist Point can fix their service issues. It's been a while since I've been but not even getting a drink order put in within 20 minutes isn't acceptable. That's service I'd expect on a bad night at Applebee's.

It'll be a few good years before I attempt Artist Point again.

 

[TeresaWen]

That level of service is completely unacceptable. You were right to walk out. Hope you said something on the way out. We had a great dinner there with excellent service this past Saturday.

However we have noticed how understaffed all the restaurants & lounges are. Many of the cast members serving looked shell shocked.

we are not getting "the love" we are accustomed to, especially at the bars. The cast members for the most part are trying, but they clearly are being pushed to their limits.

A signature restaurant should always provide exceptional service

 

[disneygolfer1985]

We are going there for Christmas, so it will be interesting to see what the service is like in less than 2 months.

 

[Disnsyncey]

Hope you said something on the way out.

PLEASE tell us you said something to somebody on the way out.....yes, its unacceptable, but if only the server knows, it won't change....

 

[rwdavis2]

After about 5 or so minutes I would have gotten up and said something to to someone at the check in stand. One has to be proactive and it was probably just a mistake.

 

[BriLovesDisney]

We tried Artist Point years ago and hated it because of their abysmal service. Food wasn't that good, either. I also hope you complained to the manager.

Glad you had a good experience at CG!

 

[supersnoop]

We’ve always had great service at Artist Pointe. The waitstaff has always been helpful and attentive. I think you caught one bad night. I don’t think that’s indicative of their normal operation.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I am amazed at how self-defeating Disney’s restaurants are run.

I can’t count how many times I struggled to get an ADR, then showed up at a restaurant that appeared to be half full.

Now I read this thread, and I’m thinking professional service is a major reason one chooses a signature restaurant. At the prices on those menus, there is no excuse for an understaffed restaurant.

And really, if something like this happens to somebody, will they ever go back to that restaurant? IMO consistency matters a lot in restaurant. Consistent food AND service is what keeps customers returning.

 

[Pumbaa_]

How disappointing! I am glad you were able to rescue your evening

I would be sure to check your cc just to make sure you are not charged canc fee. They shouldn't, you checked in and were seated...but....

 

[vampiroth]

I did speak with the manager before we left. She offered to buy us cocktails but we declined. She also emailed me requesting to schedule us a reservation, however I'm going to decline the offer.

 

[Belle5]

OP, I don't blame you one little bit for walking out! We have dined there at least 5-6 times and have always had good service. There is nothing more frustrating that paying those kind of prices and being ignored! AP is not one of those spots that will have loads of people waiting to take your vacated seats, either! They should not be performing in such a neglectful way that folks are tempted to do exactly what you did! Glad you spoke with the manager. That is where the buck really stops...

 

[ArwenMarie]

Wow, good for you walking out. Crazy

 

[vampiroth]

OP, I don't blame you one little bit for walking out! We have dined there at least 5-6 times and have always had good service. There is nothing more frustrating that paying those kind of prices and being ignored! AP is not one of those spots that will have loads of people waiting to take your vacated seats, either! They should not be performing in such a neglectful way that folks are tempted to do exactly what you did! Glad you spoke with the manager. That is where the buck really stops...

They weren't very busy either. CG on the other hand was packed.

 

[rlk]

We had a similar experience at a dinner at BOG. We were seated at a table in a corner of the West Wing, The table right next to us had a large party. The waiter was attending to them and other, all while walking past our table several times. At the time, we didn't know if he was our waiter. After 15 plus minutes of every server walking right past us, I went to find a manager. He was very apologetic and the waiter's excuse was that he thought we were part of the large party. The same party we watched him serve. If he thought we were part of that party, wouldn't he wonder why we didn't order with them? It was all so odd. Bottom line- we received several FPs and our meal was comped.

 

[gharter]

So sorry for the bad service. We have always had great service there, but that doesn't help you any. I"m glad you talked to the manager. If you didn't, nothing will change. I would take the manager up on their offer and give them another chance.

 

[AngiTN]

So sorry for the bad service. We have always had great service there, but that doesn't help you any. I"m glad you talked to the manager. If you didn't, nothing will change. I would take the manager up on their offer and give them another chance.

Me too, if I can fit it in my schedule. And I wasn't a fan of Artist Point, but not due to service.
However, a service issue can arise at any location, Disney or otherwise. It's typically a glitch in that someone doesn't realize a guest was seated or the server was delayed unexpectedly. I don't think it was indicative of a typical experience. If the manager wants to try and show this to you, I'd probably give them a chance to do so. If their menu truly appeals to you.

 

[Pumbaa_]

I think I would go back. Give them a chance to make it right. My guess is you will be given their best server

 

[shortnsassy730]

Artist Point is hands down my absolute fave restaurant on property. I have never had less than stellar service and the food is always excellent. If you can fit it in, I would take the manager up on their offer. It had to be an off occurrence.

 

[supersnoop]

What time of day was this? Where all the tables full? This usually happens as things slow down and they start cutting the waitstaff. The waiter assigned to that table was probably done for the night and either 1) the host shouldn’t have sat anyone there, or 2) the table was reassigned to a different waiter, but they weren’t informed.

 

[danikoski]

We had similar service at Cali Grill... to the point that it kind of has scared me off of signature restaurants. They are so expensive that service should be top notch.

Now, Spice Road Table in Epcot is hands down my new favorite restaurant and had the best service of our last trip.

For the trip with the abysmal CG experience, Whispering Canyon and Territory Lounge won on service.

None of those were signature places, but the service sure felt special. So not sure about spending on a signature restaurant if it isn't going to be a signature experience.