Do you save tables at Counter service?

[TrickyFish]

I've been in line for at least 20 minutes many times, so I assume the tables during the busier times are being held for the same. You are right..most people do, which is why we seldom get to sit down. We will start saving a table this next trip, since it will be hot, and I don't want to eat standing up.

Just adding, that with kids I understand what a lot of you are saying. However, I see a lot of grown-up couples/teens saving tables. While we are standing there eating our food, I see one adult who is at the table to save it, and often one will come back with the food. Or they will be saving several tables and the whole crowd is up ordering their food. I would have been done just as they came back. Of course that will be us from now on...since in the last 5 trips, we haven't been able to sit, and some of those times are really dead times. We don't even eat at noon time.

Well I'm glad you finally caught on to save a table. But FYI: just because I don't have kids doesn't mean I don't deserve a table, too.

 

[DMRick]

Well I'm glad you finally caught on to save a table. But FYI: just because I don't have kids doesn't mean I don't deserve a table, too.

I think you misunderstood me. I meant with strollers and kids in line, it would prob make more sense to save a table, as several mentioned. So as not to try and get through a line with a stroller..which is almost impossible at some of the counter places (I was thinking of MGM especially) and making the line harder for the rest of us to get through. I won't be comfortable with saving a table, but do plan on doing it this time. I never meant to infer anyone didn't deserve a table..in fact, it appears that saving one for 10-20 minutes while others stand and eat may be the only way we'll sit. If the wait looks long, I may invite someone to sit while I wait. I'm just not very comfortable with tieing up a table, myself...so I'm really not sure what we'll do til we get there.
I guess what I was wondering, was, if everyone waited til they had their food, wouldn't it work out that all would get to sit? So that tables aren't being used til people actually need them to eat at? Apparently I was wrong, as I guess I was the only one not saving a table LOL. Guess that explains why I'm standing while eating. Other people just move on when they see no tables available.

 

[vic32]

I save and share. I am more than happy to share our table with other people.
it drives me nuts to see 2 people at a table for 6 and they wont share. But i am just as happy to lean on a wall or sit on the sidewalk. After all I am at the happiest place on earth!!!

 

[TrickyFish]

I think you misunderstood me. I meant with strollers and kids in line, it would prob make more sense to save a table, as several mentioned. So as not to try and get through a line with a stroller..which is almost impossible at some of the counter places (I was thinking of MGM especially) and making the line harder for the rest of us to get through. I won't be comfortable with saving a table, but do plan on doing it this time. I never meant to infer anyone didn't deserve a table..in fact, it appears that saving one for 10-20 minutes while others stand and eat may be the only way we'll sit. If the wait looks long, I may invite someone to sit while I wait. I'm just not very comfortable with tieing up a table, myself...so I'm really not sure what we'll do til we get there.
I guess what I was wondering, was, if everyone waited til they had their food, wouldn't it work out that all would get to sit? So that tables aren't being used til people actually need them to eat at? Apparently I was wrong, as I guess I was the only one not saving a table LOL. Guess that explains why I'm standing while eating. Other people just move on when they see no tables available.

Sorry, we just sometimes get a lot of grief from people with kids for whatever reason and its a sore spot...

As for everyone waiting in line... I think its a no-win situation as the poster before stated. People in line would be mad that you were trying to wheel your stroller through and etc, etc.. People are nasty when they're hungry. Plus, with one person ordering you don't have to worry about "I want this... no, wait, I think I want this..". It's quicker ordering, I think. But that's MHO, I'm quite used to saving tables from 4 years of the dining hall at college!

 

[CamColt]

I never thought of that as "saving" a table or that it was wrong. To me it only makes sense for 1 adult and the 2 kids to sit down, get things ready(napkins, condiments, etc...) while the other one orders. Thats what we would do at any fast food restaurant. I have to say that usually we dont have trouble getting a table, and DH is usually only in line for 5 minutes. Maybe we just eat at good times so its not an issue?

 

[Disney_Freak56]

I will admit to having my daughter and other family members save a table for our group. But if it's just the two of us, it's unlikely I will do that.

If I see a large table with only 2 or 3 people sitting at it, I'm not shy about asking if they mind if we share the table with them. I've never had anyone say no yet. It's only good if they are already eating so you know they're not waiting for someone else to show up. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to visit with others.

 

[DisneyMim]

I never thought of saving a table as wrong. We've done this forever. Save tables at Disney, at home, everywhere. I can't imagine not doing it. Standing there with a tray of food and 2 hungry kids and nowhere to sit? We wait before we order, for a table. I guess I look it the same way I would in a sit down restaurant. You get your table, then you order, then the food comes. Most people do this.

 

[jennz]

I would save a table if I could only because DD and I have rarely been able to sit because of the many many people who are saving tables. For the past two summers when she's been 5 and 6 we've gone by ourselves to the parks for a few days while visiting relatives. We wait in line, buy our food and have no place to sit to eat. I understand saving a table to have a place to sit but I find it inconsiderate to not share a table. I honestly think that most people aren't even aware of it though. A few times people have shared and we've eaten and been gone before their families arrive. One time we were actually not finished but we got up to leave but this wonderful family insisted we stay - I ended up standing and the dad stood while DD finished eating. If any of you table sharers are reading this - thank you again! You spread some Disney magic!

 

[Stitch Inside]

Forgive me DISers, for I have sinned. I was worse than a table saver this past weekend at Cosmic Rays. I sat down at a table after strapping DS (20 mo.s) into a high chair. DW went with DS (6yo), by way of the restroom, to get the food. Meanwhile, I proceeded to feed DS from food from our diaper bag until DW returned. I'm so ashamed.

 

[oogieboogie]

I save tables all the time. With 2 hyper kids I'm not going to take them in the line. DH goes in the line and the kids and I get the condiments, napkins, etc ready.

If I went to a counter service and didn't see any tables, I would just take my tray and go somewhere else. Disney has plenty of seating outside of the counter service area. Take Cosmic Rays for example... we've gone out and taken it to eat at the seats by the Indy Speedway. Or at MGM at Rosie's All American Cafe... most times I can't find a table there. I see no reason why I can't plunk my butt down on the sidewalk.

 

[beattyfamily]

We have always saved a table and always will. One orders while the others wait at the table.

When I was young and single, no I didn't save tables, but now I sure do and there's nothing wrong with it whatsoever.

 

[treesinger]

I save and share. I am more than happy to share our table with other people.
it drives me nuts to see 2 people at a table for 6 and they wont share. But i am just as happy to lean on a wall or sit on the sidewalk. After all I am at the happiest place on earth!!!

I think you hit it on the head there. If people would only take the size table they need, it would alleviate a little the table-saving problem.

 

[disneyloveralways]

Guilty as charged. It is hard for me with an ECV to get in line usually only one will accomodate the ECV but others get in that line to. Usually easier for me to park at an out of the way table and let one of the kids (DS23, DS18, DS16 and DD20) go get the food.An ECV takes up as much space as three people in line that would be like putting seven people in line for one order. We only use one table and pull up another chair if needed. We do however try to avoid meal times it's much more peaceful to eat at off times say before 11, 2-4 and after 8.

 

[Disneymomofsix]

Believe me when I tell you that you would rather part of our family save a table while some get the food. I have six kids, and my parents have three. One of mine is ADHD and Bipolar. One has Autism Spectrum Disorder and the other four have problems too. So waiting in line is VERY hard for them. So probably one of the big kids and one or two adults would get the food while the others waited at the table.

 

[MinnieM3]

We're table savers, too. Only if it's crowded and we don't think there will be one after we order. I always sit with the kids and DH orders. No problems!