How to enjoy the MDRs, specifically servers more?

[LittleFatPony]

... Last year we went on the 5 night Western on the Wonder in April. .... [the waiters] did not interact with us AT.ALL unless it was taking an order or delivering it

They did not know any of us or our names by the end of the cruise and we went to every single MDR reservation

They did not interact with our kids (5 & 2.5) once, nor did they offer them something different when they obviously didn't like their food (and since they seemed so rushed and cold to us- we didn't bother asking them for something else).

It truly felt like we were being rushed and in an "assembly" line.

The waiter wasn't Charlie (from Philippines), was it? We had hideous time with him on Wonder in February on our first night. After a lot of hemming and hawing I went to the customer service and the main dining manager, Deniz, switched us to a fantastic team. He also said that they really appreciate hearing from people - they can't know there is a problem unless people tell them.

The new waiters were what i'm used to thinking as Disney waiter - interacted with kids, learned our names and were so kind and engaging, just a joy - we're going to be on Wonder again in July of 2015 and I'll ask for the same team.

I learned that, at least on Disney, if there is a problem, and you speak up, they bend over backwards to make things right.

 

[racingfandj]

We are gearing up for our second Disney Cruise. Last year we went on the 5 night Western on the Wonder in April. I was very excited for the experience in the dining rooms having spent so much time on here in preparation and hearing all of the great stories of excellent service. Both my husband and I are very outgoing and tried to strike up conversation/establish a rapport but every meal we left extremely disappointed. Even now as I read and prepare for our next cruise, I see over and over how others' servers made their cruise that much more amazing.

Here are some areas where we were let down:

They did not interact with us AT.ALL unless it was taking an order or delivering it

They did not know any of us or our names by the end of the cruise and we went to every single MDR reservation

They did not interact with our kids (5 & 2.5) once, nor did they offer them something different when they obviously didn't like their food (and since they seemed so rushed and cold to us- we didn't bother asking them for something else).

It truly felt like we were being rushed and in an "assembly" line.


Anyway- I am committed to enjoying this aspect on our next cruise (7 night Eastern on the Magic), so does anyone have any tips- or do you think we just had bad luck last time?

Thanks for any tips about making the dining each night more memorable and "magical".

We've had some ups and downs in service, but always a good time in the end (the servers are sometimes dry/flat). Going on the Magic, I would highly recommend you call in and request Server - Andrae (United States) and Assistant Server - Kadek (Indonesia). Ask them to stress Kadek for the assistant server no matter which server he is paired with. I'm not sure when his vacation was starting, so he may be on leave, but if you are paired with one or the other, you will have an outstanding time.

My mom, girls and I were on the ship at Thanksgiving and had them for service. DH and I went again in January for my birthday. Standing at muster drill, I hear someone call my name...Kadek recognized me and asked me where the kids were, by name! I had requested his station, so we were seated in his area with another server since Andrea was on vacation. We had great service again. I wish our next trip was on the Magic or that they could be moved to the Fantasy with us.

 

[twindaddy]

The waiter wasn't Charlie (from Philippines), was it? We had hideous time with him on Wonder in February on our first night. After a lot of hemming and hawing I went to the customer service and the main dining manager, Deniz, switched us to a fantastic team. He also said that they really appreciate hearing from people - they can't know there is a problem unless people tell them.

The new waiters were what i'm used to thinking as Disney waiter - interacted with kids, learned our names and were so kind and engaging, just a joy - we're going to be on Wonder again in July of 2015 and I'll ask for the same team.

I learned that, at least on Disney, if there is a problem, and you speak up, they bend over backwards to make things right.

Who did you have on the Wonder in February? Maybe I will request them for my July cruise...

 

[MPS516]

Ask for Henry, outstanding server. We always ask the server and assistant server something about them and try to engage in conversation about their experience on board or with Disney on ship or in the park. We also talk to them about the ports we are visiting and be sure to see if they will get a break to go ashore.

While our servers on the Dream were somewhat less overall than those on the Wonder and Magic, they just seemed more rushed and flustered.

We have watched other tables treat their servers with little respect and they did not get near the personal attention we did. Get to dinner on time, smile and be happy, hopefully they will respond in kind.

 

[LittleFatPony]

Who did you have on the Wonder in February? Maybe I will request them for my July cruise...

Savio Fernandes was our server and Alvaro Gatica Jorquera was the assistant server. They were both great. Our head server was Deniz Baran, and he was fantastic too.