Just Desserts/Appetizers?

[wdwcustar]

Hey all!


What is the proper dining ettiquette at WDW in regards to just having appetizers and/or desserts. (Specifically at the World Showcase)


We are planning to eat a main course at Nine Dragons (China), but I thought that by the time we worked our way around, we might be ready for dessert at Chefs de France... would they mind if 3 adults came in around dinner time (PS for Nine Dragons is currently set for 2:30) and JUST ordered a dessert each? Also, after spending most of our day at Animal Kingdom, we'll prolly head over to EPCOT... could we just go to Le Cellier for some cheese soup and be on our way? Maybe not... Just some ideas I'm throwing around and wanted to know what is and isn't allowed.


Jeff

 

[ducklite]

IMHO it is rude to take a table between 5:00pm and 8:00pm and not order a full meal...unless you plan on leaving a tip equivalent to one that you would leave for a full meal. The servers rely on tips for their livlihood, and it can really make a dent when someone takes up a table during a prime dinner hour and doesn't order a meal.

On the other hand if you are talking about stopping in for desert at 4:00-4:30, then that is fine

Anne

 

[cammie810]

I think it would be fine. My husband and I hardly ever order meals and instead make a meal out of several appetizers and dessert. Usually we spend as much money as if we had ordered a meal. Even if you are only going to get dessert that is ok too. You are not going to be taking up as much time as a meal.

 

[athena's mommy]

Personally, as a server, I get upset when poeple come in just to order desert. And yes, you are usually there as long as a regular meal. Most people order a desert and a drink or coffe and eat/drink leisurley and leave a measly tip. IMO, I would not go between the prime dining hours of 5-7pm. I would say before 5 and after 7 is ok though, as long as the restaurant is not busy. We actually got desert from the menu at Chefs and took it to go and ate outside while we watched Illuminations. Maybe you could get it to go.

 

[TwingleMum]

I have to disagree with a few of the above posters, if you only want dessert than go for it. You the consumer are paying for your meal and this is Disney keep in mind nothings cheap. Tip appropriately and enjoy yourselves. Using the above logic there then should be a minimum spending cap per table. What about the people who share an entree?? Should they not be "allowed" to go between 5pm and 7 pm?? What about people like myself who don't drink alcohol often and get tired of soda and order water (horrors LOL) Maybe Disney should quiz you when you make a PS "What will you order? How much will you spend etc etc" I waitressed my way through graduate school so I have a healthy respect for wait staff. But I think people should lighten up and order what they want. I also think its just plan good manners not to tie up a table to linger forever over coffee. Sometimes you neeed a little pampering and as the saying goes "LIFES TOO SHORT ORDER DESSERT FIRST!!! ". Have a magical day. PS I hope I didn't hurt anyones feelings.

 

[LindaR]

I totally agree with the above poster! What you order, at what time, is your business. You are spending money. Period.

 

[InstImpres]

CR had no problem with it. I was unsure if it was ok and if we should make a PS or not. They said amke the PS and enjoy (it was for dessert at Le Cellier)

 

[lucysdad]

Sheesh, the things people stress about. Want to have just dessert, or perhaps just an appetizer? Did they give you a table? Are you going to pay for it? Um, then what's wrong. A server doesn't have to spend as much time and effort with you if you're doing minimal ordering, so the smaller tip (at the proper percentage if earned, of course) is just as good. A good, pleasant server will get good tips from good, pleasant people. And that's the key: everyone be good and pleasant, then we'll all get along.

 

[Minniespal]

I would think if you told WDW Dining when you were making your ressies it should be fine.

 

[jsmla]

We do this often but I usually leave a bigger tip to compensate for tying up the table.

 

[powellrj]

The last time we were at Downtown Disney, stopped in at the Rainforest Cafe at 2:30 in the afternoon. We ordered $43 worth of appetizers for our family of 4 and even the kids asked what we had done to make the server so angry. She took our order and after a huge sigh came back 20 minutes later and threw the plate at us as she walked by. I for one will never order just appetizers or dessert again. I didn't think it would be a problem at 2:30 because I thought we were between meals. I mean the whole reason we stopped was because there was no wait and many empty tables.