Main Dining rooms

[Jessica Sloan]

What an odd thread. Carry on.

No kidddng!

 

[JohnDS]

But why?

I'm sorry I don't know how to react to that except with bewilderment. If my son needs help at the dinner table, I will assist him.

 

[jjje]

They do it as a courtesy so that parents can eat instead of cutting up someone else's steak. It's not meant to like, usurp your authority or anything.

You also get a new menu in each restaurant plus menus for special nights. There are only five entrees to choose from at a time but you end up with a lot of different options over the course of your cruise.

 

[Saamh]

No, those are the fake menus. The real ones are top secret and cannot be posted in the disboards. j/k...

Dinner in the main dining rooms is a wonderful experience. The servers are amazing and will gladly bring you multiple entrees or bend over backwards to accommodate requests even if they are not on the menu.

After the first night the servers will most likely have your child's preferred beverage already on the table before you arrive, they will entertain you and the kids with magic tricks between courses (if you will allow that of course).

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm sorry I don't know how to react to that except with bewilderment. If my son needs help at the dinner table, I will assist him.

I think the point is...they offer to do this sort of thing as a kindness.

They do it as a courtesy so that parents can eat instead of cutting up someone else's steak. It's not meant to like, usurp your authority or anything.

Exactly.

Heck, our server very sweetly cut up the mom's food at our table (not mine, but the mom in our tablemates' family) and she nearly cried she thought it was so sweet. Her kids were doing great, they didn't need help, but he came in and helped her out.


I've lost track of what ship you're going on, but if it's the Dream, at Animator's Palate I highly recommend the potato celeriac onion gratin. SO good.

 

[racingfandj]

They do it as a courtesy so that parents can eat instead of cutting up someone else's steak. It's not meant to like, usurp your authority or anything. You also get a new menu in each restaurant plus menus for special nights. There are only five entrees to choose from at a time but you end up with a lot of different options over the course of your cruise.

Our assistant server on the Magic last week noticed me cutting up my mom's steak for her and came running over to do it for her. She has paralysis in one hand and is unable to do it herself, so I generally do it. Kadek was wonderful every evening and cut up her main course right after he finished preparing my daughter's. He would even feed her a bite or two as he was cutting so she didn't have to wait. The kids got the biggest laugh out of it. They do it so the parents can enjoy their food while it is hot and fresh. Relax and enjoy!

 

[JohnDS]

He would even feed her a bite or two as he was cutting so she didn't have to wait.

Wow, that just violates too many boundaries.

 

[Saamh]

Wow, that just violates too many boundaries.

Then I guess we shouldn't start discussing the services provided by the bathroom attendants onboard should we?

 

[JohnDS]

FYI, I didn't start this thread to hear about the ever stranger and intrusive services provided by the staff. It was regarding the selections or lack of selections available on the menu.

I don't understand the shift of the conversation to the service, I consider it irrelevant to the original question. It's like suggesting that I have to go to the great seafood restaurant across town because the servers are so awesome and fast, even though I despise seafood.

 

[JohnDS]

Then I guess we shouldn't start discussing the services provided by the bathroom attendants onboard should we?

Are they relevant to the original question?

 

[bumbershoot]

FYI, I didn't start this thread to hear about the ever stranger and intrusive services provided by the staff. It was regarding the selections or lack of selections available on the menu.

I don't understand the shift of the conversation to the service, I consider it irrelevant to the original question. It's like suggesting that I have to go to the great seafood restaurant across town because the servers are so awesome and fast, even though I despise seafood.

When one starts a thread, it might go off in all sorts of directions.

I don't understand how a server helping someone by offering to cut up food is intrusive. And it sounds incredibly helpful to help feed a partially paralyzed person (who will need that help from *someone*), not intrusive unless they aren't taking "no" for an answer.

Apparently, people don't agree with your thoughts on the menus. We are vegetarian don't have anywhere NEAR 5 entrees that we can choose from, and, with the exception of Enchanted Garden's menu, we have enjoyed what we got. On our first Disney cruise, the server noticed that I ate only half of my first night's entree and we started talking. While it was really good, it was also salty and I felt it was heavy. My eating habits have changed immensely in the last 2 years, and it was just too heavy for me (the no longer served mushroom risotto at AP on the Dream). He found out that I adore Indian food, and he arranged for me to get AMAZING dishes the next two nights of our 3 night cruise. On the third night I got to meet the chef who had made my curries. That wasn't on the menu, but we worked it out so I could be 100% happy with my food.

You don't have to just choose from the menu items. You can mix and match, you can order from the kid's menu if something sounds tasty (and the kids can order from the adult's). You can ask for something special for future nights and see if you can work something out.


If you feel that a server giving you a helping hand is horrid, then say no. Just recognize that other people don't feel that it's horrid or intrusive. They might just think it's plain old NICE.

 

[JohnDS]

When one starts a thread, it might go off in all sorts of directions. I don't understand how a server helping someone by offering to cut up food is intrusive. And it sounds incredibly helpful to help feed a partially paralyzed person (who will need that help from *someone*), not intrusive unless they aren't taking "no" for an answer. Apparently, people don't agree with your thoughts on the menus. We are vegetarian don't have anywhere NEAR 5 entrees that we can choose from, and, with the exception of Enchanted Garden's menu, we have enjoyed what we got. On our first Disney cruise, the server noticed that I ate only half of my first night's entree and we started talking. While it was really good, it was also salty and I felt it was heavy. My eating habits have changed immensely in the last 2 years, and it was just too heavy for me (the no longer served mushroom risotto at AP on the Dream). He found out that I adore Indian food, and he arranged for me to get AMAZING dishes the next two nights of our 3 night cruise. On the third night I got to meet the chef who had made my curries. That wasn't on the menu, but we worked it out so I could be 100% happy with my food. You don't have to just choose from the menu items. You can mix and match, you can order from the kid's menu if something sounds tasty (and the kids can order from the adult's). You can ask for something special for future nights and see if you can work something out. If you feel that a server giving you a helping hand is horrid, then say no. Just recognize that other people don't feel that it's horrid or intrusive. They might just think it's plain old NICE.

Actually, your the first to really talk about the food in any depth. I rather assumed since everyone talked about service that they agreed. Interesting that they'll prepare items not on the menu, perhaps I'll try that, I'd really just prefer they throw a bit of variety out there. I suppose it helps the upsell to the premium places a bit though. I guess there is always the buffet, although I had hoped to avoid it.

 

[dawnball]

Are these accurate? I've read other people's comments raving about the food, but these menus seem very limited and aren't very appealing. I guess I was hoping for menus with a little more depth.

There appear to be two possible options - most people on a Disney cruise have pretty pedestrian taste OR Disney cruise menus are written in a way that isn't familiar to you/doesn't resonate with you. Both of those are probably factors.

However, I'm seeing more than five options. Both Animator's Palette and Enchanted Garden have 14 adult entrees and Royal Palace shirks with 12. In addition - appetizers, salads and soups are all available in entree-sized portions, should that tickle your fancy.

Then there's Cabanas, quick service, room service...

With respect to service - there's more to a restaurant than food. Restaurants with excellent service and mediocre food tend to prosper. Restaurants with excellent food and mediocre service - not so much. On a cruise ship, where your ability to choose another restaurant is curtailed, excellent service can be leveraged to smooth over many menu disappointments.

 

[KristiMc]

Actually, your the first to really talk about the food in any depth. I rather assumed since everyone talked about service that they agreed. Interesting that they'll prepare items not on the menu, perhaps I'll try that, I'd really just prefer they throw a bit of variety out there. I suppose it helps the upsell to the premium places a bit though. I guess there is always the buffet, although I had hoped to avoid it.

Just to let you know, the buffet is not a buffet for dinner but a sit down with selections from the main dining rooms. It is not open on the first/last night of the cruise.

 

[lbgraves]

....tip through the nose,....

You actually are tipping less than 15% for the entire food service for the week. Figure out what your tips would be at WDW for the same number of days having breakfast, lunch & dinner.

FYI, I didn't start this thread to hear about the ever stranger and intrusive services provided by the staff. It was regarding the selections or lack of selections available on the menu.

....I despise seafood.

We have never found the service on the ships to be "intrusive". They are extremely helpful and want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves and relax. By the 7th night the kids are sad to say goodbye to our servers. We have kept in touch with a few, and look forward to seeing them again when we cruise. I don't care for all of the menus, the selection has changed since we first cruised in 2003, but I can usually find something to enjoy.

I was going to prepare you for the fact that the head server removes the lobster shell for you on formal night, but since you don't like seafood that shouldn't be an issue for you.

... I guess there is always the buffet, although I had hoped to avoid it.

There isn't a buffet in the evenings. Cabana's has a menu for dinner, or you can eat at the fast serve places on the pool deck.

 

[silkie8]

Wow, I just read this thread. I sure hope I get seated at Your table, John, on my first Disney cruise......you sound like a real fun-type guy.

 

[Prose]

OP, keep in mind that while you prefer not to have the servers provide more hands-on attention, your tablemates might/probably will. If that makes you uncomfortable or if you prefer not to sit close around a table with strangers, you might prefer to ask DCL for a table just for your family.

Also, to address your concerns elsewhere about your stateroom host entering your room multiple times daily, they will need to access your room in the evening to provide the next day's Daily Navigator, as well as any information about time zone changes or other written notices, which are left on the bed. I am sure that the turn down service can be skipped if you request, but this is separate from the morning cleaning/towel replacement. You will definitely want to receive these notices.

DCL deals with many thousands of customers yearly, and I am sure they are happy to accommodate your preferences within their guidelines of safety and proper procedure.

Going back to the food, we generally find it to be richer and saltier than we are used to, and by the end of the week we craved fresh vegetables. We are adventurous eaters in general, and found the variety not too bad (lamb, wild boar, escargot). Keep in mind that this food is not being prepared "a la minute", but instead is prepared for a simultaneous seating of hundreds. Thus, it is better to not compare it to a restaurant, but to a high-end plated reception. As others have said, if you find the entrees boring, you can always ask for several appetizers, can switch out the sides, etc.

 

[wcw57]

i never understood the uproar over the food...could it be better? sure! but it's a SHIP!! In the middle of the ocean! serving tons of meals each day!

other cruise lines have better food? maybe and/or probably....if THAT'S your priority then I get why you would cruise there...

I, personally, never understood the big hooplah over steak....my husband likes steak....the steak isn't the kind of steak I like.....why don't they use a better grade of meat? who chooses their cruise based on meat?!

however, to the OP's point: some people rave and others rant...its human nature. We want other things to be perfect (but accept far less from ourselves) and wouldn't that be nice.....but, rest assured, the food is fine..good even...and you will enjoy it UNLESS your expectations are that this is fine dining!

 

[JohnDS]

You actually are tipping less than 15% for the entire food service for the week. Figure out what your tips would be at WDW for the same number of days having breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Interesting, I've only ever had one meal at WDW that was remarkable for the food and that was at the Coral Seas. Other than that the same food seems to be served at all of the restaurants in the parks with mostly average service. I was under the impression that the dining on the Cruise line was expected to be better than the parks.

Any more when we go to WDW, we eat most of our meals at the quick serve counter locations because while still expensive at least we can get going faster and are out a bit less for the effort.

 

[pequele]

Then I guess we shouldn't start discussing the services provided by the bathroom attendants onboard should we?

I was thinking any services that DCL does to make you trip enjoyable and you to feel special like deliver your luggage to your room, room service at no extra charge (yes that is right John you can eat in your room away from those intrusive meal servers!), and God forbid you travel concierge where it may feel you have personal service every waking moment! Please don't pay for concierge because I think you would be disappointed.

Wow, I just read this thread. I sure hope I get seated at Your table, John, on my first Disney cruise......you sound like a real fun-type guy.

I am thinking the same thing. I wonder if John just wants to go on vacation and have some family time, not be inundated with the servers service and just be able to be with his family. No problem there but you may want to request that your family be seated at their own table. I would hate for another family seated with you wanting to have a great time and eager to know their table mates, kids perhaps making friends to go to the kids club with but disappointed or embarrassed in the end by your expectations at that same table. No one is FORCED to tip, no one is FORCED to cut your meat, no one is FORCED to eat a prepackaged meal either. I get embarrassed when eating out with a friend who goes crazy over getting coke vs pepsi! I'd probably be mortified being sat at the same table as you right now saying people shouldn't like something like having their food cut because YOU don't like it. I'm on a vacation and I want to have fun, and that means that I don't want to hate going to the dining room every night feeling judged by someone because of the things I love about DCL. I'm sure I'm getting judged right now by you do going "off topic". Too bad so sad. If you don't think the dining experience is what you expect just from reading copies of menus online and you want to judge it based on that, then cancel your trip if it is going to ruin the time you imagine and book a 5 star hotel with award winning, fine dining instead.

i never understood the uproar over the food...could it be better? sure! but it's a SHIP!! In the middle of the ocean! serving tons of meals each day! other cruise lines have better food? maybe and/or probably....if THAT'S your priority then I get why you would cruise there... I, personally, never understood the big hooplah over steak....my husband likes steak....the steak isn't the kind of steak I like.....why don't they use a better grade of meat? who chooses their cruise based on meat?! however, to the OP's point: some people rave and others rant...its human nature. We want other things to be perfect (but accept far less from ourselves) and wouldn't that be nice.....but, rest assured, the food is fine..good even...and you will enjoy it UNLESS your expectations are that this is fine dining!

I love it! YES it's a ship in the middle of the ocean what do you mean it ran out of bananas? I guess I'm just not as picky as some when it comes to a great meal. Hey I've eaten everywhere from third world to fine dining in the Swiss Alps and I take it for what it is. Sure I have my limits (I don't eat crunch bugs haha!) and you will never see me on shows like Amazing Race or Fear Factor for those reasons, but I love that cruising offers something different on my plate every time and something I don't get every day. I enjoy that and I remember that cruise dining allows me to experiment with what I want to taste without adding an up charge for splitting a plate or asking for some of 2-3 entrees or appitizers at the same time. The ships prepare meals for THOUSANDS of people every meal and in between, far more than any five star restaurant will ever prepare in one dinner seating! Yes things may not be perfect but if you ask nicely, the staff will bend over backwards to make it the best they can for you. But you have to let them know (courteously) what it is you would like. Please and thank you get you farther than salt and vinegar!

Relax, you are on vacation people! Enjoy it. You aren't driving, cooking, or cleaning! Grab a Mickey ice cream and savor it!