miffed last night at Wolfgang Puck's (HoB ending)

[Luv2Roam]

DH and I wanted to eat in DTD somewhere as we were going to AMC to watch Pirates for the second time.
A few weeks ago we ate first at Wolfgang Puck's Express, and I thought about repeating that. But thought I would give Wolfgang Puck's Cafe a try. We ate there approx 4 years ago and both said it was just okay, and never have returned.
I made an ADR through Disney Dining.
In the afternoon I called WGC to see if they accepted the DDE. Otherwise I was going to cancel the ADR.
Apparently when calling I reached the upstairs restaurant. The response was I believe they do in the Cafe; I am certain of it.
Okay. Thought I would ask at the podium when I check in. I did.
We certainly do was the reply.
Luckily, I laid my DDE card on the table shortly after being seated. We were not acknowledged right away and had plenty time to look at the menu and even at food being served to others seated around us.
I was considering ordering the meatloaf. But as DH and I were noticing, the meatloaf there looked the same as Wolfgang Puck Express. And it is almost double the price at the Cafe. Maybe it is different. But sure looked the same.
The server came over and we started ordering. He stopped and mentioned they do not accept the DDE.
What? Are you sure?
Yes, we do not accept the DDE.
I was told at the front podium you do accept it.
Response: We servers know. They don't.
I said we were leaving due to this, and we did. He said I could speak to a manager on the way out.
I said No I wasn't bothering with that. And didn't. (Got better and nicer things to do than gripe to a manager.)
I did not look on-line to see if the Cafe accepted the DDE, as I thought I would get the info first hand from the restaurant, which I thought would be the most accurate.
The lack of discount did not really bother me. It did not set well with me how it was handled.
So Wolfgang Cafe is off our dining list. Twice, and not impressed either time.
I was opting to walk to the Express. But DH wanted HoB.
At HoB we had approx a 15 minute wait and great service. The food is always good there.
They were having guests waiting to be seated. But the side seating area was empty. We were seated in the back room, and they were barely using that area. There were maybe 6 tables of guests back there, with MANY empty tables.

 

[JustHolly]

I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience. We eat at the Puck Cafe about once or twice a month. Do you have AP's? You can get a discount with those. We do.

We have had very inconsistent service there. Sometimes, the service is EXCELLENT, and other times, I have almost felt like walking out in disgust. The food is usually consistent though. The higher prices on the food that you can also get at the counter service express is because you are paying for the ambience, not counter service and dirty outdoor seating. You're right though... the food is the same and it comes from the same kitchen.

 

[Luv2Roam]

We both have PAPs. I did not even think to ask about that, as I rarely use my AP for discounts. But you probably are right. Too bad the server did not suggest it, as if someone has DDe they most likely have an AP to go along with it.
I think I was more miffed over having to deal with their issues, rather than enjoy a meal.

 

[J&J]

horrible you called and also checked before they seated you --no excuse.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

ITA that the situation was handled poorly. Good Customer Service practice would have been to honor the discount for you just that once since, at a minimum, the hostess could verify that she gave the wrong info.

On the flip side, DDE did send out email & snail mail that informed members that WPC was no longer participating in DDE.

 

[BCV23]

Too bad that both on the phone and at the podium you were given incorrect info.

I also think it would have been good to speak to a manager or at least tell the people at the podium that they were wrong. Could help someone else.

I don't think the server could have done anything else though unless they involved a manager. The system is probably no longer set up to handle the discount.

I read about the change on the DIS...I don't believe I received either the email or snail mail. But I think it is a sad change. I wonder why they participate in the DDP but not DDE.

 

[frndshpcptn]

"I was opting to walk to the Express"

Isn't the Express in the same building?

 

[mcgrawfan]

"I was opting to walk to the Express"

Isn't the Express in the same building?

No. The Express is on the other side of DTD in the Marketplace.

 

[brerrabbit]

There's two Express locations, one in the Marketplace and one right there at Wolfgang's Cafe.

 

[NancyIL]

I really like the House of Blues. Did you get your AP discount there?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Sorry to hear of your experience.
2) Service has suffered since Wolfgang doesn't own Wolfgang's anymore.


NOTE: All Wolfgag eateries had to be sold by Wolfgang.

 

[Bonnie40]

Do you know why?