Needs advice. In-Laws 30th Wedding Anniversary

[steph0207]

Okay, I've only been to Disney once before and I'm not as well-informed as others here, so I know I will receive good advice

Let me see if I can explain this well. This is a complete surprise to them. So with that in mind, we are staying at Pop Century and they are staying with their two adult daughters for the week. I am planning to have them go to dinner at the California Grill and spend the night at the Contemporary that night. I have poems for that day that I have planned to place where they can see it and lets them know what is going on, without letting them know too far ahead.

My only problem is that I have the last poem that tells them they are going to stay the night there and contains the room key. I do not want to give it to them earlier because as much as I love them, I'm afraid they'll get curious and open it early, even if it says not to. I was thinking that maybe the waiter could give it to them once they are on dessert or close to finishing the meal.

I have two questions. First, I want to verify you can pay for a meal with the room key. Second, will California Grill even do that? Would I run the risk of them losing the note? I would drop it off only a few hours before the meal.

Sorry this is so long and thanks for your help.

 

[disnut8]

Yes, you can pay for a meal with a room key.

I'm sure the California Grill will help you out. There is a podium on the fourth floor (I think it's the fourth floor) where your in-laws will check in for their dinner (they will not be able just to walk up to the restaurant). I would check there and leave the envelope with them.

BTW - this is really sweet for you to do. My in-laws just celebrated their 50th!

 

[steph0207]

Thanks! I'll probably call them when it gets closer and ask. Another question...Does anyone know if the restaurant hosts allowed to accept tips? I would want to tip them if they are doing me this favor.

 

[Pakey]

We wanted to have a wait staff person give something to my DIL on a trip two years ago and we were told that they would not guarantee delivery to the table. They said maybe they would do it if they were not overly busy but would not guarantee it.

I opted to go a different route for fear that my DIL would not receive it.

 

[disnut8]

Thanks! I'll probably call them when it gets closer and ask. Another question...Does anyone know if the restaurant hosts allowed to accept tips? I would want to tip them if they are doing me this favor.

I don't believe the hosts do accept tips. That would probably lead to the old "here's a twenty my man, I want to be seated in the middle of the restaurant so I can be noticed".

The PP said that they didn't guarantee that their staff would be able to deliver to the person. I understand that. A few years ago, a server (NOT at Disney) delivered an engagement ring to the wrong couple and the excited "bride" walked off with it. It was worked out but not before it not before every single news line in America had it on their front page and on their websites.

To be certain, can you arrange to meet up with your in-laws after their dinner? Or even have them call you? You can tell them that you want to make sure their dinner was OK. They won't suspect a thing with that request.

What is the worst? That they show up back at Pop Century after their meal? Put them in a cab for the Contemporary!

 

[steph0207]

Very True. I just come from a place where you tip everyone that does anything special for you, not that I agree with it, its just customary. I didn't mean to come across like that.

Maybe I'll have them call and I'll be "around" when they call. That's a great idea.

The only reason I'm stressing about this whole thing is that this trip is considered their 30th Anniversary, which they haven't celebrated since my FIL's mother past away on their actual anniversary. I just really want to make it very special.

Steph

 

[belleatheart]

You can always call Disney Dining it might take a few calls...not everyone is always up to speed I have discovered, but see what info you can get from them. They have certain plans you can work out. I am currently suprising my parents with a special night getaway and Disney has worked with me on all the details