Ordering just milkshakes at Sci-Fi Diner?

[maxiesmom]

I'm not convinced that the “If everyone...” argument applies.

A big part of going to Sci-Fi is the atmosphere. Not just getting a milkshake. Some great suggestions of other places to get a milkshake (no argument about the PB&J!) , but Roseanne's youngest daughter really wants to see Sci-Fi Dine-In.

You could trade out Sci-Fi for Be our Guest. And we all know what Disney has done to that venue.

I don't think it is wrong, as much as a huge waste of time. The setting at the Sci-Fi is cute, for about 30 seconds. After that it is dark and you can't see what you are eating.

 

[FCDub]

You could trade out Sci-Fi for Be our Guest. And we all know what Disney has done to that venue.

I don't think it is wrong, as much as a huge waste of time. The setting at the Sci-Fi is cute, for about 30 seconds. After that it is dark and you can't see what you are eating.

I would agree. Over-the-top theming like this, Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex, etc. is generally a way to cover up subpar food.

 

[conandrob240]

We actually thought the food (and value for 1 credit) at Sci Fi was very good past two trips this year. Better than it had been in years past.

Trex, Rainforest- have never had good food.

 

[Mome Rath]

It's Disney, I say go for it.

One of the things I do sometimes if nothing on a menu looks good is to talk to your waiter or waitress, and ask them what they recommend, or some good appetizer to split. Tell them your daughter reallllyyy wanted to check it out, and that you guys aren't sure what else to get, but everyone wants a milkshake. Then tip well.

 

[conandrob240]

? Did they say they wanted something other than milkshakes? Or are you suggesting they pretend they might order something else? I’m confused.

 

[Planogirl]

I wouldn't hesitate to order only a milkshake if that's what I wanted. Those things are filling!

We like Sci-fi and consider it an attraction. We only quit going because we got tired of always being in the "backseat" of other groups' cars since there were often just two of us. A larger group should have no such issues.

 

[OneinThree]

The business model for a TS restaurant is one that anticipates dinners sitting down for a meal, period. Otherwise, the location would be unsustainable. Is there any hard fast rule which says you can't order just milkshakes? Of course not. But then, in the past there never needed to be. It's expected that people be aware of the norms and follow them. Tipping is a great example. The business model of any restaurant employing servers relies on this norm, because the tips represent such a large portion of the servers' income. The idea that it's "OK" with Disney because they have not set up a prix fixe menu there doesn't make much sense. They should not have had to have done so at BOG. The reason they did is because of people who either failed to recognize, or failed to adhere to expected norms. The fact that Sci-Fi has not gone Prix Fixe only says that the majority of patrons actually get it. That doesn't make it acceptable for those who don't.

 

[cwis]

As much as I understand that everyone likes to enjoy their vacation differently, I'm surprised many around this thread enjoy thinking about how Disney management would like them to behave.

To me, that sounds like a pretty much convoluted way to have fun. I prefer doing whatever makes my happy, as long as it doesn't break any rules, of course. And yes, to me, ordering something from a menu at a table service restaurant doesn't seem to break any rule (it's the very definition of how such places actually work), especially if you're considerate in tipping.

 

[Mome Rath]

This has turned into an... odd discussion. Where I'm from, a rural town that has quite a few restaurants, people freely go for dessert, and only dessert, all the time. Plate of fries by itself? Great. Cup of coffee and conversation? Great. You treat the wait staff with respect and you tip. So this talk of "norms" isn't the norm for USA culture at large.

The decor is part of the draw at Disney, they do it on purpose. There's a menu. If you go to a restaurant and order off the menu, there's not a problem. Need an ADR, then get up on 180 and make one. Everyone has the same shot at a table. If someone is worried about just getting dessert, just ask the host/hostess.

? Did they say they wanted something other than milkshakes? Or are you suggesting they pretend they might order something else? I’m confused.

Is this question to me? If you read the OP, the question came from the fact that they didn't see anything on the menu they thought looked good except the milkshakes. If that's the case, one often can ask for a recommend from the wait staff, and the wait staff can help pick out something they may like, I do that all the time, especially somewhere I've never ate and peruse the menu to no avail. Why would they have to pretend, it seems they really wanted to eat, but don't see anything they like?

 

[OneinThree]

I'm surprised many around this thread enjoy thinking about how Disney management would like them to behave.

It's not a "Disney" thing; it's called social contract. You wouldn't want a rule or a law for every little thing that makes society happen every day.

 

[Runnsally]

It's not a "Disney" thing; it's called social contract. You wouldn't want a rule or a law for every little thing that makes society happen every day.

Totally agree. This is not about how disney expects one to behave, but rather being considerate of others. Of course the diner in our town is totally ok with ordering only dessert - it’s all about context.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Something to consider for your daughter, if it's just the 2 of you and they are busy, no matter what you are ordering they may not seat you in a car. They have small tables that they may end up seating you at. If it's the car she wants, you may need to request and possibly share with another party of 2. Just something to consider

 

[zebrastreyepz]

You can also do a walk up and sit at the tables in the back with the umbrella which is what we did since I couldn't get a reservation.

Regardless, order what you like!

Also, sitting in the back did not diminish the experience. I actually preferred it as those cars look kind of smallish.

 

[DisneyFive]

I wish all we would’ve ordered yesterday was milkshakes because they were good while all of our burgers were subpar.

I’ll be writing up a review of sci-fi but let’s just say none of us were impressed

Dan

 

[PetePanMan]

go, ignore all this social contract stuff, order milkshakes and enjoy.

 

[Tksolomom]

I agree 100% and so did the moderator. Unless there are limitations you can and should order what you want. Should I not eat there because I only order an entree and drink water? The server wouldn’t be getting as big of tip as if I orderered alcoholic drinks and also got an appetizer and dessert.

Sometimes we split entrees and get an appetizer. We order what we want. Yes, I agree it was a bit out of hand at BOG where 5 people would come in and order one cupcake between them just to meet the Beast. Disney could have resolved that by having another meet and greet for him.

They charge so much for their food that I am not worried about Disney’s profits, and you won’t be there as long as someone ordering a meal, so you aren’t really taking up a table for a long time.

Enjoy yourself!