Ordering More in the MDR

[katmigordon]

If I know I want to order more than one item, or more than one category of item. Like 2 different appetizers for example? Do I order them both at the same time, or can I order one and see how full I am at that point before ordering the 2nd?

I know things come out in courses, what if there is nothing on the appetizer or soup/salad list that looks good, but something from the lighter side entrée options (like a salad listed there) can I order that entrée salad and have it come out when appetizers are being served?

Last one, if Dinner A has the main part that I want, but I don't want those sides, but do want the sides from Dinner B, can I order Dinner A with Dinner Bs sides? Or do I have to order both and waste the food I'm not going to eat?

 

[HiStitch626]

Your serving team will do their best to meet your requests whenever possible.

in the past, ordering an additional appetizer, entrée, or dessert was not an issue. I do not know if that will change post-pandemic.

 

[JoeFromSeoul]

Last question first, since the plates are assembled on a production line, asking for the sides to be swapped might slow your service, but I am willing to bet DCL would accommodate you.

I have only once ordered a second entree that wasn’t lobster. I had ordered the venison medallions and was disappointed. With lobster, it is pretty standard for us to request additional entrees, they usually just bring the lobster without sides when we do. We frequently ask for additional appetizers or (much less frequently) additional desserts.

I usually ask when a member of the wait team stops by to ensure we are having an “excellent” time.

 

[meliscan]

Yeah we have frequently had several appetizers and entrees. If I can't decide the server will just bring me another option. I have also had them double some things for me, like the trufle pursettes!! I don't know how it will work post pandemic but it was never an issue. I have even had a time where I didn't like my main course and they got me another option very quickly.
Our table mates loved the Grand Marnier souffle and once we told them on night one she had a couple for every desert afterwards. We all got to enjoy her dessert

 

[Keyser]

If I know I want to order more than one item, or more than one category of item. Like 2 different appetizers for example? Do I order them both at the same time, or can I order one and see how full I am at that point before ordering the 2nd?

I know things come out in courses, what if there is nothing on the appetizer or soup/salad list that looks good, but something from the lighter side entrée options (like a salad listed there) can I order that entrée salad and have it come out when appetizers are being served?

We've ordered multiple things a few times, and ordered something kind of off-pattern.

For the most part, you order everything but dessert at once, and then dessert later. So, it would be hard to order, see how full you are, and then order something else. By that point, they would probably be on to the next course, and it could get tricky and throw them off a good bit to have to go get another item that wasn't planned for. That said, they'd probably still try to accommodate you.

Ordering something that you want to come out later (but not earlier) would probably work. Again, it'd be unusual, but they'd probably be able to handle it more easily as long as they knew ahead of time.

Last one, if Dinner A has the main part that I want, but I don't want those sides, but do want the sides from Dinner B, can I order Dinner A with Dinner Bs sides? Or do I have to order both and waste the food I'm not going to eat?

I think you could probably also do this without as much difficulty. This would be a special order (since as someone said, they kind of assembly-line the orders), but I'd think they could do it without throwing things off too much if you ask at the time of ordering.

My experience is that they will try hard not to tell you "no" and will try to meet what you ask for, within reason. Obviously, you don't want to abuse that, but if you want something, you can always ask.

 

[lodge]

Your serving team will do their best to meet your requests whenever possible.

in the past, ordering an additional appetizer, entrée, or dessert was not an issue. I do not know if that will change post-pandemic.

I can vouch this to be accurate. We ordered 3 rounds of escargot and forgo the meal- weird but we love those snails!!!

 

[pascalspal]

If I know I want to order more than one item, or more than one category of item. Like 2 different appetizers for example? Do I order them both at the same time, or can I order one and see how full I am at that point before ordering the 2nd?

In our experience, we usually ask the server to bring them both out at once - especially if we are in the typically busier first seating. It seems to be harder for them to accommodate everyone if they get off of their set rotation for appetizer, soup/salad, main, dessert. The portions are pretty small, and they are pretty accustomed to people not finishing all of their plates. However if what you want to do, they will most certainly accommodate you! The servers are awesome and will try to make your dining experience as great as it possibly can be!

Side note: The servers and other cast members benefit a great deal from good comments on the comment cards at the end of the cruise. If I ask someone to do something that is maybe a bit different than normal or am just pleased with my service, I will make a note of them on the comment card before leaving the ship. This is like a bonus tip for them as Disney rewards the crew members as a whole when the positive rating from guests is above a certain percent - as well as individual incentives for glowing comments!

I know things come out in courses, what if there is nothing on the appetizer or soup/salad list that looks good, but something from the lighter side entrée options (like a salad listed there) can I order that entrée salad and have it come out when appetizers are being served?

Absolutely! Order whatever you want from the menu and they can accommodate that. Often if someone in our party doesnt like the menu on our nightly rotation, the servers will go above and beyond to accommodate them. For example, someone in our party only liked one or two appetizers from Animators Palate. They continued to not order apps after that night. The server noticed and on night 3 went back to the AP kitchen and brought them the app they ordered night 1 to Lumieres. They continued to do this for the rest of the cruise without being asked. We have often asked for creme brulee from lumieres in every restaurant (only when things are slower for the servers. we dont do it often since they have to go to a separate kitchen). Point is, they will go above and beyond to accommodate what you want and need!


Last one, if Dinner A has the main part that I want, but I don't want those sides, but do want the sides from Dinner B, can I order Dinner A with Dinner Bs sides? Or do I have to order both and waste the food I'm not going to eat?

We have requested this before in an attempt not to waste food. Every time the server has just brought out both dishes for us instead of bringing Entree A and the side from Entree B. It is much easier and faster for the kitchen, and they basically explained that they dont have time within the dining service to accommodate food requests like this unless they are a part of a dietary restriction. In all likelyhood they will bring out both full dishes. If you dont eat both, dont feel bad about it. It is likely that if that food doesnt get served it will go to waste before the next sailing anyway. Plus that is also the fun of a cruise, to try new things!

 

[OpieDoodle]

For your first question, I believe it is best to order all at once at the beginning to ensure your service moves as quickly as possible. With that being said I know a couple times when I've seen someone who didn't like their food for any reason they were quickly able to get them a replacement so I don't think its necessarily a "no you can't do that".

If you pick a side salad you want as an appetizer I'm such that's not a problem but I'd ask them. Disney is great about accommodating guests and they do not like to say no.

As for the sides and such, this piece may be a little trickier. The meals come from different dinning rooms. I don't believe they make the other MDRs meals in each others but rather they send someone to go get it. You may be able to order just the sides or just the entre from another MDR but I don't know if it'd end up on the same plate or not. Either way you should be able to do it you just may end up with multiple plates.

 

[Clojel]

For your first question, I believe it is best to order all at once at the beginning to ensure your service moves as quickly as possible. With that being said I know a couple times when I've seen someone who didn't like their food for any reason they were quickly able to get them a replacement so I don't think its necessarily a "no you can't do that".

If you pick a side salad you want as an appetizer I'm such that's not a problem but I'd ask them. Disney is great about accommodating guests and they do not like to say no.

As for the sides and such, this piece may be a little trickier. The meals come from different dinning rooms. I don't believe they make the other MDRs meals in each others but rather they send someone to go get it. You may be able to order just the sides or just the entre from another MDR but I don't know if it'd end up on the same plate or not. Either way you should be able to do it you just may end up with multiple plates.

For what it’s worth, I was told by our servers on our last cruise that all the MDRs use the same kitchen…so it isn’t an issue to get something from one when you’re dining at the other. My DH had the Chilean sea bass 2x in the “wrong” restaurant. I don’t see why that would be any different for sides…except that, as other posters have mentioned, it might take a bit longer.

 

[epcotrulz]

I find that MDR always go above and beyond when you ask for anything “extra”, used to be like that in Palo too ….

 

[OpieDoodle]

For what it’s worth, I was told by our servers on our last cruise that all the MDRs use the same kitchen…so it isn’t an issue to get something from one when you’re dining at the other. My DH had the Chilean sea bass 2x in the “wrong” restaurant. I don’t see why that would be any different for sides…except that, as other posters have mentioned, it might take a bit longer.

Good to know, that actually does make sense. I'd assume regardless they have separate little assembly lines for the food. I just wasn't sure if officially it'll be on the same plate or if it'll be multiple plates.

 

[Meriweather]

WE order everything at once, but sometimes ask for another of something.....the the waiter asks if we want more.
I change my entree up all the time, usually just with leaving things off. Potatoes, rice, sauce are left off and they usually bring more vegetables instead

 

[Scalemaster34]

Post-pandemic.???

But before it was never really an issue... we tried to order everything at once. But something things aren't as good as you hoped and they ask about something else. I use to always order the "steak" option, but sometimes that's not really all that "good". I've had more success of late with the "fish" options, but then my wire's tenderloin was really great last time. And if there is fish and a shellfish aII might make it a combo....

I always got the feeling the liked doing things for you...

 

[armystrongice]

Our favorite is ordering The Works for dessert, ie bring us all of that day's treats on the double!

 

[Clojel]

Good to know, that actually does make sense. I'd assume regardless they have separate little assembly lines for the food. I just wasn't sure if officially it'll be on the same plate or if it'll be multiple plates.

That I do not know, b/c DH ordered an ENTIRE second entree...not just a side or two...haha!!

 

[TiggerBouncy]

Well, I LOVE sourdough bread and I hate most other rolls. So my waiter used to bring me a special basket of sourdough.

But more than that, one time I told him I could not decide between the chicken and the steak. He said no problem - hw would bring both. I said that was too much food, and he said no problem again - he would have them bring out half portions of both.

So.... there ya go. I can't say your waiter will be as good or as accommodating as mine. This was in 2012 (2013? I forget which cruise it was on). So your actual mileage may vary.

 

[Cheburashka]

When one dish hasn't worked for us, they've always offered to bring another, and this is out of six Disney cruises within the past six years. The servers do aim to please.

 

[Lilsia]

All of what you want can be accommodated. My daughter always swaps out the wasabi mashed potatoes for the cream cheese ones for her steak dish. We have also ordered another of something after we finished our other food. I most definitely would try to keep the number of times they have to run back to the kitchen to a minimum since it slows them down for all of their tables. We also tip extra. And they can, and will send someone to get an item from another restaurant if you want.

 

[katmigordon]

Oh I would try to never ask them to do that - I'm just talking about sides and mains from two different dishes being served in the same MDR that night.

As for the sides and such, this piece may be a little trickier. The meals come from different dinning rooms. I don't believe they make the other MDRs meals in each others but rather they send someone to go get it. You may be able to order just the sides or just the entre from another MDR but I don't know if it'd end up on the same plate or not. Either way you should be able to do it you just may end up with multiple plates.

 

[katmigordon]

Sound like people after my own heart, I know we'll be getting one of everything on a given MDRs dessert list and splitting them between us.

Our favorite is ordering The Works for dessert, ie bring us all of that day's treats on the double!