Question about the antics at 50s Prime Time

[AllyReggie]

Just to be clear: This is NOT a question about tipping at 50s Prime Time

I am working on my list for my family's upcoming Disney World vacation, food is a big part of it, and after watching some reviews, looking at menus and lots of discussion, 50s Prime Time became a finalist.

Well, that is all fine well and good, except my dad can dish as fast as he receives in the snark/banter arena.

And when I told him that the restaurant "theme" is that your Cousins and Aunts/Uncles are serving you from "Moms Kitchen" his immediate response was "Great, guess that means I don't have to tip, after all they are family!"

Now, I know my Dad would never be so brazen as to not tip at Disney, but I think he might be brazen enough to tell our Cousin/Family Member/Server some version of that same "joke".

I tried my best to think of an "in character response" that a Cousin might give as to why you ought to tip, but anything I come up with sort of breaks the illusion of the experience and since I have never been, I don't know how often that is done and to what degree. I also personally feel like there are just some things you don't joke about with a server, and threatening them with a low or no tip when they haven't done anything to deserve that kind of uncertainty or concern is one of them.

Can anyone quell my fears? Is this a frequent joke, does anyone know what a Cousin might say if approached with this kind of retort for the antics at 50s Prime Time? Help!!!

 

[Dunston]

I think it's pretty lousy to (even jokingly) tell a service employee they won't tip, especially somewhere where they can't break character.

That being said, I didn't even know that 50's Prime Time has lore this deep! I'm sure they would just say something like "is that how you would treat your uncle/cousin/whatever?" and secretly be annoyed.

 

[AllyReggie]

I think it's pretty lousy to (even jokingly) tell a service employee they won't tip, especially somewhere where they can't break character.

That being said, I didn't even know that 50's Prime Time has lore this deep! I'm sure they would just say something like "is that how you would treat your uncle/cousin/whatever?" and secretly be annoyed.

I agree... it is REALLY lousy to tell any server/service employee that you aren't going to tip, even if you are joking, and a really good way to get bad service to boot.

Which is why I am freaking out, I don't want to scratch it from the list, but I'd be lying if I said that the thought of my Dad embarrassing me, my Mom and my husband with a poor taste, 4th wall break joke at 50s hasn't been keeping me a bit.... anxious. It looks like such a fun trip and I'd hate to miss it, but I know my Dad will think its funny, and not get it and be even more desirous to say/do inappropriate things if I tell him not to.

I love my dad to bits, but he has a humor and a style that would say is... "not ready for Prime Time"

see what I did there?

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

The so called antics at 50's is mild and fun. If someone were to harass the server it would probably ruin the whole experience for that table and probably ruin it for others around as well.

 

[Dunston]

I understand why you're anxious, that sounds like it could be upsetting. With stuff like this, I think it's good to keep in mind that one ride joke will be a blip on the radar for a waiter or waitress, and it's doubtful you'd even be near the worst behaved customers they had only on that day.

 

[AllyReggie]

I understand why you're anxious, that sounds like it could be upsetting. With stuff like this, I think it's good to keep in mind that one ride joke will be a blip on the radar for a waiter or waitress, and it's doubtful you'd even be near the worst behaved customers they had only on that day.

You are probably right, at the end of the day they probably get much worse from people who aren't even trying to be funny, people who are flat out rude, disrespectful or belittling. A poor taste joke may be a minor annoyance, but hopefully if we all shun him for the offense, it wont burden their day.

 

[DazzleT]

“Come on, we all know you can’t leave grandma’s house without giving cousin bobby a “loan” for his latest insane project.”

 

[Ladyandthepuppies]

I would let your dad say whatever he wants and then make eye contact with the server and reassure him/her "haha he's just joking! We should probably tip you extra for putting up with him!"

 

[Disneylover99]

I would let your dad say whatever he wants and then make eye contact with the server and reassure him/her "haha he's just joking! We should probably tip you extra for putting up with him!"

Good idea. I’d suggest this route.

Unless, OP, the anticipation of this is going to cause you stress. I’d consider cancelling. Every server is so different. Some are really in character and some hardly at all.

 

[Hi Pluto]

I think the best response is for you to chime in and make a comment about how you will, in deed, be tipping. Something like, "Don't worry, we always take care of family".

 

[Summer2018]

Just to be clear: This is NOT a question about tipping at 50s Prime Time

I am working on my list for my family's upcoming Disney World vacation, food is a big part of it, and after watching some reviews, looking at menus and lots of discussion, 50s Prime Time became a finalist.

Well, that is all fine well and good, except my dad can dish as fast as he receives in the snark/banter arena.

And when I told him that the restaurant "theme" is that your Cousins and Aunts/Uncles are serving you from "Moms Kitchen" his immediate response was "Great, guess that means I don't have to tip, after all they are family!"

Now, I know my Dad would never be so brazen as to not tip at Disney, but I think he might be brazen enough to tell our Cousin/Family Member/Server some version of that same "joke".

I tried my best to think of an "in character response" that a Cousin might give as to why you ought to tip, but anything I come up with sort of breaks the illusion of the experience and since I have never been, I don't know how often that is done and to what degree. I also personally feel like there are just some things you don't joke about with a server, and threatening them with a low or no tip when they haven't done anything to deserve that kind of uncertainty or concern is one of them.

Can anyone quell my fears? Is this a frequent joke, does anyone know what a Cousin might say if approached with this kind of retort for the antics at 50s Prime Time? Help!!!

If he says something like that to a server, I would quickly chime in, "Don't listen to him. I've got you covered."

 

[Summer2018]

I agree... it is REALLY lousy to tell any server/service employee that you aren't going to tip, even if you are joking, and a really good way to get bad service to boot.

Which is why I am freaking out, I don't want to scratch it from the list, but I'd be lying if I said that the thought of my Dad embarrassing me, my Mom and my husband with a poor taste, 4th wall break joke at 50s hasn't been keeping me a bit.... anxious. It looks like such a fun trip and I'd hate to miss it, but I know my Dad will think its funny, and not get it and be even more desirous to say/do inappropriate things if I tell him not to.

I love my dad to bits, but he has a humor and a style that would say is... "not ready for Prime Time"

see what I did there?

Be prepared for him to be put in "time-out" in the corner. I've seen it many times, and as long as everyone is on board, it's really hilarious.

 

[3gr8boys]

We all enjoyed 50s PT on our last trip. Our server, Quinn, was awesome. She dished out just enough schtick to be fun but not overwhelming. Frankly, I think she may have enjoyed having something like your Dad commenting and you (great idea @Hi Pluto ) following with ".....always take care of family" to play off of. Be prepared with a line or a reassuring wink and have fun

 

[kaytieeldr]

You could point out that jokes are funny, but his line isn't.

 

[AllyReggie]

Thank you guys so much! I love the "We always take care of family" line... that is perfect and absolutely something I could say! It also keeps in the spirit of the experience and that is 100% what I (and even he, honestly) want.

Thank you so much guys... I feel so much better about going in knowing I have a game plan to diffuse his bad joke! I can't wait to get some of Moms home cooking!

Edited to add: And maybe something out of Dads liquor cabinet for dealing with my old man

 

[AllyReggie]

Be prepared for him to be put in "time-out" in the corner. I've seen it many times, and as long as everyone is on board, it's really hilarious.

I would LOVE for this to happen, and I think my mom would really get a kick out of it, he might grumble at first but I have fully explained how the restaurant works and he is on board so... I think he'd find it all in good fun!

 

[KenHutch]

When you check in just tell the CM that your dad has a unique sense of humor. They will pass it on. They do try to put you with the appropriate server. I have seen people ask for a normal server and people ask for a wild one. I observed this last June. While waiting for 30 minutes we were sitting opposite the check in desk.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Ha! I would laugh at your Dads joke! Its funny!! I would also hope he wasnt serious, but I guess I would only find that out after he left. Then if he really didnt tip, I guess the joke would be on me...and Id laugh about that!

I wouldnt put to much thought into a possible conversation. Maybe if he does say it, you can interject and simple say "He's just kidding!" (and maybe say "We tip extra to family"

 

[wdw&sonny]

The servers have heard it all...they have training in how they should respond to those very same types of comments, questions, and even things far more insulting. He/She will have heard the "no need to tip family" line many times before and will be quick with a witty retort. No need to worry. Your dad will be carefully shamed, just like family.

 

[Scifidiner]

Get him to drink 2 or 3 Long Island ice teas and he'll probably forget about making the joke.