Rainforest Cafe: Water free, straws extra

[Fargoman2]

I had to chuckle a bit during our recent visit to Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney. Our initially enthusiastic server greeted us and asked the traditional, "Can I start you off with some beverages and an appetizer?" To which we politely replied, "Actually, we're ready to order now." This, of course, always seems to throw the server off his/her game.

As the five of us proceeded through our meal orders, I sensed some mild irritation that four of us had the audacity to order (tap) water with our meals ( for the record, I ordered a cherry coke.)

I had to smile to myself when she returned with our beverages: a cherry coke with a straw and four waters with NO STRAWS! That'll teach tightwads like us! Obviously, it was just their subtle way of saying "We don't appreciate you passing on the beverages." I guess the five meals we ordered just didn't produce enough profit.



Anyway, Rainforest Cafe rating: NEAT ATMOSPHERE, LARGE PORTIONS BUT ORDINARY QUALITY.

 

[PrincessAurora]

First let me say I agree 100% with your final rating "NEAT ATMOSPHERE, LARGE PORTIONS BUT ORDINARY QUALITY" but as a former food server many moons ago, I never gave straws with water nor have I ever seen that.

I had no problem whatsoever in providing straws when asked but didn't do it as a matter of course. Only with soft drinks.

Do I think there might have been some 'tude with no ordering sodas? Probably but not for the restaurants bottom line - its the tip bottom line. Higher total = higher tip IF you give good service. I never gave tude with people - I figured those were drinks I didn't have to pour, saved me time but other people would do it.

Lesson, next time look at the gift shop, check out the decor and then eat somewhere else. At DTD I recommend Fultons for lunch (not dinner) and Portebellos for dinner.

 

[StaceyA]

I always remember getting straws with my waters....did the waitress bring the waters and the soda and only leave one straw?
I could see if she wasn't the person to give you the waters (like if there was a busboy that brought out waters to every guest) but if she was the one to bring them out along with the soda but only put a straw with the soda....that is weird.

Also I HAVE to have a straw, I will not drink any cold beverage from the glass without a straw....it was some story my mom once told me about getting something like Thrush from drinking out of a glass that wasn't cleaned properly...so I now (thanks mom) have this phobia about drinking without a straw...mind you im eating off the forks and spoons and drinking from a mug for coffee (weird I know )

 

[Missy1961]

My mom always ordered water whenever we went out to dinner. She always got a straw!

 

[GoofyB]

I've never noticed a pattern one way or the other regarding straws and water.

StacyA -- hate to break it to you, but if there's something in the glass, it's in the water too and the straw isn't going to help!

 

[StaceyA]

Originally posted by GoofyB
StacyA -- hate to break it to you, but if there's something in the glass, it's in the water too and the straw isn't going to help!

LOL im sick I tell ya SICK!

 

[capnho]

Originally posted by Fargoman2

I had to smile to myself when she returned with our beverages: a cherry coke with a straw and four waters with NO STRAWS! That'll teach tightwads like us! Obviously, it was just their subtle way of saying "We don't appreciate you passing on the beverages." I guess the five meals we ordered just didn't produce enough profit.



Anyway, Rainforest Cafe rating: NEAT ATMOSPHERE, LARGE PORTIONS BUT ORDINARY QUALITY.

I generally don't get a straw with water when I ask for it in a restaurant unless I ask. I live in New England - maybe it's a section of the country thing?

I'd agree with your assessment of the Rainforest Cafe, though. The place was fun (although the thunderstorms freaked out my 5 year old DD a bit) and they gave you plenty to eat, but the food was no better than a TGI Friday's or Pizzeria Uno type of place.

 

[melanie18]

I wouldn't take it as a slam against you...I don't think I've ever received a straw with water at a restaurant.

 

[OKW Lover]

"Anyway, Rainforest Cafe rating: NEAT ATMOSPHERE, LARGE PORTIONS BUT ORDINARY QUALITY."

Got to say I'd not only agree with your rating -- I'd add Poor Service.

 

[Fire14]

I'm rarely given a straw with water anywhere I go.

 

[Rhonda]

I always order water with lemon when I'm out to eat, and I rarely get a straw.

 

[scrump]

Yeah, as a former server myself, didn't have a problem giving straws when requested, but usually didn't with water. Perhaps it is regional, as someone suggested? I wouldn't find it too strange to not get a straw, even if my water was mixed with drinks that were straw-worthy.

This thread reminded me of one incident at LeCellier, where the server was definitely not OK with me just ordering water. He kept harassing me EVERY TIME he came to the table if I wanted something to drink, and I would just have to reply EVERY TIME that I was ok with just water. It was so noticeable that I actually felt a little embarassed within my group for not ordering a drink. One of the very few unpleasant memories I have of WDW Dining.

 

[B'rer Karen]

I always order water with my meal. It's not being cheap, it's what I drink with my meals, at least lunch and dinner. I may also order an alcoholic beverage, but generally that's only with dinner, and it's not all the time. I understand the server wanting to push for higher sales (I've been a server and know how it goes), but in today's society a lot of people just like to drink water. It's good for you and people shouldn't be harassed about it or feel guilty for not ordering something else.

 

[uktigger]

i hope that i don't have any trouble ordering just water i am on weight watchers and i don't enjoy diet soft drinks so i tent to stick with water,i suppose i'll soon find out when i'm there in october

eve

 

[pumpkinboy]

Originally posted by Fargoman2
Anyway, Rainforest Cafe rating: NEAT ATMOSPHERE, LARGE PORTIONS BUT ORDINARY QUALITY.

You're awefully charitable with your review. I agree that the ambience is kinda neat, and certainly amusing. we found the service to be poor and the food indifferent at best. My DW characterized the menu as "Huge portions of horrrible food in gloppy flavorless (or excessively sweet) sauces"

Not a fan