Restaurants Requesting No Cell Phones

[LSchrow]

Personally, I'm glad b/c there's nothing worse then someone yelling into their cell phone while you're trying to enjoy a good dinner.

after having to leave another restaurant with my not inexpensive dinner in a doggie bag rather than my stomach, i'm going to respectfully differ.

while not a fan of "cel rudeness", i would take a roomful of those offenders over a single nose blower.

 

[Luvamouse]

I'd like to thank all the P(revious) P(osters)-- wouldn't want to turn off anyone eating right now by just using the abbreviation...(snork ), because I am LMAO here before I go to bed reading these posts. I have to admit, I am now a texter for the very reasons mentioned above. I also MAY check an incoming text when I am out with others so that I may be assured the world is indeed NOT ending, but in general I don't respond until later unless is imperative. IE: (Me Texting) "Yes, we are still waiting for you. No, you cannot talk on your cell phone in the restaurant, hang up and get your butt in here..." Generally to DH while he talks on his cell outside the restaurant. I could swat him half the time. I am all for the leave it in the truck when we go in to eat/watch the movie/go to the party where everyone we know that we might answer when they call are already here... ya know. But the puke and pee like a racehorse...classic. There was a mom on DD's softball team this year who had unbelievable conversations in a very loud voice during practices. It was the long conversation about the lump the size of a softball on her sister's chest...hairy too... that did us in. That was not long after the story of _________insert female name here___________ who was "completely shaved. I know...but it does look good and she really loves it..." and so on until the rest of us forced to eavesdrop nearly fell off the bench and completely missed our DD's turns at bat. So when she brought her Golden Retriever the next week who was, you guessed it, completely shaved for summer...well, let's just say we laughed our butts off at our dirty minds. But jeez, you'd think people would realize we don't want too (usually) or need to (ever) listen in on the one end of the conversation. Messes with your head.
Thanks for the funny thread everyone!!

 

[Chedstro]

Oh, the tears running down my face from laughing - thankyou!

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

All Disney restaurants should ban cell phone use. If you have to make or take a call, out to the lobby you go!

 

[ransom]

You couldn't possibly be waiting until the last minute to confirm/cancel your meal plans??? That SO sounds like me...Sitting at the restaurant I REALLY wanted to get into, calling the one I have my ressie at in 20 minutes with the "We just decided to stay in tonight" excuse!!!

I was just joking, but it's true that I've made an ADR for Tusker House while sitting at the bar that's maybe 15 feet from the podium. I made our ADR, we finished our drinks, then we walked over to the podium to check in.

 

[kid-at-heart]

Cell phone addiction appears to be replacing nicotine addiction...

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . restaurants that still request no cell phone use, or is it just a free-for-all now? . . .

1) I have a better way.
2) I have a cell phone jammer.
3) It is about the same size as a cell phone.
4) Good for a decent size restaurant or lecture room or theater.
5) Switch it on, and presto, no cell phone signal.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

1) I have a better way.
2) I have a cell phone jammer.
3) It is about the same size as a cell phone.
4) Good for a decent size restaurant or lecture room or theater.
5) Switch it on, and presto, no cell phone signal.

I would think something like that would be illegal or something. Yes, talking on your phone is rude, but I don't think it's right for just anyone to use a jammer.

 

[BriarRosie]

The Disney Dining Jinx...LOL! But you have to remember, we eat at WDW once or twice a week so most of our meals our low-key affairs with no hijinks worth posting about. Cell Phone Lady is the first good one we've had since Torn Blue Jeans Guy, and he was kind of boring because he was leaving just as we arrived. We're fun to eat with even when wild activities are going on...DH and I were having a blast mocking Cell Phone Lady's conversation. If it had been at the start of our meal, I would have said something to her or the server so I wouldn't have to listen to bodliy function descriptions for an hour. But we were on dessert, so it was more fun to just s****** about it and to see if she could top herself (the puke and racehorse pee are only two of the highlights). I view it as a 50s Prime Time kind of experience in the Singature Resturants (Cell Phone Lady could be Crazy Aunt Lulu).

I think I wouldn't be able to stop the eventual Giggle Fit that would ensue if I had been there to hear it. Hey, you could have made a drinking game out of it every time she said "puke" or "pee".

 

[FireDancer]

There are companies that make window film and paint that block and absorb cell phone signals. It is designed for movie theaters and churches. I am in I.T. and have seen demonstrations and they work wonderfully. I am hoping more and more businesses start using this kind of technology in their businesses to stop people from using phones while you should be doing something else.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Barb, I think I'll have to call you the Disney Dining Jinx.

Between the tattered jean incident breaking the signature dining rules, and now Inconsiderate TMI Cell Phone Hag at Jiko, I don't know if I'd want to have dinner at WDW with you.

Actually, I might want to because it would probably provide some interesting entertainment!

I dunno....why blame the cell phone for this woman's lack of tact or taste?

Do you really think her conversation would have been less tacky if she was off the phone? Or that much more quiet? I doubt it.

 

[DVC Sadie]

1) I have a better way.
2) I have a cell phone jammer.
3) It is about the same size as a cell phone.
4) Good for a decent size restaurant or lecture room or theater.
5) Switch it on, and presto, no cell phone signal.

We also have a jammer and enjoy using it!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I would think something like that would be illegal or something. Yes, talking on your phone is rude, but I don't think it's right for just anyone to use a jammer.

1) I know what the law is.
2) I won't get into that here.
3) However, if the people won't stop being rude, I can stop them.
. . . it is so funny when they wave their phones in the air looking for "bars"
. . . it is so funny that they keep opening/closing the phone thinking it will help
. . . it is so funny when they keep looking at the phone thinking it will ring
4) The alternative, is that they fully pay for my meal and beverages.
5) I think it would be fair.
6) If they want to take my enjoyable time, they should pay for it.

NOTE: I see NO reason for people to keep a cell phone on during dinner, church, theater, amusement park ride, plane, etc. That is why they invented voice mail. My goodness, what did these people do before cell phones? In fact, if you cell phone goes off during my business meetings, you pay $10 ON THE SPOT.

I have heard all sorts of excuses why people need a cell phone during dinner
. . . my father is sick and might die
. . . business might need to call me
. . . i am important, or think i am important
. . . i might need to call {mother, father, sister, brother, kids}
. . . i might get a call from the President of US (OK, that one was valid)
What could you do then you couldn't do earlier or 45-min later?

 

[disneyfav4ever]

1) I know what the law is.
2) I won't get into that here.
3) However, if the people won't stop being rude, I can stop them.
. . . it is so funny when they wave their phones in the air looking for "bars"
. . . it is so funny that they keep opening/closing the phone thinking it will help
. . . it is so funny when they keep looking at the phone thinking it will ring
4) The alternative, is that they fully pay for my meal and beverages.
5) I think it would be fair.
6) If they want to take my enjoyable time, they should pay for it.

NOTE: I see NO reason for people to keep a cell phone on during dinner, church, theater, amusement park ride, plane, etc. That is why they invented voice mail. My goodness, what did these people do before cell phones? In fact, if you cell phone goes off during my business meetings, you pay $10 ON THE SPOT.

I have heard all sorts of excuses why people need a cell phone during dinner
. . . my father is sick and might die
. . . business might need to call me
. . . i am important, or think i am important
. . . i might need to call {mother, father, sister, brother, kids}
. . . i might get a call from the President of US (OK, that one was valid)
What could you do then you couldn't do earlier or 45-min later?

I still don't think just anyone should be able to use a jammer, that just doesn't seem right. I have no problem with a phone being on as long as it's on vibrate or silent, and someone excuses themselves from the table, but a jammer wouldn't even give them that option.

 

[Nie0214]

I don't understand why everyone seems to think it's so rude that someone else is on their phone.. but feel they are completely justified by going up to those phone-yappers and telling them off/etc. for being on their phone. Maybe restaurants should also ban babies from crying or loud talking while we're at it.

A jammer is horrible! What if there's an emergency and someone doesn't have a signal because you're having fun making sure nobody has a signal? What if people are trying to meet up with other DISers and call to say they're running behind, etc.? Might want to check out the FCC too: http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=operations_2&id=cellular:

Blocking & Jamming

The operation of transmitters designed to jam or block wireless communications is a violation of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended ("Act"). See 47 U.S.C. Sections 301, 302a, 333. The Act prohibits any person from willfully or maliciously interfering with the radio communications of any station licensed or authorized under the Act or operated by the U.S. government. 47 U.S.C. Section 333. The manufacture, importation, sale or offer for sale, including advertising, of devices designed to block or jam wireless transmissions is prohibited. 47 U.S.C. Section 302a(b). Parties in violation of these provisions may be subject to the penalties set out in 47 U.S.C. Sections 501-510. Fines for a first offense can range as high as $11,000 for each violation or imprisonment for up to one year, and the device used may also be seized and forfeited to the U.S. government.

I'm not saying I'm on my cell all the time (or ever really, I barely use it). It's one thing if someone at your table is yapping on the phone.. but if it's somebody else in another party, why care? Maybe when I'm on vacation I just have a vacation bubble around me and don't let other people get to me.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . What if people are trying to meet up with other DISers and call to say they're running behind, etc.? . . .

If they are to meet at the eatery and are not there, I guess they will be late.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

So it is illegal. I think anyone who uses a jammer, especially the ones that are knowingly breaking the law, should be ashamed of themselves. Yes, the person on their phone, (if they're being loud and distracting,) is rude, but what you're doing is illegal.

 

[Nie0214]

If they are to meet at the eatery and are not there, I guess they will be late.

Though they could say "Hey I'm just getting off xxx ride" or "the bus was full, we're about 20 minutes away", etc. I didn't think I'd have to write things out so literally.

 

[Sandy321]

We also have a jammer and enjoy using it!

I want one!! Thanks for posting Rusty!!

 

[JoanieS]

So it is illegal. I think anyone who uses a jammer, especially the ones that are knowingly breaking the law, should be ashamed of themselves. Yes, the person on their phone, (if they're being loud and distracting,) is rude, but what you're doing is illegal.

Totally agree. But I'm sure these people think they are above the law because they are doing a "public service". Breaking the law is wrong.