Sassy servers and ketchup - too much to handle?

[Travis B]

I would like to try Whispering Canyon and/or 50's Primetime, but there's something holding me back. I know that at Primetime the servers are sort of in character, may tell you to finish your vegetables, and there's the whole ketchup thing at WC. I think that sort of thing could be fun if you were with kids or perhaps a larger group, but it's just my partner and I. We're good sports, but not really super-gregarious, and I don't know if after a long day in the parks I'm going to want to banter, or be told what to eat on my plate. Any thoughts or experiences? I don't want to be that grump who won't play along, but I'm afraid that I might be. Are these places worth a try? Or should I focus on other options just in case?

 

[wendow]

We went to WC this past December. Our server was pretty low-key. She bantered back and forth with another server once or twice but it was nothing like I had read used to happen in the past. They did do the ketchup thing which was actually tons of fun...of course, I had 4 kids in tow...IIRC, they give you a sign. You can flip it one way if you want to 'play their game' or the other side if you are not interested and just want to eat. The food was good.

 

[Travis B]

We went to WC this past December. Our server was pretty low-key. She bantered back and forth with another server once or twice but it was nothing like I had read used to happen in the past. They did do the ketchup thing which was actually tons of fun...of course, I had 4 kids in tow...IIRC, they give you a sign. You can flip it one way if you want to 'play their game' or the other side if you are not interested and just want to eat. The food was good.

That's good to know about the sign thing. It makes sense that they would want to accommodate both types of diners. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

 

[acresse]

So happy they have a sign now. We ate at WC on a past trip, and it took way too long to be seated, which was an issue for my Uncle that is a diabetic. We really just needed food as quickly as possible, so we informed our server of the situation, and that we really didn't need all of the humor or show, we just needed food and drink. The server then proceeds to tell the entire restaurant we are party poopers, and make this huge deal. At this point, my family stands up and begins to leave. The server then starts to try and make up for this huge error, by saying he thought we were joking! I'm not sure how you can get joking from the words Diabetic, and as quickly as possible. We ended up in the Roaring fork snack shop.

Having said this, I do love the food and fun at WC, however, I think it can just get a bit out if control sometimes.

 

[Travis B]

So happy they have a sign now. We ate at WC on a past trip, and it took way too long to be seated, which was an issue for my Uncle that is a diabetic. We really just needed food as quickly as possible, so we informed our server of the situation, and that we really didn't need all of the humor or show, we just needed food and drink. The server then proceeds to tell the entire restaurant we are party poopers, and make this huge deal. At this point, my family stands up and begins to leave. The server then starts to try and make up for this huge error, by saying he thought we were joking! I'm not sure how you can get joking from the words Diabetic, and as quickly as possible. We ended up in the Roaring fork snack shop.

Having said this, I do love the food and fun at WC, however, I think it can just get a bit out if control sometimes.

It's this kind of thing that makes me hesitant - I don't want to be constantly anxious that I will be put on the spot. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Hans Olo]

My husband, my mom and my 4 kids had lunch there and there is a coaster type card you can turn to join in on the antics or watch from the sides. We of course chose to join in.
There was an older couple next to us who didn't want to join in and our waitress (who was also theirs) was totally different for them. Just like any ol regular waitress.
I would definitely give it a try

 

[Travis B]

My husband, my mom and my 4 kids had lunch there and there is a coaster type card you can turn to join in on the antics or watch from the sides. We of course chose to join in.
There was an older couple next to us who didn't want to join in and our waitress (who was also theirs) was totally different for them. Just like any ol regular waitress.
I would definitely give it a try

That's reassuring, thanks!

 

[samsteele]

I went with an unhappy teenager some years ago before the card was in place and the waiter immediately picked up on the vibe at our table and didn't do the routine. Most are very good at reading the mood. That said, I'm in the same boat as OP. Everything looks fun and interesting months before the ressie but I know me and after a long day in the parks, I am tired & just don't have the energy or interest to play along unless the food is an absolute must do. In this situation, I would focus on the food. Are there entrees/desserts there that you absolutely must try? If so, then it makes it worthwhile. If not and everything looks a bit "meh" to you, then I'd opt for food that really does interest you. There are so many restaurants at WDW and so little time on our vacations. My biggest problem is always choosing between them.

 

[Hopefully]

I would like to try Whispering Canyon and/or 50's Primetime, but there's something holding me back. I know that at Primetime the servers are sort of in character, may tell you to finish your vegetables, and there's the whole ketchup thing at WC. I think that sort of thing could be fun if you were with kids or perhaps a larger group, but it's just my partner and I. We're good sports, but not really super-gregarious, and I don't know if after a long day in the parks I'm going to want to banter, or be told what to eat on my plate. Any thoughts or experiences? I don't want to be that grump who won't play along, but I'm afraid that I might be. Are these places worth a try? Or should I focus on other options just in case?

Only You know what you like. We can't tell you. But based on your post, I think you might be better off at another restaurant.
Good Luck

 

[Nancyg56]

Our server at 50's PTC was pretty laid back with us. My DGD was a shy little girl and was overwhelmed so she held back. We found WCC to be very loud and probably will not return. I did not mind the antics, but for my family, it was too much after a long day.

 

[Dug720]

I haven't done Whispering Canyon (too involved to get to another resort when you don't drive and don't do taxis - why pay for transportation when it's free, you know?), but I've done Prime Time a couple of times with my family and found it to be great fun. If you want to try it but are worried about it "at the end of a long day" why not do lunch instead?

 

[Anisum]

I've only done Whispering Canyon and had a lot of fun. If you're worried about just not being in the mood after a long day at the park you could always do it for breakfast. I haven't had breakfast there but it looks AMAZING~!

 

[cluvsdisney]

We are the same way and I must send off some vibe because I have never been made to feel uncomfortable in either place. I'm always friendly and polite and received friendly and professional service but none of the "show".

 

[disneypanda11]

I'm in a very similar situation to you-- it will be just me and DH and we're not particularly comfortable being "part of the show". However, we made the choice to give Whispering Canyon a chance this trip because of what I've read about the yes/no coaster. I think this is a sign that the restaurant acknowledges there are all kinds of patrons and not everyone wants to experience the restaurant's antics. To the best of my knowledge, 50s Prime Time does not have such a system in place yet, so we'd prefer to hold off on that one. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[BobC]

I've done WC many times with my parents. They seem to leave you alone and focus on younger kids and can feel out if you're into the antics or not.

They have good food! That's our breakfast stop when we stay at WL.

 

[River Country]

I've only done Whispering Canyon and had a lot of fun. If you're worried about just not being in the mood after a long day at the park you could always do it for breakfast. I haven't had breakfast there but it looks AMAZING~!

The breakfast is so good there. As far as the antics WCC now has the coaster whether to participate or not so that would be the best bet. 50's PT is hit or miss. We were there in November and they made my wife's friend who was with us get up in the middle of the room and sing and dance. It was awesome but we lover that stuff. I would recommend WCC over 50s PT because at least you get an opportunity to opt out of the antics.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

People make a bigger deal out of 50's PT than it really is. There's some schtick, but it's never been over the top in my experience.

 

[Dug720]

The breakfast is so good there. As far as the antics WCC now has the coaster whether to participate or not so that would be the best bet. 50's PT is hit or miss. We were there in November and they made my wife's friend who was with us get up in the middle of the room and sing and dance. It was awesome but we lover that stuff. I would recommend WCC over 50s PT because at least you get an opportunity to opt out of the antics.

Unless things have changed at Prime Time, you only "have" to get up and sing IF you "get caught" doing things like elbows on the table and/or talking with your mouth full multiple times. I've never seen them "make" someone do it for no reason at all.

Yes, I have seen them tease people about not finishing their veggies, but I've never seen them cram food down someone's throat. And I will say if there are extenuating circumstances, they are cool - we were there once over Christmas week, and I'd been sick to the point of spending an hour+ at EPCOT first-aid and then being taken back to our off-property hotel for the rest of the day...I was feeling better the next day, but couldn't finish my chicken caesar salad at Prime Time. Our server started to tease me, but when I simply explained I'd been sick the previous day (backed up by my family) she said "Oh! In that case you did really well!"

Also, the rooms at Prime Time are smaller and sectioned off, so even if you do get teased a bit, it's not like the entire restaurant can see you as from things I've seen it appears is the case at Whispering Canyon.

 

[River Country]

Unless things have changed at Prime Time, you only "have" to get up and sing IF you "get caught" doing things like elbows on the table and/or talking with your mouth full multiple times. I've never seen them "make" someone do it for no reason at all.

Yes, I have seen them tease people about not finishing their veggies, but I've never seen them cram food down someone's throat. And I will say if there are extenuating circumstances, they are cool - we were there once over Christmas week, and I'd been sick to the point of spending an hour+ at EPCOT first-aid and then being taken back to our off-property hotel for the rest of the day...I was feeling better the next day, but couldn't finish my chicken caesar salad at Prime Time. Our server started to tease me, but when I simply explained I'd been sick the previous day (backed up by my family) she said "Oh! In that case you did really well!"

Also, the rooms at Prime Time are smaller and sectioned off, so even if you do get teased a bit, it's not like the entire restaurant can see you as from things I've seen it appears is the case at Whispering Canyon.

Oh she got caught several times with elbows on the table I got a roll of clean plate stickers but we had an awesome server it was a lot of fun cant wait to go back with my parents this November it will be a hoot

 

[Dug720]

Oh she got caught several times with elbows on the table I got a roll of clean plate stickers but we had an awesome server it was a lot of fun cant wait to go back with my parents this November it will be a hoot

Yeah, I was just clarifying for anyone who doesn't get the whole thing at Prime Time and might think that you're "made" to get up and sing for no reason. It's a lot of fun...I just find that I have no desire to go to DHS right now when there are maybe 3 things I'd do plus eating there. Maybe one day there will be enough to make me want to go back to the park, but for now it's not worth the time to get there and then to get to another park.