Shenanigans at Whispering Canyon

[pennyplanner]

Do we have to participate in the shenanigans at Whispering Canyon?

I am not sure what really goes on at Whispering Canyon. We will be dining here for lunch on our last day before heading to the airport.

Is late lunch likely to be a quieter time at the WC? Do we have to engage in the fun or can we just observe?

Can anyone give me the "heads up" about what happens at lunch time?

We are not dining here so much for the atmosphere but rather for the convenience. Grandma might surprise the kids and unexpectedly show up from Melbourne. I thought it would be nice for her to see the Lodge all decorated for Christmas and the kids would be delighted to see her.

Thanks,
penny

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

The one time we ate at WCC, it was for a late dinner. We didn't want to participate (we had a long day and wanted to eat and go back to our room).

I think our waiter cracked a few jokes. Maybe it was our lack of response, but we were not roped into any of the activities.

 

[musicfan]

On the other hand, we didn't want to participate, but our waiter kept at us. We had requested to be seated early in the evening -- around 4:45 -- it was quiet at that time and had no idea what the restaurant was all about. They don't warn you up front. Our waiter kept pressuring us to take part, cracking jokes, making fun of what we ordered, etc. I'm sure he felt he was just jollying us on, but we're really not into the faux-abuse stuff and wouldn't have chosed WCC if we had known that's what it was.

If you're not into it, either, I would strongly suggest another restaurant.

 

[Andy123]

My wife & I have never been roped into anything and we've eaten there a few times... just do yourself a favor, and under NO circumstances ask for ketchup!!!

 

[shmoogrrrl]

Okay, I'm curious now. Would someone like to tell me what happens at Whispering Canyon? I'm not really one who likes surprises, but my husband might depending on what sort of gags there are.

If you don't want to post it here to keep it a surprise for others, feel free to PM me! I realize that not everyone likes to know in advance!

Thanks!

Kathy

 

[eeyore0062]

Well, we TRIED not to participate, but our server just didn't get the hint... It was a miserable dinner. Won't be repeated!!!

 

[Eeyore1954]

I agree that WCC is not for everyone. If you are looking for a quiet dinner, avoid WCC at all costs !

At 5:00 p.m. they ring the dinner bell and I could swear the animals in AK could hear it! Most of the wait staff have goofy names like Prospector Penny, or Doc, or Gram. Most of the servers like to hassle guests, but it is intended as good-natured abuse. And if you are so inclined, you can dish it right back.

WCC does have a "quiet" area -- well, as quiet as WCC can get. If you are seated in that area, the staff usually hold down the ribbing and let you eat in peace -- well -- relative peace. But not quiet.

Activities can include pony races for the kids; the adults wave their napkins in the air and holler for the kids to "run" (actually walk really fast).

Things to do if you want to enter into the fun:

1) Ask for ketchup (maybe you can get someone else in your group to do this, or if you are lucky someone at another table will ask)

2) Ask your server where their six-shooter is (never refer to it as a G-U-N).

3) Ask your server where you can buy some GUM at WDW

4) Ask your server for Pepsi (only if you're brave)

5) Ask your server for directions to Universal Studios

6) Wear a t-shirt or hat from another amusement park, especially Universal Studios! (only if you are REALLY brave)

WCC is intended to be a lot of fun. But as I said earlier, it is not for everyone. Every meal is loud, but not every server is a "character." Give it a try -- you may be surprised. We were!!

 

[MadMadamMim]

and 7) Ask where the bathroom is

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

so what exactly happens if you ask for ketchup? (PM me if you don't want to post it) My DH has to have ketchup on EVERYTHING - but I'd like to know in advance what we'd be getting into!

 

[gravymom]

Where is Whispering Canyon located? How much do meals tend to run?

thanks for info

 

[DisneyAlly]

Hmmm...now I am thinking about cancelling our WCC PS for dinner. We too prefer a quiet and relaxing dinner after a long day at the park. Don't want to end up being miserable at dinner like eyeore there. Is breakfast just as rowdy and noisy?

 

[skiwee1]

When we ate there it was relatively peaceful. Everyone warns you not to ask for the ketchup. Well we did because my little girl wanted it. Guess what we got? Ketchup. Nothing else! So I wouldn't worry too much. It was pretty calm there.

 

[Uncleromulus]

DisneyAlly:
Oh yes--breakfast is just as bad. We made the mistake of eating bkfst there in May. Never again.
I did a post on our experience at breakfast that morning--you can probably find it if you check back thru my posts.

 

[eeyore0062]

Skiwee1, you got lucky... that was the exception, not the norm!

DisneyAlly... breakfast wasn't as bad... we ate there as soon as it opened (7:30), and I guess the CM's weren't quite awake, because it was relatively peaceful. And yes, if you are looking for peaceful and quiet at the end of a park day, you won't find it there. Even if they don't pick at you, it is still VERY LOUD!


Gravymom: it is located off of the lobby at Wilderness Lodge... you can see into and hear the dining room from the lobby. Prices vary... you can check out the menu on www.wdwig.com.

 

[faeflora]

Now I am a little worried about WCC, we are staying at the WL for our family Christmas gathering...the second week of December...can anyone who has stayed at WL tell me about the other meal options such as the Roaring Fork...we are only going to be eating breakfast and maybe lunch at the WL.
Thanks

 

[Micca]

We had dinner there a couple of years ago and we enjoyed it. The hijinx were minimal(I don't recall any that were directed at our table) and the food was good. It wasn't quiet though with the commotion going on around us. We're going to try it again soon. Surely the waitstaff would tone it down if you asked them to(tell 'em they'll get a better tip if they lay off )

 

[Erikarate]

I happen to LIKE the wild antics of WCC. Its a fun place!

Would I want loud bantor and pranks if I was going to a place such as Citricos or Calif. Grille, NO WAY!! But I go to WCC knowing what it's going to be and having fun. The kids laughed so hard last time we were there I thought they would bust.

The food is good hearty grub.

 

[eeyore0062]

Roaring Forks is pretty good. It is counter service, and cooked to order. We never had a bad experience there.

I miss the breakfast at Artist's Point... it was wonderful, laid back and calm...food was delicious, too. Alas, they closed the breakfast last year. Dinner is very good, and the atmosphere is beautiful, overlooking the pool and Bay Lake. It is calm and relaxing. A nice place to have a nice dinner for 2. I would think it would be quite nice for a Christmas dinner, too!

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

We went a few weeks back and were deeply disappointed in the LACK of hijinks. Due to a pre-trip budget change, we were faced with the chore of cancelling some PS's to save money - Whispering Canyon was the kids' choice to keep because we'd heard it was so much fun.

We got there early, and the CM at the desk snottily informed us if we wanted to eat before 5 pm, we should go to Roaring Forks. When we decided to stay and wait, letting the kids play with the Lincoln Logs, she shot us the evil eye regularly. I felt like a bunch of interlopers both then and at 5:00 when she rang the gong and grated a welcome to us between her teeth.

Our server was adequate as waitresses go, but played no tricks, made no jokes. The waitress for the table next to us was great, which led my children to ask why ours was so bland. We tried every trigger we'd heard of: my son asked for directions to the bathroom, only to be given... the directions to the bathroom. He took off, so excited to see what would be there, too. We asked for ketchup and received ketchup - other servers overheard us and played the appropriate trick. We joked about Universal Studios, to have the waitress tell us that characters from there were visiting in the kitchen - she thought we were talking about Disney!!! My daughter asked me not to ask about gum - she didn't want to face having another attempt fail. While most of the families there had children with them, at no time were any activities announced for the children. We waited far too long for our food, especially since the kids had nothing to do. The food was OK, but not worth the price, the wait, and the dismal experience overall.

Given our experience as well as what I've read on the boards, it seems that Whispering Canyon is quite inconsistent. I'm not sure how to deal with that or how to prepare for a meal there - perhaps when the PS is made and again at check-in, you could request seating with a particular type of server, whether you want raucous antics or a quiet meal. My children want to give WC a second chance, and if we do I will try to make our expectations clear beforehand.

Lori