Table Minimum Charge at Restaurants?

[Just Enough]

Does anyone know if there is a table minimum charge at restaurants?

Considering dessert and coffee as an option at some rather than a full meal.

 

[catne]

Does anyone know if there is a table minimum charge at restaurants?

Considering dessert and coffee as an option at some rather than a full meal.

There was some place that I remember reading they charged a "plate" fee, but that was for splitting a meal - when two people were there, but only one was ordering anything. Think you'll be o.k. though, since that's not what you're doing. I don't think they'll charge extra when you are ordering something. I've been seated near people doing just dessert/coffee several different places; also near people who just get beverages & appetizers. Have seen that for sure at The Wave, Sci Fi, Mama Melrose, Captain's Grille, and Kona Cafe.

As long as it's not a buffet I don't think you'll have any issues with ordering just dessert/coffee, especially if it's not prime meal-time. You can always ask when you check in.

 

[gigi1313]

to the OP... are you traveling solo and/or is your entire party considering just going for dessert? if so, i recommend you alert the host(ess) before you are seated as they may frown on it...

 

[Kurby]

just curious. do they consider sharing and adults meal with mom/daughter (5) sharing?

i often order one thing and give dd some of it that way she eats a variety of foods at different restaurants instead of just chicken and burgers

 

[tink713]

No minimum charge. You can just get dessert if you want, and it's not frowned upon. Your waitress might be a little disappointed that they won't be getting a very big tip but that's about it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

All restaurants consider sharing, sharing - but even the one cited in the post above may not regularly charge a plate/share fee. One regular issue, though, may be with Beaches & Cream - which has been reported more than once to not allow Guests to share meals.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

You are absolutely more than welcome at full service (not buffets) to go for just coffee and dessert, or just appetizers and drinks, or to share an entree.

It's WDW and those sorts of things are expected. There is no reason to alert anyone to anything. You'll be seated and given menus. If you're ordering only dessert you may need to ask for the dessert menu.

Sharing is often done with no problems. We often order "for the table" and then ask for two plates and serve ourselves from the dishes ordered.

Buffets of course are a different matter. You'll pay full price, and no sharing allowed (to reduce cost, I mean). If there are characters, and one person does not pay for the meal/buffet and does not eat, that person will be charged an entertainment fee.

 

[TDC Nala]

One regular issue, though, may be with Beaches & Cream - which has been reported more than once to not allow Guests to share meals.

Those reports referred only to guests on the dining plan.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Thanks, Nala - I just woke up from one of several weekend naps (I gotta learn to SLEEP at night!) and my brain's still foggy

It's WDW and those sorts of things are expected. There is no reason to alert anyone to anything. You'll be seated and given menus. If you're ordering only dessert you may need to ask for the dessert menu.

Of course, the OP could take a cue from Mr. Disney and K-Man... who went to Bistro de Paris and had only dessert. Every dessert on the menu, but only dessert!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

No minimum charge.

1) Correctomundo.
2) They *usually* do not even give you "that" look.
3) We frequently just do a snack/dessert and coffee.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Of course, the OP could take a cue from Mr. Disney and K-Man... who went to Bistro de Paris and had only dessert. Every dessert on the menu, but only dessert!

Here is a link to their report of that incident, complete with photos. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1098168

 

[Just Enough]

Does anyone know if there is a table minimum charge at restaurants?

Considering dessert and coffee as an option at some rather than a full meal.

Sorry, everyone.

I should have mentioned that this is me and DH on our second visit to WDW in 10 years. (We are big kids staying off site at Parc Soleil and trying to hold the line on the budget, but experience a few Disney resort restaurants along the way.)

I do have one ADR for a late lunch at Whispering Canyon mostly because I have always wanted to see the WL resort.

I was starting to wonder about Narcosee's for Wishes with just dessert and coffee, but had also seen something about an observation deck at Comtemporary, but would think only guests would be admitted to this "free" viewing area.

We've seen the fireworks from both Epcot and the Fantasmic show, but never Wishes.

Thanks again, everyone.

From the 'shwa, Ontario, Canada
Winning location of a KISS concert from an online vote

 

[kaytieeldr]

Ah, Wishes viewing! Why didn't you say so?

Some options:

Dining reservation at California Grill. Hard to get, harder to get seated at a time that would allow one to see Wishes, easy to go out on the deck if you are already in the restaurant for a reservation or with your check if you'd been there earlier that day, virtually impossible if you don't have a restaurant reservation.

Observation deck on fourth (main) floor of the Contemporary: open to the public.

Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian: porch/deck facing the Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon, viewing from the deck or (less easy due to viewers on the porch) from one's table if seated at the windows. Also the dock at GF.

 

[Nadjalu]

We have done just dessert at Brown Derby. I wanted to celebrate my 40th bday with their grapefruit cake. We were not interested in the food or the price of things, so we did an early "lunch" ressie put on the adr it was just for dessert.

I wondered about the server and how he/she would react to such a little tip with just dessert but he was great!
Not only did he go out of his way to sing happy bday to me, gave me a card with everyone's signatures and made me feel very special.

After he went to "beyond" to make me feel special his tip grew a bit more than what we had planned, but hey it was worth it.
So even though he knew going in it wasn't what he was use to he never let that dictate how he served. Kudos to him (wish I knew his name).

lastly there was no plate charge for this either.

Enjoy your dessert and don't worry!

 

[LAWalz23]

Sorry, everyone.

I should have mentioned that this is me and DH on our second visit to WDW in 10 years. (We are big kids staying off site at Parc Soleil and trying to hold the line on the budget, but experience a few Disney resort restaurants along the way.)

I do have one ADR for a late lunch at Whispering Canyon mostly because I have always wanted to see the WL resort.

I was starting to wonder about Narcosee's for Wishes with just dessert and coffee, but had also seen something about an observation deck at Comtemporary, but would think only guests would be admitted to this "free" viewing area.

We've seen the fireworks from both Epcot and the Fantasmic show, but never Wishes.

Thanks again, everyone.

From the 'shwa, Ontario, Canada
Winning location of a KISS concert from an online vote

If you don't want to order anything just go the beach at the Poly. You can grab a lounge and watch from the beach. One of the best views of Wishes there is!! Have fun!!

 

[branv]

If you don't want to order anything just go the beach at the Poly. You can grab a lounge and watch from the beach. One of the best views of Wishes there is!! Have fun!!

And, of course, grab a Dole Whip at Captain Cooks before you head out to the beach....there's your dessert and Wishes!