hertamaniac
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2017
- Messages
- 5,933
The Wave – Lunch, 6.6.2019
We decided to try this restaurant for lunch as the recent reviews leaned towards a positive experience. Given that I didn’t have an inkling of how busy it would be, I made my reservation the day before for 12:35 PM.
We arrived at The Wave early and decided to see if there was any way we could be seated early. It was 11:30 AM and the lunch switchover just begun. I gave the hostess my notice that I had a reservation and without hesitation, she said my name. I said something to the effect of “well, if you know who I am then I guess there aren’t a lot of reservations for lunch”. She smiled and said we would be seated in a couple of minutes (likely finishing the cleanup from the breakfast time frame). We were seated about an hour early.
We placed our orders (a protein bowl and a chicken sandwich substituting broccoli for the fries). The server immediately stated that the protein bowl is a cold dish as the sweet potatoes are normally served warm/hot. I did inquire about getting the dinner appetizer Bacon and Eggs, but was informed it is not available for lunch. Further, our server explained there is a specific machine that cooks the egg to specific temperature (I seem to recall ~143.6 degrees F). Our server went into detail about this appetizer and that we could come back, go to the lounge and order it there; this will be done on our next visit. We only drank water.
I started to look around the restaurant and noticed that it was nearly empty. Our server said it has been really slow for lunch for the past 3 days and that it can be unpredictable. Given the lack of lunch customers, several CM’s were relieved of their shift. I discussed the possibility if this is a function of SWGE opening in a couple of months and only speculated if this is an indicator of a soft lunch crowd at a resort.
Our food came out and the presentation was excellent. I was told that the protein bowl (with a substituted poached egg, not soft-boiled) was outstanding. My herb-marinated grilled chicken was not dry and with the lemon aïoli and avocado, it needed no sauce (even though it was served with ketchup). My broccoli was cooked to maintain a dark green and still have a slight crunch. The serving sizes were abundant and costs are fair.
We enjoyed our conversation with our server (and the host came over to discuss some other WDW related information). After lunch concluded, our server thanked us and reached out to shake our hands. I don’t ever recall a server showing so much gratitude before. It felt like we were not saying goodbye, but rather I really do hope to see you again and continue our conversation and passion for WDW.
After that, my dining partner stated she was cold. About that time a manager overheard this and said she would talk to engineering to make it warmer. I explained that we were just leaving. So what did this CM/manager do? She offered and delivered a free hot chocolate! I know the cost of the drink is negligible, but this act made us feel like we just had a family dining experience. Our server gave us a complimentary bottle of water as well.
I have eaten at several signature restaurants at WDW, but the staff/service of the CM’s at The Wave was exceptional. I will return just based on the service factor alone.
As far as the décor and the recent rumors about an update, I only noticed that the flooring is dated/worn. I do not feel that any changes to the colors, theme, chairs, booths, lighting or other aspects of this restaurant should change. I know it needs to generate revenue, but in its current state is a safe haven for those wanting a quieter dining experience right outside the gates of the Magic Kingdom. The Wave is more than a pleasant surprise; it is waving at us to return.
We decided to try this restaurant for lunch as the recent reviews leaned towards a positive experience. Given that I didn’t have an inkling of how busy it would be, I made my reservation the day before for 12:35 PM.
We arrived at The Wave early and decided to see if there was any way we could be seated early. It was 11:30 AM and the lunch switchover just begun. I gave the hostess my notice that I had a reservation and without hesitation, she said my name. I said something to the effect of “well, if you know who I am then I guess there aren’t a lot of reservations for lunch”. She smiled and said we would be seated in a couple of minutes (likely finishing the cleanup from the breakfast time frame). We were seated about an hour early.
We placed our orders (a protein bowl and a chicken sandwich substituting broccoli for the fries). The server immediately stated that the protein bowl is a cold dish as the sweet potatoes are normally served warm/hot. I did inquire about getting the dinner appetizer Bacon and Eggs, but was informed it is not available for lunch. Further, our server explained there is a specific machine that cooks the egg to specific temperature (I seem to recall ~143.6 degrees F). Our server went into detail about this appetizer and that we could come back, go to the lounge and order it there; this will be done on our next visit. We only drank water.
I started to look around the restaurant and noticed that it was nearly empty. Our server said it has been really slow for lunch for the past 3 days and that it can be unpredictable. Given the lack of lunch customers, several CM’s were relieved of their shift. I discussed the possibility if this is a function of SWGE opening in a couple of months and only speculated if this is an indicator of a soft lunch crowd at a resort.
Our food came out and the presentation was excellent. I was told that the protein bowl (with a substituted poached egg, not soft-boiled) was outstanding. My herb-marinated grilled chicken was not dry and with the lemon aïoli and avocado, it needed no sauce (even though it was served with ketchup). My broccoli was cooked to maintain a dark green and still have a slight crunch. The serving sizes were abundant and costs are fair.
We enjoyed our conversation with our server (and the host came over to discuss some other WDW related information). After lunch concluded, our server thanked us and reached out to shake our hands. I don’t ever recall a server showing so much gratitude before. It felt like we were not saying goodbye, but rather I really do hope to see you again and continue our conversation and passion for WDW.
After that, my dining partner stated she was cold. About that time a manager overheard this and said she would talk to engineering to make it warmer. I explained that we were just leaving. So what did this CM/manager do? She offered and delivered a free hot chocolate! I know the cost of the drink is negligible, but this act made us feel like we just had a family dining experience. Our server gave us a complimentary bottle of water as well.
I have eaten at several signature restaurants at WDW, but the staff/service of the CM’s at The Wave was exceptional. I will return just based on the service factor alone.
As far as the décor and the recent rumors about an update, I only noticed that the flooring is dated/worn. I do not feel that any changes to the colors, theme, chairs, booths, lighting or other aspects of this restaurant should change. I know it needs to generate revenue, but in its current state is a safe haven for those wanting a quieter dining experience right outside the gates of the Magic Kingdom. The Wave is more than a pleasant surprise; it is waving at us to return.
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