Waitstaff pushing alcohol

[heatherfeather24]

We actually had a server (Ron, excellent, highly recommended!) at CG suggest a LESS expensive bottle of wine than the one we were going to order. He thought it was just a little bit better than the one we were considering -- and brought us a taste of each. He was sooooo RIGHT.


"So what?" you ask? I just think it's a good illustration that what might be perceived as "pushing" something is really just a knowledgeable suggestion -- at least in so far as wine and food are concerned. As a former server myself, I suspect that he would recommend the same bottle of wine to people who were considering iced tea and diet coke. It's not a "sell" as much as it is a suggestion to enhance your meal which the customer is free to reject. I certainly wouldn't have treated you any differently based on the amount of your bill -- I'd like to think most other servers don't either.

 

[Cookie Princess]

Actually, DH is usually pushing them to hurry and bring him a beer!

 

[BostonRob]

I've never noticed this either, but as Madison66 suggests, alcohol really pads the check, so it shouldn't surprise you. If you tip 20% and your drink costs $5, the waitress gets an extra buck for every drink you drink - in theory at least - of couse some of the tips go to the bartendener and busboys, but you get the idea.

 

[lovmy2girls]

Never!

 

[patsal]

I feel more pressure to drink at Olive Garden and Chili's than anywhere in WDW! Seriously say no to the wine at Olive Garden and beware of vicious waitress wanting you out NOW! I always say no and yup I've complained to the manager after that incident--hello it's 1 pm and I have three kids with me--one in a stroller no Mama/Auntie can't get drunk until later--and never if she has driving detail!

 

[Chuck S]

Generally, I;ve had the server mention that they have a full service bar if we'd care to order anything. I think they mention it for two reasons 1)the Magic Kingdom is dry. 2)liquor laws vary greatly state to state.

I know here in TX it is impossible to order alcohol in the morning hours. While we rarely drink, we did feel "naughty" ordering mimosas and Irish Coffee one morning with breakfast at Olivia's.

 

[rhiannonwales]

I've actually had the reverse happen.In 2001, at the Coral Reef, a rather uppity waiter actually removed the wine glasses from our table before he even asked us if we wanted any wine/drinks!I assume he assumed we were not old enough to drink.Even though we had our 2 year old DS with us.DH does not drink ever.But i do occasionally.It still peeved me though.Proper handling would say wait until we order alcohol and then poiltely ask for ID.I get ID'd all the time and i'm not offended by that.
I guess it really depends on the server.
Sherrie

 

[luvsTink]

Slapster...your post was hysterical!

Anne

 

[notnothin]

How the heck does a waiter "push" alcohol?

"Something from the bar?"

"No, just a soda"

"C'mon, you sure? How about a Martini. Or some wine."

"Nope. Thanks."

"You sure? You have a certain 'I wanna get loaded tonight' look about you"

"Um, really no. Nothing from the bar"

<leaning in close>"Please order a drink....the manager will beat me terrible, he will."

"OK, bring a beer every seven minutes until I pass out. Then bring one every three minutes."

<smiling>"Right away, sir!"

Hahaha, I love it!

 

[lovmy2girls]

How the heck does a waiter "push" alcohol?

"Something from the bar?"

"No, just a soda"

"C'mon, you sure? How about a Martini. Or some wine."

"Nope. Thanks."

"You sure? You have a certain 'I wanna get loaded tonight' look about you"

"Um, really no. Nothing from the bar"

<leaning in close>"Please order a drink....the manager will beat me terrible, he will."

"OK, bring a beer every seven minutes until I pass out. Then bring one every three minutes."

<smiling>"Right away, sir!"

 

[yankeepenny]

I feel more pressure to drink at Olive Garden and Chili's than anywhere in WDW! Seriously say no to the wine at Olive Garden and beware of vicious waitress wanting you out NOW! I always say no and yup I've complained to the manager after that incident--hello it's 1 pm and I have three kids with me--one in a stroller no Mama/Auntie can't get drunk until later--and never if she has driving detail!

I too have had an issue with the Olive Garden- usually when I walk to the table I say You may take these , we will not be needing them,(meaning the wine glasses) but recently had a server try to "shove wine on us" and i very nearly left- I said very loudly NO THANK YOU and he finally got the hint. needless to say- i was not happy with the service after that.
It was wonderurfull in Utah not being asked about alcohol, just a simple "may I get you anything" was nice to hear.

just my two cents worth.........

 

[BlindTyldak]

I haven't had specifically alcohol pushed, but the waitstaff has been prone to pushing EXPENSIVE drinks, alcohol included or no. I think it's just about the tip.

 

[yankeepenny]

to clarify, we were on vacation in utah, and there was no pressure anywhere to order a drink.

 

[crisi]

It occurred to me that in the MK you cannot get alcohol....as such, if you start your vacation in the MK, it may not occur to you that you can get a drink in Disney other than at the hotel bar. So when the waiter says "can I get you something from the bar" he is not only suggestive selling, he may be giving some guests information that they don't have "we have a bar."

 

[ReneeA]

I have never felt like we were being pressured to drink alcohol while dining at WDW...ever.

 

[sticker231]

Olive Garden always starts out with would you like to try such&such our wine special today, with the bottle in their hand. Certain restaraunts have competitions with pushing the "item of the day" amongst the waitstaff, whether it be a drink or food item.

 

[Lizzybee]

I don't think alcohol was ever even mentioned to me at WDW. I don't drink at all, just no desire not really a principle or anything. Then again the last time we were at WDW, it was just me and the kids. The waitress at 1900 Park Fare did recommend a smoothie for me, I suppose to drive up the price and hence her tip, but it wasn't a push, it was a recommendation and I enjoyed it. Even at the pool bars, the bartenders never tried to get me to spike the non alcoholic pina coladas. Maybe they just take one look at me and go "hmm she's like this when she's sober?...don't wanna see her with a couple of drinks in her".

 

[Biscuitsmom31]

to clarify, we were on vacation in utah, and there was no pressure anywhere to order a drink.

As an ex-mormon

 

[Aimeedyan]

Never felt pressured... they always act just like a waiter at a restaurant back home and try suggestive selling but that's certainly not WDW only - it's a matter of business.

 

[Maggi May]

Olive Garden always starts out with would you like to try such&such our wine special today, with the bottle in their hand. Certain restaraunts have competitions with pushing the "item of the day" amongst the waitstaff, whether it be a drink or food item.

Yep, I had a friend that worked at Olive Garden and they often received bonuses for the most orders for drinks, appetizers and/or desserts. "Add-ons" to the main entree can be real moneymakers at restaurants.

Never had a problem with Disney servers pushing alcohol, although many are happy to discuuss recommendations if asked.