Window seat at California Grill

[jdisnut]

Did you READ the rest of the thread?

It's funny to me that so many on this thread think this stuff doesn't happen or work at Disney. Sure it's against the rules. But if you think that stops cast members from letting guests grease their palms you're naive! It's wrong, but it happens a lot more than you'd think.

Not that I'd recommend trying it.

 

[fbarker]

It's funny to me that so many on this thread think this stuff doesn't happen or work at Disney. Sure it's against the rules. But if you think that stops cast members from letting guests grease their palms you're naive! It's wrong, but it happens a lot more than you'd think.

Not that I'd recommend trying it.

I am not doubting what you say, even though i don't want to believe it but what inside information do you have that that CM's take "tips" to meet a request of a guest. Thanks

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

My one and only time at CG we got a window table. We asked and we were lucky to get one just purely based on luck because they were clearing a table when we got there. Our ADR was about an hour before Wishes started but our dessert coincided with the fireworks. I would definitely call and tell them you're celebrating 2 special occassions and that a window seat would make it great, but everyone is probably saying the same thing unfortunately. Good luck!

 

[Tigger's ally]

It's funny to me that so many on this thread think this stuff doesn't happen or work at Disney. Sure it's against the rules. But if you think that stops cast members from letting guests grease their palms you're naive! It's wrong, but it happens a lot more than you'd think.

Not that I'd recommend trying it.

I think you might be thinking about non disney eateries. Places like the Boathouse, Shula's and many others can indeed be influenced by money in the palm, but not the Disney eateries.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Actually, I don't doubt some of the Disney-owned places may be influenceable. The issue is you have to find someone who believes they can get away with it.

 

[maxiesmom]

It's funny to me that so many on this thread think this stuff doesn't happen or work at Disney. Sure it's against the rules. But if you think that stops cast members from letting guests grease their palms you're naive! It's wrong, but it happens a lot more than you'd think.

Not that I'd recommend trying it.

It is a truly stupid CM that would take a tip over the chance of getting fired.

 

[disneypaws]

My husband, son and I ate there in October - by chance we had a window seat. It was a MNSSHP night and we could see stuff happening in the park but went outside to see the fireworks anyway. In all honesty it was a lovely surprise but after a few minutes we just were having a lovely meal in a good restaurant and since you can go outside to see them, I wouldn't be too disappointed if I wasn't at the window on a future trip. (And we will 100% go back next trip -the dragon roll was fabulous!)

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Is there any trick to securing a window seat at California Grill? We are eating there on January 25th. Celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary and my 60th birthday. We have a reservation for 7:40 and Wishes is at 8. Really want a window seat.

1) I would NOT look forward to a window seat, with a ressies that is so close to the fireworks.
2) Others would have taken the tables and will keep them throughout the fireworks.
3) To ask for a window table you need to have an ADR 1½-2 hours prior to the fireworks.

PERSONAL OPINON (only):
4) Will a window-table mean all that much for an anniversary?
5) You are there for the Signature Meal, not the fireworks.
6) If you want fireworks, just view them from the 4th-Floor viewing area.

NOTE: Some people say a tip to the SEATER (aka, podium person) might get you a window table. Any way, at most TS eateries, the ASSIGNER issues the seats and not the podium SEATER. If the SEATER or ASSIGNER is caught taking a tip/gratuity, they are subject to termination, as these are "Non Tipped" job positions. Please DO NOT jeopardize a person's job/career but trying to offer a tip/bribe.

 

[Nancyg56]

It's funny to me that so many on this thread think this stuff doesn't happen or work at Disney. Sure it's against the rules. But if you think that stops cast members from letting guests grease their palms you're naive! It's wrong, but it happens a lot more than you'd think.

Not that I'd recommend trying it.

Oh we know it can occur, but not one of us is going to suggest that anyone attempt this. I also do not think that it happens as often as you may seem to believe. CM's are fired for this and I doubt that most would jeopardize their job for a few dollars. There will always be someone who thinks they are too smart to get caught, but once you see one or two of your coworker's walked out the door, you tend to believe that the boss means it when they tell you not to accept tips for favors.

 

[jdisnut]

Oh we know it can occur, but not one of us is going to suggest that anyone attempt this. I also do not think that it happens as often as you may seem to believe. CM's are fired for this and I doubt that most would jeopardize their job for a few dollars. There will always be someone who thinks they are too smart to get caught, but once you see one or two of your coworker's walked out the door, you tend to believe that the boss means it when they tell you not to accept tips for favors.

That's fair. I probably overstated how often it occurs. Sometimes reading these boards it seems lots of people believe that Disney and Disney employees are above reproach -- perfect specimens straight out of the vacation planning DVD. I think it's important to remember that Disney World isn't a perfect place, even if we want it to be.

Anyway, nobody should try to bribe a cast member. Let's just leave it at that!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

That's fair. I probably overstated how often it occurs. Sometimes reading these boards it seems lots of people believe that Disney and Disney employees are above reproach -- perfect specimens straight out of the vacation planning DVD. I think it's important to remember that Disney World isn't a perfect place, even if we want it to be.

Anyway, nobody should try to bribe a cast member. Let's just leave it at that!

People are also convinced 90% of people staying on site get upgraded, and their ASSp room will magically upgrade to Grand Floridian Club Level if they just note a celebration.

 

[Nancyg56]

That's fair. I probably overstated how often it occurs. Sometimes reading these boards it seems lots of people believe that Disney and Disney employees are above reproach -- perfect specimens straight out of the vacation planning DVD. I think it's important to remember that Disney World isn't a perfect place, even if we want it to be.

Anyway, nobody should try to bribe a cast member. Let's just leave it at that!

It's easy to generalize when you don't stop to think about the number of people who visit WDW and bring the "outside" rules in without knowing that the CM's in Disney are held to a different standard. DIsney is no different than any other place of employment...look at your own. You see the large percentage of coworkers who are dedicated and focused, and who are committed to giving a good day's work for a day's pay. They dont cheat the system, they follow the rules in place, and they are honorable. Then there is the lower percentage of slackers. You know who they are....they show up but they either cannot or will not put forth 100%. They are not mean, they don't cheat the system, and they dont lie or steal on the job. They just are not in the top 6 out of 10. And then there are THOSE guys....They are in every workplace. I work in a office of 5 people and we have 1. I bet you have at least 1 too. This is the person who can be swayed for any number of reasons, and in WDW, this will be the one who accepts a bribe for access. The coworker I have in my office is not representative of the work ethic my employer expects from us, but so far he does not know what we see. We shield the consequences from our clients but sooner or later the coworker will do or say something that cannot be overlooked, and she will be walked out the door. I figure it is the same for the CM's who accept tips for access, their coworkers suspect that there is a problem, do what they can to be sure guests do not pay the price. But sooner or later, a manager will observe an action that is not acceptable and out that person goes.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I suggest reading Scuppers post carefully, lest you offer your bribe--er I mean incentive--to the wrong person!!!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I suggest reading Scuppers post carefully, lest you offer your bribe--er I mean incentive--to the wrong person!!!

Let us clarify some "OFFICIAL rules" for non-tipped positions.
. . . we cannot take cash tips
. . . if we say "No" three times and guests still give, we MUST turn the cash over to managers - immediately
. . . managers then have something like a "donut" party at the end of the month with tip money
. . . if we are caught taking cash, it is a termination offense (not a "write up", but firing)
. . . we can accept GIFTS up to $75 in value, by just telling our manager we took them
. . . I have a shelf at home full of knick-knacks that guests have offered
. . . and, yes, they do mean something to me, as they show the guest appreciated my service(s)

NOTE: The only exception to the rule applies to maids, who are in a non-tipped job classification. When they get cash tips for cleaning the room, managers "look the other way". To me (personally) this is ridiculous, as maids make the 2nd highest hourly pay at resorts. Maids ARE NOT low on the pay scale at WDW, like at most hotels. These folks get FAR more than minimum wage for their job function, plus they get incentive pay on top of their base hour rate.

 

[Nancyg56]

Let us clarify some "OFFICIAL rules" for non-tipped positions.
. . . we cannot take cash tips
. . . if we say "No" three times and guests still give, we MUST turn the cash over to managers - immediately
. . . managers then have something like a "donut" party at the end of the month with tip money
. . . if we are caught taking cash, it is a termination offense (not a "write up", but firing)
. . . we can accept GIFTS up to $75 in value, by just telling our manager we took them
. . . I have a shelf at home full of knick-knacks that guests have offered
. . . and, yes, they do mean something to me, as they show the guest appreciated my service(s)

NOTE: The only exception to the rule applies to maids, who are in a non-tipped job classification. When they get cash tips for cleaning the room, managers "look the other way". To me (personally) this is ridiculous, as maids make the 2nd highest hourly pay at resorts. Maids ARE NOT low on the pay scale at WDW, like at most hotels. These folks get FAR more than minimum wage for their job function, plus they get incentive pay on top of their base hour rate.

Rusty, can you give some insight as to the pay rates? I always leave tip money for the people who clean my room, and that won't change, but I often wonder about the other folks who work in the resorts. I am not asking for specific rates, but where the resort folks fall on the scale.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Rusty, can you give some insight as to the pay rates?

Housekeeping (maids):
Hourly pay (per union contract):
. . . Min: $10.50/hr
. . . Max: $14.87/hr
. . . Room bonuses and cash incentives are additional (per union contract).

Front Desk:
Hourly Pay (per union contract)
. . . Min: $10.00/hr
. . . Max: $14.50/hr
. . . no bonuses or cash incentives

 

[Nancyg56]

Housekeeping (maids):
Hourly pay (per union contract):
. . . Min: $10.50/hr
. . . Max: $14.87/hr
. . . Room bonuses and cash incentives are additional (per union contract).

Front Desk:
Hourly Pay (per union contract)
. . . Min: $10.00/hr
. . . Max: $14.50/hr
. . . no bonuses or cash incentives

Yikes! I am in no way diminishing the work a house keeper does, but I am surprised the front desk staff is not compensated at a higher rate.

 

[Lisa F]

Seeing the fireworks from the observation deck is much nicer than seeing them through glass with the glare issue in an only partially (for safety reasons) dimmed restaurant.

So maybe not the answer you are looking for but the best way to get a window seat at the CA Grill is to get an ADR right at opening (5pm) and enjoy a lovely sunset view (at least in the off season which is when I go). The view is still spectacular and I have never not gotten a requested window right at restaurant open. Then come back later for fireworks by showing your receipt. I've become an old person I guess but I am in general a big fan of going when restaurants open... everything and everyone is fresh and it's not packed to the gills yet... and you get seated on time too and almost always have your requests met. this works at Coral Reef for a tank side table, and at 'Ohana for a window table on time... pretty much anywhere!

 

[HopperFan]

Yikes! I am in no way diminishing the work a house keeper does, but I am surprised the front desk staff is not compensated at a higher rate.

Have you looked in guests rooms, while they are there ........... those Mousekeepers need hazard pay.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Mousekeepers have to deal with gross, but front-desk has to get yelled at, complained at, "but I requested {combo of room attributes that doesn't exist and even if it did would be at a higher rate tier than person complaining paid}" lawn tantrum-ed, and, of course, has to deal with all the magic band snafus.

That said, people probably find front desk a more desirable role. Less poo.