CoachBeard
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2022
I feel the need to share my experiences as I’m just about halfway through my current solo trip to WDW and stuff keeps happening yet I can’t figure out why. Some of it is small and not a huge deal but it stacks up because this isn’t my normal dining out experience and Disney is associated with all things service. Add to that the prices I’m paying and the service should be better
I’ve previously shared my Shula’s experience from late 2022 where my party of one was seemingly overlooked so the server could be sure his income would be adequate from the parties 4, 6, and 8 also sat in his section that evening.
This trip has been hit or miss and strange. I was sat at a table in Steakhouse 71 solo and had excellent and attentive service from Nancy. She was a rockstar.
The next day at Nomad Lounge I joined the 55 minute waitlist. I showed up when they texted, didn’t bug anyone, waited patiently. I received the text my table was ready and they had me stand to the side while the “table was being wiped down”. I overheard the staff discussing availability at the bar and I should have spoken up in favor of that but I’d never been there before so I was hoping for a patio seat. However if they’d offered the bar I would have agreed to it. I waited and waited and waited. People who showed up after me were sat. Not sure where they were in the queue or not but it looked bad for sure, and especially with the added wait they gave me. I was “staged” by the host spot for quite a while. When I was finally sat they were apologetic. The server was clearly busy so I made sure to be ready to order. My drink came and then my food came. I bit into it and it was cold in the middle. This is odd… Disney has good QC. So I tried the other piece and it was cold too. I was just going to leave it but when the server came by to ask how it was I inquired about the temperature. I didn’t know if maybe it was normal given this isn’t a cuisine I typically eat. The flavor was fantastic so I was disappointed that I had to send it back. He kindly offered to remake it but I asked for the bill since I had a reservation for a prepaid event to get to at a resort.
To their credit, the server was really good although very busy. The manager, Bill came over to talk to me I’m guessing the server told him what happened. Probably policy too. Bill offered to comp my meal and drink. I offered to pay for the drink since I consumed it and he wouldn’t let me. I left a cash tip for the server because this wasn’t his fault.
Last night I ate at California grill. The last time I was there about a year ago as a solo diner I had one of the best experiences and meals ever. Last night the server had the wrong starter come out and while he offered me bread service which I was looking forward to, the starter came before the bread. I mean not the end of the world but at home when I dine out I don’t have these issues.
Homecoming brunch the other day… I was sat on the patio in the worst seat they had.
No big deal but they had the heaters on full blast. They refused to turn the down for me due to other customers. Ok, fine can I move? Nope. Server offers water then never brings it. Aside from dropping my entree he was non-existent. No water refills no offers to order another alcoholic drink, etc… he was nice but it was clear he couldn’t give
about me.
I’m hoping the rest of the trip goes much better. I’ve worked in the service industry and my significant other of many years has been a server for over 20 years so I’m aware of what goes on behind the scenes I understand tipping culture. I’m not an annoying or picky diner, I know what I want to drink I usually have an idea of the menu and what I might want and I don’t often make substitutions. I’m not fussy at all but I do expect to be treated as any other party sat in the restaurant.
I’ve previously shared my Shula’s experience from late 2022 where my party of one was seemingly overlooked so the server could be sure his income would be adequate from the parties 4, 6, and 8 also sat in his section that evening.
This trip has been hit or miss and strange. I was sat at a table in Steakhouse 71 solo and had excellent and attentive service from Nancy. She was a rockstar.
The next day at Nomad Lounge I joined the 55 minute waitlist. I showed up when they texted, didn’t bug anyone, waited patiently. I received the text my table was ready and they had me stand to the side while the “table was being wiped down”. I overheard the staff discussing availability at the bar and I should have spoken up in favor of that but I’d never been there before so I was hoping for a patio seat. However if they’d offered the bar I would have agreed to it. I waited and waited and waited. People who showed up after me were sat. Not sure where they were in the queue or not but it looked bad for sure, and especially with the added wait they gave me. I was “staged” by the host spot for quite a while. When I was finally sat they were apologetic. The server was clearly busy so I made sure to be ready to order. My drink came and then my food came. I bit into it and it was cold in the middle. This is odd… Disney has good QC. So I tried the other piece and it was cold too. I was just going to leave it but when the server came by to ask how it was I inquired about the temperature. I didn’t know if maybe it was normal given this isn’t a cuisine I typically eat. The flavor was fantastic so I was disappointed that I had to send it back. He kindly offered to remake it but I asked for the bill since I had a reservation for a prepaid event to get to at a resort.
To their credit, the server was really good although very busy. The manager, Bill came over to talk to me I’m guessing the server told him what happened. Probably policy too. Bill offered to comp my meal and drink. I offered to pay for the drink since I consumed it and he wouldn’t let me. I left a cash tip for the server because this wasn’t his fault.
Last night I ate at California grill. The last time I was there about a year ago as a solo diner I had one of the best experiences and meals ever. Last night the server had the wrong starter come out and while he offered me bread service which I was looking forward to, the starter came before the bread. I mean not the end of the world but at home when I dine out I don’t have these issues.
Homecoming brunch the other day… I was sat on the patio in the worst seat they had.
No big deal but they had the heaters on full blast. They refused to turn the down for me due to other customers. Ok, fine can I move? Nope. Server offers water then never brings it. Aside from dropping my entree he was non-existent. No water refills no offers to order another alcoholic drink, etc… he was nice but it was clear he couldn’t give
about me.I’m hoping the rest of the trip goes much better. I’ve worked in the service industry and my significant other of many years has been a server for over 20 years so I’m aware of what goes on behind the scenes I understand tipping culture. I’m not an annoying or picky diner, I know what I want to drink I usually have an idea of the menu and what I might want and I don’t often make substitutions. I’m not fussy at all but I do expect to be treated as any other party sat in the restaurant.
- I think many of us assume when at Disney that there might be one or two experiences in a weeks time that are less than stellar... but it sounds like you are encountering more than a one off- perhaps understaffed facilities and too many corners cut. FWIW- I would walk away from a dining reservation rather than be uncomfortable through the whole meal. (Shame on Homecoming for not being able to take the hit and leave one bad seat unfilled, I mean seriously, one seat?) I agree with motherdaughtercruisers- speak to the concierge regarding your perception of how service has changed since your last visit. I believe this feedback is important if improvements are going to be made. In our recent visits, service levels have changed, more inconsistent.... less reliable quality.
I have always enjoyed Raglan Road, and Geyser Point is one of my favorites! Hope the rest of the trip maintains this good vibe!
