Is Prime Time With Out The Hassle Possible?

[Scooter]

Can you ask the Hostess at The 50's Prime time that you don't want to be hassled during your meal?

My wife and I want to enjoy the the scenery in some of these Themed restaurants but we don't enjoy being "Part of the show"

Because we don't like to be hassled while eating we have missed out on some great places to eat.

Chef Mickeys (The napkin waving)
Whispering Canyon ( Asking for ketchup)
50's Prime Time (Getting scolded )
Hoop De Doo Revue ( Called up to dance )

There are many other resturants that I can't think of right now that have audience participation.
We don't want to dance, wave flags, sing along with, sing I'm a Little Teapot at, ride stick ponys, sit in the corner, clap our hands to, or get yelled at for having our elbows on the table or for not finishing our vegetables. We just want to admire the work of the Disney artists, and enjoy a good meal.

I realize that it's all part of the "Disney Magic" but we don't like to be a part of it.
Please don't tell us we have to just eat fast food...we paid the same to get in the parks as everyone else. We just don't want to participate.

While it's great for some, my wife and I just HATE it.

Can you, and has anyone else here, ever went into one of these places and requested not to be bothered?

 

[CBCit]

Try a scared little girl

When we were at the Prime Time around 13 years ago,my then 4 year old daughter(omg,she is now 17),first just looked terrified for a few minutes then burst into tears!"Why is that lady yelling at my Daddy?"Needless to say the server felt terrible and left us alone after that. My husband and I did get a kick out of their schtick though.

 

[One Lil Spark]

I've been to the 50PTC 5 times now. The first 4 I loved the harrassment. I actually was escorted to the bathroom twice to make sure I washed my hands. One of the busboys or "cousins" thought I was cute, so I was forced to do the walk of shame by the kitchen so "Mom could see if she approved of me..."

I went on my last trip in March and we were there right at the start of lunch. We were the 3rd table sat in the whole restaurant. This was the first time my roommate who went with me to WDW had ever been to the cafe and I didn't tell her of their wicked, but fun ways. Our "brother" in a completely empty restaurant with nothing but our table to wait on did NOTHING. I was highly disappointed.

I asked him at the end of the meal when he brought out our smore why he hadn't messed with us at all and he told me it was because we were in sorority shirts...

Things that make you go HMMMMM...

 

[Thorphin]

Haven't been to the Wilderness LOdge yet, but a friend taking us in June 05 says that not only do you get lots of ketchup, they often make you stand on your chair and address the whole restaurant for ketchup. Again, this isn't a firsthand account, but something you should probably know if you don't like participation. However, this seems like one thing that they couldn't easily "force" anyone to do. Not everyone could even be able to get on the chair!

 

[niteobsrvr]

If you don't like to be part of the show then you should not go to these places. As someone else mentioned, the minute you set foot on Disney property you become part of the show also. Its what we call "Magic" and can happen anywhere at anytime. It is so much a part of the show that cast members are constantly thinking of new ways to create "Magical Moments" and "take 5's" in order to foster guest interaction.

If you don't like these sorts of things during your dining experience then choose restaurants that don't have them. The interaction with the cast members in these locations is just as important to the overall theme of the establishment as the decorations on the wall.

 

[Ringo8n24]

Haven't been to the Wilderness LOdge yet, but a friend taking us in June 05 says that not only do you get lots of ketchup, they often make you stand on your chair and address the whole restaurant for ketchup. Again, this isn't a firsthand account, but something you should probably know if you don't like participation. However, this seems like one thing that they couldn't easily "force" anyone to do. Not everyone could even be able to get on the chair!

I think the cast members can also sense who will be good to play along and who will not. We ate at WL and did ask for ketchup, but had no bad experience from it. Our servers were very nice and picked on us quite a bit at our table, but never made a spectacle in front of the whole restaurant using us. They were quite busy with kids in the restaurant which took some attention away from two adults eating alone. I would try WL if I were you and take my chances.

 

[Scooter]

If you don't like to be part of the show then you should not go to these places. As someone else mentioned, the minute you set foot on Disney property you become part of the show also. Its what we call "Magic" and can happen anywhere at anytime. It is so much a part of the show that cast members are constantly thinking of new ways to create "Magical Moments" and "take 5's" in order to foster guest interaction.

If you don't like these sorts of things during your dining experience then choose restaurants that don't have them. The interaction with the cast members in these locations is just as important to the overall theme of the establishment as the decorations on the wall.

I thought I might get a response like this from someone. :lol:

It's not like I'm going to ride Star Tours and asking them to please not run the Simulator and ruin it for everyone... :hammer:

I just think that if I ask nicely, the castmembers in these places should be able to grant my wife and I's request and let us enjoy a peaceful meal and watch the show without them asking US to participate.

I might even enjoy watching them pick on other people and having THEM be part of the show...but my wife and I don't enjoy it.

Maybe if I watch, and it doesn't seem so bad..maybe next time I WILL allow myself to be in the show and be a part of the action...but in the meantime, we would like the option NOT to be included.

What you're suggesting is we just not go to the places that interact with the crowds..right?

Let's see..that would include the following.

Hoop-De-Doo Review
Chef Mickeys
Whispering Canyon Cafe
50's Primetime Diner
Tonys Town Square
Crystal Palace
Cinderella's Royal Table
or ANY Chararcter Meal for that matter
Biergarden in Germany
Marrakesh in Morrocco
Hollywood and Vine
and a few others I can't think of at the moment.

So if I don't care to "Interact" with the characters, or be a part of the show, you think I shouldn't go to these places?

I disagree..I pay just as much as everyone else to get into the parks and I think I have the right to eat and enjoy the theming without having to be a part of the show.

Just my thoughts on he subject. :animwink:

 

[crazydaveh]

I ate at the Prime Time this past weekend... We were hot and tired, and didn't want to do anything but eat in the A/C... We told our waitress that she would get a nice tip if we could just eat without being bothered!

We know it sounded like we were being jerks, but we honestly were tired! We told our waitress why we didn't want to be bothered, and she said she understood with a smile on her face!

The waitress was very polite and said no problem... She gave us better than normal service and we were not bothered! I usually tip around 25% for good service, but I left her about a 40% tip for the nice lunch.

 

[SIR90210]

For my grandparents 40th Anniversery, they took all of their kids (my aunts and uncles), kids in-law, and all of their kids (my cousins) to WDW for a week in March '99. We had 36 people , and one of the nights, we all had dinner at Hoop-De-Doo, and it was the BEST. Apparently, someone told one of the CM's that it was their anniversery, so my grandmother stood in the middle of the restaurant and sang with one of the CM's. It was hilarious. When they were bringing the people up onto the stage, they chose my uncle to be the Indian who kicks and flails his leg in the death scene. Unfortunately,he had just recovered from a nasty car accident, and his legs weren't 100%, but he did it really well, and the entire audience loved it. Coming back to the group, he said that he was really reluctant to participate, but had a great time. So even if you think you don't want to participate, try it out once anyway.


BTW, pocohantas79, where in Lisle are you? I used to live in between Lisle and Naperville, off Maple Avenue.

 

[bgraham34]

I love to watch the people who are shocked when soemthing happens that they were not expecting. All they want is a quiet dinner and then all heck breaks loose. It is so entertaining.

 

[Gail Hayden]

:veryconfu Believe it or not, when you walk into any WDW park or resort you are part of the magic/fantasy being played out before your eyes. Why are the employees called "cast members?"

I cannot believe anyone who visits and participates in these forums would not want to participate in some of the silliness at WDW. Life is too short as it is.

ITA!!!! Prime time is a hoot.

 

[Gail Hayden]

Haven't been to the Wilderness LOdge yet, but a friend taking us in June 05 says that not only do you get lots of ketchup, they often make you stand on your chair and address the whole restaurant for ketchup. Again, this isn't a firsthand account, but something you should probably know if you don't like participation. However, this seems like one thing that they couldn't easily "force" anyone to do. Not everyone could even be able to get on the chair!

Don't and I mean Don't ask where the "john" or bathroom is. I have to admit when my friend did this I laughed myself silly, but, it can be a bit embarassing.

 

[Shaman]

Maybe these Disney Restuarants need a "No Hassle" section. :lol: :lol: :lol:

I can relate...

So to me, it doesn't sound like an unreasonable thing to ask for....the last thing I like is to be "hassled" when I'm eating (to the point that I'm annoyed by over-zealous waiters who come around every minute asking..."is everything ok")....:lol:

I think if you ask not to be part of the show they should comply...the good thing about Disney is that there aren't a shortage of places to eat, so if they don't oblige...you could always go to a "no hassle" restaurant. Just my opinion.

 

[Rcoaster809]

In November I ate at at Prime TIme with a group of 12. This included my parents, my sister, my sister's friends, and and my friends. (She is 14, I am 18) It was a Magic Music Days trip, so we just had a great time. Our witer was Brother Anas, and he was great! He did embarrass just about everyone in our group, between not washing your hands, finishing your meal, yelling, and um... "breaking wind" (not me btw). We had a great time! The table next to us had a woman server and she sat with them and talked, so I guess it is kind of just luck of where you get seated.

I just got back from our typical family vacation today which is my parents, sister, and my grandparents. There is no way we were going to take my grandfather to Prime Time. He would not have liked it.

If you dont want to do Prime Time, dont, but you are missing out.

We did do Chef Mickey's, and we had a great time. I was not expecting the napkin thing, but I had a great time with it. It only happened twice during our meal. Cast members did not "require" participation. It does not last long, so if it really bothers you, just go up to the buffet at that time.

Try Chef Mickey's

I have good friends who went to Whispering Canyon and loved it. I want to go, but again, didnt think my grandfather would like it, so we skipped it.

Never done Hoop Dee Doo, but want too.

I hope this really looooooong post helps you. I think I just really miss Disney.

 

[Senderella]

I also hear that if you ask for "more iced tea", you will get a huge gallon size glass of it.

That works for me!! LOL I'm an iced tea camel!

 

[RogueHabit]

Haven't been to the Wilderness LOdge yet, but a friend taking us in June 05 says that not only do you get lots of ketchup, they often make you stand on your chair and address the whole restaurant for ketchup. Again, this isn't a firsthand account, but something you should probably know if you don't like participation. However, this seems like one thing that they couldn't easily "force" anyone to do. Not everyone could even be able to get on the chair!

This is excellent, I'm always having a moan at my wife when I cook a good meal and she proceeds to cover it in ketchup.

This sounds like just the payback I need..... :fork:

 

[sarajo]

In regards to Hoop De Do... I usually go with a large group (app. 25 people) and usually somebody gets asked to participate. On several occasions, somebody has politely declined to participate, and the CM went on to somebody else who would participate. Don't miss out on the enjoyment and food of the Hoop De Do because of your aversion to participation. There is a VERY small chance of your getting picked. The other stuff- like the birthdays/anniversarys is on a volunteer thing (you let them know during the show) and the washboard is brought to your table at the end- you can play it if you like.

50's Prime Time... our same large group has gone to this place and have been "picked on", but there was one time when we did not want to be hassled at all... all we did was ask to not be hassled, and they obliged.

I'm sorry you don't like to participate; to me, that is part of the fun. At any restaurant outside of Disney, I don't like to participate either! But at Disney... I go with the flow!

 

[Senderella]

This is excellent, I'm always having a moan at my wife when I cook a good meal and she proceeds to cover it in ketchup.

This sounds like just the payback I need..... :fork:

:lol: That reminds me of my prom. My date & I and another couple (consisting of my best friend and her date.. another good friend of mine) went to this locally owned seafood place before prom. It was the nicest place in town (LOL NO! Not Red Lobster either!). I'm not much of a seafood lover, but I *do* love fried shrimp. Well our order came and here we all are dressed to the 9s and here I go asking for ketchup. LOL All 4 of them (waiter included) looked at me as if I was from Mars. My response: WHAAAAT?? I like ketchup!!!! Especially w/ my fried shrimp.

hehe I know it's totally OT, but your story reminded me of that! :lol:

 

[phlydude]

I am not one to play along with the Prime Time Cafe, but I am also one to read up and know what I may be getting into when I go to eat. I will not go to the Prime Time because I don't want to feel like I've been adopted by some strange mom who forces me to eat what I don't want. I can get irate quickly and would be afraid of what un-Disney like comments may fly! :lol: It just seems like this is too forced and too rude. I can't ever see that as enjoyable or fun.

I don't mind the napkin thing at Whispering Canyon or Chef Mickey's. It's actually quite fun. I am going to get my rother to ask for ketchup/catsup since he drowns his food in it and see the reaction he has (since he is a bit shy, he might turn into a quivering fool!). My wife is also a camel when it comes to re-fills. I will drink 1 soda, she will be on her 6th. A gallon of iced tea would do her good!! :sohappy:

I made my wife make PS for Whispering Canyon for Sunday since it's my B-day. I am preparred to gallup like a horse, sing teapot song or whatever else they require of me. It's all in fun!

 

[brich]

Hmmm. I guess. :veryconfu
I can eat at restraunts back home where I'm not harrassed or become part of the "show". This is what these eating establishments offer because it is a Theme Park. I never really thought that people ate at these places because the food was that good. I thought it was more for the environment, the atmosphere, the entertainment. I can see it getting carried away but having been to 50's PT many times, the first time showed me what to expect so if I'm not up for all the harrassment, I have other choices for food. Nothing personal to those who don't want to be part of the fun but that's what these places offer. Isn't that why we go to Disney? I can understand wanting a quiet place to enjoy a meal but why not choose a restraunt that offers that? Just my opinion... :animwink:
I guess requesting a "quiet" table is cool. As long as I can still get a good speaking to when I don't clean my plate... :lol:

 

[Senderella]

My wife is also a camel when it comes to re-fills. I will drink 1 soda, she will be on her 6th. A gallon of iced tea would do her good!! :sohappy:

You got a good woman there man! :animwink: Especially when its hot out... FORGET IT.... I go to this one place here in town for lunch once or twice a week. It's right next to the shop where I've got my candles set up to sell. Anyhow... It's been so hot & miserable out lately, I'll plop down in my booth and order my tea. I'll chug it down and by the time the server comes back around to take my order I'm looking pitifully up at him for more tea! It's insane LOL I think I freaked out the server once by how often he was having to re-tea me. I'm *so* tempted to just take some Cold Brew bags with me when we go to WDW. Do some of these places think you're from Mars if you ask them to give you some ice only?