Prime Time CMs

[paul436]

So I was reading in another post about how annoying the Prime Time CMs are... So what's the deal? What kind of experience do you get when you go in there? I thought it might be a cool place to go for lunch when in HS one day but I wanted to hear from y'all.

It is a completely individual experience. Some people like it more than others but the CMs seem to get a good feel as to who they can go further with.

One of the things I liked was when the CM asked a guy who obviously just came back from the restroom what color the soap was. He got it wrong and everyone got a good laugh at his expense. But he took it well as it wasn't meant in a bad way. All in good fun.

 

[WDW_Kingdomcast]

They can't be any more annoying than the CM's at Whispering Canyon.... go ahead ask for the ketchup

 

[KingdomofDreams]

They can't be any more annoying than the CM's at Whispering Canyon.... go ahead ask for the ketchup

Off topic for a second - Ya know, we were SO disappointed when we went to Whispering Canyon for the first time last summer. It was August, the first-second week of August and the first couple days of our trip we stayed at WL. I was very surprised when we arrived at our Whispering Canyon reservation and found the place completely empty! We were the only ones there until about half way through our breakfast when one other party showed up. It was early, but we've eaten breakfast before going to the parks many times and always found the restaurants pretty much packed. Needless to say, we missed all the fun we had heard so much about.

Back to Primetime - 50's Primetime is tradition at DHS for us. The castmember interaction can be fun, but in some instances it has gotten slightly annoying. Some CM's have a better sense of keeping it light and amusing than others. We go mainly for the retro atmosphere. The detail there is really great.

 

[Dad 2 M & M]

I think this is a love it or hate it experience and I hate it. My DH loves it. The food first is just stoffers and home food so I want to have more out of my dining experience. As much as I like the character meals, I don't like it when it is an interactive meal with live people. I feel the same way about Whispering Canyon. Not a fan of that place either.

Echo that! I still think Sci Fi and San Angel are the places to go if you want a unique experience...food is so so

 

[lbrad]

My mom and I went a few years ago, fully ready for the shenanigans. Our server ended up being a completely normal server with none of the craziness, so I feel like it's just kind of hit or miss.

Our experience was tthe same as yours ... non existent
We left disappointed:shrug:

 

[fractal]

I'm sure they're "annoying" if you're not into playing along. If you're not into that kind of experience, don't eat there.
But if you're willing to play along, it can be a blast. It's one of my favorite WDW restaurants for the experience and atmosphere, not necessarily the food.

Agreed - one of our favorite spots from our last trip.

 

[CaptainShortty]

They can't be any more annoying than the CM's at Whispering Canyon.... go ahead ask for the ketchup

KEETEEEETCUUUUUP!! Sorry, had to do it. It's one of my favorite places to go (especially for breakfast). Again, you have to want to play into it but it's a great time if you do.

 

[Phonedave]

I have found Prime Time to be hit or miss.

Once we had the whole area involved. It got to the point where a guy at another table drew a picture of the server on a napkin with buck teeth and "stink rays" on it, called her over, and pointed at me and said "he drew this picture of you". The a guy at another table ratted him out. We all got in trouble and ended up having to stand in corners. Then she announced "there is still a corner left, anybody ELSE want to try something?". She told me she wanted a clean plate, so I took it to the bathroom and rinsed it off. She had a hard time keeping her composure when she came back to the table.

Other times, the server barely said anything.

It depends on the server and the other people in the room.


-dave

 

[Irie]

Enjoy the cast members and participate. My son loves the place and then proceeds to watch everyone's elbows. The food is mostly comfort food but it is very good.

 

[71dsp]

We've never had a bad experience at the PTC. The cast members have always cracked us up without ever going too far. And the pot roast is to die for!

Same for us. We loved the atmosphere and food when we went. We also got quite a few laughs from the CM.

Going to have to note the pot roast for our next upcoming trip. Already have reservations for Prime Time!

 

[coltow]

I think this is a love it or hate it experience and I hate it. My DH loves it. The food first is just stoffers and home food so I want to have more out of my dining experience. As much as I like the character meals, I don't like it when it is an interactive meal with live people. I feel the same way about Whispering Canyon. Not a fan of that place either.

See I don't mind Whispering Canyon at all. I HATE 50's, my being almost forced to stand in the middle of the restaurant and sing "I'm a little tea pot" is 100% NOT my cup of tea. Don't see me ever going back, to be made a fool of again. Yet I will go to WCC and ask for ketchup :lol:

 

[unkadug]

See I don't mind Whispering Canyon at all. I HATE 50's, my being almost forced to stand in the middle of the restaurant and sing "I'm a little tea pot" is 100% NOT my cup of tea. Don't see me ever going back, to be made a fool of again. Yet I will go to WCC and ask for ketchup :lol:

What's the difference?

 

[coltow]

I feel the differece is that at 50's they are WAY over the top and go out of the way to embarass people. I feel that WCC is just fun, the wait staff are generally just loud, but I've never seen them make people get out of there chairs and do a song and dance.

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

I feel the differece is that at 50's they are WAY over the top and go out of the way to embarass people. I feel that WCC is just fun, the wait staff are generally just loud, but I've never seen them make people get out of there chairs and do a song and dance.

Actually when I was at WCC in May they made a man sing "I'm a Little Teapot" not only once, but twice. I think the antics just depend on the waitstaff and the patrons dining to be honest with you.

 

[71dsp]

Those are interesting comments about Prime Time. We didn't see any CMs embarrass anyone, but we've only been once. You guys are making me nervous about our next visit, as none of us are the "get up in front of a crowd and do something silly" types. My wife would be mortified!

 

[Chevross]

I got to admit that the only time I ate at 50's Prime Time was very interesting, but fun nonetheless. The only time I felt uncomfortable was when I was asked to help set the table for a total stranger. Plus, if you eat your green veggies first, they get all surprised like. I thought it was a neat experience.

 

[nitch]

I had a great time there in August for a friend's birthday. We all got stickers for finishing our plates and yes, we were threatened with the naughty step and not to have our elbows on the table but it's all obviously light-hearted and meant to be fun. Some CMs might be in a bad mood and want to take it out on guests (this sort of place is perfect as they can get away with being 'mean') but 'Cousin' Scott was awesome!

Food was a bit bad though...

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I love 50's Prime Time! It is a restaurant I will go back to on every trip. We've been there twice now and have enjoyed both visits. We had Uncle Tim both time's and he plays the part beautifully. We really like the shtick and played along with everything.

I can see how some people would be put off by it all they want is to sit down to a relaxing meal but as many have said, the CM's seem to be able to read their tables pretty well after their introduction.

 

[maryszhi]

it depends on the guest and the server. the servers are super at reading peoples reactions and will adjust accordingly. i have never had a bad experience! i love 50s and its the place i always eat at when at the studios. but if you want a good experience, go with the flow, and hopefully you will have a great server, which from experience is every single one

 

[muse1983]

If your not going into Prime Time open to having a little fun then you're going to the wrong restaurant. Our CM was hilarious but he wasn't overbearing. I suppose if you had a CM that simply wouldn't allow you to eat and took the role to the extreme then yeah it could be a little to much, but that's rarely the case.