8 Days Without the Kiddos – June 2014 Trip Report COMPLETED - Page 8 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Monday, June 9: PART 2 - 50’s Prime Time Cafe & Fantasmic
Monday, June 9: PART 2 - 50’s Prime Time Cafe & Fantasmic
Finally if was time for our ADR for 50’s Prime Time Cafe. I have heard so much about this place, I was so excited to eat here. From the moment we stepped inside I was impressed with the decor. It was so well themed. I requested a tv table as this was our first time. We found a seat to wait, and it was about 15 minutes before the call our name and showed to our tv table. I was excited, but I am sorry to say that excitement began to fade.
We waited and waited, but no waitress came to our table. Finally about 15 minute after sitting there, and just as we were about to see if we were forgotten, our waitress showed up to take our order. I do not remember her name, but maybe that is a good thing. She was not very good. She is not play the part I was hoping for. She just took our order without giving us any trouble or sas.
We Started with two waters, a chocolate shake, opin rings and we were going to share a sampler platter for dinner. Food started arriving pretty quickly.
Now let me stop here and let you know that if you are a 50’s fan, you may not care for this review.
First came the water and the chocolate shake. It was okay, but would not say there was anything special about it. Then came the onion rings. I had heard so much about them and they were really good. Even the dipping sauce was good. We especially liked the presentation.
Soon after finishing them our entree was to the table. We had the sampler platter with fried chicken, meatloaf and post roast. We did not substitute and of the side, so just got what they brought. I did request white meat chicken, which she forgot. In a way, that was kinda a bonus, as she left the leg and thigh, and just brought a breast out.
If you read my review of CG from day 1 you know I was not a fan of the food, it was too fancy. Now, this is the type of food I am used to, but have to say I was not bowled over. I would say it was just okay. The meatloaf had way to much bell pepper in it, the post roast was too salty, the chicken was dry and the mashed potatoes were cold. I have to say, I do not think I am that hard to please, but we are just not scoring on our ADR’s.
It did not help that the other tables around us were receiving great service. There serves played the part well, scolding them for not eating their veggies and putting their elbows on the table. Our waitress just bought is our food and left. Then the table next to us got two Birthday desserts, while our waitress never even acknowledged it was our anniversary.
Again, I am happy to have gone here. The there was so fun, but we just did not have the experience that would draw us back here. I think next time we will go to Si-Fi Dine In. I know that is not what some would like to hear, but I can’t change what we experienced.
After dinner it was time to head to Fantasmic. We got a bonus FP earlier in the afternoon, and it was time for us to head over there. We had not been able to see this show in 2010, so we were both excited.
Let me say this, we loved the show. It was so cool with all the live characters, fountains and projections. I do hope to get to see it on our next trip. Now, I also have to say that the FP seats are awful. We we there at the start of the FP arrival time, yet we were seated all the way on the left side of the stage. We could see okay, but this show is designed for a front view. Most of the the lighting is center heavy focused, so by the time the characters on floats passed in front of us they were in the dark. The show was still amazing and fun, but next time I will do my research better to be able to sit in the middle.
Having said that, I had that taken care of and Disney changed things. I had an ADR for the Hollywood & Vine Dinner Package with Fantasmic Prefered Seating, then a month before we left they changed H&V to a Star Wars Character Meal, and increased the price $20 per person. So our choice was to pay the extra or change restaurants. They got us into 50’s, but we lost the Fantasmic seating, which was in the middle of the theatre.
When the show was over, it took forever to get out of theatre. We hoped to be able to either TOT or Toy Story, but both had long lines, so we just headed back for the busses. This night we got right on a bus and made it back to the resort in about 20 minutes.
This night they left the soda machine open at the pool outside our room, so I refilled my mug. I hoped they would leave it open all week, as it was far more convenient. Sadly, this was the only night it happened. I guess someone just messed up. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.
Candi soaked in the tub, and I took a quick shower to cool off before bed. We were both sound asleep before midnight. We had plans to be up and make EMH at Epcot in the morning.
What a shame 50's PT didn't live up to your expectations. A server can really make or break your experience here. A tip for next time (if you ever decide to give it another chance) -don't worry about a t.v. table. Instead, tell them at check in that you would like a fun server (one who will play along) and that you are willing to wait for one. Sounds like your food was lacking too. Sorry to hear it as this is one of my favorite places but admittedly we go for the fun as much as for the food.
So F! FP seats aren't the best? I know that in the past, the dining package reserved seats weren't the greatest either. I've seen Fantasmic one time, and while I'm glad I saw it, I haven't rushed back. It just hasn't seemed worth the trouble to see it again. Maybe it's time for me to give it another try (but I'm hoping that try will be in CA, not FL).
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What a shame 50's PT didn't live up to your expectations. A server can really make or break your experience here. A tip for next time (if you ever decide to give it another chance) -don't worry about a t.v. table. Instead, tell them at check in that you would like a fun server (one who will play along) and that you are willing to wait for one. Sounds like your food was lacking too. Sorry to hear it as this is one of my favorite places but admittedly we go for the fun as much as for the food.
So F! FP seats aren't the best? I know that in the past, the dining package reserved seats weren't the greatest either. I've seen Fantasmic one time, and while I'm glad I saw it, I haven't rushed back. It just hasn't seemed worth the trouble to see it again. Maybe it's time for me to give it another try (but I'm hoping that try will be in CA, not FL).
I think our experience was all in the servers hands, and she was not interested in being part of the show. Oh well. Maybe another time.
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I am sorry to hear that your service and meal at 50's was not up to par. We usually have really great service and food when we go there. At least you tried and and I do hope that you give it another chance one day. The decor and the antics are what we go for, the food is typically average for us.
I am sorry to hear that your service and meal at 50's was not up to par. We usually have really great service and food when we go there. At least you tried and and I do hope that you give it another chance one day. The decor and the antics are what we go for, the food is typically average for us.
If we go again I will request a server that "loves" working at 50's. I do hope to do it again someday, but with so many options, a first inmression is hard to ignore.
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If we go again I will request a server that "loves" working at 50's. I do hope to do it again someday, but with so many options, a first inmression is hard to ignore.
Oh I completely understand. I was the same way about Coral Reef. I thought the service and food was awful, but I tried it again some years later and found a completely different experience.
I'm right there with you, I'd go to Sci Fi over 50s any day. And I've been multiple times and the food has always been sub par. I did the sampler last time and I think the only thing I ate was the pot roast . Love fantasmic though so I'm glad you were able to catch it!
I'm so sorry to read that you didn't have a great experience at 50's PT. We always had great servers, which I agree, makes a huge difference. Our last server, Mark (from upstate NY) was a hoot! We also like Sci-Fi so hopefully you can experience that restaurant soon. I haven't been to Fantasmic in a few trips. That's a bummer about your seats but at least you enjoyed the show.
DH and I leave TOMORROW for our four-day WDW trip without the kids. We can't wait!
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Oh I completely understand. I was the same way about Coral Reef. I thought the service and food was awful, but I tried it again some years later and found a completely different experience.
I am sure we will give it a try again, but not the next trip.
Quote:
Originally Posted by xwewhisper
I'm right there with you, I'd go to Sci Fi over 50s any day. And I've been multiple times and the food has always been sub par. I did the sampler last time and I think the only thing I ate was the pot roast . Love fantasmic though so I'm glad you were able to catch it!
Hay, we thought the pot roast was the best also. The chicken had good crispy skin, but the meat was dry.
We did enjoy Fantasmic, in spit of the seats. We will plan to do it again next year. Our kids will love it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by disny_luvr
I'm so sorry to read that you didn't have a great experience at 50's PT. We always had great servers, which I agree, makes a huge difference. Our last server, Mark (from upstate NY) was a hoot! We also like Sci-Fi so hopefully you can experience that restaurant soon. I haven't been to Fantasmic in a few trips. That's a bummer about your seats but at least you enjoyed the show.
DH and I leave TOMORROW for our four-day WDW trip without the kids. We can't wait!
Is Mark an older (60's aged) gentleman with bald or balding hair. I think I remember a waiter introduce himself to the table near us by the name Mark. I do not know if it is the same guy or not, but the waiter I am referring to was a hoot. We had server envy. Someone to scold me for mt elbows or something. Hay, I would have settled for a server who was "present."
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Sorry you had such a disappointing time at 50's PTC - we have only gone there once - and my DH and DD were not crazy about it - they actually do not like the "teasing" (especially if they are really hungry :roll eyes but we had good luck with a server that teased just enough - but was not over the top. And what stands out most for me food wise was the dessert!!!
And that is a bummer about the fast passes for Fantasmic! We also had a similar experience with the dining package - and since then we have found we are better off seating ourselves.
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Sorry that 50's Prime Time was a disappointment. The Fantasmic Dining Package seating used to be on the far left, so I guess they have changed that with the FP+. Interesting!
Great job so far, I'm glad I found your report! I too did not care for 50's PTC. The food was not good for the price. On our next trip I plan to eat at HBD....I haven't been there since 1999!
We own DVC, and Saratoga Springs is our home resort, although we haven't stayed there yet. You got a great deal! I looked up your dates, and it would have been 235 points. With the average rental price of $13/point, you would have paid over $3000 for your week at SSR! I'm sure the rack rate would have been even higher.
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Last edited by mom to 3 princesses and 1 prince; 08-02-2014 at 08:48 AM..
Your experience at PT was similar to ours a few years ago. Haven't made it back yet, but so many folks love it. Maybe the server had a bad day, you would think they would all be expected to entertain.
I hope you have better luck with a few of your ADRs.
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. Love fantasmic though so I'm glad you were able to catch it!
but we had good luck with a server that teased just enough - but was not over the top. And what stands out most for me food wise was the dessert!!!
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