RESTAURANT SERVICE

[appinlad]

We have just returned from Orlando (wish we were still there!). Having visited it many times I was really amazed by the behavior of some of the waiting staff. In several restaurants we were half way through our main course when the waiter asked if we would like dessert and then brought the bill. Another restaurant took away my wife's plate before I had finished mine and again brought the bill before we had even a chance to think about dessert. In another the waiter asked my wife (when I was at the rest room) if he should put the 20% tip on the bill.

Now these were good restaurants e.g. Disney and the CPK at Millennia Mall so not some backstreet joint. I have never had this hassle before and no one else at other tables did (Americans). The only thing I can think is that being British they thought we don't know how to tip and wanted rid of us so they could get a local who tipped more.

Has anyone else had this experience?

[Newhomebuyer]

I am sorry that you had some disappointing meals and hope that you mentioned this at guest services if you were disappointed in Disney. We have always found the staff to be excellent whenever we have voiced a concern at all.

I am sorry I do not recognise CPK, I must be having a senior moment but again I hope you spoke to management in an appropriate way and got a good response.

We have rarely had to complain about service but on the odd occassion when we have, we have always been very satisfied with the response.

We tip 20% very often but not if we have had to complain.

[Clare R]

I can't speak for Orlando restaurants as I am a Gulf Coast owner but if you order a starter and a main course it seems fairly normal for the main course to be brought just when the kitchen feels fit to put it out, whether starter finished or not.

I used to find it annoying and at times still do, but I just put it down to the 'American Way'. Also I find American food not as hot as ours and perhaps they don't mind a plate of food sitting on the table whilst you finish the first course.

I have just been to Rome and I am not particularly proud to say I walked out of one restaurant, having eaten one course and waiting to order dessert. It was quite obvious that Italians were being fawned over and the tourists could wait. After 35 minutes with no service at all, I walked out, hastely followed down the street by the waiter!

This is what foreign travel is all about.

[SDJ]

I also think it is just the 'American Way' that they bring you the bill before they have asked you if you want a dessert, and take peoples plates away whilst others are still eating. It used to annoy me intently, as we have a restaurant in UK and would not dream of doing this. However, 'when in Rome' just relax and enjoy. It certainly does not bother me now, and if we go to an upmarket restaurant, I always ask to speak to the Head Waiter and request they do not start clearing the table until everyone finished. It has always worked, they just need the request as it is not their custom, and they are only doing their job.

Sandra