Disney Dining - Just Ordering Drinks and Appetizers

[theBIGyowski]

Has anyone ever made an ADR at a restaurant just to order drinks and appetizers? DW and I love the jalapeno margaritas and we've thrown around the idea of making an ADR for La Hacienda just for the drinks and the appetizers...and the ability to sit down and enjoy them. We could also just try to do the same thing at La Cava...but I am not 100% sure we'd be able to get a place to sit in there if it is crowded. Hence making the ADR. I just wonder if Disney would frown upon that. I know between both of us...if we got 1-2 margaritas each and split some queso and chips...we'd be paying $50...so Disney would be making some good money per head.

[Wizzard419]

I would say the server would probably frown on it, since they would only be getting a tip based upon a smaller portion, and if you were to hang around as long as a meal they might frown on it.

As long as the establishments do not have a minimum order to sit at a table you would be fine though. If I recall, the bar in DCA that look out onto World of Color has a cover charge and a 2 drink minimum if you are going to be there for the show.

[yodiwan1]

I have heard plenty of stories listening to the WDW Today pod cast where people go for just drinks and apps, or drinks and desserts. Nothing wrong with that. They are still prices high and the servers will still get tips.

[Amy]

That is a good question BIG. I wonder if you were to call the reservation center and ask if they could let you know. I would guess if you are going to order a few drinks each and an appetizer, that should be fine though.

[theBIGyowski]

Now I am realizing that La Hacienda won't open until 4:00 PM...so that kind of gets rid of that idea. San Angel Inn just doesn't have good enough appetizers for us to try that. Looks like La Cava is our best bet.

DW and I did do the drinks and dessert thing a few years ago at the Kona Cafe...as the end of our "Monorail Crawl" drinks and dinner. We didn't have any issues then so I guess this would be very similar.

[Wizzard419]

If you're going in before 4, then it is similar to a lunch. If you were doing it anytime near showtime then they might take an issue.

[Alacrity]

Alternatively, I've had good luck just sitting in the bar/lounge without ADRs. Very often you can order appetizers there.

[theBIGyowski]

Alternatively, I've had good luck just sitting in the bar/lounge without ADRs. Very often you can order appetizers there.

good point...we have lunch on Wednesday (1/15) wide open right now...so we're game for anything.

[UncleScrooge477]

I have had no problems going in an using a "tapas" mentality - couple of appetizers, and drinks. Didn't seem to make a difference to the servers. I've done this at California Grill before. I guess you could always make the ADR and then mention it at the podium, and see if they can put you at a bar/high table/something special?

[Wizzard419]

But did you do that in the dining room at the California grill or was it at the bar/lounge area?

[theBIGyowski]

So...we decided it was easier to just get drinks and something to eat at La Cava. Was it cheaper? Probably not. But we knew the only way we'd enjoy eating at San Angel Inn was if we had a table next to the water...and that wasn't 100% assured. So La Cava did just fine.

[UncleScrooge477]

But did you do that in the dining room at the California grill or was it at the bar/lounge area?

Main dining room. Wife and I split 3 or 4 appetizers, had some drinks, that was it. No worries. Now, of course, things could have changed, and security might now drag you off to that "special" tunnel under the MK...

[jderoche5]

I Love La Cava.....we go there all the time. Tables open up all the time so a wait for one will be minimal at best.

I have done a full 5 course meal at California Grill and then we have just done appetizers and drinks. They never seem to matter either way. Both food and beverage are so over priced that it makes no difference to them. The quicker you eat, the quicker you leave. Then they just can make more $$ on an additional seating.

[theBIGyowski]

Yeah I think with two jalapeno margaritas and the chip & dip trio...our bill was around $50. That's a heck of a lot of money for two drinks and some chips & dip.

[Wizzard419]

That is a bargain compared to places here.