darnheather
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 28, 2013
Would it be possible to order completely off menu at dinner? Say ask for for a sandwich or scrambled eggs if you had an iffy tummy? Maybe even pancakes?
I wouldn't do it. The most I go "off menu" for was to ask for a different side (from another entree) for my plate. Or, maybe, asking for something being served in one of the other dining rooms (on those nights when each dining room has a different menu).Would it be possible to order completely off menu at dinner? Say ask for for a sandwich or scrambled eggs if you had an iffy tummy? Maybe even pancakes?
I wouldn't do it. The most I go "off menu" for was to ask for a different side (from another entree) for my plate. Or, maybe, asking for something being served in one of the other dining rooms (on those nights when each dining room has a different menu).
If you have an "iffy" tummy, possibly it would be best to stay in your room and order room service, they might be able to work with you, and you don't run the risk of passing on whatever little bug you've got.
On our November 2018 cruise the table next to us were Indian and vegetarian. Every night the serving staff brought them the most amazing Indian food and lots of it. The serving staff had no problem doing this for this family and were happy to accommodate them. The cruise we just got off this past Saturday we had mentioned this to our head waiter one night and he offered to bring some out whenever we wanted. (there was a table near us again this cruise that appeared to be eating Indian cuisine every night) We had some of the most amazing Indian food brought to our table on Thursday and Friday nights. We told him not to have the kitchen staff go out of their way but he said it was not a problem. I think they make certain dishes on certain nights and offer it to the guest on certain nights.
As for asking for something completely not on any of the menus my wife and I would personally never think of doing that.
And if you were having an iffy tummy; they do offer a lighter fair menu that is served with things like plain rice and no sauces.
But they notify the ship ahead of time for special menus. They don't just have every single food item in their inventory, like Indian food. We have been on 8 Disney cruises and have also seen this. I have asked the servers about it and they say they make food for those who order it ahead and sometimes have a bit extra. That is probably what you got. Ships are completely different then a regular restaurant. They have limited space and plan everything out by what they think that they will need. You can special order, within reason, of course. DCL will go out of their way to get a person whatever they want to eat. But don't forget to tip your server extra for the extra work they do. Many times they have to run to a different kitchen to get your special order and they work hard enough as it is.
I totally disagree but agree with others that say "don't do it." I was on the Wonder a few years ago with exceptionally rough seas. My tummy was VERY iffy. That night at dinner my server suggested I order anything I wanted including scrambled eggs just so I would eat. THEY suggested it. I wouldn't go in the MDR's expecting to order off menu but if you are not feeling well or there really isn't anything you like on the menu, you can do it. My server was more concerned that if I didn't eat something I would get more sick than I was.
Special meals/diets are requested up front but they will accommodate you if they can. I'd be prepared for a little longer of a service than you expect but they will do it for you.
You can even go to the MDR early or guest services for help in advance of your meal time.
I smile when you all suggest eggs for an upset tummy. For me, it was probably the eggs that upset my tummy in the first place. Not an allergy, but I do find them hard on the stomach.
But they notify the ship ahead of time for special menus. They don't just have every single food item in their inventory, like Indian food. We have been on 8 Disney cruises and have also seen this. I have asked the servers about it and they say they make food for those who order it ahead and sometimes have a bit extra. That is probably what you got. Ships are completely different then a regular restaurant. They have limited space and plan everything out by what they think that they will need. You can special order, within reason, of course. DCL will go out of their way to get a person whatever they want to eat. But don't forget to tip your server extra for the extra work they do. Many times they have to run to a different kitchen to get your special order and they work hard enough as it is.
Can you ask for whatever the crew is eating? I’ve heard that’s some of the best food on the ship!