ESPN free ice water (WITH PURCHASE ONLY)

[TheAntiBarbie]

Okay, please mind my TINY little..rant?

I work F&B at ESPN and we are now being chewed new bums on a daily basis by guests (unless your like the small group of us who are "rebels")

We have been instructed by our leaders that we are no longer allowed to give out free ice water to guests UNLESS they make a purchase.

What kills me the most about this is the water stations are not always available (kind of like the trainers) FOR the guests to get water.

Also, I was under the impression (too lazy at the moment to confirm) that in the state of florida in a theme park, you were required to provide cold water to guests.

The issue has started because of the fact that a certian stand has a tendancy to run low on ice or that alot of people will come up over and over asking for water.

But this is...I dont understand HOW this rule is being allowed.
Does anyone know ANYTHING about this?

We literally stand there in our stands and watch kids dripping in sweat in the humidity and heat playing grueling sport events or watching them and while most have coolers not all and they do run out. And until before its common courtesy anywhere to give free ice water to guests...

im ...fuming :mad:

[Zazu]

Also, I was under the impression (too lazy at the moment to confirm) that in the state of florida in a theme park, you were required to provide cold water to guests.

Had this come up at the MK once. Seems that the drinking fountains that are located next to each set of restrooms is enough to cover this law.

But you *knew* Mickey's butt would be covered on that one.

[TheAntiBarbie]

yes, and we had that exact thing come up as well but the law stating that the water has to be cold
and about 3 of our fountians (and most of the faucets) and giving hot water so this is getting ugly. I am just sick of getting yelled at by guests about it especially since i totally understand where they are coming from. It is a sports complex, its hot and your right *sigh* I know mickeys butt is covered. That is just how it goes I suppose.

Its just really really aggitating for me

[mapo]

yes, and we had that exact thing come up as well but the law stating that the water has to be cold
and about 3 of our fountians (and most of the faucets) and giving hot water so this is getting ugly. I am just sick of getting yelled at by guests about it especially since i totally understand where they are coming from. It is a sports complex, its hot and your right *sigh* I know mickeys butt is covered. That is just how it goes I suppose.

Its just really really aggitating for me

If you ever have a safety concern, you can call the safety hot line. The number is posted backstage all over the place.

Oh and water has to be provided..just not COLD water. Drinkable temp water is better for the dehydrated anyway.

MAPO

[kurtisnelson]

Had this come up at the MK once. Seems that the drinking fountains that are located next to each set of restrooms is enough to cover this law.

But you *knew* Mickey's butt would be covered on that one.

I was pretty sure the law in florida is that if a place serves food they must serve free water?

[TdcOgre]

You're probably seeing an extension of something I've seen happen in some restaurants. A patron orders their meal and asks for ice water with the meal. Now once the meal arrives they add part of a packet of a drink mix. The guest now has a flavored drink to go with their meal. I can understand their reasoning though. Have you noticed the number of restaurants that don't list their soft drink prices? That's because they realize that if you see that they want ($2-$3) for their drinks you'll probably ask for water instead. Well, Disney's probably realized that their guests are using them to get much lower cost drinks. Probably some bean counter was reading one of the WDW guides that talk about getting ice water at the various stands and made the connection. That or they noticed someone posting about drink mixes on one of the Disney forums. Don't try to cut into the Mouse's vig. :p:

[Zazu]

You're probably seeing an extension of something I've seen happen in some restaurants. A patron orders their meal and asks for ice water with the meal. Now once the meal arrives they add part of a packet of a drink mix. The guest now has a flavored drink to go with their meal. I can understand their reasoning though. Have you noticed the number of restaurants that don't list their soft drink prices? That's because they realize that if you see that they want ($2-$3) for their drinks you'll probably ask for water instead. Well, Disney's probably realized that their guests are using them to get much lower cost drinks. Probably some bean counter was reading one of the WDW guides that talk about getting ice water at the various stands and made the connection. That or they noticed someone posting about drink mixes on one of the Disney forums. Don't try to cut into the Mouse's vig. :p:

I watched an independent restaurateur (that's French for "Diner Owner") resolve this issue once. The family at the next table had asked for large ice waters, and promptly dumped in lemonade mix as you describe.

When the bill came, it included a charge for "four large lemonades" at $5 each.

"Wait a minute, we never ordered lemonade, and you didn't serve us lemonade. We mixed our own! Where do you get off charging us for something we brought in?"

"If you drink it in my restaurant, you pay me for it. And you will tip your server on that price as well."

"I will not!!!"

"Let me get my brother-in-law over here to explain the law about 'defrauding an innkeeper' to you. He's the guy at the counter wearing a county sheriff's uniform."

They paid.

[darph nader]

I watched an independent restaurateur (that's French for "Diner Owner") resolve this issue once. The family at the next table had asked for large ice waters, and promptly dumped in lemonade mix as you describe.

When the bill came, it included a charge for "four large lemonades" at $5 each.

"Wait a minute, we never ordered lemonade, and you didn't serve us lemonade. We mixed our own! Where do you get off charging us for something we brought in?"

"If you drink it in my restaurant, you pay me for it. And you will tip your server on that price as well."

"I will not!!!"

"Let me get my brother-in-law over here to explain the law about 'defrauding an innkeeper' to you. He's the guy at the counter wearing a county sheriff's uniform."

They paid.

Can you say,"In Your Face!!!" Sure you can. :twisted:

[Zazu]

I watched an independent restaurateur (that's French for "Diner Owner") resolve this issue once. The family at the next table had asked for large ice waters, and promptly dumped in lemonade mix as you describe.

When the bill came, it included a charge for "four large lemonades" at $5 each.

Someone pointed out in a PM that this was a very high price for lemonade. It was -- had they ordered from the menu it would have been $1.95 a glass. I guess the extra was for outrage?

[PatchOBlack]

I'll throw in my two cents worth...

If it is a fast service restaurant or similar, then I don't think it is too out of line to ask for water with your meal and use it with small packets of drink mix that you brought yourself, done discretely of course. Now, if it is a "sit-down" or full service establishment, then I would say it is inappropriate, even at "lower cost" places like Denny's.

Basically, if you wouldn't be allowed to bring in outside food, then I would say that you shouldn't try making your own drinks as well.