Multiple ADR cr@p mentioned on show

[Minnie Lor]

I so agree that it's wrong, WRONG to make multiple ADR's for the same day at different parks. I don't agree that Disney should start asking for a deposit.

Years ago, it used to be 90 days out for making PS (another name for ADR's) and then Disney decided to change it to this ridiculous 180 days. I am a major vacation planner/spread sheet queen and it's hard for me to figure out where I'm going to be in 6 months.

The time frame to make ADR's needed to go the other way. <------ I think they would cut down on a lot of the duplicate ADR's and multiple changes by making ADR's 30 days in advance for regular TS restaurants instead of 180. Make it 45 days for signature restaurants. I make my ADR's at the 180 day but usually have to change them for one reason or another 30-60 days ahead.

Disney, are you listening? Here's a good solution.

[wildeoscar]

well, it shows that this will be the last year that Free DDP will be offered. Everyone has figured out the system, ADR's are full... there are massive amounts of people pre booking sept in anticipation for Free DDP. If I were Disney, I'd have to be re-thinking this situation. To steal concepts from another thread on this... I would guess even with the attrition of people that will flat out cancel if Free DDP is not offered enough people that booked in anticipation have already put in for vacation at work, and have non-refundable airline tickets. How good of an incentive do they have to offer for someone to eat that sunk cost?

[WaltD4Me]

I agree, I definitely don't think Disney should start charging a deposit for ADR's. At 180 days out they are going to hold that money on your CC for 6 months? That is alot of money even if you book fairly, on a 6 day trip, it could work out to say 8-10 ADR's, can you imagine the total that would be in deposits? I agree people are ridiculous with these reservations, but Disney has to figure out another way. I mean, how about limiting the amount of ADR's you can make? I'm sure they can see when you call when your ADR's are, why can't they say "I'm sorry, you can't book 4 different dinners on the same date." Or seriously....180 days out???? I think maybe 30 isn't enough, but maybe cut it back to 60 days out. Of course people overbook, my plans can change 100 times at 180 days out. It's a shame that something as great as free dining is being jepordized by something as stupid as rude and greedy people. Disney really needs to figure this out, but I don't think deposits are the way to go.

[TXYankee]

I agree that 180 days is way to far out! Instead of a deposit, what do you think of a no show fee like they do at the signature restaurants? They take your credit card # and if you do not show or cancel 24 hours in advance, your credit card is charged $20 per person. Maybe only $10 for a regular sit down. That way, I think prople would limit their reservations and cancel them and make them available to guests without reservations.

[loriandmatt]

I agree that 180 days is way to far out! Instead of a deposit, what do you think of a no show fee like they do at the signature restaurants? They take your credit card # and if you do not show or cancel 24 hours in advance, your credit card is charged $20 per person. Maybe only $10 for a regular sit down. That way, I think prople would limit their reservations and cancel them and make them available to guests without reservations.

honestly, this sounds so much more logical and reasonable than any current or proposed option. i get charged if i schedule a doctor's appt and don't show or call, and i am betting others out there do to. having a similar system for WDW dining reservations would not be as much of an inconvenience or mess as precharging a deposit. so do i get that deposit back if i cancel the reservation? even at the last minute?

[DisneyWorld Delight]

But what would stop people from using a gift card that has no value? I don't know if post penalty charging would work.

[ExBellhop]

I'd be in support of a tiered deposit system. You want to book 90-180 days out? You pay XX% in a deposit. 60-90 days? Smaller deposit. Wanna book for sooner than 60 days? No deposit. Wanna eat at Wolfgang Puck's? We'll pay you.

Also, does it stand to reason that if you can't decide which of 4 restaurants you want to eat in on a given night, because you're not sure "where you'll end up", you basically suck at planning?? ;) For the love of Bawb...

Lobsters,
ExBellhop

[WaltD4Me]

Another thing with the deposit thing is there are SO many things that could happen to make you miss an ADR. I mean, legitimate things that happen so that you miss an ADR that you had every intention of going to.

Say you have an ADR at Crystal Palace and you just can't get on a bus? This has happened to me. We gave ourselves plenty of time, but bus after bus went by the stop because they were already full. Or what if you are on a bus to your ADR and the bus breaks down? Not your fault, nothing you can about it and you lose the deposit? :confused3

Or you have an ADR after a BBB appointment and they are late getting you into your BBB appointment and then the appointment runs long? What do you do? Yank your child out of the chair at BBB so you don't lose your ADR deposit?

What if you get stuck on a ride and miss your ADR? (true this doesn't happen often, but it happens)

There are a ton of things that could happen that are out of your control and Disney would HAVE to have a plan in place to handle these situations before they think about taking deposits.

[ellenmiele]

I so agree that it's wrong, WRONG to make multiple ADR's for the same day at different parks. I don't agree that Disney should start asking for a deposit.

Years ago, it used to be 90 days out for making PS (another name for ADR's) and then Disney decided to change it to this ridiculous 180 days. I am a major vacation planner/spread sheet queen and it's hard for me to figure out where I'm going to be in 6 months.

The time frame to make ADR's needed to go the other way. <------ I think they would cut down on a lot of the duplicate ADR's and multiple changes by making ADR's 30 days in advance for regular TS restaurants instead of 180. Make it 45 days for signature restaurants. I make my ADR's at the 180 day but usually have to change them for one reason or another 30-60 days ahead.

Disney, are you listening? Here's a good solution.

I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only person who thinks that 180 days out is too long. And while I'm here... I also don't like the new system of booking adrs for your whole trip on one day. Why did they do that anyway? Where all these changes in some way tied into the DDP? I'd like to see Disney go back to the old system where folks needed to call on a specific day - and make it either 90 or 60 days out.

[dpuck1998]

They already take deposits for several of the popular places...why not all of them??

[ExBellhop]

Can I play the annoying devil's advocate guy? Please???


Say you have an ADR at Crystal Palace and you just can't get on a bus? This has happened to me. We gave ourselves plenty of time, but bus after bus went by the stop because they were already full. Or what if you are on a bus to your ADR and the bus breaks down? Not your fault, nothing you can about it and you lose the deposit? :confused3

If a meal was planned at the Crystal Palace, make the Magic Kingdom the park you visit that day.


Or you have an ADR after a BBB appointment and they are late getting you into your BBB appointment and then the appointment runs long? What do you do? Yank your child out of the chair at BBB so you don't lose your ADR deposit?

This one I'm not sure about, as I have never had the BBB experience. Do they often get SUPER far behind? Don't book an ADR within 3+ hours of BBB? I dunno on that one :)


What if you get stuck on a ride and miss your ADR? (true this doesn't happen often, but it happens)

There are a ton of things that could happen that are out of your control and Disney would HAVE to have a plan in place to handle these situations before they think about taking deposits.

I absolutely think a plan would be in place for "acts out of one's control". But then, Disney can often surprise with their bizarre approach to things that seem to have a simple solution.

Just thoughts,
ExBellhop

[WaltD4Me]

They already take deposits for several of the popular places...why not all of them??

Which ones do they already take deposits on? We go to alot of the popular places and I've never been asked for a deposit.

[WaltD4Me]

If a meal was planned at the Crystal Palace, make the Magic Kingdom the park you visit that day.

Oh, c'mon...so I plan a pool day at the resort and I shouldn't make a dinner ADR for fear I won't make it there for some reason?

Hey! I know, they could give CM's little "excuse" pads to carry around and they could fill them out for you to give for missing ADR's. Like the doctors give you for missing work or school! :rotfl:

[TXYankee]

I was there in Feb and had to give a credit card # for my California Grill and CRT reservation. No show or no cancel 24 hours before $20.00 pp charge. I was not on the Dining plan and did not make alot of ARD's. I ended up cancelling CRT 1 day before because we decided that we sould rather go to Epcot that day so some lucky person got a last minuite seat at the Cindy Breakfast. You can be sure that I planned so I did not miss my California Grill Date night!!

[DisneyKevin]

When we were discussing this topic....we were not referring to the folks that make a reservation and then cant make it for whatever reason.

We were talking about the folks that make multiple reservations for convenience, meaning that they can't decide where they want to eat...or which park they might be in.

I cant think of any Disney restaurant that actually takes a deposit. There are several which require a credit card hold...and personally....I have no problem with that.

There are several restaurants in Orlando that do that, especially on holidays.

If you want a reservation for Mother's Day brunch at one of the nicer places....you will most likely need to leave a credit card deposit.

Most places require a 24 hour cancellation. This allows the restaurant to release the table to another guest.

I think actually taking a deposit would be a logistical nightmare, but a credit card hold seems like a good way to curb those making multiple reservations.

[pklein09]

Maybe Disney can charge a mandatory gratuity for no shows?
:scared1:

[WaltD4Me]

When we were discussing this topic....we were not referring to the folks that make a reservation and then cant make it for whatever reason.

We were talking about the folks that make multiple reservations for convenience, meaning that they can't decide where they want to eat...or which park they might be in.

I cant think of any Disney restaurant that actually takes a deposit. There are several which require a credit card hold...and personally....I have no problem with that.

There are several restaurants in Orlando that do that, especially on holidays.

If you want a reservation for Mother's Day brunch at one of the nicer places....you will most likely need to leave a credit card deposit.

Most places require a 24 hour cancellation. This allows the restaurant to release the table to another guest.

I think actually taking a deposit would be a logistical nightmare, but a credit card hold seems like a good way to curb those making multiple reservations.

I knew what you guys meant...the greedy people who make multiple ADR's, but in putting in a deposit or even credit card hold policy how could Disney know the difference between those people and the person who had every intention of going to their ADR, but missed it because their kid got sick on Space Mountain?

The thing with a Mother's Day brunch, is it's only 1 reservation and it's at home, where you have more control, so chances are pretty good you will either make it or know you aren't going to make it in enough time to cancel.

But on vacation? And you have to make ADR's for each day and how can you know you will make all of them? I agree a credit card hold is a MUCH better idea than a deposit, but even a 24 hour cancellation policy at Disney would be tough. There are just so many variables and things that can happen that you wouldn't know about 24 hours ahead of time. I just think too many people who are fair and well intentioned with their ADR's would suffer charges along with the greedy and rude reservers who are causing this discussion to begin with.

[Minnie Lor]

I still think 30 or even 60 days would cut out alot of crud that people do. Sure would make it easier on me. I'm blessed to take three trips in the span of 11 months. :banana: But it makes it hard to plan because I need to be planning my next trip (and therefore ADR's) before I go on my upcoming trip.

For example:
I had a trip in December but I also had to plan my May trip in November.
I have a trip in May but I need to also plan ahead for my trip in October.
It can get a little crazy.

[wildeoscar]

you don't have to attach your ADRs to your reservation, and you can use multiple phone numbers... there are ways to stack reservations. it doesn't make it any less fair, or un fair... but I just bet the number of rooms that can be attached to free DDP this year are going to be greatly reduced.

[DisneyKevin]

I knew what you guys meant...the greedy people who make multiple ADR's, but in putting in a deposit or even credit card hold policy how could Disney know the difference between those people and the person who had every intention of going to their ADR, but missed it because their kid got sick on Space Mountain?

The thing with a Mother's Day brunch, is it's only 1 reservation and it's at home, where you have more control, so chances are pretty good you will either make it or know you aren't going to make it in enough time to cancel.

But on vacation? And you have to make ADR's for each day and how can you know you will make all of them? I agree a credit card hold is a MUCH better idea than a deposit, but even a 24 hour cancellation policy at Disney would be tough. There are just so many variables and things that can happen that you wouldn't know about 24 hours ahead of time. I just think too many people who are fair and well intentioned with their ADR's would suffer charges along with the greedy and rude reservers who are causing this discussion to begin with.

It's my opinion...and it's only an opinion...but I dont think Disney is after the folks who's kid developed a fever or the folks who missed the bus (literally...not figuratively).

I think Disney is trying to curb the folks abusing the system...leaving empty tables in busy restaurants and denying others the chance to eat where they want.

I've told this story before.....John and I tried to get an ADR at Spoodles for that day. We were told the restaurant was booked and no tables were available for the rest of the day.

We decided to try a "walk up" and were seated immediately in an EMPTY restaurant. In speaking with the Mgr...we learned that they expect this. If the day is nice and cool...people dont show up because they are having too good a time to stop. If it's rainy...people dont show up because it's rainy and they dont want to walk in the rain. You get the idea....

Now...just out of sheer tenacity and an understanding of Disney's very quirky system, plus we could always go elsewhere....we got to eat where we wanted to eat. How many guests were turned away...or turned off by a supposedly full restaurant in the middle of the day and the middle of the week? Disney will never tell us...but I'm guessing their currrent system allows for a loss of revenue that Disney doesnt like.

Again...this is just an opinion.

Kevin

[landsm99]

All ADRs should be limited to 1/person/timeslot. I hate the fact that months before my vacation I need to be stressed about where I want to eat dinner on some random day in the future.
I know you could-and many people would game the system. Different telephone numbers, different credit cards etc. But it would not be that hard to perform the necessary data lookups to find out that Tim and Sue Jones both made reservations, but their credit card billing address is the same. How much would it cost? I do not know-less than the cost of empty tables-maybe.
I don't like ADR pressure and I really do not like the DDP!

[Chrissie-riel]

Which ones do they already take deposits on? We go to alot of the popular places and I've never been asked for a deposit.

I have a reservation at the Cali Grill in May and they took my CC# to act as a deposit. They didn't charge anything on it, but if I no show or cancel within 24hours, they said that they will charge my card a fee. Can't remember the exact amount it was something like $20 or $10pp for a table of 4?!? Since my hubby's expense account is paying for this dinner, there is NO WAY I am going to miss this meal and didn't really worry what the deposit policy is! :banana: Cali Grill on someone else's tab!!! :cheer2:

[daneenm]

I cant think of any Disney restaurant that actually takes a deposit. There are several which require a credit card hold...and personally....I have no problem with that.

There are several restaurants in Orlando that do that, especially on holidays.

If you want a reservation for Mother's Day brunch at one of the nicer places....you will most likely need to leave a credit card deposit.

Most places require a 24 hour cancellation. This allows the restaurant to release the table to another guest.

I think actually taking a deposit would be a logistical nightmare, but a credit card hold seems like a good way to curb those making multiple reservations.

I agree! No reason why a CC# cannot be held with a no-show fee or a fee for canceling too close to the reservation (24 hours?).

--Daneen

[daneenm]

you don't have to attach your ADRs to your reservation, and you can use multiple phone numbers... there are ways to stack reservations. it doesn't make it any less fair, or un fair... but I just bet the number of rooms that can be attached to free DDP this year are going to be greatly reduced.

I see a much needed enhancement request to be filed with Disney IT against their reservation system :rotfl:

--Daneen

[dpuck1998]

I have a reservation at the Cali Grill in May and they took my CC# to act as a deposit. They didn't charge anything on it, but if I no show or cancel within 24hours, they said that they will charge my card a fee. Can't remember the exact amount it was something like $20 or $10pp for a table of 4?!? Since my hubby's expense account is paying for this dinner, there is NO WAY I am going to miss this meal and didn't really worry what the deposit policy is! :banana: Cali Grill on someone else's tab!!! :cheer2:

Thats exactly what I meant. They take a CC# and hold your ressie in case you don't show or cancel 24 hr in advance. Maybe not a true "deposit" but pOtatoe potAtoe....

[ExBellhop]

but pOtatoe potAtoe....

lol :) I don't think that is working quite the way you meant it to... but I have had quite the amusing time sitting here saying it the way that it was typed ;)

ExBellhop

[mikelan6]

I think a credit card guarantee is the way to go for Disney. If you make a reservation and don't show up or cancel they should charge the credit card. Of course, they should not charge people if they arrive late at the restaurant.

Maybe they should also only reserve 50% of the capacity of some of the more popular restaurants and save the other 50% for walk-ins.

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I never even knew that people did this sort of thing. I guess I never thought to do something like that call me naieve (sp). It does sort of mess things up for people who are OCD planners like me and cant get into places due to this behavior. I dont have any idea how they would stop it though.

[dpuck1998]

lol :) I don't think that is working quite the way you meant it to... but I have had quite the amusing time sitting here saying it the way that it was typed ;)

ExBellhop

Then my mission is a success :thumbsup2 :rotfl2:

[Boardwalker]

When it comes to dining at Disney, I really don't like where things have gone.
Since the DDP came into existence, I never feel comfortable not having an ADR somewhere, for fear of not getting a table for a decent sit down meal, even though I am not using the DDP.
I am usually there at relatively low attendance times, but still obsess about having an ADR. I wish I knew more about how the setup works. Do they leave a certain percentage of tables for walk ups or do they take ADRs to fill the entire restaurant?
I have never double booked ADRs and wouldn't. But it seems like those that do will find a way around it.
As far as taking a deposit... if I was planning on a special restaurant, whatever it takes.
But what if for the majority of the restaurants, or at least the ones in the parks, they just went to first come, first served?

[LenDVC92]

I wouldn't mind a credit card guarantee, especially for the signature restaurants, if I were getting a real reservation. They may have changed the name to ADR, but it's still only a priority seating system. When I show up at the podium I'm just put into the queue with all the other PS guests and I still have to wait... sometimes quite a while.

I understand why Disney does this, obviously there are a huge number of no-shows and they want to keep the tables full. The DDR, and particularly free dining, just encourages people to game the system and makes it worse for everyone. However, I object to paying a no-show fee if they are going to fill the table anyway. When I guarantee a hotel room to a credit card and my room is not available when I show up they will comp my night's stay at another property. Will Disney give me a free meal if I have to wait to be seated?

[WaltD4Me]

It's my opinion...and it's only an opinion...but I dont think Disney is after the folks who's kid developed a fever or the folks who missed the bus (literally...not figuratively).

I think Disney is trying to curb the folks abusing the system...leaving empty tables in busy restaurants and denying others the chance to eat where they want.

I've told this story before.....John and I tried to get an ADR at Spoodles for that day. We were told the restaurant was booked and no tables were available for the rest of the day.

We decided to try a "walk up" and were seated immediately in an EMPTY restaurant. In speaking with the Mgr...we learned that they expect this. If the day is nice and cool...people dont show up because they are having too good a time to stop. If it's rainy...people dont show up because it's rainy and they dont want to walk in the rain. You get the idea....

Now...just out of sheer tenacity and an understanding of Disney's very quirky system, plus we could always go elsewhere....we got to eat where we wanted to eat. How many guests were turned away...or turned off by a supposedly full restaurant in the middle of the day and the middle of the week? Disney will never tell us...but I'm guessing their currrent system allows for a loss of revenue that Disney doesnt like.

Again...this is just an opinion.

Kevin

ITA, I'm sure Disney is not at all after well intentioned people who miss their ADR for a variety of legitimate reasons. However, if you put something in place like a credit card hold it would have to apply to everyone, so what would your re-course be if you missed an ADR if you kid was sick or you missed the bus? Knowing Disney, you'd have to jump through hoops not to be charged or have the charged reversed.

I am by no means opposed to Disney doing something about the problem. I think it's ridiculous what some people do, making many multi-reservations, leaving places empty because people were told reservations were full. I just think they need to find a way that doesn't penalize people who are trying to do it the right way.

Not sure what that "way" is of course, but there you go.

[drakethib]

I will probably get flamed and many may disagree, but I think there should be a mandatory non refundable deposit (at least $25) for ADR's. Maybe the no-shows would stop.

It really ticks me off when we try to book somewhere to go eat months in advance and they tell us that they restaurant is full. When we go to WDW we go check the restaurant and there are empty tables all over the place.


If people make a reservation, they really should hold true or not make it to begin with so that others may enjoy.

YMMV.

[pinkerbell]

I think there are a few seperate problems that are being lumped together as one...but are in fact seperate problems that need seperate solutions..

People who double book

People who are no shows

People who plan last minute trips


We have done the DDP the past two yrs we have made over a weeks worth of ressies for each and only swithced one ressie on the first trip and cancelled one ressie on the second.

We will be going for 19 day this trip and I am glad to know my ressies are made and that Disney is giving me the opportunity to plan them in advance since I have commited to them by booking my vacation early

I would hate to have to wait until 60 days out to make my ADR's... image how difficult it would be to get through... there would be an extra 120 days worth of callers all trying to get through at the same time... this way it is spread out and there is very little wait time.

I do think that doublebooking and missing ressies for no good reason is wrong, but I also don't want to be the part of the majority that gets penalized because of the minority of those who do wrong.

[fightinfire21]

well, it shows that this will be the last year that Free DDP will be offered. Everyone has figured out the system, ADR's are full... there are massive amounts of people pre booking sept in anticipation for Free DDP. If I were Disney, I'd have to be re-thinking this situation. To steal concepts from another thread on this... I would guess even with the attrition of people that will flat out cancel if Free DDP is not offered enough people that booked in anticipation have already put in for vacation at work, and have non-refundable airline tickets. How good of an incentive do they have to offer for someone to eat that sunk cost?

you don't have to attach your ADRs to your reservation, and you can use multiple phone numbers... there are ways to stack reservations. it doesn't make it any less fair, or un fair... but I just bet the number of rooms that can be attached to free DDP this year are going to be greatly reduced.



I'm not sure what makes you think that this would cause Disney to discontinue "Free Dining"? :confused3

Disney has taken a very slow time of the year and they have turned it into a "busy" time. Empty hotels, theme parks, and resturants mean they are loosing $$$. So just by discounting the package a little more than usual it doesn't mean they are loosing money because of it. In fact the oppsite is true.

[fightinfire21]

People making multiple reservations is a bunch of B. S. ! :furious: !

I don't think that a deposit would solve the problem though. It would stop the people making multiple ADR's but would also hurt the "average" vacationer that misses an ADR because of a sick child or something like that.

I do agree that decreasing the number of days out you can book an ADR would help. Currently you can sometimes book a restaurant before you even know the park hours or Extra Magic Hours. How can you plan not knowing that info?:confused3 This is especially true with the 180+10 rule. If you reduced the 180 day window down to 60 days or 30 days and removed the +10 rule people would have a much better idea where they would be and there would be less chance of the park hours changing and people needing to change there plans.

Since were on the subject... another reason (the main reason) I dislike the 180+10 rule is because if you call to get a popular ADR (like CRT or LeCellier) on exactly 180 days out from when you want it, it can already be booked. This can really hurt you if you are taking the "average" week long trip. Just because someone is checking in before you doesn't mean they should have an advantage in getting into a restaurant before you. I realize it is suppose to be more convenient but they could just give us an 800 number and less prompts and that would be more convenient.

[WaltD4Me]

What was Disney's reasoning for bumping out ADR's to 180 days out? Was it because of all the frenzy around CRT?

[disneygirlinnj]

Well I definitely think a cc deposit would do the trick. If you're able to cancel 24 or 48 hours in advance, then that's fine. Like a few other people have been saying, some restaurants already do this, as well as doctors offices, etc!

Not showing up does allow for last second walk ups to be able to eat, but I know I personally don't walk up to any restaurant usually since I've already called and was told they're booked.

If people miss their reservation for some unforseen circumstances, then... I don't really know? Most people have cell phones. If you're stuck on a bus, or your kid gets sick, it doesn't take that long to call Disney dining or the restaurant itself and talk to a manager. I'm sure there can be a case by case basis where they can wiave the cc fee. Yes, its more work for you but, that's the joy of Disney making their dining plan so popular :)

[PEANUT1]

I don't think they charge your card unless you are a no show. CRT did charge my card though.

[dpuck1998]

I think the CC hold is being used effectively already. I know I had the sick issue once at Disney a few years ago. I called inside the 24 hr cancellation period and they didn't have a problem cancelling my ressie and not charging me for it. I think the few "issues" can be delt with and still maintain a CC hold. I guess if people want to call and cancel their double book ressies and lie about being sick or stuck then so be it. At least the spot will be know to be open for walkups.

[pinkerbell]

I just called for a CRT reservation and got it. I was told that because I am on the diningplan, I needed to leave a CC # in case I do not show, but since I am on the dining paln, no charge will appear, provided we show up. She also said IF I WERE NOT on the dining plan, that it is a "PREPAY" resturant, and my card would have been charged?? :confused3

I don't recall hearing that before, but don't really know, they may have.

I can't say we have ever not been able to get our ressies...
Last year I called about 5 months out for CRT and couldn't get anything, by the time 2 or 3 months rolled around, I had my pick of times :confused3

Maybe those resturants should just serve straight through instread of "closing" for the hour or so between meals, that would add a few more seating's, but no matter where you go, there are always locations that have more desirability than others. I have never walked right up to CRT and been seated, even with an ADR, there is always a line and never an opening.

Even during free dining, we have walked up to many other resturants and been able to get a table, so I really think if you want something specific you have to plan, otherwise, you can get seatings, just maybe not your first choice.

[Disney8704]

For the fact that Disney wouldnt accept Gift Cards. Only Visa, Master or American Express. That simple. They dont accept gift cards, people cant try to use them. Personally I do think that Disney should take your card number and have it on file for your ADRs. Dont cancel your ADR and do a no show, charge your card say $10 per person. They already do this for Princess Storybook Dinning (except for the fee, I dont know how much they charge to your card if you do a no show and dont cancel your ADR). And personally I think they should do away with the ADR system, but not altogether. Make it to where you can only make your ADRs for the day of, either by calling Disney dinning or making them at guest relations or at the TS place itself. I cant recall how many times I have read on these boards, I hate making ADRs because I dont know where we are gonna be or feel like eating 180 days from now. Guess what, same thing applies even if they change it to 60 or even 30 days in advance. People are still not gonna know what they are gonna feel like eating 30 days later. Do you even know what your gonna feel like eating tomorrow? Prob not. If not the day of, then they should make it at least when you check-in into your resort, you can make your ADRs then for your full trip.

But what would stop people from using a gift card that has no value? I don't know if post penalty charging would work.

[Disney8704]

Simple. If you are running late, just call the restraunt and let them know you are running late. Or they could always make it to where, if you dont show up to your ADR at all, all day, then the next business day, they could charge your card. They know people arrive late for their ADRs for several reasons. But they could just simply, make it to where if you dont show up to your ADR at any time on the day of your ADR, then the next day, they charge your card. That simple.

Another thing with the deposit thing is there are SO many things that could happen to make you miss an ADR. I mean, legitimate things that happen so that you miss an ADR that you had every intention of going to.

Say you have an ADR at Crystal Palace and you just can't get on a bus? This has happened to me. We gave ourselves plenty of time, but bus after bus went by the stop because they were already full. Or what if you are on a bus to your ADR and the bus breaks down? Not your fault, nothing you can about it and you lose the deposit? :confused3

Or you have an ADR after a BBB appointment and they are late getting you into your BBB appointment and then the appointment runs long? What do you do? Yank your child out of the chair at BBB so you don't lose your ADR deposit?

What if you get stuck on a ride and miss your ADR? (true this doesn't happen often, but it happens)

There are a ton of things that could happen that are out of your control and Disney would HAVE to have a plan in place to handle these situations before they think about taking deposits.

[Markstudy]

Disney only has one simple problem with its ADR system, when it comes to multiplies or double bookings

Disney needs to tie the ADR to your resort number.

This joke of a system where each person can give their name and phone number and make ADR's allows two people in your party to give two different phone numbers and names and make two sets of ADR's.

One trip, One reservation number...and that is the only way to set-up your ADR's.

[Disney8704]

Yes Disney does charge your card for CRT. They charged mine for CRT. They also charged my card for Hoop-Dee-Doo and also took my card number for PSD. For PSD, they wont charge it unless we do a no show.

I just called for a CRT reservation and got it. I was told that because I am on the diningplan, I needed to leave a CC # in case I do not show, but since I am on the dining paln, no charge will appear, provided we show up. She also said IF I WERE NOT on the dining plan, that it is a "PREPAY" resturant, and my card would have been charged?? :confused3

I don't recall hearing that before, but don't really know, they may have.

I can't say we have ever not been able to get our ressies...
Last year I called about 5 months out for CRT and couldn't get anything, by the time 2 or 3 months rolled around, I had my pick of times :confused3

Maybe those resturants should just serve straight through instread of "closing" for the hour or so between meals, that would add a few more seating's, but no matter where you go, there are always locations that have more desirability than others. I have never walked right up to CRT and been seated, even with an ADR, there is always a line and never an opening.

Even during free dining, we have walked up to many other resturants and been able to get a table, so I really think if you want something specific you have to plan, otherwise, you can get seatings, just maybe not your first choice.

[pinkerbell]

Disney only has one simple problem with its ADR system, when it comes to multiplies or double bookings

Disney needs to tie the ADR to your resort number.

This joke of a system where each person can give their name and phone number and make ADR's allows two people in your party to give two different phone numbers and names and make two sets of ADR's.

One trip, One reservation number...and that is the only way to set-up your ADR's.

Excellent idea!! :worship: :cool1:
But that would be for guests staying at a disney resort, what do you suggest if they are not staying on property or claim not to be staying on property?? :confused3

[Disney8704]

That would work IF you are staying on-site. If you arent staying on-site then that wouldnt work. And what about people who live near Disney. Obviously they arent gonna have a resort reservation #, cuz Im sure most people go to the parks for the day and go back home. Disney already is asking for your resort conformation #. At least they did ask me each time I made ADRs.

Disney only has one simple problem with its ADR system, when it comes to multiplies or double bookings

Disney needs to tie the ADR to your resort number.

This joke of a system where each person can give their name and phone number and make ADR's allows two people in your party to give two different phone numbers and names and make two sets of ADR's.

One trip, One reservation number...and that is the only way to set-up your ADR's.

[jeanigor]

I would hate to have to wait until 60 days out to make my ADR's... image how difficult it would be to get through... there would be an extra 120 days worth of callers all trying to get through at the same time... this way it is spread out and there is very little wait time.

I'm not quite sure how you get an extra 120 days worth of callers. :confused3 Such an occurance would be when the time frame was shifted from 180 down to 60 days. After that, it would be the same call volume as it is currenty.

[Disney8704]

One way to get around making mulitple ADRs for the same time frame, is they could take all your info, Name, Resort #, phone number, and address. If your phone number and/or address pops up and shows that you already made an ADR for that time frame, oh well, time to pick and choose where you wanna eat.

[Disney8704]

Very little wait? :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl: Yeah right!! Every single time I have called, Im ALWAYS on hold for at least 10 minutes. No what Disney needs to do is either have an ADR website or hire more people to take more calls.

I think there are a few seperate problems that are being lumped together as one...but are in fact seperate problems that need seperate solutions..

People who double book

People who are no shows

People who plan last minute trips


We have done the DDP the past two yrs we have made over a weeks worth of ressies for each and only swithced one ressie on the first trip and cancelled one ressie on the second.

We will be going for 19 day this trip and I am glad to know my ressies are made and that Disney is giving me the opportunity to plan them in advance since I have commited to them by booking my vacation early

I would hate to have to wait until 60 days out to make my ADR's... image how difficult it would be to get through... there would be an extra 120 days worth of callers all trying to get through at the same time... this way it is spread out and there is very little wait time.

I do think that doublebooking and missing ressies for no good reason is wrong, but I also don't want to be the part of the majority that gets penalized because of the minority of those who do wrong.

[Chrissie-riel]

Maybe those resturants should just serve straight through instread of "closing" for the hour or so between meals, that would add a few more seating's, but no matter where you go, there are always locations that have more desirability than others. I have never walked right up to CRT and been seated, even with an ADR, there is always a line and never an opening.

In regards to CRT and other face character meals, they have to close for an hour to change out their cast member characters. Last time I ate there, we were the VERY LAST lunch reservation. It was nice because we got lots of time downstairs with Cinderella; she even gave my DD some private princess lessons! We then came upstairs and ate. We were ushered out of the restaurant very efficiently at the end. However, DS forgot something at the table and sent me up to get it. When I came downstairs again, they had begun herding in the first dinner guests for their pictures with Cinderella. And guess what? She was a different Cindy! I noticed but understood and didn't care - but my DS & DD would have been heartbroken had they seen her! She wasn't the "same" Cinderella!! GASP!!

[GinnyFavers]

I booked Hoop de Doo, Ohana, Sci Fi Dine In, Chef Mickey's and Donald's Safari Breakfast last week for a guest, and had any choice of times I asked for, no problem, in early September.

Maybe le Cellier is booked up, but there was plenty available elsewhere.

[pinkerbell]

I'm not quite sure how you get an extra 120 days worth of callers. :confused3 Such an occurance would be when the time frame was shifted from 180 down to 60 days. After that, it would be the same call volume as it is currenty.

I mean only on the 60th day out... everyone who would have booked between 61 and 180 (plus 10) will be calling at the same time... does that make more sense?? but every day is the 60th day for someone..

In regards to CRT and other face character meals, they have to close for an hour to change out their cast member characters. Last time I ate there, we were the VERY LAST lunch reservation. It was nice because we got lots of time downstairs with Cinderella; she even gave my DD some private princess lessons! We then came upstairs and ate. We were ushered out of the restaurant very efficiently at the end. However, DS forgot something at the table and sent me up to get it. When I came downstairs again, they had begun herding in the first dinner guests for their pictures with Cinderella. And guess what? She was a different Cindy! I noticed but understood and didn't care - but my DS & DD would have been heartbroken had they seen her! She wasn't the "same" Cinderella!! GASP!!


AHhh I see! at first I thought Chef Mickey's goes straight through... but your example was great! Thanks for the enlightenment ;) I now understand the need to close for so many of these special experiences. :goodvibes

Very little wait? :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl: Yeah right!! Every single time I have called, Im ALWAYS on hold for at least 10 minutes. No what Disney needs to do is either have an ADR website or hire more people to take more calls.

I have been calling daily for a week now and have only had one wait time, this past sunday for about 10 minutes.... right around 7:00 a.m. we are going during part of free dining so I am sure to make adr's.. I realize for us going at that time, there is a trade off, if you want it free, you must prepare and plan... cant' have it all.. although I try ;) I don't know what to suggest other than wishing you better luck :goodvibes .... I do like the idea of an ADR website... I'd really like to make and view my reservations online.. viewing would be great since once you make them there is no way to see them until you arrive!!

[calypso*a*go-go]

Sorry...didn't read the whole thread, but my suggestion would be to change the system to start taking advance reservations at 90 days instead of 180, and only allow people with an onsite reservation number to book in advance. Because there are locals and offsite guests that also use the restaurants, there should be a percentage of tables set aside for same day reservations. Any tables not reserved through these two methods could probably be filled by walkups.

Right now the system is too flawed -- there are people making ADRs using multiple phone numbers as well as reservation numbers, and even though a few of them get caught, most of them never do.

[dpuck1998]

Sorry...didn't read the whole thread, but my suggestion would be to change the system to start taking advance reservations at 90 days instead of 180, and only allow people with an onsite reservation number to book in advance. Because there are locals and offsite guests that also use the restaurants, there should be a percentage of tables set aside for same day reservations. Any tables not reserved through these two methods could probably be filled by walkups.

Right now the system is too flawed -- there are people making ADRs using multiple phone numbers as well as reservation numbers, and even though a few of them get caught, most of them never do.

I still don't grasp how changing from 180 to 90 days will really help. I for one think the 180 days helps us obsessive planners get ressies easier. If I'm prepared and okay with making my ressie that far out I can almost always get them. I haven't had a single ressie I couldn't get at the 180 mark even during xmas season.

I really think just putting a CC hold on ressies, like they do for several already, will make the difference. Be flexible and allow cancellations with notification or a valid reason. Or even have a "call-ahead" reservation available for certain places.

[MenashaCorp]

pirate: Not trying to hijack, but dpuck1998, I just *love* the captain mcguffin tag. I'd ask what it's about, but by definition it would be about nothing... my brain hurts! :lmao:

Just wondering how one of my favorite obscure terms got tagged on you...

[dpuck1998]

pirate: Not trying to hijack, but dpuck1998, I just *love* the captain mcguffin tag. I'd ask what it's about, but by definition it would be about nothing... my brain hurts! :lmao:

Just wondering how one of my favorite obscure terms got tagged on you...

Its all Dirty Bunny's Fault, he called me that and it was a long conversation about what it was, it involved google and wikipedia...of course it screamed "tag me"

[GinnyFavers]

Sorry...didn't read the whole thread, but my suggestion would be to change the system to start taking advance reservations at 90 days instead of 180, and only allow people with an onsite reservation number to book in advance. Because there are locals and offsite guests that also use the restaurants, there should be a percentage of tables set aside for same day reservations. Any tables not reserved through these two methods could probably be filled by walkups.

Right now the system is too flawed -- there are people making ADRs using multiple phone numbers as well as reservation numbers, and even though a few of them get caught, most of them never do.

Your plan makes the best sense of anything I've seen. Even better, push the advance reservation window to 45 days, so you know people with valid reservation #'s are past the cancellation/change penalty window on their packages.

[mickeywatch33]

Sorry...didn't read the whole thread, but my suggestion would be to change the system to start taking advance reservations at 90 days instead of 180, and only allow people with an onsite reservation number to book in advance. Because there are locals and offsite guests that also use the restaurants, there should be a percentage of tables set aside for same day reservations. Any tables not reserved through these two methods could probably be filled by walkups.

Right now the system is too flawed -- there are people making ADRs using multiple phone numbers as well as reservation numbers, and even though a few of them get caught, most of them never do.

Not trying to steal the spotlight, but I read through this thread to make sure I didn't post a similar idea. Right at the end I stumble across yours!!:rotfl2: I concurr!! This is exactly what I was thinking. Not too sure about the 90 days or 180 days. But keeping advance reservations for only those on property requiring resort ressies would def. help with double booking. It would also benefit Disney for guests staying on property - onsite benefit. Restaurants would keep an analized % of tables for locals on offsite guests who would have a shorter booking window, but the piece-of-mind of getting the ADR's they want. Holiday bookings...mother's day, vday, christmas...etc...may take on different booking windows b/c of it's popularity. I still feel that offsite guests, and don't shoot me, but maybe locals too, should have to give name, phone number, home address etc. to limit "fraudulent" bookings.

These are my thoughts mixed w/ calypso*a*go-go's. What do you all think of these ideas??

[WaltD4Me]

Sorry...didn't read the whole thread, but my suggestion would be to change the system to start taking advance reservations at 90 days instead of 180, and only allow people with an onsite reservation number to book in advance. Because there are locals and offsite guests that also use the restaurants, there should be a percentage of tables set aside for same day reservations. Any tables not reserved through these two methods could probably be filled by walkups.

Right now the system is too flawed -- there are people making ADRs using multiple phone numbers as well as reservation numbers, and even though a few of them get caught, most of them never do.

First of all....I don't think Kevin will appreciate this suggestion too much! He might rebel and stop doing dining reviews!!! :scared1:

Second, I don't think it's fair to penalize guests staying off site. I know they could bill it as a perk for people staying on site, but really should the family who just can't afford an onsite hotel not be able to make dining reservations ahead of time because of it? I would go for the CC hold idea before this.

[DebbieT11]

Brilliant! ADRs at 90 days with an onsite ressie #, locals and offsite can make ADRs at 10 days, with a credit card hold of.... say $10.

It'll be just another onsite perk, like EMH, Disney transportation and free parking.


But keeping advance reservations for only those on property requiring resort ressies would def. help with double booking. It would also benefit Disney for guests staying on property - onsite benefit. Restaurants would keep an analized % of tables for locals on offsite guests who would have a shorter booking window, but the piece-of-mind of getting the ADR's they want. Holiday bookings...mother's day, vday, christmas...etc...may take on different booking windows b/c of it's popularity. I still feel that offsite guests, and don't shoot me, but maybe locals too, should have to give name, phone number, home address etc. to limit "fraudulent" bookings.

[dpuck1998]

Brilliant! ADRs at 90 days with an onsite ressie #, locals and offsite can make ADRs at 10 days, with a credit card hold of.... say $10.

It'll be just another onsite perk, like EMH, Disney transportation and free parking.

I am always onsite, but still don't think its fair to allow onsight guest such an advantage. We already have the +10 perk. I still don't see how 180 to 90 days really provides any help....

[Minnie Lor]

I still don't grasp how changing from 180 to 90 days will really help. I for one think the 180 days helps us obsessive planners get ressies easier. If I'm prepared and okay with making my ressie that far out I can almost always get them. I haven't had a single ressie I couldn't get at the 180 mark even during xmas season.

I'm an obsessive planner but it's difficult even for me to plan so far inadvance especially if you are doing several trips. It's hard for me to decide which park on which day at 6 months out.

I also think people who are like me and can't figure out which park on which day at 6 months out (180 days) wouldn't make duplicate ADR's. At 60 days they can nail down which park on which day and then make ONE ADR as opposed to one at each park. Also, I think it would cut down on the changes. For instance, I thought I wanted to be at DHS on a Tues. and so I made an ADR for 50's. Then my plans changed and I want to be at DHS on Thurs. instead of Tues. so I changed my 50's ADR to Thurs. So that's one change. No big deal. But there are people that flip and flop and flip some more. I've heard of some that make changes 10 times. Maybe they could get their act together at 60 days.

Just my thoughts.

[WaltD4Me]

Brilliant! ADRs at 90 days with an onsite ressie #, locals and offsite can make ADRs at 10 days, with a credit card hold of.... say $10.

It'll be just another onsite perk, like EMH, Disney transportation and free parking.

And who really believes it's the off site guests that are really causing the ADR problem?

September is almost totally booked with ressies right now because people are expecting free dining....and that would be ON SITE people expecting this and making the ridiculous ADR's.

The other big group most likely to make multi ADR's is people who get the dining plan...they paid for it and they are going to make sure they have plenty of reservations to cover it (not all DDP people of course) but this is also an on-site group.

So how much do you really think putting up a road block to off site guests and Florida residents will really help? :confused3

I stay on site, so it isn't like I'm some sort of "Off Site Guest Advocate" I just really believe the main people causing the problem are the ones that stay on site.

[calypso*a*go-go]

I said in my post there should always be a percentage of tables left open for locals and offsite guests...so how would that keep people not staying in Disney hotels from getting a same day reservation? Perhaps having a Disney Dining Experience membership could also be a way to allow locals to make ADRs.

As far as reducing the booking window -- how many of the obsessive planners keep calling and changing their ADRs because they keep second guessing themselves? I know I've been guilty of this.

One thing is for sure, if this is as big of a problem some of us thinks it is, Disney will do something about it.

[wildeoscar]

How about this for a stand point... most of the year the system seems to work pretty well and WDW is aware of their no show rate and adjusts accordingly. Much like the airlines know their no show rate, and adjust accordingly.

This Free DDP is an anomaly that stands out for many reasons. For this year, early bird gets the worm works, there will be complaints, they'll open some of those temp locations... but look at how this offer is being abused with pre booking, and the likelihood of massive no shows.

If history is any indicator this year the offer will be watered down, next year it will not exist. This fixes both problems with out revamping the reservations rules.

[WaltD4Me]

Is September with the Free Dining expectation really the only time this is an issue? I thought it was more often, due the popularity of DDP even when you have to pay for it?

I've never used DDP and I've never gone to WDW during summer or during a peak or holiday time so I can't say I've ever had a problem with ADR's. Maybe a couple times I didn't get the exact time I wanted, but I don't remember ever not being able to get in a restaurant at all.

If the system really does usually work fairly well and September is really the big (only?) issue then it seems kinda silly that this thread is amost 6 pages long. ;)

[wildeoscar]

It is supply and demand... WDW hit a promotion combo that created a lot of demand, now we see people trying to work the system to take advantage of a promotion. The ratchet down of the DDP helped to taper demand though out the year and bring some balance to the availability of restaurants... I really think we are going to see free DDP for sept. but in a much more limited way in which it is offered. And next year will be all about the bounceback.

Last year the smart folks booked the free DDP in Bounceback, they got the 180+10 to book, so they pretty much got their resies. The ones making resies that haven't booked yet, and are waiting on a promotion that has the potential to be very limited in scope are the ones that are squeezing everyone else out.

So that said... yeah, I don't see the current system being all that broken. The holidays and busy times of year are booked up, the Sept potential for free DDP are an anomaly that WDW is gonna correct with a more limited version of the promotion this year, and hobbled version if at all for 2009.

The economy has a growth problem, but unemployment is low. Even with high gas prices, families are going to cut in other places and still take a vacation... 9/11 impacted WDW, but the downturn in the 70's and the 80's really didn't dent WDW's growth in attendance numbers.

I really think we are seeing the end of the promotion of free DDP... it will be offered this year, but severely limited. A lot of people are banking of something that is just not gonna happen.

[drakethib]

I said in my post there should always be a percentage of tables left open for locals and offsite guests



Respectfully disagree on this. :)

Why save seating for "just in case people show up" regardless where they live or what hotel they are staying? If they were to save some seating for anyone, why not first come first served?

Long Story short, if the blood sucking vermin of the earth would stop making multiple ADR's knowing good and well they wont use them, the problem would cease to exist. (Sorry rant)

Quick question.

Who would be opposed to a lets say $50.00 non refundable deposit for or DDP credits for ADR's if you are a no-show? Understand, things happen, people get sick, or whatever, but I bet people would think twice before the commit to it.

Me for one, I am all for it

I am really sick or wanting to eat at MK only to be told that they are booked solid and glance in the window and see empty tables all over.

[DisneyKevin]

And who really believes it's the off site guests that are really causing the ADR problem?

I have to agree with this.

Locals know where to get good food at a fraction of Disney prices, so I doubt that they are any part of the ADR problem.

We (us locals) are also bright enough to avoid Disney when it's stupid crowded and if we dont avoid it....we know enough to work the system. There is not a local going hungry because Coral Reef is listed as having no available reservations.

I have spoken many times about making same day reservations. I even suggested attempting a "walk up" at CRT.

I'm not suggesting that folks that live near Disney dont frequent the parks and restaurants. I am however, suggesting that they are not setting alarms or using date calculators to find the exact 180 day mark and making double reservations to dine at Disney in September.

I also believe that people staying off site reserve far less space than onsite guests. They have either learned that you can eat for less off property or are budget concious and need to spend less on food or have realized the convenience of renting a condo and the cost benefit associated with that.

I believe that the issue is with the folks staying on site and the those using the dining plans.

Because Disney has not instituted any sort of penalty for "no shows" or double bookings, most guests are not taking any responsibility for their actions regarding reservations.

I'm also not seeing where a shorter (or longer) booking window will make any difference at all. Whatever the magic number turns out to be....you will have guests calling on that day to book their dining for fear of going hungry at Disney or missing out on the current "must do" restaurant and ruining their children's vacations in perpetuity.

Until a penalty of some sort is imposed for no shows or double bookings (i.e. bad ADR behavior) this craziness will continue

[WaltD4Me]

Respectfully disagree on this. :)

Why save seating for "just in case people show up" regardless where they live or what hotel they are staying? If they were to save some seating for anyone, why not first come first served?

Long Story short, if the blood sucking vermin of the earth would stop making multiple ADR's knowing good and well they wont use them, the problem would cease to exist. (Sorry rant)

Quick question.

Who would be opposed to a lets say $50.00 non refundable deposit for or DDP credits for ADR's if you are a no-show? Understand, things happen, people get sick, or whatever, but I bet people would think twice before the commit to it.

I would be opposed to it for two reasons.

1. When a place takes a CC for a deposit on something, that amount is
either charged to your CC or that amount is "held" on your CC. And if you are making reservations for a trip, that can really add up. Say it is a 7 day trip and you make 7 ADR's, that's $350 that Disney is "holding" your money for 6 months (if you make the ressies at 6 months out)

2. There are people on the planet who don't have a CC, by choice or otherwise and while I know that this already effects them for things like CRT and ressies like that, with this, then they wouldn't be able to make ressies for any dining.

[drakethib]

I would be opposed to it for two reasons.

1. When a place takes a CC for a deposit on something, that amount is
either charged to your CC or that amount is "held" on your CC. And if you are making reservations for a trip, that can really add up. Say it is a 7 day trip and you make 7 ADR's, that's $350 that Disney is "holding" your money for 6 months (if you make the ressies at 6 months out)

2. There are people on the planet who don't have a CC, by choice or otherwise and while I know that this already effects them for things like CRT and ressies like that, with this, then they wouldn't be able to make ressies for any dining.

Understand your points but at the same time the first one reinforces (in my narrow minded hard headed, thick skulled brain anyway) that if it was instituted I bet people would darn sure think twice about multiple booking.

Don't get me wrong, I for one am not for the mouse getting a free short term loan off of my money by any means, but something needs to be done.

The second point is I know there are people who don't have credit cards for whatever reason, but everyone can't be pleased. (see my note about me being narrow minded, etc in the previous statement) :goodvibes

[Regina]

I made 10 ADR's yesterday for the pre and post stay of our September 1 cruise. I had been pestering DH for weeks to see which restaurants were on his 'must do' list and I finally had something to work with. Our travel dates fall exactly within the rumored free dining period.

I was surprised that I was able to get California Grill at 7:40, a perfect time. The only problem I had was with Le Cellier (no surprise.) I simply changed to lunch and had a choice of times.

I still think a deposit system needs to be put into place though. I feel bad for people who don't know they can book dining in advance or simply are unaware of what a problem it can be to wait until you're in WDW.

[astrodrummergirl]

Well, after watching this thread for a little while, I thought I'd input my 2 cents.

After listening to the show for quite a while before I even booked my first trip to WDW it wass quite obvious to the point that if you really really want to eat somewhere, then book it. Since we booked our trip in May for August, I knew that there was really no point in booking ADR's since they were most likely to have gone by then. Some people may think that was silly, but we actually didn't even plan where we would go each day until our first day in Orlando and that kept being rearranged day by day. Another reason we didn't book ADR's was that the phone call would be one hell of a strain on the phone bill, and my mum wouldn't have been best pleased (myself, 17 year old, booked and organised the trip).

As we were staying offsite, we only ate in the parks 4 times, only one of which was a table service, and the counter services were only for lunch (the few times we were actually hungry enough for lunch) or when we wanted to get through dinner quickly. The only slight disappointment I had was at Hollywood Studios for Prime Time Cafe. I quite wanted to try it after hearing Kevin's review of it. We went directly to the restaurant when we arrived and asked if there were any tables for that evening (I knew it would be rare if we could) and okay, was a little annoyed that we couldn't get one, but got over it. I didn't know whether because it was actually busy or because of the multiple ADR issue.

Now, I've written all that down, I see that it has no relivance anyway, but I'll leave it as is. I agree that it is quite unfair that people can make multiple ADRs for a single night as yes, it will leave lots of people disappointed.

Now, as for a solution, that's where Disney needs to get thinking. If they made it only 30 or 60 days in advance, then people would have their plans more complete and thus, probably would make less reservations but this probably has a chance of more people calling at once and lots of people on hold - and yes, disney could hire more people to man the phones, but that costs money. Disney could also create an online booking form, it would be a lot easier to make ADR's and if they made people sign up as an account and then make it only one account per IP address, they could limit ADR's to one time slot per account and because of an account rather than booking, it can be used trip after trip, which could reduce the multiple ADR's, but not rule them out all together as people could have many computers in a household. Also, an online form can often have many untested bugs, and could well overbook time slots. Also, as mentioned by other posters, they could use a CC# deposit, but that would then cause unnecessary charges for those who did not make their ADR unintentionally.

I don't know whether thats any use to anyone. But you've been given my 2 cents anyway.

[Rylee]

I haven't given this a lot of thought, so feel free to point out the errors in my way of thinking, but...

How about if Disney charges a dining reservation fee? Just a small amount, but enough to add up over a few days, to make people think twice about "no-shows."

It could work very much like a "room only" reservations... due at the time of booking or within 10 days, or it automatically cancels itself out of the system, and fully refunded with 36 hours notice.

When you show up at the restaurant to check-in, the money could be refund by the hostess... cash or a Disney gift card. By having the hostess refund the money prior to dining, instead of having it credited to your dining bill, it would avoid mistakenly or willing, figuring the server's tip calculations after the credit has been applied.

I know this doesn't solve the problem for those who have a legitimate reason for not keeping their reservation, but there are many other businesses that have such policies, which we accept and deal with.

Whaddaya think?

[dpuck1998]

I think we are overthinking this too much. Why not just take a CC hold and charge no shows/no calls a fee? I think this would take care of most of the problems. Seems to work for them on many of the places.

[Cyrano]

I think actually taking a deposit would be a logistical nightmare, but a credit card hold seems like a good way to curb those making multiple reservations.
This sounds one of the best options and as you state hopefully curb the blocking of reservations by those with no consideration for others :thumbsup2

[nenner1]

The problem with the credit card hold thing is how anal they are about cancellation.

We had a CP package booked at LeCellier (a little different than the regular ADR, I know) and due to my son's illness were unable to go. We called just an hour an a half past the 48 hour cancellation period (at 46.5 hours) and were told too bad so sad, you will be charged the full $170 or whatever it was. We spoke to a supervisor....same response, called again to get a different CM, same thing, finally called guest services and still were given not a sliver of consideration.

Lesson learned....don't be a second late calling to cancel. 48 hours means 48 hours, not "two days before".:sad2:

Oh, and we immediately called and cancelled the credit card so they did not get the $170. :rolleyes:

[calypso*a*go-go]

Oh well...this debate could probably go on forever. What all of this boils down to is that some people always think the rules don't apply to them. We just experienced this first-hand on our flights to and from DLR. We flew Southwest and had to deal with the assigned boarding numbers. On all of our flights we had people that stood in line out of sequence even though they knew other people should have been in front of them. Not once did the gate agent tell them "sorry, you need to move back to your designated position". So, as long as no one enforces the rules, people are going to break them. :sad2:

[dpuck1998]

The problem with the credit card hold thing is how anal they are about cancellation.

We had a CP package booked at LeCellier (a little different than the regular ADR, I know) and due to my son's illness were unable to go. We called just an hour an a half past the 48 hour cancellation period (at 46.5 hours) and were told too bad so sad, you will be charged the full $170 or whatever it was. We spoke to a supervisor....same response, called again to get a different CM, same thing, finally called guest services and still were given not a sliver of consideration.

Lesson learned....don't be a second late calling to cancel. 48 hours means 48 hours, not "two days before".:sad2:

Oh, and we immediately called and cancelled the credit card so they did not get the $170. :rolleyes:

This was totally not my experiance at all when I cancelled. Like a lot of things I guess they don't stick to the "rules" all the time. We had an illness and cancelled two ressies, one a fantasmic dining inside of 24 hours and were not charged. Just the fact that you call and cancel should free up a spot for walkups or late ressies. It would avoid the no-shows and they would always know what they have for tables for walkup/last minute.

[WaltD4Me]

If they decided to do a CC hold, then they would have to be CONSISTENT and all the CM's would have to be on the same page! :lmao:

You can't have 1 place forgiving a CC hold charge and another refusing to do so. And the CC hold should only apply if you don't cancel AT ALL. I think even if you cancel 2 minutes before it shouldn't be applied because I still think they are just so many variables and legitimate reasons for missing an ADR. It's very different than when you are home and have ONE reservation or doctor's appointment or at home and don't have so much going on around you that can much more easily change your intentions of making a reservation.

[eeyoresnr]

Disney only has one simple problem with its ADR system, when it comes to multiplies or double bookings

Disney needs to tie the ADR to your resort number.

This joke of a system where each person can give their name and phone number and make ADR's allows two people in your party to give two different phone numbers and names and make two sets of ADR's.

One trip, One reservation number...and that is the only way to set-up your ADR's.

ditto:thumbsup2

[melcan]

and when they ask where are you staying, how do they know you are telling the truth.

[dpuck1998]

offsight? residents? day trippers?

[eeyoresnr]

and when they ask where are you staying, how do they know you are telling the truth.

reservation # maybe:confused3

[WaltD4Me]

offsight? residents? day trippers?

Seriously, you should only be able to get an ADR if you are staying on property? What in the heck would Kevin do? We might not ever get another restaurant review! :scared1:

[Markstudy]

offsight? residents? day trippers?

I'm not getting paid by Disney... so I can't solve all their problems, but for resort guest it would seem pretty simple to solve. That takes care of 40% of the problem right there.

Let the guys getting paid by Disney solve the other half of the problem :thumbsup2

[WaltD4Me]

I'm not getting paid by Disney... so I can't solve all their problems, but for resort guest it would seem pretty simple to solve. That takes care of 40% of the problem right there.

Let the guys getting paid by Disney solve the other half of the problem :thumbsup2

Until the resort guest figures out not to say they are a resort guest. :teeth:

It has to be the same for everyone. If you put restrictions just on resort guests no one's going to admit to staying on property.

[Chrissie-riel]

Even when I am a resort guest and have a reservation number, I just use my cell phone number as the identifier because it is easier for me to remember. I'll call WDW-DINE at any time of the day to make my ressies or updates because, guess what, I'm so smart that I can memorize the number - its 407-WDW-DINE!! And, when I am at the bus stop with the kids or in the grocery store, etc, I don't have access to my reservation number.

I have never abused the system by making multiple ADR's, but I have called early to make my dining reservations. I usually have an idea that I will be coming to WDW at 6 months out and will make my ADR's accordingly. But, then I won't actually finalize my airplane or hotel reservations until 3-4 months out. There has only been one time when I didn't get to go on a trip and the first thing I did was get on the phone to graciously cancel those ADR's for other guests! Imagine that!?!

[Markstudy]

Until the resort guest figures out not to say they are a resort guest. :teeth:

It has to be the same for everyone. If you put restrictions just on resort guests no one's going to admit to staying on property.

They give resort guest 180+10 days to book ADR's. You have to give your resort number (even though they still book it primarily under your phone number) so they can check if your booking window has opened.

You can play with this system to make it into a big enough perk.... to get people to admit they have a resort reservation when booking.

MY POINT IS, THIS IS FIXABLE.... DISNEY JUST HASN"T PUT MUCH EFFORT INTO IT YET.

[dpuck1998]

MY POINT IS, THIS IS FIXABLE.... DISNEY JUST HASN"T PUT MUCH EFFORT INTO IT YET.

Totally agree with that point!

[LenDVC92]

Disney has already solved the problem.

On the Magic and the Wonder they only allow passengers a limited number of reservations for Palo, so they require your stateroom number when you book. Eventually people found a way around the restriction: Two couples traveling together would each use their own room number to reserve a table for four on different nights, thus allowing all of them to dine twice. DCL fixed the problem by checking the number of adults in the cabin, and if there are less than in your dinner party they ask you for the room number(s) of your guests.

Of course, this scheme wouldn't work very well at WDW, but on the ships they don't generally have guests staying off-site.