Anyone know why they're removing benches?

Davey Jones II · Jul 27, 2016

So the jury appears to be out on this issue. The reason I wrote an angry post is that the same topic inspired a thread or two a couple years ago. Then as now, people were complaining that there's less seating in the parks.

leebee · Jul 27, 2016

We've been going to Disney World since 1996. There are FAR fewer benches now than there were then, and there seem to be fewer every time we visit. It's frustrating for me, as due to vertigo and severe motion sickness I can only ride about ⅓ of the attractions in the theme parks. It's tiring to be standing around, waiting for my family to exit a ride. I'd be a MUCH happier camper, and willing to stay in the parks longer, if I wasn't tiring myself out by having to stand so much (to say nothing of how much happier my FEET would be!).

bryanb · Jul 27, 2016

If there really are fewer places to sit and you are consistently noticing the issue, please tell Disney. They're not heartless monsters over there. People who are relaxed stay longer and spend more money. Satisfied customers tend to keep spending more and come back again or future visits. But if you are spending less and are less satisfied, let them know!

Soon, guests can be part of a new bench pilot program, starting at MK and expanding out. Disney will soon bring back new MM+ benches with a FP+ scanner on them. You can reserve a spot 60 days in advance as an on-site guest. For example, let's say you plan to be tired on Thursday afternoon. You can reserve a bench from 3:15 - 3:30pm as one of your FP+ selections. Once you've used up your bench fastpass, you can actually add a fourth bench fastpass for later that day when you'll be tired again!

Reserving a bench just became fast, free, and easy! And best of all, it's included with your on-site resort stay. Note: standby service is still available at park benches, but be prepared to wait!

GreatLakes · Jul 27, 2016

I haven't taken inventory of their benches or anything but at no point on my most recent trip did I want to sit down and found myself without any options.

Disneychick75 · Jul 27, 2016

Thought about bringing a lightweight folding chair but that's on the list of prohibited items at WDW. Guess I'll have to rent a wheelchair. It's a shame because all I need is a rest every now and again. If any of you see a gray haired lady sitting in a wheelchair but hopping up to get on a ride, don't judge.

bcrook · Jul 30, 2016

bryanb said:
If there really are fewer places to sit and you are consistently noticing the issue, please tell Disney. They're not heartless monsters over there. People who are relaxed stay longer and spend more money. Satisfied customers tend to keep spending more and come back again or future visits. But if you are spending less and are less satisfied, let them know!

Soon, guests can be part of a new bench pilot program, starting at MK and expanding out. Disney will soon bring back new MM+ benches with a FP+ scanner on them. You can reserve a spot 60 days in advance as an on-site guest. For example, let's say you plan to be tired on Thursday afternoon. You can reserve a bench from 3:15 - 3:30pm as one of your FP+ selections. Once you've used up your bench fastpass, you can actually add a fourth bench fastpass for later that day when you'll be tired again!

Reserving a bench just became fast, free, and easy! And best of all, it's included with your on-site resort stay. Note: standby service is still available at park benches, but be prepared to wait!

Isn't this exactly what they did during food and wine with the reserved seating? They placed the tables and seats in shaded area with umbrellas and then charged over a $100.00 to use them. It was limited so they recommended booking in advance.

And at Epcot there are so few good choices for the tier 2 FP that reserving a bench in a shady area might not be a bad choice. Especially during F&W. And I'm still waiting for the opportunity to FP into La Cava. They have limited seating too.

maxiesmom · Jul 30, 2016

bcrook said:
Isn't this exactly what they did during food and wine with the reserved seating? They placed the tables and seats in shaded area with umbrellas and then charged over a $100.00 to use them. It was limited so they recommended booking in advance.

And at Epcot there are so few good choices for the tier 2 FP that reserving a bench in a shady area might not be a bad choice. Especially during F&W. And I'm still waiting for the opportunity to FP into La Cava. They have limited seating too.

Last year during the Food and Wine there were a lot of benches, and I'm not talking about the reserved seating areas.

miamimi · Jul 30, 2016

GreatLakes said:
I haven't taken inventory of their benches or anything but at no point on my most recent trip did I want to sit down and found myself without any options.

Just curious: what do you qualify as seating options? Are you saying that there were plenty of benches?

maxiesmom · Jul 30, 2016

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trav...disney-magic-kingdom-photos-photogallery.html

If you feel like looking thru this, it will show a few of the non bench seating areas.

joelkfla · Jul 30, 2016

whiporee said:
If I'm not mistaken, a lot of the benches around the hub were taken out, but they were replaced by high curbs that can serve the same purpose as a bench, but for more people.

A curb is not a bench. Many of us older Guests have a hard time getting down and getting back up from a curb.

maxiesmom · Jul 30, 2016

joelkfla said:
A curb is not a bench. Many of us older Guests have a hard time getting down and getting back up from a curb.

Lots of not curb seating added in the Magic Kingdom.

bcrook · Jul 30, 2016

maxiesmom said:
Last year during the Food and Wine there were a lot of benches, and I'm not talking about the reserved seating areas.

That is your observation, from mine - there wasn't much from Mexico to Canada that wasn't roped off. Off course there was plenty of concrete sidewalk to sit on if you are counting that. There were a few tables over near Canada, but they didn't have chairs. And their weren't very many tables.

joelkfla · Jul 30, 2016

chigirl said:
Are we sure they are not being replaced with different benches? Alot of places are going with seating built into planters, etc...wood benches require lots of upkeep, metal benches get hot. I didnt notice lack of seating in 2014, when I was last there. I know that Brookfield Zoo outside of Chicago replaced benches because a guest got staph due to a splinter, allegedly. I just dont see a conspiracy.

The large plaza my business is in remodeled and removed benches, but added planters with seating...I see that alot, there is actually more room to sit.

The "wooden" benches at WDW are not made of wood. They're made from recycled plastic.

maxiesmom · Jul 30, 2016

bcrook said:
That is your observation, from mine - there wasn't much from Mexico to Canada that wasn't roped off. Off course there was plenty of concrete sidewalk to sit on if you are counting that. There were a few tables over near Canada, but they didn't have chairs. And their weren't very many tables.

I have a vivid memory of them, as my nephew and I kept hitting the Ireland booth for the warm chocolate pudding. It is soo good!!!! Had to have it more than once! And there were benches there that were not roped off.

Dan Murphy · Jul 30, 2016

maxiesmom said:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trav...disney-magic-kingdom-photos-photogallery.html

If you feel like looking thru this, it will show a few of the non bench seating areas.

Looked like mostly 'Astroturf' or sidewalk/curb seating.

loves to dive · Jul 30, 2016

maxiesmom said:
I have a vivid memory of them, as my nephew and I kept hitting the Ireland booth for the warm chocolate pudding. It is soo good!!!! Had to have it more than once! And there were benches there that were not roped off.

I was a F&W last year and never once had any problems finding somewhere to sit. Not once did I sit on a curb or eat off the top of a trash can. There are a number of benches in the back part of the first shop as you enter WS before you get to Canada and ones on the walkway toward Canada I don't remember a lot of them before you get to Mexico but I know there were at least two because I sat on them.

maxiesmom · Jul 30, 2016

Dan Murphy said:
Looked like mostly 'Astroturf' or sidewalk/curb seating.

The curb seating was not low curb seating. It was higher up, making easier for those of us with creaky knees to use. Or for my dad to use.

Planogirl · Jul 30, 2016

Dan Murphy said:
Looked like mostly 'Astroturf' or sidewalk/curb seating.

I agree. Personally I'd rather have a bench.

calitripper · Jul 30, 2016

I always understand there are two side to every story but defending the fact that there is no place to sit when a senior need a rest spot is a very uncomfortable position to take. Yes, my first thought was now both of us will have to rent a scooter. I know both myself and hubby will need a place to sit occasionally. Families with little children, pregnant guests might require a rest time. Standing to eat food, always uncomfortable even when I was younger. My letter will be in a negative mode. This is lousy if indeed Disney is not replacing the benches.

maxiesmom · Jul 30, 2016

There are places to sit so I have no problem stating that. It may not be a "bench" but there is plenty of seating that doesn't require someone sit on the curb. Most of the new flower planters double as seating, as does much of the cement railings that are around and at the perfect height to sit on.

http://micechat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/DSC9894.jpg

Btw, my dad has gone to WDW with me a few times. And I have never had a problem finding him a place to sit when he needed one.

Anyone know why they're removing benches?

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