Seating Policy at CS - The DIS Discussion Forums

theww228 · 10-14-2009, 07:39 PM

Has anyone experienced the new seating system at CS restaurants. We are heading down to WDW this Sunday and I am wondering how the system is working and/or if it is still going on. This is our 1st time traveling with a baby and I don't like the idea of the whole family waiting for the food.

DisneyGrampa · 10-14-2009, 08:05 PM

I think that most moms with young children will give the new scheme a thumbs down. They want to get the kids seated and the littlest ones eating whatever, while dad gets the food for the adults and older kids.

bellazachmom · 10-14-2009, 08:15 PM

I'm afraid to ask .... I fear that I know where this is going, but

What new seating policy?!?!?!

Where and when was it put in place? Is it at all CS, or just some?

Is there a thread about this that I missed?

Thanks!

Tricia1972 · 10-14-2009, 08:16 PM

So long as this remains a discussion of actual experience of those who have been seated under the new system this thread will remain open.

If it turns into another debate/discussion of the pros and cons of the system, it'll have to be closed due to the other thread(s) that were closed for that same discussion.

Thank you in advance for your understanding.

TDC Nala · 10-14-2009, 08:19 PM

The story was that in the Magic Kingdom CS (and the Magic Kingdom only - and only in high traffic periods) that guests would not be seated until after they received their food - once they get their food they will be shown to a table by a cast member.

The OP is looking for opinions from guests who have actually encountered this procedure.

theww228 · 10-14-2009, 09:35 PM

Yes, I don't want to get into a debate about the program, simply how it works from people who have experienced it. Also, does "high traffic periods" mean "11am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm" or "Weekends, holidays, special events, etc.".

jaysmom4285 · 10-14-2009, 11:29 PM

From what I understand, the times and/or days aren't carved in stone or scheduled. The policy will be implemented at those times when the CS restaurants are extremely crowded and seating is hard to come by - probably only at the very busiest times like Christmas, Easter/spring break, and mid-summer. If you aren't visiting at a peak period like that, I wouldn't worry much about it.

TheRustyScupper · 10-15-2009, 12:25 AM

1) I cannot vouch for this year.
2) But, we DID experience it last year during its test at Electric Umbrella.
3) Last year's tests were the basis for this year's policy.
. . . people without food were not let into the seating area
. . . the CM's let folks in after buying food from the Electric Umbrella
. . . there seemed to be less people waiting for tables than at other peak times
. . . the throughput seemed to be a lot better
. . . there were some people upset they couldn't grab a table before getting food
. . . but, there were no fisticuffs during the time we were eating
. . . one CM that I know taking surveys said people liked it (but, it was her opinion)

Dawson's Mom · 10-22-2009, 03:15 PM

Just wondering if anyone has encountered the new way that disney plans on changing the way counter service is done. I read on the twitter blog that disney plans on having a hostess at the door, and one who will seat you after you order-yuck! (this will first take place at the MK), I really like to pick my own seat at places like this, just wondering if anyone else feels the same way? Maybe its just me, thanks for all opinions!

PatsMom · 10-22-2009, 04:00 PM

We've experienced it at Pecos Bill's at the MK and the system worked for us. But we are a party of three and my daughter is old enough at the wait isn't an issue for her. We got our food, walked toward the seating area and a CM directed us to our table. We did see some people upset at not being able to choose a table prior to getting food but if you just didn't want to sit where the CM was pointing you toward, you could just ask if you could sit at a different table. The goal was to have people sitting and eating instead of sitting and waiting for their food. They really didn't seem to care where we sat as long as we already had our tray of food. This was over President's Week and they were pretty busy.

Sleeping Becca · 10-22-2009, 04:25 PM

We experienced it a few times and it seemed to work pretty well. The area where you order was def. more crowded, and difficult to navigate with a full tray of food and drinks (I was scared I was going to spill more than a few times). I will say it was nice, not having to scrounge for a table.

However, my mom uses a scooter, but doesn't take it into the restaurant, so she had to stand and wait for me, while I got the food. She didn't mind, but if she had been in a lot of pain we would have asked if she could sit while DD and I got the food.

So the system has it's good points and not so good points. Overall I didn't find it horrible.

BEASLYBOO · 10-22-2009, 04:45 PM

I've visited several times this year and last and haven't encountered it nor heard of it, but we usually eat at off peak times. Maybe it will make things easier, let's hope!

mikewdw · 11-14-2009, 10:50 PM

any info on the new policy at some MK counter service (Cosmic Ray's, etc) where they won't let you save a table until you get your food? we have 3 small children and are wondering how this would work for us?

summerlady · 11-15-2009, 07:44 AM

We were there last week and had lunch at Columbia Harbour House and dinner at Cosmic Ray's, the new seating policy wasn't being used either time. We ate at CHH at peak lunch time (found a table upstairs easily on Sunday afternoon), but were at Cosmic Ray's around 9 p.m. and it was very empty.

MyBubbles · 11-15-2009, 09:32 AM

I kind of like the sound of this for most circumstances but would be interested to see who this plays out all of the time. I'm sure time will tell.

10-14-2009, 07:39 PM	#1
theww228 "I just want it to look like nothing else in the world... and it should be surrounded by a train." - Walt Disney Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northwest Ohio Posts: 119	Seating Policy at CS Has anyone experienced the new seating system at CS restaurants. We are heading down to WDW this Sunday and I am wondering how the system is working and/or if it is still going on. This is our 1st time traveling with a baby and I don't like the idea of the whole family waiting for the food. __________________ Me (33), DW (30), DD(1) 2004 (Aug) - CBR, 2005 (Mar) - CBR, 2005 (May) - CBR, 2006 (May) - Pop, 2007 (Feb) - Pop, 2008 (Jan) - Pop, 2009 (Oct) - VWL, 2010 (Feb) - POFQ, 2010 (May) - VWL

10-14-2009, 08:15 PM	#3
bellazachmom aka - NDM #2 and proud of it! Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 887	I'm afraid to ask .... I fear that I know where this is going, but What new seating policy?!?!?! Where and when was it put in place? Is it at all CS, or just some? Is there a thread about this that I missed? Thanks! __________________ BLT in 2010, VWL in 2009, SSR in 2008, VWL in 2007, OKW in 2006, OKW in 2004, HHI in 2004, VWL in 2003, DisneyLand Paris in 2002, Beach Club in 2002, Beach Club in 2000, Beach Club in 1994 and Lots of Family Trips offsite from 1978 - 1993 !

10-14-2009, 08:16 PM	#4
Tricia1972 I love late night snacks Libra who loves peace and harmony Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: WI Posts: 7,429	So long as this remains a discussion of actual experience of those who have been seated under the new system this thread will remain open. If it turns into another debate/discussion of the pros and cons of the system, it'll have to be closed due to the other thread(s) that were closed for that same discussion. Thank you in advance for your understanding. __________________

10-14-2009, 08:19 PM	#5
TDC Nala 1937, what a year that was Diet Coke on Ice or Else I apparently don't do anything they want to stimulate Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Not far enough outside the Beltway Posts: 29,781	The story was that in the Magic Kingdom CS (and the Magic Kingdom only - and only in high traffic periods) that guests would not be seated until after they received their food - once they get their food they will be shown to a table by a cast member. The OP is looking for opinions from guests who have actually encountered this procedure. __________________

10-14-2009, 09:35 PM	#6
theww228 "I just want it to look like nothing else in the world... and it should be surrounded by a train." - Walt Disney Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northwest Ohio Posts: 119	Yes, I don't want to get into a debate about the program, simply how it works from people who have experienced it. Also, does "high traffic periods" mean "11am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm" or "Weekends, holidays, special events, etc.". __________________ Me (33), DW (30), DD(1) 2004 (Aug) - CBR, 2005 (Mar) - CBR, 2005 (May) - CBR, 2006 (May) - Pop, 2007 (Feb) - Pop, 2008 (Jan) - Pop, 2009 (Oct) - VWL, 2010 (Feb) - POFQ, 2010 (May) - VWL

10-14-2009, 08:05 PM	#2
DisneyGrampa Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 393	I think that most moms with young children will give the new scheme a thumbs down. They want to get the kids seated and the littlest ones eating whatever, while dad gets the food for the adults and older kids.

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10-14-2009, 11:29 PM	#7
jaysmom4285 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: from the great State of Maine Posts: 740	From what I understand, the times and/or days aren't carved in stone or scheduled. The policy will be implemented at those times when the CS restaurants are extremely crowded and seating is hard to come by - probably only at the very busiest times like Christmas, Easter/spring break, and mid-summer. If you aren't visiting at a peak period like that, I wouldn't worry much about it.

10-15-2009, 12:25 AM	#8
TheRustyScupper FACT OF LIFE: Half of golf is fun. The other half is putting. Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: 15-minutes from The Mouse Posts: 8,360	1) I cannot vouch for this year. 2) But, we DID experience it last year during its test at Electric Umbrella. 3) Last year's tests were the basis for this year's policy. . . . people without food were not let into the seating area . . . the CM's let folks in after buying food from the Electric Umbrella . . . there seemed to be less people waiting for tables than at other peak times . . . the throughput seemed to be a lot better . . . there were some people upset they couldn't grab a table before getting food . . . but, there were no fisticuffs during the time we were eating . . . one CM that I know taking surveys said people liked it (but, it was her opinion)

10-22-2009, 03:15 PM	#9
Dawson's Mom Earning My Ears Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chelsea, MI Posts: 33	Seating at Quick Service Changing? Just wondering if anyone has encountered the new way that disney plans on changing the way counter service is done. I read on the twitter blog that disney plans on having a hostess at the door, and one who will seat you after you order-yuck! (this will first take place at the MK), I really like to pick my own seat at places like this, just wondering if anyone else feels the same way? Maybe its just me, thanks for all opinions! __________________ Me DH and DS

10-22-2009, 04:00 PM	#10
PatsMom Sometimes has Dory moments! I have two brothers and either of them would have been proud to be suspended for stinking up the bus Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Northern NH Posts: 3,586	We've experienced it at Pecos Bill's at the MK and the system worked for us. But we are a party of three and my daughter is old enough at the wait isn't an issue for her. We got our food, walked toward the seating area and a CM directed us to our table. We did see some people upset at not being able to choose a table prior to getting food but if you just didn't want to sit where the CM was pointing you toward, you could just ask if you could sit at a different table. The goal was to have people sitting and eating instead of sitting and waiting for their food. They really didn't seem to care where we sat as long as we already had our tray of food. This was over President's Week and they were pretty busy. __________________ 1981 to 1983 - Disneyland many times November 1987 - Fairway Villas (prior to the Disney Institute) September 1996 - Fort Wilderness (DD and DH's first trip) October 1999 - Fort Wilderness November 2001 - Fort Wilderness November 2004 - Fort Wilderness November 2005 - Saratoga Springs December 2006 - Saratoga Springs February 2007 - All Star Sports August 2007 - Boardwalk Villas November 2007 - Saratoga Springs February 2008 - Villas at the Wilderness Lodge August 2008 - Old Key West December 2008 - Saratoga Springs February 2009 - Beach Club Villas September 2009 (50th birthday trip) - Bay Lake Tower January 2010 - Animal Kingdom Villas (Kidani Village) May 2010 - Old Key West September 2010 - Saratoga Springs

10-22-2009, 04:25 PM	#11
Sleeping Becca It went to Looneyland, by way of Crazytown, with a detour through Wackoville, and a stop for snacks in Bonkerscity Join Date: May 2006 Location: Houma, LA Posts: 4,375	We experienced it a few times and it seemed to work pretty well. The area where you order was def. more crowded, and difficult to navigate with a full tray of food and drinks (I was scared I was going to spill more than a few times). I will say it was nice, not having to scrounge for a table. However, my mom uses a scooter, but doesn't take it into the restaurant, so she had to stand and wait for me, while I got the food. She didn't mind, but if she had been in a lot of pain we would have asked if she could sit while DD and I got the food. So the system has it's good points and not so good points. Overall I didn't find it horrible. __________________ BECCA A Dream is a wish your heart makes, when you're fast asleep '79- Holiday Inn'83-Viscount(Disney Village)'90- Poly (Gold Key)'94- Carribean Beach'97- Disneymoon (Yes, I saw "the cake")'98- Westgate'01- All Star Movies'03- Carribean Beach'05- All Star Movies'05- Homewood Suites-07Disneyland Hotel-08 MNSSHP Peabody-08 MVMCP Pop Century-09 Grand Floridian-09 MNSSHP Contemporary

10-22-2009, 04:45 PM	#12
BEASLYBOO DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wellington, Florida Posts: 1,631	I've visited several times this year and last and haven't encountered it nor heard of it, but we usually eat at off peak times. Maybe it will make things easier, let's hope! __________________

11-14-2009, 10:50 PM	#13
mikewdw wdw coach Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 465	new CS process at MK how is it working? any info on the new policy at some MK counter service (Cosmic Ray's, etc) where they won't let you save a table until you get your food? we have 3 small children and are wondering how this would work for us? __________________ '96 POFQ (HONEYMOON) '00 ALL STAR SPORTS '01 AKL '02 WL XMAS '02 AS SPORTS '03 BC XMAS '04 POP CENTURY '05 CBR XMAS '06/NEW YEARS DAY '07 AS MUSIC THANKSGIVING '07 AS MOVIES XMAS '08 POP

11-15-2009, 07:44 AM	#14
summerlady DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sparta, New Jersey Posts: 672	We were there last week and had lunch at Columbia Harbour House and dinner at Cosmic Ray's, the new seating policy wasn't being used either time. We ate at CHH at peak lunch time (found a table upstairs easily on Sunday afternoon), but were at Cosmic Ray's around 9 p.m. and it was very empty. __________________ ~Polynesian 1986~Then Mom and Dad moved to Florida, 45 minutes from Disney World, so we day-tripped it a lot~Port Orleans March 2000~POFQ April 2008~POFQ May 2009~POFQ November 2009~POFQ November 2010~ November 2009 Happy POFQ Birthday

11-15-2009, 09:32 AM	#15
MyBubbles Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Scotland Posts: 86	I kind of like the sound of this for most circumstances but would be interested to see who this plays out all of the time. I'm sure time will tell. __________________ Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game!

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