ADR Cancellation policy---which way is the wind blowing?

[gdrj]

Ok been going to WDW for 20+ years. I understand credit card required, not a fan but I can deal with it.

Went over XMAS had 6 or 7 ADR's, kept getting mixed messages from CM's on cancellation policy. Cancel day before or 24 hours, is it 24 hours from resv time, or is it 11:59 PM Sun night for a Mon resv. I've seen various answers here and elsewhere. Ended up only keeping 2 or 3 of resv's due to uncertainty, no problem at all saved money, did a few more QS.

We are headed back down around Easter so I figured I would check with WDW employees, no offense to the boards but we don't always did with facts here

So I emailed, I also used chat, and I also called. I thought I would share while I shake my head

This is a bit long but here is the email I rec'd back in regards to my inquiry. I was seeking an answer on 24 hours vs. 11:59 PM the night before.
************************************************************

Subject: Re: Dining, Tours, Recreation and Cirque du Soleil

Dear XXXX,

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort.

We are including our current cancellation policy for dining for your
reference.

When booking a reservation at the following restaurants, you will be
required to provide a credit card to hold the reservation and will be
charged $10 per person if you need to cancel and do not cancel at least
one day in advance. Doesn't really answer my question (to me at least)

Guests may make and cancel reservations by visiting www.DisneyWorld.com/Dining. Guests may also cancel by calling
407-WDW-CNCL (407-939-2627).

Dining locations participating in the credit card guarantee policy
include: This is strange, they only list these restuarants

• 1900 Park Fare
• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
• Artist Point
• California Grill
• Cape May Café
• Chef Mickey's
• Cítricos
• The Crystal Palace
• Flying Fish Café
• The Garden Grill
• Hollywood & Vine
• Jiko – The Cooking Place
• Le Cellier Steakhouse
• Narcoossee's
• 'Ohana
• Tusker House Restaurant
• The Hollywood Brown Derby
• Victoria & Albert's (cancellation policy is $25/per person) •
Yachtsman
Steakhouse

Subject to change without notice.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact
us. We look forward to seeing you in April and hope you have a Magical visit
with us!

**************************************************
So I was on the chat in regards to a MDE issue so I asked them they responded:
ME: I rec'd the above today(I copy and pasted e-mail for them). Obvious that is not a complete restaurant list. Also when I call the WDW-Dine I am being told I can cancel day before but that it could be cancelled up to 11:59 PM online the day before or 11 PM with them since that is when they close.
ME: All I am looking for is a straight policy no ifs and or buts. I keep getting gray answers
Disney: I'm sorry about that. Let me check my policies so I don't give you more confusing information.
ME: According to the list above I could go to San angel Inn and not be penalized, I know that's not accurate. I appreciate your assistance
Disney: You are correct that the cancellation policy varies by location. Any location that requires a credit card to hold the reservation, or prepayment, must be cancelled in advance, that time does change per location. So it's hard to give you a definite time without knowing which restaurant you want to cancel.
Disney: To be safe, I would say cancel anything that you have a credit card hold or prepayment on 24 hours in advance.
Me: thanks. Don't they all require credit card hold now?
Disney: I'm not showing it required for all locations.

************************************************************
While I was chatting I called WDW Dine and was told cancel day before 24 hours, when I pressed them about 11:59 PM they said yes but they close at 11, I asked him if I could cancel with him until they close he reluctantly said yes.
*************************************************************
So I responded to the email because IMO I didn't think it really answered my question.

Original Message Follows:
------------------------

Thank you for the quick response. Unfortunately it raised a few more questions.
1- When you say cancel 1 day in advance can you clarify. Does that mean 24
hours ahead of scheduled reservation time? Does it mean prior to 11:59
PM?
2- The list below lists 18 restaurants. Is that the only ones that require
a credit card gtd? If others require credit card (i.e. San Angel Inn)
does the cancellation policy there differ?


They responded with:

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort.

We apologize for any confusion our dining reservation cancellation policy may have caused. The policy applies to all Disney restaurants that accept reservations. The 1 day cancellation period begins 24 hours before your schedule reservation day and not the reservation time. Are they all lawyers answering my questions? The restaurants listed in the previous response you received are currently the locations that require a credit card guarantee when booking a reservation. This list is always subject to change.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Have a magical day
************************************************************
Does this clarify anything to you? If I go to the website they all require credit cards? The line The 1 day cancellation period begins 24 hours before your schedule reservation day and not the reservation time. means what?

I realize if I make resv's and keep them this is all for naught but it would be nice to get a clear concise answer. Elsewhere on the Disney website it states
Q. How can I cancel my dining reservation, and how much notice do I need to give when I make a cancellation?

A.You can cancel your dining reservation online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463 up to 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the day before your arrival.

Some restaurants may charge a fee for cancellations or no shows.Don't they all? If not why require a credit card? Each restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort maintains its own cancellation policy, so be sure to check the policy when you are making your reservation.


Ok that's my rant, I'm not objecting to having to have a credit card for resv or the specific of being charged for a "No Show" (plenty of threads on that). Just give me an easy 1 line policy and stick to it.

 

[figment_jii]

I would probably just go with 11:59 pm.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/dining-reservations/credit-card-necessity/

 

[kaytieeldr]

I'd go with 10:30. Phone lines close at 11, and you don't want to be that guest calling at 10:59 and (a) expecting to get your requests processed in a timely manner, and (b) delaying a CM beyond their shift. But are you sure you're n o t going to know your final plans until so close to the cut-off?

 

[conandrob240]

You don't have to talk to a rep to cancel. Cancellation can done on line or via an automated phone system so the closure time of the call center should have nothing to do with the cancel policy.

The answers you got are not acceptable. Staff needs clear training.

 

[gdrj]

You don't have to talk to a rep to cancel. Cancellation can done on line or via an automated phone system so the closure time of the call center should have nothing to do with the cancel policy.

The answers you got are not acceptable. Staff needs clear training.

I did get one final response stating up to 11:59 PM the night before the reservation.

To me the biggest issue was that WDW CM's were unable to give a clear concise answer. Agree or disagree with the policy just let me know what the rules are and I can choose to participate or not.