Advanced vs. Same-Day Dinning Reservations

[SunshinesOrangeBird]

I am writing this post because I want to see what the general feelings are towards same-day reservations and advanced dinning reservations. For the most part I am very passive when it comes to Disney World policy changes; however, I have found myself feeling more and more attentive to this new development. During the MyMagic+ episode of Disney Unlimited show last Monday, I have been thinking about their overall approval on the change to same-day reservations. What do you think about Disney switching to a same-day reservation system?

I am completely against the thought of Disney switching to a same-day reservation system. Disney World is a special place, and for the most part guests are people that come from around the country and world on a rare occasion. Some people might only come once in a lifetime. These Disney guests plan this trip over a year out. They research and read about amazing dining experiences like Be Our Guest or Chef Mickey’s. It might even be their top goal to eat at these locations. If we have a same-day reservation system these guests that are looking forward to these dinning experience might not be able to go, because some local guest have the same chances of getting these spots.

I’m not saying that local guests are not as important as guests that only come once in a lifetime. But Florida or local residences have more opportunities to go to those locations, so guests that come once in a lifetime should get some kind of preference to reserve those locations in advance. If local residences really want to go to these locations they can always book a day in advance like everyone else.

For those that want to get the most out of their day you really have to be on your game the day you go to the park. With Fastpass+ you have tier systems; there might be times when you can only have a Soarin’ or a Test Track fastpass. If you want to do both without having an hour and half wait, you have to go to the other attraction early in the morning. It would be extra stress to have to deal with booking a dining experience in the morning, to ensure you get a good spot and get to the ride you don’t have a fastpass for. Advance dinning reservation gives you that peace of mind to know you have a spot at a restaurant you want, and does not put extra pressure on you in the morning.

I understand the argument that Florida residences just want to go to a park one morning and get a reservation at a great restaurant. But, Disney World is not designed for Florida Residences; it’s designed for tourists from around the world. I have lived in Miami and currently live in Boston; I can see arguments for both sides. I am a DVC member and I come to Disney twice a year. I just want to be guaranteed a place a restaurant I prefer because I take the time to think ahead of time. To go to a Same-Day Reservation system would be unfair to those guests that have spent hours and dollars to come to Orlando. I also understand that advanced dinning reservations have put a burden on travel agencies, but the guest is the person that has to experience the dinning and policy.

I went to Disney World with my extended family of 8 in January. I was really excited about Skipper Canteen. But when I realized it was not taking dinning reservations I couldn’t book a lunch. I had to guarantee we had a spot somewhere so I booked a lunch at the Plaza (which was amazing). When I went I noticed Skipper Canteen was completely empty. It was too late to change the reservation without the penalty so we didn’t go. I refuse to make plans at Skipper Canteen because I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to go.

The day Disney changes to a same-day dinning reservation system would be a sad day for me, and I truly hope that their tests prove to be unsuccessful.

 

[dvcdisney]

I, too, would be upset if they changed it to Same Day Reservations. I prefer to plan everything in advance so that I can enjoy the time that I'm on vacation. I, also, don't want to spend the morning trying to make reservations. I'm the type of person who looks for vacations that I can book as much as possible so it leaves me with a relaxing time.

I understand that a lot of people prefer the walk up process or same day reservations because that's how they like the vacation. I can appreciate their desire not to be tied down to a time for meals. But I would hope that they can appreciate that some of us prefer to know that we have a restaurant and set time to dine without wandering around looking for availability.

I have always thought that Disney encourages pre-planning and booking. I would assume that supplies and staffing would be ordered based on expected numbers. Advertisements of certain shows, activities etc have always been geared towards booking early (or else risk not participating or being turned away).

I will admit that I would be more inclined to go elsewhere (even as a DVC member) if I was not able to plan and book ahead of time. As I mentioned, it would not be a relaxing vacation.

And, I would assume that if guests have a specific restaurant in mind that they would really like to dine in, then they would make the effort to make the reservation because they know that if they don't, there is a good chance they will be turned away.

If we were to look at what guests wants, then I think since we're divided in this matter, there's no win for Disney either way. However, knowing the numbers ahead of time would, surely, put ADRs ahead. And we all know that Disney is a business and being prepared will keep their margins down.

 

[spyderskiss]

I think that perhaps the best answer would be a combination of both. As a traveler who definitely books my ADRs at that 180 day mark I appreciate being able to grab those cherished seats. However I think that all the restaurants should and actually may hold a few tables open for shorter term reservations as not everyone knows that they are going and books a trip more than 180 days out. I myself am now in the middle as I am struggling to simply add another person to our party for the prized CRT breakfast. I am forced to spend my remaining time prior to our final park day lurking and stalking for cancellations in hopes that I can simply add 1 person to our table.
So I can sympathize with anyone who even now wanted to book a table as there are no tables at most of the prime restaurants at all on any day during our stay. This is not just based on the online page but after calling repeatedly for a week and having to move many of my reservations just to add the additional person.

 

[DisSarahM]

We made what I would consider last minute (40 days out) trip and I'm having great difficulty getting ADRs to most restaurants. It would be nice if they retained a few openings for folks that can't plan a trip that far in advance.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

You'd have less than a chance of getting one for same day. Plus the system would crash. Bad idea.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I will do same day unless there is some reason to get them in advance.

Where is it being said that they will be switching to a same-day reservation system? I certainly haven't seen this anywhere.

 

[Nancyg56]

I will do same day unless there is some reason to get them in advance.

Where is it being said that they will be switching to a same-day reservation system? I certainly haven't seen this anywhere.

I bet that the SC in the MK is what makes folks think they will go same day ADR. I doubt that it will happen, and frankly, I hope that it will not. Can you imagine what the system woudl be like? It crashes now, but I am home and cozy when it does. I am not using my vacation time trying to score dinner for that evening.

 

[jat1977]

I too would prefer that at least a few reservations were held for same-day guests. It is pretty much impossible for our family to plan trips 180+ days out.