BOG breakfast for Mine train warning! Early ride not guaranteed

[walker0829]

If only they had a system that wasn't out of those advance reservations...oh wait...

Trust me, I know. My comment was complete sarcasm.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Yeah, I think if they want to stop people wanting to get a few rides in early, they could easily to move to something like that or even a higher cancellation fee as a deterrent. No need to make people go to the back of the line.

I tend to agree. Disney created a situation where they put their cheapest pre-RD MK breakfast ($11.99 for a BOG kids' meal) virtually right next to its two most popular attractions (A&E and 7DMT). They are allowing adults to order kids' meals and also allowing people to share meals. So (take my situation, for example), I have an 8:05 am for myself and DS7. It actually wouldn't make sense to pay the no-show fee of $10 per person, when I could simply pay $11.99 and get one kids meal to share! What a bargain! To get to the back of the park pre-RD for $11.99! (It wasn't my plan, BTW, just a hypothetical). So, if the real reason they are "cracking down" on BOG guests is no-shows and people sharing, they could simply switch to the CRT model, make it a bigger TS (perhaps even characters?!) and make it a pre-pay. Or make it a QS pre-pay based on the number and ages of people you made the reservation for (upfront $19.99 per adult, $11.99 per child). 24 or 48 hour cancellation fee. This would force people making ADR's for BOG breakfast to actually show up to get value out of what they just paid.

OR, just stop opening the ride pre-RD! I've stated it a few times. I would like to eat breakfast at BOG. I would like to walk down Main St. without RD crowds (is that a "perk" they will take away, too? Maybe they will blindfold people as they walk down so they don't get anything the RD guests get) I will happily pay for 2 meals, but DO NOT prevent me from getting in ANY ride line once the park is open. My theme park ticket is as valid as the RD people. BOG guests should get to go into the line at the SAME TIME and not be held back.

 

[JimmyBean42]

These arguments back and forth of should ADR's get in line first, cancellations, hogging ADR's, etc. are move lively than the throw-away rumor threads. Pure comedy throughout.

For the record, I can see and understand both sides but it's one of those loopholes that can't be fixed unless WDW got rid of early dining reservations. And in that case it's money out the door for Disney and if there is one thing we can all agree one - that isn't happening any time soon.

 

[Kalliope]

Trust me, I know. My comment was complete sarcasm.

Sorry, sometimes it is difficult to tell when a poster is serious or not.

 

[robinb]

You're on a Disney message board.

Aren't they all first world problems?

No, they are #MouseWorldProblems .

 

[walker0829]

Sorry, sometimes it is difficult to tell when a poster is serious or not.

If only they had a system that could convey the inflection of the voice in our brain when we type statements! Maybe emoticon+ :the tone of my typing is joking with good intentions:

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

Many years ago when my DD was little we had a pre-opening breakfast ADR at CRT. After we were done eating we waited for park opening at the rope at the back of the castle breezeway. I knew the first child into (can't-remember-the-name-of-) store could wake Tinkerbell. I thought it would be a cute thing to do but I didn't tell DD about it in case we weren't the first people in the store. When the rope dropped we started walking towards the store but everyone else was doing the Dumbo Dash. We entered an empty store and the CM took us to the place to wake up Tinkerbell. Well, about 30 seconds later this woman and her two daughters come running into the store all red-faced and out of breath. When the woman realized they missed it she turned to me and said they'd been standing in line at the entrance for hours just to do this. Then she asked me if the reason we made it in there before them was if we had an early breakfast reservation. I have to tell you that really put a damper on the whole thing. At first I felt really bad but then I got irritated. It's not my fault I got an early ADR (and paid for 3 meals) and was in a position to get to the store faster.

So, with BOG & SDMT - I am going to breakfast and will be paying for my food. I don't expect to ride SDMT before the park opens but if I am in a position to get in line before the RD masses do I should be able to. I shouldn't be held back and made to get at the end of the line.

I hate it when a few bad apples spoil the entire basket.

 

[3Gsandme]

I agree, I think abuse is a strong word. Disney could take care of this if they wanted to (like someone mentioned, make all pre-park-opening ADRs full payment required or something like that)

And, I think if it gets to be too big of a problem, this is probably what Disney will do. People on this board like to say "If Disney minded, they'd do something about it." We saw that bear out with the RFID mugs. If it's a real concern, beyond the dis board , Disney will find a way to put the kibosh on it.

I think reserving something you have no intention on using to get an advantage or perk is unfair, especially for something that is in demand (BOG breakfast) or limited quantity (FW camp sites).

 

[Baklava]

How is it abuse to get a pre-park ADR and not use it and pay the cancellation fees? Any more than missing any ADR and getting hit with fees?

From Disney's standpoint it's problematic because it costs them money they can't recoup off another guest. If I blow off my 11:00 ADR, they get my $10 plus $20 from a guest who walks in and takes my table. If I blow off my pre-park ADR, they get my $10... and that's it. Nobody can walk up and claim my table because without the ADR they can't get in. I'm paying less than they anticipated and they can't make it up.

 

[Mome Rath]

I think this is going to my plan as well for now. In fact, I may just plan on heading to PP no matter what. I really want to see the new queue and I don't want to wait for it once the lines get too long during the day. I have a FP for 7DMT later in the day anyway.

Of course, this is what I tell myself now. I'm bound to change my mind about a thousand times within the month.

As stated upthread, you should be fine doing this if you want too. PP was a walk on for a good little while at RD because of dwarves and A&E. Wait and see if they are letting people on Dwarves, if not, PP is a good backup.

 

[linbein]

This whole thread makes me sad.....seeing the worst in some people, how selfish some have become. Disney can truly be a magical place, but so many people are ruining it for others. The only reason I shoot for a pre-park ADR is so that I can get a few pics in front of the castle without the sea of people behind us. I make FP's for the rides and meets and are a "must" for my family. People that make reservations just to get to a ride and don't actually eat there? That thought would never even have crossed my mind!! That just seems absurd to me! I have seen too many times my last few visits, how some people are just all out for the fun of THEIR family with no concern for others, and I think that's just horrible. I've had people push us out of the way for a parade spot, I've had people let their children shove their way in front of mine to take a picture or play with something interactive. It's just sad. The magic of Disney happens on its own, we do not need to go out of our way to FORCE it to happen. Everyone's children deserve to have a magical vacation, whether that means just a breakfast with a princess, meeting their favorite character, or experiencing Main Street without all the people. They paid just as much as you.

As far as the OP, you absolutely should not have been forced to wait for the entire RD crowd. That's not fair at all. You got up early and paid money for a breakfast, you were there probably as early or if not earlier than some of the people waiting for RD. They should allow you to just mix in with the RD crowd. We had a pre-park ADR at TH last year, and were finished eating right before open. We walked right to the safari, and were 2nd in line for the ride. I see no issue with that whatsoever.

 

[22Tink]

This whole thread makes me sad.....seeing the worst in some people, how selfish some have become. Disney can truly be a magical place, but so many people are ruining it for others. The only reason I shoot for a pre-park ADR is so that I can get a few pics in front of the castle without the sea of people behind us. I make FP's for the rides and meets and are a "must" for my family. People that make reservations just to get to a ride and don't actually eat there? That thought would never even have crossed my mind!! That just seems absurd to me! I have seen too many times my last few visits, how some people are just all out for the fun of THEIR family with no concern for others, and I think that's just horrible. I've had people push us out of the way for a parade spot, I've had people let their children shove their way in front of mine to take a picture or play with something interactive. It's just sad. The magic of Disney happens on its own, we do not need to go out of our way to FORCE it to happen. Everyone's children deserve to have a magical vacation, whether that means just a breakfast with a princess, meeting their favorite character, or experiencing Main Street without all the people. They paid just as much as you.

As far as the OP, you absolutely should not have been forced to wait for the entire RD crowd. That's not fair at all. You got up early and paid money for a breakfast, you were there probably as early or if not earlier than some of the people waiting for RD. They should allow you to just mix in with the RD crowd. We had a pre-park ADR at TH last year, and were finished eating right before open. We walked right to the safari, and were 2nd in line for the ride. I see no issue with that whatsoever.

It is sad, isn't it? The happiest place on earth sure seems to bring out the worst in some people.

 

[ArwenMarie]

And, I think if it gets to be too big of a problem, this is probably what Disney will do. People on this board like to say "If Disney minded, they'd do something about it." We saw that bear out with the RFID mugs. If it's a real concern, beyond the dis board , Disney will find a way to put the kibosh on it.

I think reserving something you have no intention on using to get an advantage or perk is unfair, especially for something that is in demand (BOG breakfast) or limited quantity (FW camp sites).

They do change things when they want to!

Yeah, I'm not sure on the unfair part since that is the way the system is set up but I see your point. I'm often on the frustrating end of things especially when looking for ADRs because we rarely (never?) book at 180 days.

 

[ArwenMarie]

From Disney's standpoint it's problematic because it costs them money they can't recoup off another guest. If I blow off my 11:00 ADR, they get my $10 plus $20 from a guest who walks in and takes my table. If I blow off my pre-park ADR, they get my $10... and that's it. Nobody can walk up and claim my table because without the ADR they can't get in. I'm paying less than they anticipated and they can't make it up.

Oh I agree from Disney's POV. I guess I was just thinking what is the difference between booking a pre-park-opening ADR that you don't have any intention of using versus missing an ADR. In both cases, you will get dinged with the penalty fee, which is why they instituted it.

 

[3Gsandme]

It is sad, isn't it? The happiest place on earth sure seems to bring out the worst in some people.

I don't think it's the worst in people. I don't think booking a reservation you have no intention on using makes you a bad person. It might make you rude. Or annoying, especially if it's blocking people who actually want to USE that spot (for breakfast or camping or whatever). Right now, making and not using an ADR isn't against any real policy. It's against the spirit of the whole thing, but you're not violating any rules to do it. If it becomes bothersome (meaning lots of false bookings) Disney will shut it down. They'll make it a set price (which BOG breakfast pretty much is. 19.99 for gown-ups, 11.99 for kids) and make you pay in full, in advance like CRT. You'll still be free to make, and skip, you reservation, but it will cost you a lot more to do it and it will give some people (but certainly not all) pause.

 

[Baklava]

Oh I agree from Disney's POV. I guess I was just thinking what is the difference between booking a pre-park-opening ADR that you don't have any intention of using versus missing an ADR. In both cases, you will get dinged with the penalty fee, which is why they instituted it.

It's the difference between shoving someone and accidentally bumping into them. Deliberately taking up a limited resource you have no intention of using is pretty crummy.

 

[ArwenMarie]

It's the difference between shoving someone and accidentally bumping into them. Deliberately taking up a limited resource you have no intention of using is pretty crummy.

I guess in the end I think it's up to WDW to close these things if they are affecting other guests too much.

 

[22Tink]

I don't think it's the worst in people. I don't think booking a reservation you have no intention on using makes you a bad person. It might make you rude. Or annoying, especially if it's blocking people who actually want to USE that spot (for breakfast or camping or whatever). Right now, making and not using an ADR isn't against any real policy. It's against the spirit of the whole thing, but you're not violating any rules to do it. If it becomes bothersome (meaning lots of false bookings) Disney will shut it down. They'll make it a set price (which BOG breakfast pretty much is. 19.99 for gown-ups, 11.99 for kids) and make you pay in full, in advance like CRT. You'll still be free to make, and skip, you reservation, but it will cost you a lot more to do it and it will give some people (but certainly not all) pause.

Perhaps not 'the worst' which is a term I'm using loosely, not literally, but it is extremely rude. We all know how hard it is to get those ADRs, and to book them with no plan to use them, although not against the rules, is still very inconsiderate.

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

From Disney's standpoint it's problematic because it costs them money they can't recoup off another guest. If I blow off my 11:00 ADR, they get my $10 plus $20 from a guest who walks in and takes my table. If I blow off my pre-park ADR, they get my $10... and that's it. Nobody can walk up and claim my table because without the ADR they can't get in. I'm paying less than they anticipated and they can't make it up.

If Disney saw enough of this happening, they would just start to overbook.

 

[GaryDis]

you're not violating any rules to do it

I think that when you say that, it's very close to the truck drivers who consider parking tickets as simply the cost of doing business, nothing wrong about it as long as they pay up promptly.

Not everyone agrees. Personally, I believe that when you make a reservation, there should be a good faith intent to use it. The cancellation fee isn't intended to be sign of approval for deliberately making a reservation with no intent to use it. It's not "abuse is ok as long as you pay." It's "this a reasonable way to discourage abuse while not coming down terribly hard on people forced to cancel through no fault of their own."