California Grille:Credit Card to Guarantee Reservation?

[jerseygal]

Just made ADR at California Grille for Aug on Deluxe DP...

Surprised that there is a credit card with a 24 hr cancellation provision required to hold reserv....$20 per person cancellation penalty within 24 hr window???

Has California Grille always had this "credit card guarantee" to cut down on missed reservations or is this something new?

Thx.

 

[patsal]

I know it has been in place for at least two years, as I've had to use my CC to reserve both times.

 

[TDC Nala]

If I recall correctly, they began taking the credit card guarantee in '05.

The reasoning was this: Prior to 2004, the California Grill was open to the public. You could just get on the elevator and ride up there. You did not need a reservation, or even intentions to eat at the restaurant.

What happened was this: An unruly sea of humanity showed up in the restaurant every night at fireworks time. Eventually, the CG closed to the general public. You needed a reservation or clearance from the 2nd floor CG desk to be escorted up to the restaurant in its own special elevator.

What happened then was this: Some people made reservations around time for the fireworks, were escorted up to the restaurant, watched the fireworks on the observation platform, and left without eating. Since 2005, the credit card guarantee has been in place to ensure that persons making a reservation actually stay in the restaurant.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Does anyone know where I could find a list of the restaurants that you need to leave a credit card for the reservation? I'm making my ADRs on Monday (YEAH -- ONLY 2 DAYS AWAY!) and I know you need to pay for Cinderella's Castle on a credit card, but I'm not sure where else this is required. Also, since I'm on the dining plan, how will this work? Will I be reimbursed when I show up? Since they charge immediately upon reservation I'm not sure where this leaves me? Thanks.

 

[TDC Nala]

There's some way they work it with the dining plan. Someone else will have to let you know what that is.

The following take payment in full automatically upon booking: CRT, Hoop de Doo, Spirit of Aloha, Mickey's Backyard BBQ. Also, special events (such as the upcoming Easter Brunch at Epcot, or the Food & Wine Festival events).

The following dining reservations require a credit card guarantee to hold the reservation. If you don't cancel within the required time, and you don't appear for the reservation, you'll be charged a no-show fee: California Grill, Akershus, Victoria & Albert's, Fantasmic Dining Experience. You have to put a card down for the guarantee whether you are on the dining plan or not.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

TDC Nala:

Thanks so much for the info. I was starting to worry that I'd have to pay for 3 or 4 reservations when I call on Monday! Glad to see it will only be 1 that needs to be paid in full.