Changes to Dining Including Several DVC Locations

[auntsue]

Thanks for the heads-up. I very, very rarely go on the restaurant board, but when we eat TS onsite, it is primarily at Signature restaurants. We already have all of our ressies for this Dec, Jan, & Feb, so we're okay there. We're pretty good at planning so we haven't had the need to make double ADRs but I think there are occasions when sometimes the unexpected happens and the ressie needs to be canceled last minute. I wouldn't have that big of a problem with the 180 day rule IF they always had the park and EMH hours available at the same time. I do not think you should have to make ADRs before you know the hours. I have had to change mine many times after the hours were released, and even then, they still change them.

 

[CarolMN]

I shared this info because several of the restaurants are located in DVC resorts.

I don't want the Mods to close it and they are being generous in allowing us to discuss this since it a Dining change.

There are a couple of threads on other forums such as Theme Parks, etc. if you feel inclined to heatedly debate the wisdom of this decision.

Thanks everyone.

It is for reservations made after the date, not reservations already made is my understanding.

What Sammie said - this isn't a DVC subject.

 

[supersuperwendy]

This makes me a little nervous. Traveling with a toddler ugh...who knows if at 4:30 she has a major meltdown and we feel we should skip Chef Mickey's where we have a 5:45 ADR? Great...$60 down the drain if we cancel.

So I guess we go anyway so not to lose the money? I hope the table next to us doesn't mind if she cries the whole time.

I'm glad this will limit all of the unused ADRs people make with barely any intention of using it. But...this could be costly for parents of young children.

To relate this back to being a DVC issue...This may make me more inclined to cook in my villa rather than guess 6 months in advance what kind of mood my baby will be in for dinner. I think I'll take another look at the crock pot thread. I love my DVC kitchen!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

But...this could be costly for parents of young children.

It can be costly for everyone, let's see if they enforce the fee after they get the irrational rantings from irate people. I for one, make very few ADR's for the simple reason that I don't like being tied down to a schedule while on vacation but I have on occasion called from my cell and cancelled ADR's, but having to give it 24 hour notice won't work for me.

I do love to cook in my villa kitchen, yes even on vacation. I've used the grills at OKW countless times, and if it's a week stay for our family reunion I bring the "crock pot". We also eat off-site, we don't have to be at the parks 24/7, it's actually good to get away sometimes. Thankfully we're done with the character buffets, and over the years we've eaten at most of the Disney restaurants 15 times over, so I'm real close to not have to deal with ADR's at all! It's quite liberating!

Charging people on the DDP for not showing up, and to boot, they've already pre-paid for their meal, should go over well! Stay tuned Disney fans!

 

[Chuck S]

It is a shame that the Disney Dining computer system simply wouldn't just refuse to make multiple reservations, within say 3 hours, of the dining time another reservation. But, people would probably use different names when calling or different screen names when booking via the website.

Unfortunately, people will work the system unless there is a financial risk.

Usually for a 10 day stay I make 5 ADRs and the rest of the time just go with the flow. If we can get in, fine, if not, fine. There are plenty of options, including cooking in the villas or offsite. That is one reason I never purchase any of the DDPs.

 

[Brian Noble]

then use their website to "auction" them off to families they considered "deserving,"

I don't think the Angels ever took money. They were just helping people out, in a way that not everyone thought was kosher. Scopa has a history of it here:

http://www.mouseplanet.com/mike/ms040604.htm

(That is part 3. Parts 1 and 2 are linked from there.)

This makes me a little nervous.

I would be very surprised if Disney did not waive the penalty for nearly anyone with a reasonable explanation.

 

[lugnut33]

It can be costly for everyone, let's see if they enforce the fee after they get the irrational rantings from irate people. I for one, make very few ADR's for the simple reason that I don't like being tied down to a schedule while on vacation but I have on occasion called from my cell and cancelled ADR's, but having to give it 24 hour notice won't work for me.

I do love to cook in my villa kitchen, yes even on vacation. I've used the grills at OKW countless times, and if it's a week stay for our family reunion I bring the "crock pot". We also eat off-site, we don't have to be at the parks 24/7, it's actually good to get away sometimes. Thankfully we're done with the character buffets, and over the years we've eaten at most of the Disney restaurants 15 times over, so I'm real close to not have to deal with ADR's at all! It's quite liberating!

Charging people on the DDP for not showing up, and to boot, they've already pre-paid for their meal, should go over well! Stay tuned Disney fans!

Preach on brother/sister

 

[sarahk0204]

It is a shame that the Disney Dining computer system simply wouldn't just refuse to make multiple reservations, within say 3 hours, of the dining time another reservation. But, people would probably use different names when calling or different screen names when booking via the website.

This must be what people do now, as I thought that the online system was changed recently so that you could not make multiple ADR's for the same time.

As for us, we have never made multiple ADR's for a time frame. We're done DDP with minimal cooking and no DDP with more cooking. We are even going to try the crock pot in a studio for the Christmas trip.

 

[castleri]

This must be what people do now, as I thought that the online system was changed recently so that you could not make multiple ADR's for the same time.

You are correct - there are people on the restaurant board admitting to making 3 or 4 reservations for each day so they can decide when the time actually comes. The only way would be to give different phone numbers, reservation numbers, names etc. I tried to make two reservations - one for 4 of the group and the other for the other 2 and could not do it using the same phone number. I finally called and made them by phone which was allowed when I explained that the group was splitting up for that meal at two different restaurants.

 

[Sammie]

The system does block double bookings within an hour of each other if you use the same name or phone number.

But as said people will find a way around that.

However the new system is getting more advance in preventing that.

Mods: since this is a Dining change and hopefully most that are regulars on the DVC forums have seen it by now, if you wish to close it, please do.

There is an indepth discussion of the policy on the Restaurant forum.

 

[twinklebug]

Mods: since this is a Dining change and hopefully most that are regulars on the DVC forums have seen it by now, if you wish to close it, please do.

There is an indepth discussion of the policy on the Restaurant forum.

Link to referenced discussion: All Disney signature and character dining to start taking credit card guarantee 10/26

 

[dianeschlicht]

When we first became DVC members over 14 years ago, we NEVER made a dining reservation more than 24 hours ahead. T his 180 days out thing is ridiculous. I have no idea what park I want to be in that far ahead, and I certainly don't know where and what I want to eat that far ahead!

We have never made an ADR we haven't kept, and I see no reason for anyone to cancel without a good reason. Making 3-4 and then choosing which one the day of is very inconsiderate.

Lately, we make maybe 2 ADRs per trip (usually Jiko and Artist Point), and then just show up and take our chances for everything else. We have had no trouble getting into most places we have wanted with the exception of the English Pub. Add to that the fact that Disney food has lost more than a little of it's charm (read that as a lot), and I don't much care if I get into most places or not. We find we are doing more cooking in the villa, and also going off-site more for cheaper and better food.

 

[leanne2255]

Maybe now I can get a ressie for LeCellier without having to call 180 days out.

 

[rentayenta]

I have no issue with this new policy. Be gone multiple-ADRs-at-the-same-time peeps.

 

[Kidanifan08]

We make about 1 ADR per day for our trips to Disney. We have made more than 1 at the same time on the same day on rare occasions. The only time we ever do this is when we are traveling with indecisive friends or families. We always cancel the un-needed at least a day, and usually much longer than that, before the actual ADR. Unfortunately, with "free" DDP and the 180 day rule, we need to get our foot in the door at the restaurants that we really enjoy visiting far in advance of our ability to plan our week. Sheesh . . . now I feel like I need to be part of a 12-step program . . . forgive me father, for I have sinned.

 

[hakepb]

Sometimes, by the time I make reservations, there is very little available. Then I keep calling, hoping to get a better time. I remember during my last trip getting a better CM reservation (different day), then I called back to cancel my other CM reservation, and the CM excitedly said "Wow! You're going to make someone's day!"

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

The system let's you make multiple reservations for the same time under the same name?

.

Yes it has in the past..

But even if it didn't

reservation one in mom's name with her email address
reservation two in dad's name with his email address
reservation three in son's name with his email address....


Heck I have three email address I could use....and make up a name...

and on and on and on....


Do you really think these people will remember to call and cancel all of them? Do you really think the cast member is going to believe the "SOB" story when the person then goes "oh and can you cancel these two also" ?

I figure starting in December or so we will see the "outraged" post "I GOT HOME AND HAD $200 FOR NO SHOW ON MY CREDIT CARD"

 

[dianeschlicht]

Yes it has in the past..

But even if it didn't

reservation one in mom's name with her email address
reservation two in dad's name with his email address
reservation three in son's name with his email address....


Heck I have three email address I could use....and make up a name...

and on and on and on....


Do you really think these people will remember to call and cancel all of them? Do you really think the cast member is going to believe the "SOB" story when the person then goes "oh and can you cancel these two also" ?

I figure starting in December or so we will see the "outraged" post "I GOT HOME AND HAD $200 FOR NO SHOW ON MY CREDIT CARD"

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I don't think the Angels ever took money. They were just helping people out, in a way that not everyone thought was kosher. Scopa has a history of it here:

http://www.mouseplanet.com/mike/ms040604.htm

(That is part 3. Parts 1 and 2 are linked from there.)


I would be very surprised if Disney did not waive the penalty for nearly anyone with a reasonable explanation.

Money did change hands. That was one of the deals. They "booked" and 'sold'

Mike's article really only goes into detail on thier foolish view that the FBI was going to prosecute ANYONE who said ANYTHING negative about them. (Paranoia anyone?!

 

[twinklebug]

After some time thinking about this I'm changing my opinion on how much this will really help. I'm certain that contrary to popular belief, the fees being implemented are not to help us book ARDs. It's all about a quick and easy buck in Disney's pocket. Abusers will still be abusers, but now they'll have some whine to go with that cheese when they're whacked for missing an ADR. They'll adapt and just get a little more organized so it won't happen again.

Disney's reservation system has always been one of good faith that the guest party will show up for the planned meal. There really is no other way to ensure a party will not book multiple locations for the same meal other than charging for the full price of the meal up front like they do for the shows.

A question I have is "Has Disney ever been harmed by no-shows?" I believe the answer is: Maybe, if only slightly. It seems when we go out to eat at a TS location that there are always plenty of walk ups ready to take the place of no shows at any given time. Only a CM could tell us what percentage of the seats remain open.