Could not believe we were asked to leave table

[marylouwho]

We just got back from WDW on Monday. Had a bad experience at the Mexican CS place near Pirates of the Carb. in the MK.

The place was packed, but we were happy to find a table. I wasn't feeling well (combination of the heat, being very hungry, and just getting off of Space Mountain), so my husband was going to order while I held the table. A nearby worker was very helpful, telling us what was on the menu and what was her favorite on the menu. But after she finished, she told us that we would have to leave the table if we didn't have our food yet. She said that we would be sure to be able to find a table when we had our food.

I was floored! At least half of the tables had family members reserving tables while others were in line ordering food. We are not the type of people to fight, especially in our magical place. After that, my husband just wanted to leave the park and go to the hotel. I didn't think I could hold out for lunch that long, and got him to agree to eating at the Poly CS.

Has anyone else encountered this rule? I agree, if everyone followed this rule, there would be enough tables for the people who were actually eating. But, being asked to leave our table was the most un-magical experience I've ever had in WDW.

Any comments?

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

That rule is supposed to be only during extreme busy times (Easter and Xmas) and only at certain locations. Looks like you had a misinformed CM.

 

[sheila <3 WDW]

We were at Pecos Bill's last week. I told DH to grab a table with DD while I ordered. A CM overheard me and said no one was allowed into the dining room unless they had their food. I didn't question it, we had no problems finding a table.

 

[marylouwho]

It would be a great rule, if they strictly enforced it. But at least 1/2 of the tables were being reserved. This was Saturday, and it was busy. I guess I just felt very singled out.

 

[dntd]

So how is a family supposed to eat? I can't juggle kids, a tray and finding a seat at the same time, much easier to find a table and allow the older kids to save it.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I think it's a fair rule that should be enforced more frequently. Doesn't sound like they were doing it right, so that's a shame.

 

[dntd]

You try pushing a wheel chair and holding a tray while keeping the gang together, lots of fun...

 

[princessdawn2011]

That sounds like it could be a good rule except, one does NOT NEED to purchase their food from the park. You can bring your own or what if you need to sit down, just plain sit. I might not choose that as a resting spot, but that's ridiculous!

 

[marylouwho]

Maybe they only enforce it if they hear your intentions to reserve a table?

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

You try pushing a wheel chair and holding a tray while keeping the gang together, lots of fun...

Oh I have, and I still think the rule is fair. Perhaps this could be the only exception, but most table reservers are completely mobile families.

The flipside of the equation is if you happen to be in a park alone. You have your heavy tray in your arms but you can't find anywhere to sit because a bunch of people without any food are hogging all the tables in Cosmic Rays or Columbia Harbour House. Unfortunately, nothing is fair for everyone.

 

[catne]

That sounds like it could be a good rule except, one does NOT NEED to purchase their food from the park. You can bring your own or what if you need to sit down, just plain sit. I might not choose that as a resting spot, but that's ridiculous!

while you can bring your own food...don't think you'd be allowed to use a table in a counter service location for your picnic from home, or even just to take a break unless it was a very unbusy day or way off normal meal times.

We have been in Sunshine Seasons when they have told people they must have food to use the tables (and they also very politely told the family where they could find outside seating to take a break.

 

[sheila <3 WDW]

You try pushing a wheel chair and holding a tray while keeping the gang together, lots of fun...


Oh, I did see at least one CM helping carry trays to the dining room for people who had multiple trays. I thought that was excellent of them. We just had 3 people and many times had difficulty getting everything on one tray.

 

[tiggergirlinMI]

Hmmm, I have heard of them doing that but I'm not sure how you can do that "fairly"...If someone has asked me to leave? Um yea...I would have gladly pointed out all the other people sitting around with no food and said if they move, I will move....I appreciate people who take their kids to the table and only have one or two of their family in the line. Hard to keep most kids from running around others in line and order at the same time. On the flip side, I go solo many times and it is frustrating to see people sitting at tables with no food for 10-15 minutes and I am standing eating off the tray.I could have eaten there in that short time. But if I can't find a seat, I will go outside and sit along a wall and eat if it's nice out. I have been amazed though how many people have offered me a seat at their table or shared half their table with me...it's times like that I remember that some people are good hearted.

 

[disneyquestions]

Thats just dumb. Obviously, if your going to eat there, your going to need a table. So what if you have one before you get your food - who doesn't do that?? You go to your local mall food court, and you'll see it all over the place.

 

[chartle]

Thats just dumb. Obviously, if your going to eat there, your going to need a table. So what if you have one before you get your food - who doesn't do that?? You go to your local mall food court, and you'll see it all over the place.

The issue is that you are using the table twice as long as you need it. If everyone did this and it took 20 minutes to get your food and 20 minutes to eat. To service x number of people you need twice as many tables.

Its a numbers thing just think about it.

 

[Happy 2 B Me]

What, the CM has to tell you to move. Sounds like you were very polite listening to her likes and dislikes at this CS. Had you have been a bit rude and gone to order you might have been back before she gave the command to give up table. I find it funny that having a tray with orders is more important then the next customer in line, which might be you. I am sure with that Florida heat and being told I had to move while family was getting meals -- I might just have an emergency. I do not think people should bring their own lunch in then take up tables meant for customers, but then again what if they buy a drink there? The cast member that thought this "Rule" up had way to much time on their hands. No flames just my thoughts -- on this matter. I have seen people looking for tables with full trays, with kids in tow so I ask them to sit with us ( 9 times out of 10 we are close to finishing anyway). Any way I am just going to shake my head and wonder.

 

[Pumbaa_]

closing this one down folks. Disney does this when crowds are at peak tohelp those with food have a table while their food is still warm

Like it, don't like it, there is always TS