Dining & DVC

[jns]

I think all paying guest should still get the 90 day +10 day window but the guest who get the free dining a shorter window say excample 80day+10
just an idea

 

[VG9493]

I also tried to make my dinning resi"s formy upcoming August trip. To say it was a disaster is putting it mildly. I couldnt get Le Cellier for the entire trip, lunch or diner. Chef Mickey's I had to settle for a date and a time. Very dissapointed in the whole free dinning that is basically freezing us out of reservations.

 

[Chuck S]

I think all paying guest should still get the 90 day +10 day window but the guest who get the free dining a shorter window say excample 80day+10
just an idea

The problem with that scenario is that it would only be an advantage for those not on free dining only during the first 10 free dining is offerred.

For instance:

1) John has a non-free dining reservation starting August 16, so he calls 90 days out and makes the 90+10 ADRs with no problems.

2) Bill has a free DDP stay also beginning August 16, so he calls 80 days out and books 80+10.

3) James has a DVC reservation beginning August 26, so he calls 90 days out, but he is still competing with all the free diners, like Bill, who arrive on August 16, so is still unable to get his desired reservations.

 

[dvcdisney]

I doubt very seriously that Disney will ever give DVC Members the ability to book ADRs before all their other onsite guests. Disney needs those cash guests. And wouldn't you feel slighted if you were a cash guest and found out that DVC Members could book earlier, considering what a cash Disney room costs? What they could do, and I don't see it happening either, but they could give Deluxe and DVC guests a 100+10 day window, moderate guests a 95+10 day window and value guests the 90+10 with offsite having a firm 90. But Disney has always been careful not to distinguish between the classes of resort guests as far as treatment in the parks and access to dining. The difference has always been in the amenities offered at the specific resort. It just isn't "Disney-like" to discriminate further. And imagine the computer problems they may have if they implemented tiered dates based on your resort reservation. Disney has such a massive computer system, any "upgrade" in one program can cause programs for other programs that interact with the same data files.

I understand what you are saying. However, I wouldn't consider it a TIER. I would consider it a PERK, just like any other DVC discount. I don't think cash guest would consider it unfair. It's part of being a DVC member. I don't think non-members would (or should) be upset that we get $100 off of APs or 20% off of some restaurants. It's the perk of being a member and if they want the perk then they need to purchase into DVC.

As I have mentioned in my other posts, I don't think it would cost DVC financially to give us a Perk allowing us to call 180 days +10 for dining. I don't believe every member will take advantage of it, just like I don't take advantage of all perks, but it would be a great option. If members don't want to plan their dining that far in advance, then that's fine. But there are some of us, who do and would appreciate this PERK.

If is was so important for Disney to make no class distinctions, then all the resorts (although with different themes) would be the same price and with equal amenities. But that's not the case. It would be awful. What type would Disney choose? Values? Yes people would be able to afford it, but some would not like to stay there. Deluxe? They would be great resorts, but Disney would be pricing them above many people's means and so a lot of people would not be able to afford it. Moderates? Would have problems as well since some wouldn't be able to afford it while others may want something a little more.

As DVC members we already have advantages over non-members. We are given certain PERKS. I just wish 180 days+10 ADRs would also be included. I understand that this may not be such a problem during low season, but during the free dining period, it is essential.

 

[Steamboat Girlie]

I did read that yesterday there were some computer glitches on the dining system. Many folks called back late yesterday afternoon and could then book the places they could not get into. OP, try again.

I agree with Doc, I too call the dining number at 7:00AM. I was luck enough to call for a split stay Aug. 13 and changing on Aug. 16 and was allowed to make ALL of my ADRs to include the week of Aug. 16. I'm glad I did. We are staying at the BCV during Aug. 16th and knew if we wanted to eat TS, I had to call and get ADRs. I did manage LeCellier for lunch, but my others were not hard to get places (50s PT and Cape May for a party of 9). We are not on the DDP that trip.

I called today to make my ADR's for my trip (Aug.23-Sept.6), but because I am changing resorts, they would only let me make them for the first leg of the trip. I hung up and called back again, and asked another CM if they could "link" the reservations so I could take advantage of the 90+10 rule, but no luck! Now I have to call again on Sat. You can be sure that what I want won't be available. I could barely get what I wanted today. Free Dining definitely hurts DVCers! No doubt about it!

 

[Chuck S]

I understand what you are saying. However, I wouldn't consider it a TIER. I would consider it a PERK, just like any other DVC discount. I don't think cash guest would consider it unfair. It's part of being a DVC member. I don't think non-members would (or should) be upset that we get $100 off of APs or 20% off of some restaurants. It's the perk of being a member and if they want the perk then they need to purchase into DVC.

As I have mentioned in my other posts, I don't think it would cost DVC financially to give us a Perk allowing us to call 180 days +10 for dining. I don't believe every member will take advantage of it, just like I don't take advantage of all perks, but it would be a great option. If members don't want to plan their dining that far in advance, then that's fine. But there are some of us, who do and would appreciate this PERK.

If is was so important for Disney to make no class distinctions, then all the resorts (although with different themes) would be the same price and with equal amenities. But that's not the case. It would be awful. What type would Disney choose? Values? Yes people would be able to afford it, but some would not like to stay there. Deluxe? They would be great resorts, but Disney would be pricing them above many people's means and so a lot of people would not be able to afford it. Moderates? Would have problems as well since some wouldn't be able to afford it while others may want something a little more.

As DVC members we already have advantages over non-members. We are given certain PERKS. I just wish 180 days+10 ADRs would also be included. I understand that this may not be such a problem during low season, but during the free dining period, it is essential.

Discounts are quite different than booking perks. I can tell you, I'd be pretty upset if I were paying $400-$500 per night for a tower room at the Contemporary, but was blocked out of my dining times because 6 onsite resorts full of DVC Members were able to book the restaurants earlier.

And the advantage to Disney Restaurants would certainly be negligible, if there were any benefit to them at all.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

The last time I made ADR's was when it was 180 days out. I understand that it's changed to 90 days now, but I don't understand the "90 + 10" rule. Does this mean you call 90 days before check-in and can make up to 10 days of ressies? Just need clarification.

 

[Chuck S]

The last time I made ADR's was when it was 180 days out. I understand that it's changed to 90 days now, but I don't understand the "90 + 10" rule. Does this mean you call 90 days before check-in and can make up to 10 days of ressies? Just need clarification.

Yes, that is exactly what 90+10 is.

 

[DisneyWalker44]

I understand what you are saying. However, I wouldn't consider it a TIER. I would consider it a PERK, just like any other DVC discount. I don't think cash guest would consider it unfair. It's part of being a DVC member. I don't think non-members would (or should) be upset that we get $100 off of APs or 20% off of some restaurants. It's the perk of being a member and if they want the perk then they need to purchase into DVC.

They don't get upset if we get 100% off an AP because it doesn't affect them. If we get to jump ahead of them in the ADR line, that will affect them, and you can be sure they will think it unfair.

n If members don't want to plan their dining that far in advance, then that's fine.

But if they give people the option of 180+10, it forces everyone to book 180+10.

 

[Tara]

I understand what you are saying. However, I wouldn't consider it a TIER. I would consider it a PERK, just like any other DVC discount. I don't think cash guest would consider it unfair. It's part of being a DVC member. I don't think non-members would (or should) be upset that we get $100 off of APs or 20% off of some restaurants. It's the perk of being a member and if they want the perk then they need to purchase into DVC.

As I have mentioned in my other posts, I don't think it would cost DVC financially to give us a Perk allowing us to call 180 days +10 for dining. I don't believe every member will take advantage of it, just like I don't take advantage of all perks, but it would be a great option. If members don't want to plan their dining that far in advance, then that's fine. But there are some of us, who do and would appreciate this PERK.

If is was so important for Disney to make no class distinctions, then all the resorts (although with different themes) would be the same price and with equal amenities. But that's not the case. It would be awful. What type would Disney choose? Values? Yes people would be able to afford it, but some would not like to stay there. Deluxe? They would be great resorts, but Disney would be pricing them above many people's means and so a lot of people would not be able to afford it. Moderates? Would have problems as well since some wouldn't be able to afford it while others may want something a little more.

As DVC members we already have advantages over non-members. We are given certain PERKS. I just wish 180 days+10 ADRs would also be included. I understand that this may not be such a problem during low season, but during the free dining period, it is essential.

I think a cash guest WOULD consider it unfair because it directly impacts them.

Of course Disney makes distinctions based on what you pay. But they work very hard to keep those distinctions visible ONLY at the resort. If you are a GF Royal Palm concierge guest or a Pop guest, that doesn't matter outside your resort. You have the same access to everything. You know, when I was booking my honeymoon 11 years ago, I remember Disney had a key system to designate the levels its resorts fell into. Deluxe resorts like GF and Beach Club were 5 keys. Moderates were 3 keys. DVC resorts (only OKW and BWV at the time) were 4 keys. They've done away with this, but I do think the feeling that cash deluxe resorts trumps DVC resorts still exists, and it probably rightly should given the level of service (daily housekeeping, for instance).

Disney knows DVC members are in for life so there is no incentive to give them additional perks, particularly perks that impact other non-DVC guests. I think it's safe to assume that if Disney *did* want to give earlier dining access to groups, DVC would probably fall a bit lower in the priority list. Right now Disney really needs to bring in revenue, so those free dining guests who are paying big bucks for their rooms are highly prized. You never know - they could offer priority to free dining customers...because let's face it, they need to show good revenue. So be careful what you wish for...

 

[lugnut33]

Learn to eat off-property, it makes it so much easier.

 

[Elise79]

What is the code for calling WDW-DINE outside the US
and thanks never knew that they openned at 7am

we are at our 90 day window on Tue

You need to dial 001 407 939 3463 and good luck

 

[edisneydreaming]

You should also try calling at the 45 day mark - that is when people have to finalize their reservations (pay the final payment) and some people cancel. Good Luck!

 

[gkrykewy]

I called today to make my ADR's for my trip (Aug.23-Sept.6), but because I am changing resorts, they would only let me make them for the first leg of the trip. I hung up and called back again, and asked another CM if they could "link" the reservations so I could take advantage of the 90+10 rule, but no luck! Now I have to call again on Sat. You can be sure that what I want won't be available. I could barely get what I wanted today. Free Dining definitely hurts DVCers! No doubt about it!

When I called last week for our 10-night split stay, the CM didn't *think* it would let me book for the entire stay, but she kept trying night by night "just in case", and the system let her make reservations for me for all 10 days (to her surprise). This was 90 days out from the first check-in day. Just FYI.

 

[dvcdisney]

Discounts are quite different than booking perks. I can tell you, I'd be pretty upset if I were paying $400-$500 per night for a tower room at the Contemporary, but was blocked out of my dining times because 6 onsite resorts full of DVC Members were able to book the restaurants earlier.

And the advantage to Disney Restaurants would certainly be negligible, if there were any benefit to them at all.

But wouldn't you be just as upset if you were paying $150 per night for a Value room?

I suppose my point is that it doesn't matter how much you pay. If they are not members, they will not get the perk of booking at 180 days +10. And I would think it's futile to be upset about something to which they are not entitled. Isn't that just life?

Most memberships offer benefits. If I want those benefits, I need to purchase into the membership.

For instance, if I wanted to get the TiW, I would need to be an Annual Pass Member (or Florida Resident AP member). I can be as upset as I want, but if I am not a member, I don't get the benefit of purchasing the TiW. This is in regards to everything. If you don't join a certain club or membership or association, you do not get the benefits or Perks of being in that membership.

Similarly, it's quite understandable if you, a DVC member is able to get free valet parking and a non-member cannot. Is the non-member going to be upset, well maybe, but if they have any sense they would realize and understand that it's only offered to members and if they want it, they need to be a member.

Everyone has a choice. And generally, Disney is not in the business of preventing anyone from becoming DVC members.

Essentially - you want the perk, you join the membership.

 

[dvcdisney]

They don't get upset if we get 100% off an AP because it doesn't affect them. If we get to jump ahead of them in the ADR line, that will affect them, and you can be sure they will think it unfair.

But if they give people the option of 180+10, it forces everyone to book 180+10.

But, it does affect those who have APs and pay full price for them because they are not DVC members. I don't think they would be upset because they know that it's a benefit for the membership. And if they do not have the membership, they don't get the discount.

And, with the second statement, everyone used to get the 180+10 days, and not everyone was calling at that time. I don't think it would force anyone if they don't already do it.

JMO

 

[Chuck S]

And I would think it's futile to be upset about something to which they are not entitled. Isn't that just life?

You mean, like the lack of free dining and extended ADR time frames for DVC?

 

[n2mm]

When I called last week for our 10-night split stay, the CM didn't *think* it would let me book for the entire stay, but she kept trying night by night "just in case", and the system let her make reservations for me for all 10 days (to her surprise). This was 90 days out from the first check-in day. Just FYI.

Me too!

 

[dvcdisney]

I think a cash guest WOULD consider it unfair because it directly impacts them.

Of course Disney makes distinctions based on what you pay. But they work very hard to keep those distinctions visible ONLY at the resort. If you are a GF Royal Palm concierge guest or a Pop guest, that doesn't matter outside your resort. You have the same access to everything. You know, when I was booking my honeymoon 11 years ago, I remember Disney had a key system to designate the levels its resorts fell into. Deluxe resorts like GF and Beach Club were 5 keys. Moderates were 3 keys. DVC resorts (only OKW and BWV at the time) were 4 keys. They've done away with this, but I do think the feeling that cash deluxe resorts trumps DVC resorts still exists, and it probably rightly should given the level of service (daily housekeeping, for instance).

Disney knows DVC members are in for life so there is no incentive to give them additional perks, particularly perks that impact other non-DVC guests. I think it's safe to assume that if Disney *did* want to give earlier dining access to groups, DVC would probably fall a bit lower in the priority list. Right now Disney really needs to bring in revenue, so those free dining guests who are paying big bucks for their rooms are highly prized. You never know - they could offer priority to free dining customers...because let's face it, they need to show good revenue. So be careful what you wish for...

I just wanted to say that I do not think that DVC is any more important, priority wise than any cash resorts. This is definitely not my point. And I apologize if that's how it appeared. I look at DVC as some do, we tend to plan far in advance, we have given some committment to Disney and future vacations (now I don't mean we will all be vacation to Disney until our memberships expire). I believe people who have chosen DVC, has done so with the mindset that Disney is part of their vacation plans and in order to get the resorts we want, alot of us have called at 11 mths or 7 mths. An early planning perk like 180 days+10 would benefit those who do plan early (again, I don't think everyone does, but there is quite a number of us that call exactly 11 mths before check in and this board shows it).

I agree that Disney wants to increase their revenue but the whole ADRs fiasco happening in the past week or so, just shows that they cannot handle it. If I, and all those who had planned earlier and do not participate in the Free Dining, had been able to call earlier, the volume of calls would most likely been less. The free diners last year had to do the same thing and most, by the reaction at the Restaurant Board, did not have the same problems with getting their ADRs last year. Now I know that the new dining system has a lot to do with it. But, it does make you wonder if they had kept the 180+10 days as it was, then most of DVC using points (and those who did not want to get Free Dining) would have made their ADRS earlier and so the calls would have been less. The free diners didn't seem to have the problem getting ADRs as they do now.

And with regards to the free diners getting priority calling. Well, in that case, I would not like it, BUT if I wanted this priority, I would participate in Free Dining. So, if it's a perk of being part of Free Dining, I cannot be entitled to it if I am using my points. Just like, I don't think I am entitle to Free Dining if I am using my points. If I want free dining then I need to pay rack rate. Which I would not do. So it's my choice if I want the perk, and if I don't that's my problem.

 

[dvcdisney]

You mean, like the lack of free dining and extended ADR time frames for DVC?

I guess my point did not come across as I intended. I am not upset about not getting earlier booking times for ADRs, I just suggested that it would be a great perk. I think something like this would be a perk that many members would be interested in since many of us are obsessive planners.

As far a free dining for DVC, I don't think that would be a plausible perk because it would be very costly for Disney.

I wanted to add that we didn't always have the AP discount. I'm sure someone had suggested it and DVC did think that it would be a great benefit for many of us who go to Disney as often as we can. And, in the same way, I think that a perk of a 180+10 days (or whatever) would be something that many of us would be interested in.

It's just a thought!