Dining Reservation discriminates against Solo?

[pbrim]

I have noticed something odd when I am trying to make dining reservations for a solo trip. For example, I want reservations for Boatwrights for 6:30.
The system gave me the option of 6:25 or 6:45. The 6:25 is close enough to fit my other plans. Then I noticed I had left it at the default of 2 people. When I changed it to 1 person, it said my only options were 6:00 or 7:00! Neither of which works very well.

I changed it back to 6:25 for 2 people, figuring I could just say my companion couldn't make it, but it doesn't seem to want to link it to my account -- I guess because my package reservation is for one person only.

Does the system often discriminate against solo travelers? Is there any way to get that 6:25 reservation so it will show up on the "My Reservations" page? If it's not all gathered somewhere, I'm sure I'll lose a reservation number in the next 6 months.

 

[DefLepard]

You are correct, the system is odd

I tried booking Le Cellier Oct 7th two people for lunch, no results, I thought Hmmm tried booking 4 people it gave me a table...
On Oct 7th, I'll tell them I somehow lost my other two guests for the lunch booking, maybe they are still in line at Soaring

The best is trying to book a resort for Oct 17-20, ALL the Boardwalk resorts are booked up, including Swan - Dolphin

Add to the fully booked list those dates are CBR, POR, POFQ, and AKL

 

[chipsgirl1030]

On my last trip I decided at the last minute to go to MNSSHP. While I was at the front desk buying tickets I decided to have them make my dining reservations for lunch since I was going to spend the day in Mk. The Cm told me he made the reservations for 2 people and to just tell them only one of us would be going. I didn't question it, but wondered why.

I'm currently in the process of dining reservations for this year. When I put in a time for 1 person it would give me the times that were available. They were always fairly close to the time I wanted so I thought no big deal, and made them for that time. Then for one reservation there was no availability for that night. So I had the idea put in 2 people, and sure enough, the times were available.

I can understand the difference for say one and four people. But since there are no tables for one person, they are all for a minimum of 2 people, how can a time be available for two but not one

Are they making reservations based on number of people, trying to fill the restaurants up? Do they want to fill tables as opposed to one empty chair and limiting the number of reservations for one? Just wondering.

 

[capricorn19]

In 2009 I was talking to a CM trying to make a ressie for 3 at 1900 Park Fare. The CM could never get anything for 3 so she bumped it up to 5 and found a table. She told me it was no big deal that it is a work around they have to use sometimes. She said they would seat use at the appropriate sized table.

Fast forward to my solo trip this coming Dec. I was trying to book Le Cellier for dinner online and nothing was coming up (surprise, surprise), so I remembered what the CM had told me before and started upping the number on the ressie, 2, 3, 4, (you get the picture) anyway I was finally able to get a table for 8 @ 5:50. Now normally I would worry about this, but I decided that since it wasn't going to interfere with someone wanting a table for Candlelight Processional it would probably be ok, and I would keep trying for a smaller table every day. (Nothing so far.)

But, if anyone out there wants to go to Le Celler on Dec 7, I have plenty of room. Just let me know.

**********This offer is no longer available, I was finally able to get a table for 1.**********

 

[tsukata]

The Disney ADR system is just terrible all the way around. It's happened to me many times that booking for 2 won't work but booking for more people will work. I feel sorry for the people who have to manage the restaurants, as I'm sure they get stuck re-arranging tables all day as a result.

 

[Brocktoon]

The best is trying to book a resort for Oct 17-20, ALL the Boardwalk resorts are booked up, including Swan - Dolphin

The above is due to the annual Gartner IT Symposium. It's one of the largest conventions WDW hosts. They basically take over most of the Swan/Dolphin area for the week. A bunch of overflow in the Yacht Club and other boardwalk resorts as well. PGA Golf event going on the same week. Park crowds aren't effected much, but free dining is blacked-out that week as WDW has no trouble filling the resorts for the events.

 

[DefLepard]

The above is due to the annual Gartner IT Symposium. It's one of the largest conventions WDW hosts. They basically take over most of the Swan/Dolphin area for the week. A bunch of overflow in the Yacht Club and other boardwalk resorts as well. PGA Golf event going on the same week. Park crowds aren't effected much, but free dining is blacked-out that week as WDW has no trouble filling the resorts for the events.

Thank you.. thank you..

I was at my wits end wondering why all the Resorts were booked and CM's at reservations couldn't tell me why..

Now I am just confused as to why Disney didn't hold rooms for Passholders, maybe they did and the convention people are passholders too

Thanks again for this info ya

 

[Johnny_B]

I've encountered the same issue. No tables for 1, or at weird times. But plenty of space for a party of 2!

I understand they want more people to make more $$$. I'm fine with that. However, I have no hesitation to make a ADR for 2 and then just show up. A party of 1 takes up as much space as a party of 2. I would not, however, stretch it to 3+ for just myself.

 

[quirkygal]

I thought it was just me and my "late" trip planning (I only booked 2.5 - 3 months ago) and was frustrated that I couldn't get into restaurants with even mediocre reviews.

I'm going to tinker and see if I can find TS using 2 people on the reservation form; however, with 11 days to go to my departure I'm wondering if everything will be booked anyway.

 

[bdoyledimou]

I am having issues booking tables for 2, where i can easily book tables for 4 --- It sucks that i am having to book tables for 4 where only two of us will sit.. and i have no idea how to release those 2 seats (without calling?) without of fear of losing the reservations i have ....

 

[beansmom]

i wanted to do a Rose & Crown lunch will dh does his dolphin dive thingie and I could not get a table for 1 but I could get it for 2. ??? That's just nonsense.