Does Disney Hold a Number of Tables for Walk-Ups???

[Micca]

DW and I are WDW vets and have a good grasp on ADRs and dining in the world. I do empathize with those less inclined to study/plan what they want to eat months in advance. Eating at WDW has become a challenge rather than a pleasure.

This is going to need to be addressed by the company at some point. When you have thousands of guests ready to drop $$ for a meal and cannot accomodate them, you are missing an opportunity. Of course there's always CS, but surely that doesn't create the profit margin of TS restaurants where the prices are higher and big profits are created through the sale of alcohol.

 

[TinkerbelleMom]

Disney does not hold tables. Even the CMs know that. Latest rumor has it that on Sept 27, a new campaign begins that will require CCs on all ADRs. It's a rumor, and may not happen, but it's a rumor coming from the CMs themselves. It would mean fewer double-bookings and keep people honest with their ADR times. I hope they do it. It's about time.

I hope they do this at some point. I'm a day tripper, or a short notice weekend visitor. I'm local, so I have that luxury, but it's frustrating knowing there are families out there with multiple ADR's they won't be using, they just overbooked themselves to give them choices, just because they can without penalty. Before DDP we could show up at the begining of serving hours, and usually get a table with a minimal wait, even Chef Mickey's on 12/26!

 

[TLSnell1981]

Latest rumor has it that on Sept 27, a new campaign begins that will require CCs on all ADRs. It's a rumor, and may not happen, but it's a rumor coming from the CMs themselves. It would mean fewer double-bookings and keep people honest with their ADR times. I hope they do it. It's about time.

This would be a great way to reduce advanced ressies. I don't double-book AND I cancel any ADR I can't keep. I'd hate to have an unforeseen reason for missing/being late for a reservation..... be financially penalized and miss my meal.

I think, this is a terrible idea. MO

 

[Cotta]

I don't think they "hold" tables, financially it just doesn't make sense, as others have said. However... the amount of reservations they take maybe more restrictive than actual seating time. Say there are 60 tables in a restaurant and they book reservaions for those 60 tables and assume it will take an hour for the patrons to eat... (I realize this is not how it works... but work with me) but say they turn over these tables in a half an hour... they can accept 60 walk-ups an hour, why wouldn't they? This also brings up a good point as to why many of us wait (occasionally for a significant amount of time) after our ADR time. I find it hard to believe that Disney is going to turn down a paying customer to "hold" our table, especially as many overbookings/cancellations occur these days. BTW, last November I walked up to Le Cellier at lunch with less than a five minute wait. It does happen and that is what Disney magic is ALL about!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Are you ready for the answer?
2) Hang on, it is coming around.
3) Almost here.

4) The answer is YES, YES, YES.
5) OK, but it only applies to three resort restaurants.
6) They don't actually hold tables for walk-ups.
7) They only book 80% of capacity - but it amounts ot the same thing.
8) It is intended to let resort patrons get in, but it isn't restricted to them.
9) This also makes the Concierge look good when he can "fit them in".

NOTE: Do not look for this to happen for eateries inside the parks. It only applies to three restaurants that are at three Deluxe different resorts.

 

[Starfish106]

We dined at Yachtman's steakhouse last wednesday and there were a few walk-ups asking for availaibility. The CM at the podium told them there would possibly entertain the idea AFTER 9:30 pm. We had a 7:55 ressie and left around 9:15 and the restaurant had emptied somewhat. I don't know how many ressies they may have had or if the people hung around till that time. They were a little mad that they couldn't walk up and get in (and we were late thanks to the WDW bus system that night).

I don't think they held tables, it was just not as many ressies for the later period so they may have been able to accomodate a walk up. This was one case scenario so don't take it as for all.

 

[snykymom]

1) Are you ready for the answer?
2) Hang on, it is coming around.
3) Almost here.

4) The answer is YES, YES, YES.
5) OK, but it only applies to three resort restaurants.
6) They don't actually hold tables for walk-ups.
7) They only book 80% of capacity - but it amounts ot the same thing.
8) It is intended to let resort patrons get in, but it isn't restricted to them.
9) This also makes the Concierge look good when he can "fit them in".

NOTE: Do not look for this to happen for eateries inside the parks. It only applies to three restaurants that are at three Deluxe different resorts.

OK, Rusty, give -- which three resorts & which three restaurants?? Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[Sleeping Becca]

My guess to Rusty's answer is Kona, the GF Cafe, and The Wave, you can always get walk ups at those places no matter what.

In general at many WDW restaurants you can get a walk up, it never hurts to ask. Some folks do not make reservations at all and do just fine, however it is very possible there is no availbility. So if you have your heart set on eating at a certain restaurant go ahead and make a reservation.

I have also found it easy to get a walk up or last min reservation at Citricos and The Brown Derby. It is harder to get into Narcosee's and harder still to get into CG.

 

[wdwphile]

My guess to Rusty's answer is Kona, the GF Cafe, and The Wave, you can always get walk ups at those places no matter what.

In general at many WDW restaurants you can get a walk up, it never hurts to ask. Some folks do not make reservations at all and do just fine, however it is very possible there is no availbility. So if you have your heart set on eating at a certain restaurant go ahead and make a reservation.

I have also found it easy to get a walk up or last min reservation at Citricos and The Brown Derby. It is harder to get into Narcosee's and harder still to get into CG.

My guess would be California Grill, Narcoosees, and Jiko. I think those are more likely to be the restaurants guests would ask the concierge for help in securing a reservation. But I'm sure Rusty will neither confirm nor deny

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Every table has been occupied at the CG when I have dined there, no empty tables. I may be willing to buy Citricos or Narcoosees or Jiko but not CG. I have never dined at Jiko, but have a Citricos and Narcoosees and did see empty tables at both of those both times I dined there.

Jiko doesn't have the traffic that the monorail resorts have, it is pretty isolated so I don't doubt it doesn't stay booked esp. with a great restauraunt like Boma around the corner. I don't think it's not booked up on purpose.

I don't know.

Unfortunately I agree with you Rusty will not confirm or deny. Natch!

Things that make you go hmmmmmm