Dumb question of the day: DVC Resort Dining Priority?

[J-Dog]

Okay, I'm sure this is a stupid question, but I can't seem to find the answer:

Is there any walk-up or waiting list dining available for DVC members/guests at DVC resorts? Or is it still just a free-for-all to grab an ADR with all other resort guests at 60+10 days? i.e. do they leave any "spaces" available after the ADR reservations for DVC owners?

Seems like there should be some small amount of priority for people who actually own points vs. everyone else...

Thanks. Sorry...

 

[_auroraborealis_]

You have the same priority as any other guest walking up.

The dining options, even at DVC resorts, are not DVC run and have their own P&L through the dining division.

 

[J-Dog]

You have the same priority as any other guest walking up.

The dining options, even at DVC resorts, are not DVC run and have their own P&L through the dining division.

Thanks! I was just kind of hoping that the mad-planning would have been alleviated somewhat, but no such luck...

 

[DVC92]

At VGF recently, it was impossible to walk into the Grand Floridian Café for brunch or dinner without a reservation. Walking up to the podium at 11 AM and being told you couldn’t be seated at all was insane with brunch until 2 PM. It was never like that before. It is one thing to get reservations for signature restaurants, but the general sit-down for the resort should be able to accommodate guests at that resort with a reasonable wait. However, if you are staying at VGF you should not be refused dining numerous times over a week’s stay and told to use counter-service or in-room dining. What’s the point of staying where you can’t be fed brunch every day? Who plans when to wake up daily to be on time for a brunch ressie or pay $10.00 per person for missing it?

 

[J-Dog]

At VGF recently, it was impossible to walk into the Grand Floridian Café for brunch or dinner without a reservation. Walking up to the podium at 11 AM and being told you couldn’t be seated at all was insane with brunch until 2 PM. It was never like that before. It is one thing to get reservations for signature restaurants, but the general sit-down for the resort should be able to accommodate guests at that resort with a reasonable wait. However, if you are staying at VGF you should not be refused dining numerous times over a week’s stay and told to use counter-service or in-room dining. What’s the point of staying where you can’t be fed brunch every day? Who plans when to wake up daily to be on time for a brunch ressie or pay $10.00 per person for missing it?

Yes, thanks. I haven't had the experience but that was basically my logic as well.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Disney's been dealing with that expectation for years and, frankly, not really caring.

I have so many "podium tantrum" stories from pre-pandemic Poly, really. "I'm paying $800 a night and I can't walk up for breakfast/dinner?!"

From a Disney P&L perspective - and we all know that P&L is the mighty goal - booking out full on reservations means maximizing profits via that channel, whereas leaving open bookings for walk-up risks tables being left open.

 

[Brian Noble]

I was just kind of hoping that the mad-planning would have been alleviated somewhat, but no such luck...

For what it's worth, I've had very good success booking meals the night before or even the morning of for years now. The $10 no-show penalty frees up a lot of last-minute reservation space.

This was all in the Before Times, though, so YMMV.

 

[CarolynFH]

For what it's worth, I've had very good success booking meals the night before or even the morning of for years now. The $10 no-show penalty frees up a lot of last-minute reservation space.

This was all in the Before Times, though, so YMMV.

@J-Dog, The same thing happens now!

 

[CarolMN]

Several of the table service restaurants have "walk up" wait lists, now. We've used those with good success -just a few minutes wait in most cases.