Duplicate Reservations - Head's Up

[AquaDame]

I have someone I follow on twitter who works for Disney and am pretty sure he is in IT. He had an interesting tweet the other day where he mentioned he was about to find out how many people actually make duplicate ADR's. Thought that it was interesting to see this and wondering what he would be looking at this for.

I work in IT as well, and IME all this means is they have decided to start looking into the need to start thinking about doing something about it.

It will most likely be a long time before they act on their thoughts and when they do I'm certain they will try and make it as painless as possible (such as honoring all reservations made before a certain date) AND figuring out a system for legitimate double bookings.

 

[Pumbaa_]

This rumor keeps popping up again and again - for every 'urban legned' of multiple ADRs, there are just as many legitimate reasons.

since we all agree this is a rumor, off to the rumor board!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Require credit card guarantees for ALL reservations with minimum cancellation windows no more then 48 hours, that will signficantly change people double booking.

 

[triplejen]

But to those that are making multiple ADRs for big groups (either having to get 2 separate reservations for the same place or in cases where you split up), I'd put them under different names just in case. I don't get why it's not done in the first place?

I don't know why it's not done that way by the people who split parties either. Each ressie should be made in the name of a person who is actually attending the meal at that particular restaurant.

In my case, I didn't do it that way for two reasons:

1) Booking the way I did was not against the "rules," as Disney allowed me to make every duplicate ADR that I did. When the pop-up window comes up informing you of your dupe ADR, you have the option of either deleting one or keeping both. I chose the Disney-approved option that ft my needs. It never occurred to me that it might be a problem for me later to do it this way.

2) In my large party, there is only one person responsible for handling ALL aspects of the planning - me. It would be exponentially more inconvenient to have to manage multiple logins and multiple ADR associations while trying to secure ADRs for everyone. Since Disney offered a set-up where all my ADRS could be stored under one name, I was thrilled to use it.

Of course if I hadn't been able to book this way I would have had to create multiple accounts (all still mine) to be able to still handle everything for may family. I would have done that, but happily didn't have to for these bookings.

I really hope they don't switch to a system like this in the future, incidentally, because all it will do is make it way more of a PITA for people like me handling bookings for large parties, while doing nothing to stem the flow of people booking duplicate ADRS for more "unfair" purposes. A person wanting to book an ADR in every park to have "options" would just have to use 4 accounts - and surely would.

I agree that having to use a credit card to secure ADRs might be a more effective system (though it would make things difficult for people who eschew credit cards). But it's a moot point in a discussion of RETROACTIVELY canceling legitimate multi-bookings. I doubt they will do it - but I really hope I'm right.

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

Require credit card guarantees for ALL reservations with minimum cancellation windows no more then 48 hours, that will signficantly change people double booking.

 

[DC7800]

Require credit card guarantees for ALL reservations with minimum cancellation windows no more then 48 hours, that will signficantly change people double booking.

The only real problem I have with a credit card guarantee is that you don't need a credit/debit card to either reserve a resort room at Walt Disney World or for check-in. To require a card for a dining reservation would then seem rather strange.

A 48 hour deadline is also far too long. Things can happen at the last minute, and much or most of the time. there is sufficient walk-up business (sometimes otherwise turned away) to fill empty tables.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

The only real problem I have with a credit card guarantee is that you don't need a credit/debit card to either reserve a resort room at Walt Disney World or for check-in. To require a card for a dining reservation would then seem rather strange.

Yes, you do need a credit card to reserve a room (I went to DisneyWorld.com to make sure).

Deposit Requirements

A credit card deposit must be received at the time of booking or the room reservation will be automatically cancelled.

Final payment is not due until arrival for room only and 45 days out for packages. So, yes, although I guess it is possible to wire funds or transfer funds in another fashion, requiring a guarantee for a dining reservation would not be out of line. Penalty for not cancelling either a package or room only is at least the deposit.

A 48 hour deadline is also far too long. Things can happen at the last minute, and much or most of the time. there is sufficient walk-up business (sometimes otherwise turned away) to fill empty tables.

I planned a trip for 18 people and we cancelled reservations we couldn't use within 48 hours (and this is with children ranging from 3 months to 10 years old). If we didn't I would be willing to pay a cancellation fee as well. Maybe 24 hours would be a more fair number though.

If a small penalty discourages people from double, triple or who knows how many multiple bookings, so be it. And to be clear, when I'm talking a penalty, I'm thinking $10 per person up to a maximum of $30 per reservation.

 

[Uncleromulus]

There are certainly "situations" when apparent double booking actually isn't.

But I've read any # of posts where folks almost gleefully report they booked two (and sometimes three) different restaurants for the same day and time, and then ask which they should keep. And I don't think they are all large parties just splitting up

It's that practice that needs to be stopped--somehow.

 

[DC7800]

Yes, you do need a credit card to reserve a room

That's not correct.

Guarantee policies differ between DisneyWorld.com and actually picking up the phone and calling Central Reservations (CRO) directly. You can mail in the deposit if you so desire.

I'm not saying that some manner of dining reservation guarantee is out of line (certainly something needs to be done), just that it doesn't make sense to require a CC for dining when you don't even need one for the resort itself. Of course, anyone can walk into a retailer today and buy a prepaid Mastercard or Visa, so anyone can make a CC deposit, but again, that's not the point.

 

[blondietink]

What if Disney put some kind of checklist on the reservation site when you go to book an ADR such as "Grand Gathering" or "Party Size" so it would indicate a need for a large reservation or one that needs to be split into two different tables?

 

[AquaDame]

I really hope they don't switch to a system like this in the future, incidentally, because all it will do is make it way more of a PITA for people like me handling bookings for large parties, while doing nothing to stem the flow of people booking duplicate ADRS for more "unfair" purposes. A person wanting to book an ADR in every park to have "options" would just have to use 4 accounts - and surely would.

Isn't this why they created Grand Gatherings support?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

That's not correct.

Guarantee policies differ between DisneyWorld.com and actually picking up the phone and calling Central Reservations (CRO) directly. You can mail in the deposit if you so desire.

I guess you missed the other part I wrote:

...although I guess it is possible to wire funds or transfer funds in another fashion,

The point remains that a deposit is still required, now the method of it is debateable, but it is still a requirement. That means it would not be "out of line" to require some sort of guarantee/hold for a reservation.

 

[Snowgod]

There are many people who right or wrong book multiple restaurants for the same approx time. As there is no CC required to do this with few exceptions such as CRT, there is no penalty for doing it. Just because it has always been done, does not make it right. WDW is trying to be more like the real world where you cannot do such things in most cases.Large parties should either go through Group ressies or have two different names on bookings. Ultimately it is to make more magic for more people, not just the Disney commandos who have learned the loop holes. I am sure that the commandos will find new ways to exploit the system as they always have. Being a commando myself I know tricks I have never seen discussed on these boards that allow me to get around most of the limits and controls in place. We always get the ressies we want without using these tricks. My ultimate concern is for the under the table booking system used in most popular restaurants that requires a slight of hand and some money may creep into the World if something isn't done to promote fairness for all.

 

[MaryJaneP]

California Grill requires cc to hold ressie. All other ADRs should do the same. Recent family reunion (6 families, 34 people, CG bill over $1,500 for just the adults, wow!) I believe CG had 24 hr cancellation or penalty. Sounds good to me. I had two sisters and I split up list of ADRs (only 1 per day) so we all could call DD out 180 +10.

Do the cc + penalty for ADRs. I think 48 hrs would be preferrable. Appeal process only if exigent circumstances warrant (ie official documentation of impossibility). IMO

 

[Pixylew]

The changes in the ADR are under way already. I usually book my change or duplicate ressi first and then immediatly cancel my first ressi. Yesterday, after I booked the change, the site immediatly warned me that I had a duplicate ressi and that I needed to cancel one. It did leave it up to me to make the cancellation though.

 

[pilferk]

Just read on another board (from someone who called DD to make an ADR) that during next week's upgrade, Disney will start auto-canceling duplicate reservations.

Honestly, that would be a completely idiotic thing to do. Because there are perfectly legit reasons to have more than one reservation at the same time.

For example:

A few years ago, I was down at WDW for a conference. I made one ressie at the California Grill for 7 of us....all conference attendees...for dinner. I made an additional reservation for 3 at Chef Mickey's...for my wife and 2 kids (at the time).

If Disney had canceled one or the other of those reservations, there would have been significant blowback.

I can see Disney flagging those ressies and calling whoever has made them to ensure there is no mistake. But I would be shocked to see them cancel them, willy nilly, without first asking the holder of those reservations for further clarification.

Yes, I agree with those posting here that people who make "double ADR's", simply to have a fall back option/multiple selections on any given night are abusing the system. But simply cancelling duplicate ressies without any sort of review or consultation doesn't sound like a smart solution....it sounds like a customer service nightmare.

 

[pilferk]

I agree (although I don't think they can change the name after the fact, maybe you can change the phone number?).

But to those that are making multiple ADRs for big groups (either having to get 2 separate reservations for the same place or in cases where you split up), I'd put them under different names just in case. I don't get why it's not done in the first place?

I know that when I've called to make our ADR's, they had to be linked to a room ressie. I'm sure part of that is that I've been using the resort ADR booking window...but still.

And they always appear in the name of the person who is primary on that room (or DVC) reservation.

 

[pilferk]

There have been posts from people who believe that if you are booking 180 + 10 and using your resort reservation to justify the 180 + 10 booking that all the reservations have to be in your name. I don't know if that's actually the case. I don't think Disney cares whose name and phone number is on them. Once I made a reservation online in my mother's name, although it wasn't 180 + 10.

That's always been my assumption, because it's always been my experience. Granted, I've never asked them to change the name on the ressies, either....Maybe next trip I'll give it a shot.

 

[pilferk]

Yes, you do need a credit card to reserve a room (I went to DisneyWorld.com to make sure).

On Disneyworld.com, yes. Via WDW travel (phone), no. You can reserve a room and send payment via check (personal or bank) or money order. You have a pre-set (I think it's a week) period of time by which the security deposit has to get to Disney or they cancel your room ressie.

Final payment is not due until arrival for room only and 45 days out for packages. So, yes, although I guess it is possible to wire funds or transfer funds in another fashion, requiring a guarantee for a dining reservation would not be out of line. Penalty for not cancelling either a package or room only is at least the deposit.

Room only...they gladly accept cash or bank check upon arrival (they might accept personal checks...I can't remember).

Packages can be paid for by check or bank check, with payment being remitted by mail.

I planned a trip for 18 people and we cancelled reservations we couldn't use within 48 hours (and this is with children ranging from 3 months to 10 years old). If we didn't I would be willing to pay a cancellation fee as well. Maybe 24 hours would be a more fair number though.

If a small penalty discourages people from double, triple or who knows how many multiple bookings, so be it. And to be clear, when I'm talking a penalty, I'm thinking $10 per person up to a maximum of $30 per reservation.

Here's the issue:

Not everyone making an ADR is going to have (or want to use) a CC to secure their reservation.

Not everyone making an ADR is a Disney Resort guest (else you could just charge the penalty to their room).

Which means you either have to prevent guests who are unwilling/unable to use a CC from making ADR's (which would be an incredibly bad business move), limit ADR's to Disney Resort guests only (which, likewise, seems like it would be an incredibly bad business move), or simply deal with the challenges the current system provides. It's not perfect, I'll agree. I just don't see an easy solution that Disney would be willing to enact, given it's potential implications on their bottom line.

 

[pilferk]

I guess you missed the other part I wrote:


The point remains that a deposit is still required, now the method of it is debateable, but it is still a requirement. That means it would not be "out of line" to require some sort of guarantee/hold for a reservation.

The issue is one of manpower, though.

If you can't take a CC, or apply the guarantee to the room, you're now creating a policy that will take SIGNIFICANT resources, potentially, to work through. Assuming you handle it the same way you handle room ressies, your patrons are now sending you a check/money order for each and every ADR (say $10 per ressie). You have to process that significant number of transactions (and pay for the manpower to do so) AND you have to note that deposit on their reservation (so the discount is applied at the table, and the whole host of nightmare CS scenarios that could crop up from that process) AND you have to find a way to refund that deposit when/if there is a cancellation.

Yes, they do it with room ressies..but that's a bigger ticket item with, I assume, much less chance of cancellation. Numerically, it's certainly a much smaller number of transactions than you're proposing with ADR's.

From a business standpoint, I'm not sure that's a cost justification you could make. Because while the current system has some customer service issues, it has little effect on Disney's bottom line, since there is almost always sufficient walk up business to cover the "no shows".

Any solution has to both solve the problem (which I fully acknowledge exists) AND be cost effective (or cost neutral) to Disney.