Family in QS line question

[mupt02]

Most of the time when we go out with the family to a fast food place, one of us will grab a table with the kids and the other will wait in line and get the food. I know that there are times Disney is not allowing this. I don't want to break any rules. I'm just trying to figure out a way to make this as smooth as possible for everyone.

Is it possible for me to go in, wait in line, get food and get a table and then call/text/something my hubby with the kids who are waiting outside to then come in and join me?

 

[TDC Nala]

This is done only on a day to day basis (depending on whether it's determined the crowds are such that they actually need it) in the large CS at Magic Kingdom although I've also heard of the Electric Umbrella at Epcot using this system.

The solution you proposed would likely work as long as you are able to carry all the food yourself.

(Note to future posters - discussion usually gets HEATED about this procedure - please try not to turn this thread into a debate about the morality of saving tables)

 

[mupt02]

Thank you. Usually one of us can manage the food. I'm just trying to come up with a solution in advance if faced with them doing crowd control (for lack of a better phrase) in the dining room.

 

[ntsammy5]

(Note to future posters - discussion usually gets HEATED about this procedure - please try not to turn this thread into a debate about the morality of saving tables)

There are other morality issues that are more intersting.

BTW - we do this all the time - get tables while someone stand in line.

 

[3girlsfun]

At first I didn't understand what you are saying, but now I do. We normally do just that, go sit down with the kids, while the other orders and brings the food back. It normally takes that long for me to get the kids all settled in high chairs, table wiped off, etc. So, it is much more conducive to us doing things this way, I guess I never considered we would have to do it differently.

 

[jojomoore]

To the best of my memory from November 2009, my entire family had to be in line at CS restaurants because we were on the DDP.

 

[disneymom06]

I have found that only when the parks are PEAK SEASON PACKED did we encounter the procedure where you order first and then go to your table. Mostly I send DH to find a table with the kids and I get the food with the oldest child. By the time I get to the table, he has things cleaned, set up and ready for lunch.

Usually if you don't eat at prime lunch times you will be fine.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Thank you. Usually one of us can manage the food. I'm just trying to come up with a solution in advance if faced with them doing crowd control (for lack of a better phrase) in the dining room.

FWIW - According to your ticker, you are going in August. I have never seen this happen on any of my August trips, so I doubt you will run into this. (No guarantees, of course!) As PP mentioned, it's generally really packed times. August can be busy, but not up to the standards of Christmas, Easter etc...

 

[Hootch]

violating Nala's warning but my issue with people waiting while others get food is that often, especially at Peco's Bills for example, I'll walk in with food and half the tables are saved by people without food. I'm then stuck with trays of food and nowhere to sit. So in essence I am in agreement with Disney's goal here.

The one problem I had was at Pinocchio Haus where I was trying to get dressing for a salad. The nearest station was apparently in a separate seating area. When I tried to grab a couple of packets of dressing I was rushed out. Not that I tried to sit down at a table in the section without food. (Also it wasn't yet crowded but it was slightly before lunch so they may have been expecting crowds.) That seemed a bit excessive.

 

[TDC Nala]

To the best of my memory from November 2009, my entire family had to be in line at CS restaurants because we were on the DDP.

That's not necessary - one person from the same reservation can pay for the whole party's DDP meals with one key card if you wish (as long as the whole party is on the same room reservation).

This'll be closed if it becomes a thread where people start flinging mud over who's right about their opinion of table saving (and there's been more than one thread that had to be closed for that; the only more contentious issue seems to be tipping)

 

[aduncan]

I can see both sides of the issue. I don't see why it would be a problem if one person is already in line to buy food to eat. I usually leave my daughter to gather the utensils and wipe off the table while I am in line at Catalina Eddie's. I have seen families sit down at tables and pull out homemade sandwiches - that I do not agree with. Also, people should not be using the tables to just take a break during peak times. The only way this would work out perfectly is if everyone did it the same way - doesn't matter which way, just the same for everyone. Maybe one day!

 

[ntsammy5]

the only more contentious issue seems to be tipping

Well at least at QS you don't have to tip.

The problem at WDW is at lunch, especially in the hot months, people get tired, hot, cranky and hungary all at the same time. And they all want to be served lunch fast and accurately. Everyone tries to sit at the same time and it sometimes causes problems. Since it's only two of us now, we never seem to have problems finding a place to sit. But back in the day with 10 or more of us sometimes, it could be a problem. Pecos Bills seems to be the biggest problem......... just relax and enjoy and do what I do - drink lots of beer......

 

[sters]

We have done it both ways. When Disney adoptedthe crowd control measures, it acutally worked out better. To me, there is nothign worse than wanderig around with my trays trying to find a place to sit. A cast member found a table for us right away! My point is, if you can't work the system the way you usually do, don't fret. It will work out fine.

 

[B-Ride]

Pecos Bills seems to be the biggest problem......... just relax and enjoy and do what I do - drink lots of beer......

Unfortunately beer is not available at the MK.

 

[ntsammy5]

Unfortunately beer is not available at the MK.

Yeah I know. That's why I don't spend much time there any more!

 

[MamaJessie]

I would never even consider having DH and all the kids wait in line with me while I ordered food. I have honestly never heard of such a thing. I've never gone during peak season though and never plan on going during peak season, so I'm happy to say it should never be a problem for me.

 

[pmaurer74]

I have never heard of this procedure. I can't imagine waiting in line with my two small kids without a stroller.

 

[TheBacklot]

I have honestly never heard of such a thing.

I don't know why, but that's the qoute of the month for me!

 

[mupt02]

I am not trying to start a debate over what is right and what is wrong. I am really just trying to determine a solution in advance if their crowd control measures are being enforced. I cannot imagine standing in line with my 3 small children. If able, we will have one parent get a seat and one get the food. If not (which I am not complaining about), I just want to make sure that I can get a table for 5 (with a high chair) if they see only me going through the line. For us if would work better if one parent and the kiddos could wait outside until we have the food ready if we could not get a table right away. I'm really sorry for any debates that may be started. I'm just trying to come up with a solution.

 

[DaisyD]

We have never been during crowd control so wouldn't know what to do then. What we always do is we go in and get a table first before I even get in line. My mom is in her 70s and I want her sitting with my daughter while I get the food. My daughter will go get the napkins, straws, ketchup and whatever while I am in line. When I return with the food they have it all set up for us to eat. We eat quickly and vacate the table for the next guest.