Guests uning quick service restaurant tables

[kaytieeldr]

The difference is, the dad sitting with his kids are getting ready to eat. The person on the cell phone hanging out either finished eating or is just hanging out. They need to get up to give someone their seat, not the family that is getting ready to eat. As another poster mentioned, most people will not order food for a family of 4 or more if they don't have a place to sit.

Planning to eat, agreed. But again, no diner in a FF, CS, QS restaurant needs a table until they have food. Not waiting for food, not walking into the restaurant, not splitting up while part of their party gets in line, not while that person is waiting to order, or ordering, or paying.

When they have the food, they need the table.

Not defending that hypothetical 'single person on the phone' who appears to be hogging the table after eating but - given the mindset here, it's equally possible that person, too, is holding that table while waiting for food. Except they had to sit at a dirty table because the party before them left their trash. And this hypothetical 'table hogger' can't clean off the table while waiting because someone will swoop in and grab it.

 

[maxiesmom]

I've read through most of the thread. We travel to Disney in August - and have for the past several years. I'd say that August is a peak time if the lines and crowds are any indication. I've NEVER seen a sign at a CS location asking people to wait to be seated until they have their food and I've NEVER had a CM directing seating in CS locations either. And honestly, I've never given this situation much thought.

I've seen the signs posted in April, July, and October. I'm not sure if Disney decides what weeks to enforce the no sitting without food rule ahead of time, or if they just do it as needed. But they do have that rule at times.

 

[Olivejuicy]

It can take up to 15-20 minutes to order/get your food at WDW sometimes - so thinking that you're 'relieving congestion' by hogging a table before you have food is a pathetic excuse, IMO. In a situation where it is difficult to find a table, you really think sitting there waiting for your family member to get the food and bring it to you is OK? People can actually sit and eat their food in 15-20 minutes.

First of all, did you read the whole thing where I said that I would not do it if there was congestion in the seating area? Second, in a previous post, I said that we order as a family and then some sit down to relieve counter area congestion. If it takes 15-20 minutes from the time I actually order my food for y food to come up in a QUICK service location, that is a problem.

I was simply saying, over and over, that many people may not realize that it will take that long for the line and are trying to do what is polite in regular fast food restaurants. I never said I would hog a table for twenty minutes and I also said (in the post you quoted, for that matter) that I would give up my table if I did happen to make the mistake of getting a table and my family wasn't there yet and another person had their food.

Before you jump all over the opportunity to say I am using a pathetic excuse and assume that I am a table hogger, how about reading everything I said? Especially everything I said in the post you quoted.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Olivejuicy, I think it's clear what you're saying and what you'll do depending on the overall situation.

Where things might tend to fall apart is guests like the posters who are [now] aware of the potential issues of grabbing a table before you have food - but plan to continue doing that anyway.

 

[wcpamotm]

Regarding the comparisons between counter service Disney restaurants and those at home:

I will happily concede that at least on the surface, the two situations appear very similar. The main difference is that (at least at the times I go) at the local fast food restaurants I've never seen every table occupied. And as I've stated before, when there are tables available for anybody who needs one I don't personally care what anybody else is doing with a table.

 

[Crystal824]

Regarding the comparisons between counter service Disney restaurants and those at home:

I will happily concede that at least on the surface, the two situations appear very similar. The main difference is that (at least at the times I go) at the local fast food restaurants I've never seen every table occupied. And as I've stated before, when there are tables available for anybody who needs one I don't personally care what anybody else is doing with a table.

I tend to agree. I don't care if you save a table if there are enough tables for everyone. If you save a table and there are not tables, then most likely someone is walking around looking for a table or eating on the floor. Before kids, DH and I would get in line together, order, and then get a table. I can't tell you the number of times we have eaten sitting on the ground or while standing. Once we ate while sitting our tray on a trash can. Meanwhile, lots of people are sitting there waiting for thier food. Usually we would finish eating beore they get their food.

Now that we have DD, one of us goes and gets a table. It isn't easy to take a 1 year old through the line in a stroller (if the CS is outside). We try to be aware of those searching for a table and if possible let them sit with us. On our last trip, there didn't seem to be table issues.

 

[North of Mouse]

I tend to agree. I don't care if you save a table if there are enough tables for everyone. If you save a table and there are not tables, then most likely someone is walking around looking for a table or eating on the floor. Before kids, DH and I would get in line together, order, and then get a table. I can't tell you the number of times we have eaten sitting on the ground or while standing. Once we ate while sitting our tray on a trash can. Meanwhile, lots of people are sitting there waiting for thier food. Usually we would finish eating beore they get their food.

Now that we have DD, one of us goes and gets a table. It isn't easy to take a 1 year old through the line in a stroller (if the CS is outside). We try to be aware of those searching for a table and if possible let them sit with us. On our last trip, there didn't seem to be table issues.

This is why we mostly tend to eat later (or sometimes earlier). I will NOT eat on the floor or on a trash can.

 

[Schmeck]

First of all, did you read the whole thing where I said that I would not do it if there was congestion in the seating area? Second, in a previous post, I said that we order as a family and then some sit down to relieve counter area congestion. If it takes 15-20 minutes from the time I actually order my food for y food to come up in a QUICK service location, that is a problem.

I was simply saying, over and over, that many people may not realize that it will take that long for the line and are trying to do what is polite in regular fast food restaurants. I never said I would hog a table for twenty minutes and I also said (in the post you quoted, for that matter) that I would give up my table if I did happen to make the mistake of getting a table and my family wasn't there yet and another person had their food.

Before you jump all over the opportunity to say I am using a pathetic excuse and assume that I am a table hogger, how about reading everything I said? Especially everything I said in the post you quoted.

But you were giving a general explanation as to why people would be at a table without food, then giving some specific reasons why you would be there - and unless you are everybody, your 'reasons' don't cut it for eveyone else. Also, what is your definition of congestion? Almost every table full, all tables full and people walking around with food, or what?

This thread is about people sitting at tables without food while those with food have no place to sit. If everyone was jumping up and giving those waiting a place to sit then there would be no need for this thread. Your account gave an excuse as to why they do not, then platitudes about how you wouldn't be that way. Doesn't make sense to me, you can't be both.

 

[Emagine]

We are admitted table hoggers and sadly it works for us. With two SNeed kids and a Service Dog in tow we try to eat at odd times but scheduled times. Sometimes we eat CS, sometimes our own. It is much easier that 15 mins or so on the crowd if my clan was not in the same line. It is also much easier letting my oldest transition from high stimulation of the thrills to sitting in order for him just to eat and not have a meltdown in which everyone will endure due to lack of planning what fits. It is down time. Luckily we go off season so it has not been too bad of an issue.

 

[twinplets]

We might fall into this category too. We have five kids, twins and triplets. Ten and a half and 8. We usually all go to the counter to order, but it takes forever to get food. Plus, then we have five kids, who aren't behaving badly, but are in the way while people who finally get their food are trying to get out. I really hate the set-up Disney has at these places for ordering and picking up food. Especially when it takes them so long to get some french fries and chicken out.

It is much easier for us to leave the two older boys with either myself or DH to carry food and then the other adult go sit with the other three kids.

I guess I should feel bad, but considering most of the time our family of seven is stuck in a small table meant for 4 people, while I then see the small families sprawled out at the bigger tables, I feel like we take one for the team most of the time. My biggest complaint when we went a few weeks ago is how many people took up tables because it was raining and never ate anything. I realize the rain in no fun, but if we went into a restaurant when it rained, we went to grab a bite during the rain. It was obvious most of the people were not going to order anything and just looking for a dry place to try and wait it out. This was a problem at many rides too. We had trouble getting into lines for rides because people would be standing under the awning and blocking traffic flow. I never saw anyone address any of these issues.

 

[Olivejuicy]

But you were giving a general explanation as to why people would be at a table without food, then giving some specific reasons why you would be there - and unless you are everybody, your 'reasons' don't cut it for eveyone else. Also, what is your definition of congestion? Almost every table full, all tables full and people walking around with food, or what?

This thread is about people sitting at tables without food while those with food have no place to sit. If everyone was jumping up and giving those waiting a place to sit then there would be no need for this thread. Your account gave an excuse as to why they do not, then platitudes about how you wouldn't be that way. Doesn't make sense to me, you can't be both.

I said most/many people. Believe it or not, most people are not on these forums before they go to Disney. They apply regular world experience to how they do things and may not realize they are not following the norm of WDW behavior. I also said there are rude exceptions who don't care if they are breaking the rules.

Most other people in the thread seem to understand what I am saying. I am sorry you are only able to take things as black and white and thus people are either good people who don't sit without a tray or bad people who purposefully sit 20 minutes ahead of time and refuse to share or get up, or aren't even planning on eating. The shades of gray on this issue, which I have explained multiple times, are clearly not of interest to you.

I believe that most people are trying to do the right thing. I believe that, if encountered with the realization that they have done the wrong thing most will try to remedy that. There are exceptions who are jerks, who are mentioned in this thread. There are also people who DID jump up or offer to share, who were also mentionrd. That is all. Now I am done repeating myself. You will have to find another person who is trying to examine the issue in a reasonable manner to antagonize.

 

[mom2rtk]

This was a problem at many rides too. We had trouble getting into lines for rides because people would be standing under the awning and blocking traffic flow. I never saw anyone address any of these issues.

So if it were raining out and there was an awning nearby, would you not seek shelter under it?









I guess I'm amazed at how controversial this is. If the "food first" rule is in effect, you follow it. If not, then get a table while someone goes for the food. If you plan on buying nothing and someone wanders around for with a tray of food and can't find a spot, invite them to join you or give them the table and go on your way.

There. See? All done. Or maybe not. Common sense doesn't seem to have much place in our society any more.

 

[starousse]

So if it were raining out and there was an awning nearby, would you not seek shelter under it?









I guess I'm amazed at how controversial this is. If the "food first" rule is in effect, you follow it. If not, then get a table while someone goes for the food. If you plan on buying nothing and someone wanders around for with a tray of food and can't find a spot, invite them to join you or give them the table and go on your way.

There. See? All done. Or maybe not. Common sense doesn't seem to have much place in our society any more.

well said

 

[maxiesmom]

So if it were raining out and there was an awning nearby, would you not seek shelter under it?

We had one really rainy day during our last trip to WDW. We were in a store shopping, and many people came in and just hung out to get out of the rain. So much so that you couldn't move! And the CMs were actually telling people they couldn't just stand by the overhang, they had to leave. They didn't want people just hanging out and blocking the way.

So if you think it is going to rain, you best bring your ponchos with you.

 

[ttintagel]

When we need to get out of the rain, we go to a covered place, but we go there to do the activity that the covered place is there for. If we go into a show building, we wait in the lobby and then see the show (We usually save the Hall of Presidents for this purpose!) If we go into a restaurant, we eat. If we go into a shop, we browse. We try not to just hang around in the entryway, clogging up traffic.

 

[LadyBeBop]

OK, here's my problem.

Apparently, under the new system (wait until you get your food before eating), you aren't guaranteed a seat even after you get your food.

Let's assume you get in line with a number of tables available. Normally, you allow your significant other to save a table while you get your food. After getting the food, you sit down with your SO and enjoy a good meal.

Under the new system, both you and SO get in line and get your food. Meanwhile, those in front of you get their food and take the remaining tables. If the system works, then those already seated at tables when you got in line would ahve finished their meals and have left, leaving you with their table. However, it doesn't always work that way. They may take their time going over their plans for the rest of the day. Or they may take an afternoon siesta. Or play cards. Anything but give up their table.

So you're stuck setting your tray on a trash can to eat.

If I knew there was a chance I wouldn't get a seat, I'd wait another time to eat. But you wouldn't know that when you got in line since there were plenty seats available.

KWIM?

 

[maxiesmom]

OK, here's my problem.

Apparently, under the new system (wait until you get your food before eating), you aren't guaranteed a seat even after you get your food.

Let's assume you get in line with a number of tables available. Normally, you allow your significant other to save a table while you get your food. After getting the food, you sit down with your SO and enjoy a good meal.

Under the new system, both you and SO get in line and get your food. Meanwhile, those in front of you get their food and take the remaining tables. If the system works, then those already seated at tables when you got in line would ahve finished their meals and have left, leaving you with their table. However, it doesn't always work that way. They may take their time going over their plans for the rest of the day. Or they may take an afternoon siesta. Or play cards. Anything but give up their table.

So you're stuck setting your tray on a trash can to eat.

If I knew there was a chance I wouldn't get a seat, I'd wait another time to eat. But you wouldn't know that when you got in line since there were plenty seats available.

KWIM?

But it doesn't seem to work out that way, at least in my experience. If someone grabs a table before they get their food, then they are occupying that table for a longer period of time than if they had their food and sat down. So that table is out of circulation for a longer period of time when people grab it before they get their food.

Having people wait to have their food first keeps the tables in circulation longer, and thus they are available for use more often.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

OK, here's my problem.

Apparently, under the new system (wait until you get your food before eating), you aren't guaranteed a seat even after you get your food.

Let's assume you get in line with a number of tables available. Normally, you allow your significant other to save a table while you get your food. After getting the food, you sit down with your SO and enjoy a good meal.

Under the new system, both you and SO get in line and get your food. Meanwhile, those in front of you get their food and take the remaining tables. If the system works, then those already seated at tables when you got in line would ahve finished their meals and have left, leaving you with their table. However, it doesn't always work that way. They may take their time going over their plans for the rest of the day. Or they may take an afternoon siesta. Or play cards. Anything but give up their table.

So you're stuck setting your tray on a trash can to eat.

If I knew there was a chance I wouldn't get a seat, I'd wait another time to eat. But you wouldn't know that when you got in line since there were plenty seats available.

KWIM?

Everything I've read in regards to the new seating rules indicate it is working very smoothly and everyone who has their food gets a seat with minimal or no wait. If the system wasn't working, WDW would have no incentive to continue it as it is costing them more in manpower. But it's been in place for almost 2 years now during the busiest times of the year.

 

[Planogirl]

I wonder if really that many people linger at their tables for a long time? We are always ready to go play once we finish our meal. If I want a rest, I'll go to a resort or to a long sit-down attraction.

 

[gator girl]

I'm not saying it doesn't happen, LadyBeBop, but I have NEVER seen a complaint that someone was unable to have a seat with their food at the times that the dining room was being monitored by CMs.

In other words, there are enough tables to service the actual diners of each restaurant while they are eating. I'm sure that's all been worked out by teams of engineers & architects & social scientists.

There are NOT enough tables to service the extra "squatters" who anticipate that they might need to have a table in the next 20 minutes or so., or those who are just wanting a sit-down in the A/C for a while.