Guests uning quick service restaurant tables

[twinplets]

We took umbrellas and ponchos for 7 people and kept going! It rained every day we were there, and not a shower each afternoon everyone talks about, so it wasn't a matter of waiting for this small shower to pass. It would rain for hours. Sometimes light, sometimes heavy. I get that it isn't fun. We were sick of the rain too. However, either ride the ride or watch the show. Don't stand at the entrance and make it impossible for people to enter the ride/show and don't get annoyed when my family of seven tries to squeeze by you.

 

[twinplets]

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.

That is what we would do. We knew we wanted funnel cakes at some point, so we got them during a rainy time. We then ate soggy funnel cakes because we couldn't find a place out of the rain to even stand, much less sit.

We saw lots of shows during the rain. We watched Mickey's Philharmagic during the rain. The CMs kept telling us as we moved out to move on for the next show, but we couldn't leave because we were trying to get around people trying to stay dry under the awning.

 

[LadyBeBop]

All of you bring up good points, that my dilemma probably won't happen. However, Murphy (as in law) and I are on a first name basis. If this happens, it's going to be with me.

And another thing...

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.

True. However, there could be a point when you're actually too tired to go back to your resort. Especially if you're offsite.

I guess that's what the Hall of Presidents is for.

 

[DisDayz]

In the end everyone can say/do whatever they want. The facts are Disney heard the complaints and they have made changes to accommodate people. When it is deemed necessary by Disney you now can not sit without food.

Say whatever you want.... they are pretty serious about not letting people in the seating area without food.

We go to Disney just about every year and I've never noticed these signs. You say Disney is pretty serious about not letting people in the seating area without food so I'm curious: how many CS restaurants are participating in this new system. I read the article and it said they were doing this at 4 CS restaurants in the Magic Kingdom only but since Disney is so serious about cracking down on this huge issue they must be seating people at all the CS restaurants by now, even at the resorts? Right?

BTW, in reading the article it seems to me that Disney was more concerned about guest experience and increasing sales through enhancing that experience than anything else. People saving tables was viewed as people worrying about having available seating. By taking that worry away and guaranteeing seating, Disney enhanced the image of the restaurant, thus bringing in more guests. So, in then end, I see the change as being about giving guests a more positive experience and eliminating a worry, not about removing people from seats until the exact moment they are ready to dine.

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

We go to Disney just about every year and I've never noticed these signs. You say Disney is pretty serious about not letting people in the seating area without food so I'm curious: how many CS restaurants are participating in this new system. I read the article and it said they were doing this at 4 CS restaurants in the Magic Kingdom only but since Disney is so serious about cracking down on this huge issue they must be seating people at all the CS restaurants by now, even at the resorts? Right?

BTW, in reading the article it seems to me that Disney was more concerned about guest experience and increasing sales through enhancing that experience than anything else. People saving tables was viewed as people worrying about having available seating. By taking that worry away and guaranteeing seating, Disney enhanced the image of the restaurant, thus bringing in more guests. So, in then end, I see the change as being about giving guests a more positive experience and eliminating a worry, not about removing people from seats until the exact moment they are ready to dine.

Well said. And I agree (as I said in a previous post), that we've been there the past several years as well - in the summer - and haven't seen these signs once. I'm actually kind of hoping that they, along with the CMs directing dining traffic, are there when we're in the World in August. It would definitely make OUR dining experience more positive!

 

[mom2rtk]

We go to Disney just about every year and I've never noticed these signs.

You wouldn't notice it if you weren't traveling during the peak seasons when they temporarily institute the policy.

 

[Suellen]

Well - they are there and the CM's are serious. They even denied entry to a mom trying to get her dd seated for an insulin injection while they waited for dad to come with food.

Right or wrong (not trying to start another debate on that) they definitely are enforcing it seriously when the signs are up. We hardly ever eat at peak tines to avoid the table situation - so the only place I've actually seen it used was Cosmic Rays.

I only needed to eat off a trash can once to learn to avoid CS at peak times!

 

[kaytieeldr]

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?

Every single person on the DIS who has reported having to wait to be seated until they have their food has also reported being directed to a table immediately.

 

[HookedOnDiz]

Well - they are there and the CM's are serious. They even denied entry to a mom trying to get her dd seated for an insulin injection while they waited for dad to come with food.

The CM who did that needs to be retrained.

 

[Suellen]

The CM who did that needs to retrained.

Agreed.

 

[cymbaldiva]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suellen

Well - they are there and the CM's are serious. They even denied entry to a mom trying to get her dd seated for an insulin injection while they waited for dad to come with food.

The CM who did that needs to be retrained.

Retrained for what - following the policy Disney set in place?

Not sure what the issue is here...




Posted from DISboards.com App for Android

 

[maxiesmom]

The CM who did that needs to be retrained.

And then when it gets out that you can grab a table early by stating that you need insulin, all of a sudden there will be gobs of people saying they need their shot right then. And that is the sad truth.

 

[HookedOnDiz]

And then when it gets out that you can grab a table early by stating that you need insulin, all of a sudden there will be gobs of people saying they need their shot right then. And that is the sad truth.

Seriously?

 

[ttintagel]

Retrained for what - following the policy Disney set in place?

Not sure what the issue is here...




Posted from DISboards.com App for Android

Well, there are exceptions to every rule. Like training for anything, what to do when unusual situations arise is really important.

 

[Suellen]

I agree to a point with MM.

I do feel that there are situations where rules need to be ignored for a good purpose - however we live in a world where it is "all about me" and "do you know who I am?" that people will do or say whatever to get what they want.

It is a fine line for CM to determine who really needs this or that. Being an experienced WDW traveler - I would probably go to the first aid station or the baby center for something like that - but most people don't even know where they are or that they exist.

Not because I was afraid they wouldn't let me get to a table - but I wouldn't want to expose others to that (I know before having to give myself daily injections - the sight of someone injecting themselves would make ms physically ill and lightheaded).

But I do feel that in certain cases allowances should be made - though there's no way for CM to know who is real and who is doing whatever they have to to get whatever want.

*note I'm not saying the original insulin mom was lying - just that some people would/do to get what they want!*

 

[North of Mouse]

And then when it gets out that you can grab a table early by stating that you need insulin, all of a sudden there will be gobs of people saying they need their shot right then. And that is the sad truth.

Yes, and I followed that thread also. The lady in question could have given her daughter her insulin in a number of places rather than get her table early if it was that dire. Most of the time a few min. before mealtime is sufficient. She said her husband was picking the food up from the counter and they turned to go get a table - evidently a little ahead of time. Was a few more minutes going to make THAT much difference? I think not. She was a mom that seemed to be making her daughter "feel different" when the Dr.s and nurses stress NOT to do that. It is a very inconspicuous procedure, IF you choose it to be.

 

[DebbieB]

I've been on the other side. When I took my then 12 year old niece, I would not let her find a table alone, so she came with me to the counter. It was June and I remember one time at the Backlot Express we walked around for quite a while trying to find an empty table, meanwhile half the tables were occupied by people with no food.

 

[DisDayz]

Right or wrong (not trying to start another debate on that) they definitely are enforcing it seriously when the signs are up. We hardly ever eat at peak tines to avoid the table situation - so the only place I've actually seen it used was Cosmic Rays.

I only needed to eat off a trash can once to learn to avoid CS at peak times!

This post is the exact thing Disney is trying to remedy. Truth be told, they probably couldn't care less that someone is sitting at a table to avoid the sun while someone is walking around with a tray of food or that someone has to rest the tray on a trash can to eat their meal. However, when that someone becomes fearful enough they won't get a table that they opt to eat elsewhere, Disney cares as this is taking away precious dollars and allowing people to escape the all inclusive Disney Atmosphere. One of their primary goals is to provide everything so you don't need to (or want to) leave Disney property. So, during peak times they place a CM in the area to guarantee seating for everyone, thus lessening your worry about finding a table and making you feel like there is no need to leave Disney property. It is about keeping you on-site, not about people sitting at a table without their food.

 

[Suellen]

This post is the exact thing Disney is trying to remedy. Truth be told, they probably couldn't care less that someone is sitting at a table to avoid the sun while someone is walking around with a tray of food or that someone has to rest the tray on a trash can to eat their meal. However, when that someone becomes fearful enough they won't get a table that they opt to eat elsewhere, Disney cares as this is taking away precious dollars and allowing people to escape the all inclusive Disney Atmosphere. One of their primary goals is to provide everything so you don't need to (or want to) leave Disney property. So, during peak times they place a CM in the area to guarantee seating for everyone, thus lessening your worry about finding a table and making you feel like there is no need to leave Disney property. It is about keeping you on-site, not about people sitting at a table without their food.

While this may be true.... I don't leave property... I either eat at off times or book a TS lunch. Trust me ... they still get my money.

 

[chloe4ever]

I will never understand why people will wander and get upset and internally curse people taking up room and never approach and ask. I ask all the time -- "May I join you?" A few times, I've had people ignore me or say no because other family members were coming. More often than not, though, the response is, "Of course!" and my family and I get to sit AND make a new friend in the bargain.

I have noticed in my travels that outside of Europe and NY (where I live) most people are way too uncomfortable with the concept of sharing tables/booths/benches etc.....which is so common in space-deprived NY. It is standard in NYC to join another table. Some tables of four have four different parties! And you can always tell the family, say from Idaho, by how uncomfortable they look sharing a table

But your suggestion is perfect and exactly what I would do.