Has Disney changed PS policy? Please help......

[disney4us2002]

I was over visiting the new disneyworld.com website and I noticed that in many of the restaurants' descriptions this has been added:

"There is a 48-hour cancellation policy and there is a $10 per person charge if Guests cancel within 48 hours or no show for the meal. "

Since when? This will certainly cut down on the PS's made in advance. I know I remember seeing it in the details for Boma, Jiko, 1900 Park Fare, Citricos, Whispering Canyon, Artist Point, Le Cellier, Akershus, Alfredos, etc. although some of the Epcot restaurants are 24 hrs rather than 48.

When did this change occur?

 

[Shells9]

No clue -- just noticed it myself this morning while checking out the new site.

 

[aero99]

Ok, so I had to go look. I don't know whether it is a mistake or not. I mean, right above it there is a paragraph concerning kosher meals with a 24 hour cancellation policy. I am guessing they is some mistake (ok I am praying!)

Melissa

 

[Scottwdw]

The 24 hours was referring to the Kosher meal cancellation. Although you would still be charged because you would be within 48 hours if you waited until 24 hours.

Don't you love how consistent WDW Dining is?

I will check with my sources to try and confirm this. It looks like they will require a credit card for evey PS regardless of the restaurant or time of year. This is MAJOR, especially for those unwilling to use a credit and/or debit card.

 

[Safari Steve]

This seems to be a glitch in the new website rather than a change in dining policy. As far as I can tell, there has been no change in policy. 48 hour cancellation policy applies to holidays for all PS restaurants, as well as year-round at some special events and dinner shows.

The goal of most changes to global systems, like dining, is to make things more consistent. That is what everyone involved is working towards and one thing that WDW constantly strives for.

 

[DisneyMom5]

It also says that PSs are highly suggested under each of the counter service eateries, so I think they have quite a few bugs to work out!

 

[topcat011]

When I made my PS for Feb 11th I had to give them my credit card number. I was told that there is a 48 hour cancellation policy or if I fail to show up my card will be charges 10.00 pp.

I guess lots of people are making PS and not showing up.

 

[jodifla]

I think this policy is an outrage! I'm a huge Disney fan, but I'm just disgusted that they've put this policy in place. I know some restaurants tried to do it several years ago, but dropped it because people stopped making reservations.

It's too easy for something to sidetrack you at a place like Disney for theM to charge you $10 for not even walking in the door. (Baby sitter doesn't show up? Child gets sick? Get stuck in a line on the other side of the park??) It's not even like it was a reservation with a table held for you, you just got the next table for a size of your party.

Shame, shame on Disney!

 

[bicker]

Originally posted by jodifla
I think this policy is an outrage!

Indeed. It is utterly disappointing that WDW is forced to require deposits like this due to how irresponsible so many of its guests are.

Shame, shame on Disney!

I think your disgust is misplaced.

 

[Joyciemc]

Do we know when this policy would take effect? I made PSs last week, and didn't need to give any CC info, so they can't charge me if I don't show (I try to call if I'm cancelling, but sometimes we get caught up and forget we even had plans for that meal).
Have people been required to give CC#s when making PSs this week? I'm still not sure that this isn't a mistake on the site (like the recommended PS for counter service places), but if people have to give CC#s, then that could be a sign of truth.

 

[zuzanne]

I just called and spoke with sales rep at Disney Dining to check on our PS at LTT for Tuesday, Dec. 16th. I made the PS back in August and at that time the saleperson said he did not need a credit card number to make the PS, he made the PS and gave me the Confirmation number. This thread had me concerned since they did not have a credit card number to bill my PS to. I was assured that my PS was all set and that they did not need a credit card number for a PS reservation unless it was a holiday or a special event dinner like the Luau. He asked if we were planning to go to the MVMCP on that same day, and if so did we already have our tickets as it was sold out for the 16th. He was very nice and even checked on our PS for the CP on Wednesday the 17th.

Its almost time to go!
Suki

 

[jodifla]

Bicker, I'm normally Disney's biggest defender, but not on this one. In my 30 years of going to Disney, I've missed my reservation (before the days of PS) only once, and I called that time. I have though, the day before cancelled reservations when my plans changed.

But 48 hours cancellation for a simple meal at someplace like Prime Time Cafe is just ridiculous in my book.

Let's hope it's all a mistake.

 

[Nadine and Fred]

no credit card required!

 

[bicker]

Originally posted by jodifla
Bicker, I'm normally Disney's biggest defender, but not on this one.

I'm not really anyone's defender, but rather simply motivated by the desire to put blame where it belongs. Companies, especially companies like Disney, don't set out intending to annoy customers. Rather, they're driven to do these kinds of things by the few customers who abuse generosity and courtesy for personal advantage, to the detriment of everyone else.

But 48 hours cancellation for a simple meal at someplace like Prime Time Cafe is just ridiculous in my book.

Well, as someone else indicated, the policy only affects special events and such. I suspect that if Disney is ever driven to adopt a policy like this for regular PS, then it may or may not be 48 hours -- but the number of hours will be based on what is reasonable to a majority of customers, in consideration of how much some customers would abuse generosity and courtesy for personal advantage, to the detriment of everyone else.

 

[MHopkins2]

Originally posted by bicker
Well, as someone else indicated, the policy only affects special events and such. I suspect that if Disney is ever driven to adopt a policy like this for regular PS, then it may or may not be 48 hours -- but the number of hours will be based on what is reasonable to a majority of customers, in consideration of how much some customers would abuse generosity and courtesy for personal advantage, to the detriment of everyone else.

There's some question at this point as to whether the policy affects only special events / holidays or ALL PSs (due to some new wording on the revamped WDW website.) The assumption of that second option is what's driving all the outrage.

 

[Safari Steve]

48 hour cancellation policy applies ONLY to:
-Group dining (13 or more)
-Dinner Shows (Hoop Dee Doo, Spirit of Aloha, Candlelight Processional, Backyard BBQ, and special events.)
-Holiday dining (Christmas, NYE, July 4, Valentine's, Mothers' Day, etc)

The notation that has caused all the needless fuss was a mistake on the new website. The webmaster team has been notified.

There is NOTHING to be outraged by.
There has been NO change in policy.
Enjoy your meals.
Enjoy your vacations.
Save your energy, stamps, and e-mail-typing-fingers.

 

[Nadine and Fred]

..for calming our concerns and setting the record straight!!!

 

[Scottwdw]

I got official confirmation that it is as Steve said above. No change but something that needs to be fixed on the web site. They have started working on it as the counter service places no long refer to getting a PS.

But, the PS restaurants still have the 48 hour notice posted. I don't know how many people see these descriptions but I would think WDW would want those cleared up fairly quickly.

Happy Planning!