How does the PS queuing system work?

[jenjersnap]

I called on a whim today to see if there were any openings at CG on our scheduled "date night" and - lo and behold - less than two weeks out there was exactly one table available. However, the CM I spoke with mentioned that PSs queue so that those who made their ressies further in advance get first priority in seating, i.e., two tables for 4 with the same 7 pm PS time both show up at the correct time, then whoever made their PS first chronologically gets seated first.

Just curious if anyone can confirm this? I think this is perfectly appropriate, but I have a geeky interest, though non-expert, in queuing theory. My example above is an ideal example, I wonder how sticky it can get carrying out these rules in reality. For example, if someone made a PS 90 days in advance for 7 pm and someone else made one for 6:45 two days before, but there is a significant wait for a table that delays both of them, does the person with the 6:45 always get seated first cos their PS time was earlier?

Anyone have any thoughts on this or any inside knowledge? Sorry if this is a non-issue for anyone but me!

 

[Forever42]

How I believe it should work is that the 6:45 party is seated first because of their earlier time. I don't think when you made the PS comes into play.

However, I don't think it works as it should all the time. People show up for PSs at all different times, early, late, etc. I'm sure it's easier than I'm thinking it is, but sometimes it seems a logistical nightmare.

Anyway, I wouldn't pay attention to what the CM said, unless someone can correct. What I CAN say for sure about the California Grill is that you should show up very very early for your PS if you want to watch Wishes from a window-side table. When we went, we showed up 1.5 hours early, and many people showed up even earlier than that.

 

[disneyag]

My understanding was -- is you have a PS for 7 and show up at 7, you get the next available table for your party size. If I show up behind you in line for a 7 o'clock PS, my party would get the table after yours. So, it probably is advantageous to show up a few minutes early.