How does the reservation work?

[Valentina8623]

i understand that you select the available date and time but the it asks you for your credit card and payment. Does this mean they charge your card right away? If so how much? What is the cancellation policy? I can't find any info on their website. Also, we are going this April and I realize there won't be much available but I would like to try to get a few reservations in. What would you guys recommend for a party of 4 with a 7 year old girl and 5 year old boy? Thanks.

 

[holden]

In most cases, the CC holds the reservation. Some, like Cinderella's Royal Table, charge the meal as soon as you book it. You must cancel a reservation the day before to avoid being charged $10/pp for a no show.

A 7yo girl would probably love a meal with the princesses...CRT or Akershus, for example. If she'd like to eat in Beast's castle you could try for Be Our Guest.

I can't think of any boy specific meal, but kids in general might also enjoy Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, Hoop Dee Do Revue, Sci-Fi Dine In, Ohana, Coral Reef, Garden Grill, Beaches and Cream and Whispering canyon Cafe.

 

[Accident]

i understand that you select the available date and time but the it asks you for your credit card and payment. Does this mean they charge your card right away? If so how much? What is the cancellation policy? I can't find any info on their website. Also, we are going this April and I realize there won't be much available but I would like to try to get a few reservations in. What would you guys recommend for a party of 4 with a 7 year old girl and 5 year old boy? Thanks.

No charge, it holds the reservation. If you don't show there is a $10 per person on the reservation no show fee. cancelation is 24 hours in advance to avoid the fee (but I think it's really the day before). Also generally they will refund the fee with no problem if somethign came up and you call them the next day.

EDIT TO ADD: Some locations are pay in advance but those will be clear when your booking that your getting charged. thanks @holden I forgot about that

 

[holden]

No charge, it holds the reservation. If you don't show there is a $10 per person on the reservation no show fee. cancelation is 24 hours in advance to avoid the fee (but I think it's really the day before). Also generally they will refund the fee with no problem if somethign came up and you call them the next day.

CRT does charge in full when you book.

 

[Accident]

CRT does charge in full when you book.

I edited my post, completely forgot about the pay in advance meals.

 

[alex9179]

Certain restaurants require you to pre-pay for your meal, like Cinderella's Royal Table and Hoop Dee Doo. They are set prices and, yes, it will charge your card. Other table service (TS) will have you guarantee your arrival, or timely cancellation, with your credit card but won't charge you. At the time of payment you can choose any manner from cash, a different card, gift cards, charging to the room, etc.

Look for "Advance payment required" in the blue "check availability" box for the those that require payment in full. I believe that you must cancel 48 hrs in advance or forfeit the payment. If someone in the party is missing, count on losing that money. Stories differ but don't count on pixie dust.

Regular TS will have the right to charge $10/person for no-shows unless cancelled 24 hrs in advance. The day before usually works fine, though.

 

[Tigger's ally]

Both the 7 year old and the 5 year old would love something along the lines of breakfast at Crystal Palace. Pooh and friends are there and it is in MK so if you are going with kids that age, you will no doubt be in that park. We love that breakfast. Something about Tigger that just gets the day off to the right start!

 

[alex9179]

For TS recommendations, are you on the dining plan? Do you want a few character meals? Are you looking for good OOP value? Are you staying on property? Would you rather take a break at a TS at lunch or reserve it for dinner? Or, is breakfast the most important meal of the day and you're early risers?

 

[Valentina8623]

For TS recommendations, are you on the dining plan? Do you want a few character meals? Are you looking for good OOP value? Are you staying on property? Would you rather take a break at a TS at lunch or reserve it for dinner? Or, is breakfast the most important meal of the day and you're early risers?

No we have not purchased the dining plan but if it is worth it we might add it on. We just booked reservation at the Polynesian resort. We will be there April 15-23. I do know that a lot of places are already booked but I have seen several open tables still. I would like to try a few of everything. I think we want to do ohana for a breakfast and the luau dinner for sure if there are still openings since it's on our resort property. Other than that I'm not positive what else I should be looking for. I'd like mainly breakfast and dinner but I'd be open to throw a lunch in there.

 

[cigar95]

. . . . . cancelation is 24 hours in advance to avoid the fee (but I think it's really the day before)

Close of business the day before. However, I've encountered times when the online systems would not process late cancellations, and the phone lines aren't open late. So in general, when planning to cancel, avoid putting it off to the last minute.

 

[alex9179]

I'm not a proponent of the DDP. We've always gone OOP and spend less, overall, because of our eating preferences. It may be a good value for you with two kids and character meals, though, so it's worth it to compare costs.

We've only ever done pre-park opening breakfast. Mornings are the slowest time during our touring and we value shorter waits over TS breakfast.

Our first trip was at the Poly. We really enjoyed it and the transportation to MK and Epcot was great. You all will have a great time!

Some options on the monorail that are a good OOP value, with generally good reviews
Grand Floridian Café - serves a brunch menu until dinner time
The Wave - breakfast offers a la carte and buffet. Also serves lunch and dinner.

More expensive but food reviews have improved recently is 1900 Park Fare, both breakfast and dinner. I like how easy it is to get to GF from the Poly. My kids think the monorail is an awesome ride - lol!

Akershus is a decent value for a Princess breakfast and my kids enjoyed it. Even my two boys! I like that platters are brought to the table.
Via Napoli is great for splitting a big pizza and one of my favorite places
Garden Grill is a popular character meal with Farmer Mickey

At DHS we enjoyed 50s Prime-time and Sci-Fi. My kids voted for Sci-Fi for our upcoming trip. The food is ok but the atmosphere is fun for them.

Tusker House at AK is well-liked, but I don't love buffets with small children. I spent more time getting food than eating the food on my plate!
Yak & Yeti was a huge hit with my kids. They shared the adult Lo Mein and ate almost all of the wok-fried green beans.
Sanaa at Kidani is a favorite of mine and we'll be dining there in June. Before dark, you can see the animals on the savanna next to the restaurant, which my kids will love.

Just a few to think about!

 

[littledebbie335]

Rainforest Cafe and TRex tend to also be fun for kids! They are a bit noisy, though.