Increased capacity in Parks, and dining

[Simba's Mom]

While it's nice that they've increased park capacity, have they done anything about increasing capacity for dining, especially TS? Now there are more people who can get into any one of the parks, and it seems so difficult to get TS ADRs as it is. And I've heard that even CS restaurants, although you can mobile order, have problems-common mealtimes are quickly sold out for pick-up times. I'm planning to eat at off times, and I only made 3 ADRs at TS restaurants on my 9 day trip. Anyone else planning for food venues to be super busy?

 

[monstermash23]

I saw a Walt Disney World NT instagram story recently that pointed out Living with the Land food seating has increased a lot due to reduced physical distancing requirements. I know this isn't TS and not sure of any others that have done this also but it's def a sign in the right direction I think. It could be a slow roll with that update until more capacity increases happen at all TS spots over the next few weeks/months. Just my two cents.

I have about 1-2 ADRs a day for our 13 day trip at end of july. I just figure it'll be a nice break from the heat and give us some peace of mind.

 

[Adventureland]

I swear I saw someone report that outdoor seating has had any signs barring use of a table removed just a few days ago! I wouldn't be surprised if they started opening more ADRs up as they follow suit indoors and expand capacity.

Mobile Order should be ordered ahead of time, but eating at off-times will certainly help. Cannot vouch for how well that goes, but have certainly heard the advice to order two hours ahead (or more).

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I swear I saw someone report that outdoor seating has had any signs barring use of a table removed just a few days ago! I wouldn't be surprised if they started opening more ADRs up as they follow suit indoors and expand capacity.

Disney World to Reduce Physical Distancing in Shops, Restaurants

I'm hopeful this will ease some of the strain but they do still have staffing issues to contend with ... particularly in the World Showcase restaurants in the absence of the international cast members.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

I really hate two top tables ( basically the tables for 2 people only, that are literally right next to eachother in a row with barely any room to put your food )

Its impossible not to look at the person next to you or have a conversation without listening to the other table lol

I'm not looking forward to that returning.

 

[Dakota731]

Talking to a cast member revealed that staffing concerns are the issue - nothing to do with distancing or covid. Not sure if Florida has stopped pandemic unemployment, yet but in our state it’s a big issue when people can make a lot more money staying home.

 

[DisneyByMarriage]

Talking to a cast member revealed that staffing concerns are the issue - nothing to do with distancing or covid. Not sure if Florida has stopped pandemic unemployment, yet but in our state it’s a big issue when people can make a lot more money staying home.

Childcare is the main reason people can’t go back to work. Most restaurants and stores are trying to being back LESS bodies that work MORE hours. Someone who used to work 5 days a week from 9-3 cannot all of a sudden work from 7-4 or 10-7. There are a ton of people dreading going back to the office and many companies aren’t making employees return to the office this summer because of childcare. So why do people keep assuming those that used to work hourly are just lazy and not returning because they are collecting more money on unemployment? Absolutely there are ppl doing that but it’s not everybody. And the constraint for most restaurants isn’t servers, it’s the kitchen staff. They cost the company a lot more to hire and retain and training cooks/prep staff isn’t a quick process.

 

[DisneyByMarriage]

I really hate two top tables ( basically the tables for 2 people only, that are literally right next to eachother in a row with barely any room to put your food )

Its impossible not to look at the person next to you or have a conversation without listening to the other table lol

I'm not looking forward to that returning.

Two tops are the worst. Why do restaurants assume that two people eating need a tiny little table? My husband and I order MORE food and drink when we don’t have the kids with us! My DH is in the industry and he confirmed that absolutely those crappy two tops will return because companies are trying to get any profit they can after the last year.

 

[monstermash23]

Childcare is the main reason people can’t go back to work. Most restaurants and stores are trying to being back LESS bodies that work MORE hours. Someone who used to work 5 days a week from 9-3 cannot all of a sudden work from 7-4 or 10-7. There are a ton of people dreading going back to the office and many companies aren’t making employees return to the office this summer because of childcare. So why do people keep assuming those that used to work hourly are just lazy and not returning because they are collecting more money on unemployment? Absolutely there are ppl doing that but it’s not everybody. And the constraint for most restaurants isn’t servers, it’s the kitchen staff. They cost the company a lot more to hire and retain and training cooks/prep staff isn’t a quick process.

I don’t think it’s one or the other. I think both issues (childcare and unemployment wages being too) are probably at play. He didn’t say anyone was lazy either, but the economic fact remains. If someone gets paid more NOT to work, then why would they rush to return to work? That’s not laziness, that’s just simple economics. Our state is dealing with similar issues. Talk to anyone in small business that’s overloaded with work around here and they will tell you the same thing.

But I think you are right that there a lot of people who have had to adjust to certain extremes, like childcare, during the lockdowns and now must re-adjust. And bringing people back, retraining, etc is def no small feat as you suggested. So yea I think the logistical issues with return to work/return to normal are probably multi-faceted, imo.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

Talking to a cast member revealed that staffing concerns are the issue - nothing to do with distancing or covid. Not sure if Florida has stopped pandemic unemployment, yet but in our state it’s a big issue when people can make a lot more money staying home.

Silly Disney shouldn't have treated their seasonal employees so poorly, then put all the restrictions on them if they wanted to come back. I have two parents that would have gone back to work otherwise, and one of them is a legacy CM. Lots of people worked at Disney because they wanted to, not because they needed the money.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I swear I saw someone report that outdoor seating has had any signs barring use of a table removed just a few days ago! I wouldn't be surprised if they started opening more ADRs up as they follow suit indoors and expand capacity.

Mobile Order should be ordered ahead of time, but eating at off-times will certainly help. Cannot vouch for how well that goes, but have certainly heard the advice to order two hours ahead (or more).

Yay on more outdoor seating, hope indoors follows suit soon. Sounds like Disney is anticipating my concerns. Just need to give them a little time to catch up.

 

[jimmymc]

I believe they converting the relaxation stations back to outdoor QS eating spaces.

I've also never had a mobile order wait longer than 15 minutes, but that's just one person's experience. Not sure about TS, but I would imagine they're getting closer to full capacity.

 

[Dakota731]

Though all the daycares are opened in our area so not sure why childcare would be any more of an issue now then it was before covid. And before anyone says raise the minimum wage, my husband can’t get staff at his company paying $24 an hour

 

[Breezer4]

Talking to a cast member revealed that staffing concerns are the issue - nothing to do with distancing or covid. Not sure if Florida has stopped pandemic unemployment, yet but in our state it’s a big issue when people can make a lot more money staying home.

Florida just recently discontinued pandemic unemployment assistance. It will still take at least a few weeks to notice any difference, assuming there will be a difference.

 

[anjuan]

My daughter has a teen friend who used to work in the parks and has reapplied for his position a while ago. He still hasn't heard back from Disney.