It's a cryin' shame! Lost DDP credits...A BUNCH!

[yasmina]

And then there are situations like ours. On our recent trip last month, there was apparently a computer snafu. They weren't counting our DDPs meals correctly, and we ended up leaving 10 CS and 12 snacks, and 4 TS meals. We honestly may have left at most 2-3 CS or snacks, but no where near what the computer showed.

Although we definitely got our money's worth, it rankled leaving so many credits, even though it wasn't our fault. We ate TS meals every night of our trip, and made extra efforts to buy water, ice cream, etc. as our trip neared it's end . My stomach, big as it may be, can only hold so much.

We still left the credits. We really were wishing we could have passed them on to someone, but of course, that's not possible.

 

[dijid]

I can totally see how this happens and why people get irate. I live in a medium size city. We almost *never* make reservations for dinner. And like someone else said, it's not like restaraunts here say NO - they just tell you how long you have to wait.

And what if someone's last trip to WDW was 8 or 9 years ago and they clearly remember going to the place in the front of Epcot when they entered and making their reservation for dinner that night? That's what it was like when DH and I went together for the first time.

Honestly, if we weren't on the DIS we never in a million years would have made ADRs as far in advance as we did for this free dining trip.

And while we technically aren't paying for dining, we are paying rack rate for a room to get it. And the promotional stuff doesn't say your meals are included only if you make ADRs. I think it's a good assumption for the naive to make that if you have the credits, you should be able to use them.

 

[housemouse]

Hmmm, we are going at the end of September and have not received anything other than the ME yellow tags.

Me neither, and we leave in 18 days.

 

[LoriZH]

Well, I think that Disney needs to emphasize this if they are going to sell people the dining plan that they will not be let in for TS Dinner if in fact they don't have ADR's. They merely ask you and if I didn't know about this board, I wouldn't have known to pounce like a tiger on his prey when it comes to ADR's and Table Service. I give people the benefit of the doubt, some people don't want to tie themselves down to one restaurant at a certain time every night of their vacation, some people actually like to play it by ear(s) okay, well anyway, I believe the Disney needs to leave tables open for walk ups, plain and simple, it's only fair to those who either do not know, or prefer not to have a structured vacation.

 

[bicker]

Well, I think that Disney needs to emphasize this if they are going to sell people the dining plan that they will not be let in for TS Dinner if in fact they don't have ADR's.

Only if that was actually the case. It isn't. As I've said before, in this and other threads, there is always someplace available to have a TS meal: If you are having trouble finding a place to eat, ask the reservationist for reservations at Boatwrights, Shutters or Olivia's. FWIR, at least one of these is always available. And that's a critical point: Disney does have sufficient capacity. Guests who choose not to read the materials that are provided and choose not to learn more about what they're buying and how to get the most of it, are welcome to dine at the less popular restaurants.

 

[MAKmom]

Every time I call about my package they remind me about making ADRs, whether it was before or after the 180 day mark. The brochure from disney (which I hope anyone booking a package takes the time to read) recommends ADRs. If you visit the disney site to read about restaurants, it tells you ADRs are recommended. Any disney guidebook will tell you to make ADRs.

The CM always ask if they can make any dinning reservation for you. When I booked my trip for Dec 2007 back in Jan 2007 I was told the exact date I could call & start making dinning reservation.

This problem is not only Disney's, My brother was in Hawaii last year & they had a hard time just walking into restaurants & being seated to eat.

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I have always wondered about this. Not all Disney travelers are here on the DIS and know all the ins and outs. We booked out Sept. trip back in April, made our ADRs at 180 days and just LAST WEEK Disney sent us an email saying it was time to make our ADRs. Um, yeah right. If I hadn't been on here, I would have never known about how far in advance I needed to make reservations, and I would have been upset too.

Now, I'm a planner, and I would never go anywhere without tons of research. But, I also realize that not everyone is that way, and if I'd spent my money on the dining plan and couldn't get a seat at any restaurant and my table service credits went to waste, I'd be upset.

 

[pta-mom]

With all due respect, there are lots of things people could do to make their personal vacations run smoother, but that doesn't make all of them right. At the end of the day, holding 2 ADRs for the same meal (and if that's ok, what's to stop someone from holding 3, 4 or 24?), while it certainly would come in handy if life throws one a curveball in the midst of one's meticulously-planned WDW day, is inconsiderate and wrong. No, it's not on par with robbing a bank but still the end (personal convenience) does not justify the means.

I totally agree with this viewpoint! Very nicely said.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Only if that was actually the case. It isn't. As I've said before, in this and other threads, there is always someplace available to have a TS meal: If you are having trouble finding a place to eat, ask the reservationist for reservations at Boatwrights, Shutters or Olivia's. FWIR, at least one of these is always available. And that's a critical point: Disney does have sufficient capacity. Guests who choose not to read the materials that are provided and choose not to learn more about what they're buying and how to get the most of it, are welcome to dine at the less popular restaurants.

The difficult part there bicker is that these restaurants are out of the way and not easy to get to without a car. Yes, you can get there going through a theme park, but if you are trying to find somewhere to eat with hungry kids, an hour or more to get there doesn't cut it.

It does always come back to planning ahead. Unfortuneately, so many people don't realize the amount of planning that goes into a great trip. If only they could all find their way here

 

[marlynnp]

It's a shame the CMs can't do a better job assisting guests with available options. I'm sure some of the guests are upset and don't want to hear about alternatives but some might. Its been posted, not sure if it's true, that the restaurant reservation system can only check specific restaurants. There isn't a way to just list a time and see what's open. If true that could be an issue.

I haven't read all the posts and don't know if anyone addressed this...

but you can give them a time range and they can tell you where there's availability.

My DD and I were at MGM on father's day and it was hot and packed, we decided we'd rather leave. I called and cancelled my ADR for
Sci-fi and asked where I could get an ADR for 5ish, any resort. She rattled off 4 or 5 different places. We picked Olivia's because that the name of DD's BF and we had a lovely meal there.

 

[diznee princess]

This is my first time using the DDP and I wish I han't taken it. This is a last minute opportunity to go to Florida with my kids right before school. We go as much as possible and almost always on a whim or within a 2 week period of departure date. This is my 3rd time staying on property, once at POR and 2X at SSR through rented points.

I never had a problem getting a TS table, even last Jan. when we were there, calling within a short time frame or going by walk up, albeit usually with a longer wait time or later dinner hour, but we don't mind.
However, When I called this time I was told that every choice I wanted was booked. I was told I could go to a few of the aforementioned lesser wanted TS places at some of the resorts. But I would rather have a car and eat off property at many other better tasting and better priced nearby restaraunts, for what the meal plan is costing me pfor the week.
I was also told when attempting to make ADR's that this was the first week of the "free dining offer" which I was not told about when I made the choice to try the DDP for the first time.
I think I would have made off better with OOP, since my daughter can't have a princess meal anywhere, or any character for that matter. And forget about a nice steak meal.
I was told I could get a TS for the spirit of aloha show if I wanted to pay OOP for it at full price. Or eat at planet hollywood, which I can eat here in NY.
I think Disney should have a second list of ADRs. A cancellation list on a first come first serve.
Now I do not expect them to call each person to let them know their status, but they could have a standby list of some kind.
I know people who have made reservations for several places at the same time so they could decide what they wanted as they went along. Then they don't call to cancel, they just no show. I am sure this happens all the time.
I am thinking this was not the time to try DDP.
I wonder if I can cancel it when I check in at my DVC resort since I do not pay until I arrive anyway?
Thanks for listening.
BTW, Does anyone have an ADR they want to give me for party of 4? OHana is calling me...

 

[bicker]

The difficult part there bicker is that these restaurants are out of the way and not easy to get to without a car. Yes, you can get there going through a theme park, but if you are trying to find somewhere to eat with hungry kids, an hour or more to get there doesn't cut it. It does always come back to planning ahead.

Absolutely. The point, though, is that there is no merit to complaints (specifically) that Disney sells dining and then there is no way for you to capitalize on what you've purchased. There is always a place to eat, and your priority with regard to the most popular places is, as it should be, and as it is for most things in life, based on how much advance planning you do.

 

[pta-mom]

This is my first time using the DDP and I wish I han't taken it. This is a last minute opportunity to go to Florida with my kids right before school. We go as much as possible and almost always on a whim or within a 2 week period of departure date. This is my 3rd time staying on property, once at POR and 2X at SSR through rented points.

I never had a problem getting a TS table, even last Jan. when we were there, calling within a short time frame or going by walk up, albeit usually with a longer wait time or later dinner hour, but we don't mind.
However, When I called this time I was told that every choice I wanted was booked. I was told I could go to a few of the aforementioned lesser wanted TS places at some of the resorts. But I would rather have a car and eat off property at many other better tasting and better priced nearby restaraunts, for what the meal plan is costing me pfor the week.
I was also told when attempting to make ADR's that this was the first week of the "free dining offer" which I was not told about when I made the choice to try the DDP for the first time.
I think I would have made off better with OOP, since my daughter can't have a princess meal anywhere, or any character for that matter. And forget about a nice steak meal.
I was told I could get a TS for the spirit of aloha show if I wanted to pay OOP for it at full price. Or eat at planet hollywood, which I can eat here in NY.
I think Disney should have a second list of ADRs. A cancellation list on a first come first serve.
Now I do not expect them to call each person to let them know their status, but they could have a standby list of some kind.
I know people who have made reservations for several places at the same time so they could decide what they wanted as they went along. Then they don't call to cancel, they just no show. I am sure this happens all the time.
I am thinking this was not the time to try DDP.
I wonder if I can cancel it when I check in at my DVC resort since I do not pay until I arrive anyway?
Thanks for listening.
BTW, Does anyone have an ADR they want to give me for party of 4? OHana is calling me...

If you paid OOP for the DDP, why don't you cancel it?

If you got the DDP for free, than it doesn't really matter does it?

If you did not get the DDP but choose to pay OOP for your meals, what difference would it make if you still did not have your ADR's done in time to give you the TS meals that you want?

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

This is my first time using the DDP and I wish I han't taken it. This is a last minute opportunity to go to Florida with my kids right before school. We go as much as possible and almost always on a whim or within a 2 week period of departure date. This is my 3rd time staying on property, once at POR and 2X at SSR through rented points.

I never had a problem getting a TS table, even last Jan. when we were there, calling within a short time frame or going by walk up, albeit usually with a longer wait time or later dinner hour, but we don't mind.
However, When I called this time I was told that every choice I wanted was booked. I was told I could go to a few of the aforementioned lesser wanted TS places at some of the resorts. But I would rather have a car and eat off property at many other better tasting and better priced nearby restaraunts, for what the meal plan is costing me pfor the week.
I was also told when attempting to make ADR's that this was the first week of the "free dining offer" which I was not told about when I made the choice to try the DDP for the first time.
I think I would have made off better with OOP, since my daughter can't have a princess meal anywhere, or any character for that matter. And forget about a nice steak meal.
I was told I could get a TS for the spirit of aloha show if I wanted to pay OOP for it at full price. Or eat at planet hollywood, which I can eat here in NY.
I think Disney should have a second list of ADRs. A cancellation list on a first come first serve.
Now I do not expect them to call each person to let them know their status, but they could have a standby list of some kind.
I know people who have made reservations for several places at the same time so they could decide what they wanted as they went along. Then they don't call to cancel, they just no show. I am sure this happens all the time.
I am thinking this was not the time to try DDP.
I wonder if I can cancel it when I check in at my DVC resort since I do not pay until I arrive anyway?
Thanks for listening.
BTW, Does anyone have an ADR they want to give me for party of 4? OHana is calling me...

Isn't Spirit of Aloha a 2 TS, not required OOP? Are you for real, or are you just tweaking the boards? I am not sure this is genuine. January with no ADR's? Hard to believe if it was this year.

Ohana should not be that hard to get. Anyway, just cancel DDP if you don't want it. You have to book DDP, nobody forces anyone to buy it.

Even without DDP you still need ADR's.

 

[Kathi OD]

I have a question? When did Disney start offering DDP? I'm asking because last time we went (Oct. 2005 - F&W/Jersey week), I don't remember being offered a DP. And I know I didn't make one dining reservation before I left (although you can be sure after reading about the difficulties getting somewhere to eat this year I have). I called in the morning each day we were on vacation was able to eat at every TS restaurant I wanted including the now impossible to get into LeCellier (where they held our spot for a 1/2 hour because 2 members of our party were running late). Now granted, some were not at the times I would have preferred to eat, but there certainly was not any trouble getting in. So I am wondering if the lack of availability is something that has occurred because so many people are taking advantage of the plan. You know, too much of a good thing? Maybe less people will take advantage of the new 2008 plan, and there will be less trouble finding somewhere to eat.

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

I have a question? When did Disney start offering DDP? I'm asking because last time we went (Oct. 2005 - F&W/Jersey week), I don't remember being offered a DP. And I know I didn't make one dining reservation before I left (although you can be sure after reading about the difficulties getting somewhere to eat this year I have). I called in the morning each day we were on vacation was able to eat at every TS restaurant I wanted including the now impossible to get into LeCellier (where they held our spot for a 1/2 hour because 2 members of our party were running late). Now granted, some were not at the times I would have preferred to eat, but there certainly was not any trouble getting in. So I am wondering if the lack of availability is something that has occurred because so many people are taking advantage of the plan. You know, too much of a good thing? Maybe less people will take advantage of the new 2008 plan, and there will be less trouble finding somewhere to eat.

Don't count on less people. ADR's will always be needed, I think. And, too much of a good thing? I think not - so many people love the DDP, and you can never have enough of a good thing at WDW!!!

 

[bicker]

When did Disney start offering DDP?

In its current guise, the Dining Plan was introduced in 2005.

Maybe less people will take advantage of the new 2008 plan, and there will be less trouble finding somewhere to eat.

There are several advantages to guests and to Disney associated with the changes for 2008. Information about those advantages tend to get drowned out amongst the repetitive griping about the disadvantages to guests, and about the other advantages to Disney.

 

[Kathi OD]

There are several advantages to guests and to Disney associated with the changes for 2008. Information about those advantages tend to get drowned out amongst the repetitive griping about the disadvantages to guests, and about the other advantages to Disney.

True, but I can always Dream!

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

I do my best to educate people on this..non DISers, but it happens over and over.

One couple, each morning, the husband went up to get his wife a bagel and OJ..so she could take her meds and used a counter service for it. Needless to say, they ran out and ended up paying cash for dinners and lunches.

Another family, did the same thing, but with their table service. They went down each morning to the GF Cafe for a little breakfast and were charged the TS credits. The ADRs they had were the higher ends ones too.

Makes me sick thinking about it.