Le Cellier...I did a bad thing

[Carol17]

Ok, here's the thing. We have been trying to get into Le Cellier for the past three trips. we just booked for the end of April, 78 days away. I called to try to get a reservation at le Cellier, and we gave them four different days, no restrictions on time...and still couldn't get in. So, we called again, but this time we said the reservation was for 4 rather than 2. Again, three days were unavailable, but they did have one on the fourth day!

So, I lied. It is not for 4 people, it is for two. They must have very few tables for 2(how many table are there all together anyway...5?!!!) We thought about calling back and changing the reservation to two people,saying the other couple canceled. Would they actually take the table away because we originally booked for four people? What is we told them that when we arrive? Would they refuse to seat two people at a table for four?

Yes, I feel guilty about our attempt at deception! Long story, short, I think we may end up canceling the reservation and going to the Yachtsman instead. Has anyone else done this?

 

[Tricia1972]

Please don't cancel your reservation over this. There have been quite a few threads here over the past few months about the same issue and many have done the exact same thing that you have.

Personally I feel it's a huge flaw in the reservation system.

 

[idatwilight]

While i think the reservation system is somewhat flawed, I think at the very least you should call and try to reduce the size of your party. Those 4-seater tables are for 4 people, therefore bringing in the revenue of 4 meals. Yeah, you can say, "What if three of those people only order a soda and we order the most expensive thing on the menu," but in general, four people are going to order more than 2 people. You can also say, "It's Disney, they don't need the pittance of a difference between 2 people and 4 people, and it's not like everyone's doing it," but I'm just saying, it's not as simple as just showing up with 2 people.

 

[chemysterygal]

We had a ressie for four, but some members of our party didn't end up going, so when we showed up there were only two of us. They didn't bat an eye, and when we were seated, we saw many parties of two at four-top tables. So I'd say stick with what you have. Personally, if it were me, I'd call occassionally and try to change it to two if I could, but I wouldn't give up what you have before you get something else!

 

[Sillyminny40]

We can't get one and there are 5 of us. I read somewhere here that asking for 6 is better!

 

[MickeyNicki]

We have been encouraged by CM's to say we are a party of 3 instead of 2 just so we can get a table, not just at LC but at many other places that are booked when we want it

 

[inkkognito]

I too have been encouraged by a CM on the phone to alter my party size in order to score a ressie. If they suggest doing it, who am I to argue?

 

[pumba]

we called for dining at exactly 90 days out and we were able to get a table at le Cellier at a not to bad time....But she was saying that they were almost booked solid....so we asked for the ending dates of our trip.....it worked

 

[Pumbaa_]

Don't feel guilty, this is a flaw in their system. They match exact party size to exact table size. As a party of 2, we have done the smae thing and I will continue to do so. If I call and there is a table that is appropriate for my party size, it should be first come first serve. And 2 at a 4 top is vry reasonable

that being said, Yachtsman is (IMHO) MUCH better than Le Cellier

 

[simonkodousek]

You shouldn't feel guilty at all; Disney's system is flawed when it comes to accommodating different numbers of people. When you get to the restaurant, just say that the other couple cancelled.

 

[KandiB47]

We thought about calling back and changing the reservation to two people,saying the other couple canceled. Would they actually take the table away because we originally booked for four people?

When my brother decided to come along for our trip they made me cancel my reservations and rebook. This was a change from a party of five to a party of six. Maybe they wouldn't make you cancel if the party size gets smaller.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Pumbaa is correct while we always do both Yachtsman and Le Cellier I would be much more upset not getting into Yachtsman than Le Cellier.

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

You do not need to feel guilty and you do not need to call back to change things. We have been to LeCellier many times, and there are always empty tables. Seems like they would rather fill the tables with 2 rather than none.

 

[ktlm]

I'm pretty much right there with you and I'm not changing my reservation. I tried to get 1900 Park Fare for 5. The only time they had was the last time before closing, which was too late for my 3 year old. I was told that if somehow we were 6, I could have ANY time I wanted the entire night. Same size table- one chair not filled. Disney apparently does not like to lose the money of having an empty chair at any table. My opinion is that if I called 1st and it is the table size I need for my party, I should get the table even if 1 chair is going to be empty. How is that different than if I had 6, but one kid was under 3 so she was free? They would still get the same amount of money and it would still be the same table, but in that case I would have been given the reservation, but with just 5 I wouldn't have been.

 

[jennipooh]

ughhh...this is such a source of frustration for me. When traveling with friends a table for 9 was no problem...but a table for 2 is so hard for us to get. Usually just ds and myself. I can't tell you how many times I have wanted to say that there were 3 or 4 of us dining. I always end up holding out for a table for 2. That does not always work out and we have gone without the ressies we wanted (LeCellier!!). BTW the two of us are ALWAYS SEATED AT A TABLE WITH 4 CHAIRS. Geeze!!!!!!! Anyway, it makes me feel like they don't really want our business (you know the total and tip are less for 2 than for 4!! ) Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Tina G]

I can understand the situation for tables of 2 as there are usually limited numbers of those tables in most restaurants and I can see them wanting to fill a table for 4 with 3-4 people instead of just 2 to make more money. However I find it hard to believe that a party of 5 is getting turned away from a reservation that is being held only for a party of 6. Something just doesn't seem right about that.

We are a party of 5 for our upcoming trip in May and I just made our ADRs today. I got every reservation I was looking for at the times I was looking for with no problem.

 

[goofy4prez]

I wouldn't worry about it. I'd book and not feel guilty one bit.

I have a real sour attitude about Le Cellier. I booked my dinner with them months ago. While the food was awesome they stuck us at a table that looked to be set right in the middle of the floor. Right smack in the flow to the restrooms and on one side of the table was the serving station for silver ware(very noisy) and another serving station for the credit card payments. My complaint fell on deaf ears with the manager who responded exactly with these words " that table is all that is available and there will be no other table you can move to this evening".

What's this have to do with ADR's and number of people. Nothing, but I do feel better now that I've vented.

 

[Gixer]

Dont feel guilty, Iv had to do the exact same thing, we are a party of 5 and trying to get tables for anywhere is almost impossible. Everytime I asked the CM just said ''we dont have availability for a party of 5 but we do have a table for 6.....'' bit of a silence down the phone for a minute then I said ''OK, I'll take the table for 6'' all the other ressies I made (we are there for 8 nights) the CM automatically said ''OK this is for a table of six at blah blah time your booked in''

I think the CM's feel the frustration as much as the guests!

 

[Micca]

It's a restaurant reservation, not grand jury testimony. I think you're fine with what you did.

 

[DisneyTabby]

I wouldn't feel guilty. When we went in August we wanted Boma and I couldn't get a reservation for 5 and the Disney rep at our hotel said I have a table for 6 and to just tell them someone couldn't make it when we checked in, but I didn't hear that from her. She said people do it all the time.