New credit card guarantees. Restaurant list, policy & common questions in 1st post

[MSLRAC]

It seems to me that that is how many posters are making it out, that sick kids are soo common at WDW.

I hightly doubt Disney wants sick people in the restuarants. I bet they hope, as I do, that if a child is sick that a parent would value their health and well being over a $10 cancellation fee. But maybe we are both over-estimating the care and common sense of some people.

It has already been posted that if part of the family shows up, the fee for the missing (if ill) would be waived. So nothing is stopping mom or dad from taking the rest of the family, and leaving the other parent in the room to care for the sick child. If for some reason a family simply won't consider that, then that is the choice they are making. No one is forcing anyone to take a sick child into a restaurant, it is just an easy way for people to try to make a week argument against the fee. Odds are no one in your family will get sick.

That's just it, it would not be just $10 for most families. It would have been $40 ($50 next trip since youngest DD is going) for the one ADR we called to cancel.

I too must have also missed the partial party fee being waived because that is not how it was presented in the beginning and that is not how it works now with cc hold meals. So I'll wait and see if that really happens.

I thought our odds of someone in our family getting sick while on vacation were pretty slim too...that was until DS spiked a fever of 103 on our first full day there.

 

[Snurk71]

I'll go back on record that it's not just about someone being sick (for me) - not deathly projectile vomiting sick, but even just not feeling well sick (though that is a reason). It's about realizing your children may need a break/nap from either overstimulation or they're just tired and cranky. It's about not wanting to go out in a rainstorm if I don't want to experience that miserableness (and cloud my overall experience). It's about having fun at one park and not wanting to stop the fun because we have to be over at XXX by 5:00 to eat. It's about we're having fun, eating different snacks through WS all day and don't feel like eating a full dinner now.

Yes, I view my vacation differently than a lot you apparently do. I used to schedule everything down to the gnat's...eye, didn't matter whether DD was tired or not - we had a schedule to keep. Our trips became a lot more enjoyable when I let off the gas and got more flexible though. We have an 8:00 ADR at CP and DD's still asleep at 7:30 because we were out late last night - ehh, I'll just cancel.

So this is a takeaway from the way I like to vacation. It may not be a takeaway from your regimented vacation style, but it does take away from mine. I don't know how I'll ultimately react in action to the new policy. My guess is I'll be voting with my wallet and eating a lot less $100+ sit down meals and have a lot more $20 snack/CS meals.

 

[Snurk71]

I think its a good policy, it should help open up more dining spots for people like me who don't book 180 days in advance.

I think this is a common misconception - there won't be more availability until right before the cancellation window.

However, I hope that maybe if someone is having an emergency of some sort they can be allowed to modify their reservation without penalty? For example, if my son was sick (which always happens to at least one of us every time we go) then I could call and modify my reservation to only 3 people instead of 5 so that I could stay back in the room with him. Do you think that would be allowed?? Or maybe allowing me to modify the name on the reservation, so if my brother-in-law's family could take our place we wouldn't get a penalty? I'm just throwing out ideas here.

That's not how current ADR modifications work. If you want to change the party size, there has to be an open ADR for the reduced party size you want - it's a cancel and re-book.

 

[eliza61]

Ok...so...if people who don't hoard reservations are happy with the new policy...

...and...

people who do hoard reservations are going to still do it anyway...

why is there any sort of argument?

Is it the fact that the hoarders actually have to take some time now and cancel 24 hrs before their reservations?? Previously, they just would not show up and not worry about it.

Seems that the hoarders are the ones complaining about the issue..not the non-hoarders who really aren't affected by this change.

As far as the sick, tired or not hungry issue goes...a commitment to eating somewhere is just that...it's a commitment. Just like a hotel reservation, a park ticket, etc.

With that said...this policy is largely a DETERRENT to the non-DISboards people...a deterrent to say that if you make a reservation, you're going to be held to it. The great people on this board know so many of the ins and outs that it really won't affect any of us.

I'd love for a representative from Disney to actually come forth and speak to the reason(s) why this policy is going into place and how they feel it will be a better experience.

As for me? I will continue to make ADR's to the places I want (just like I have the past 5-6 years), show up when expected and not worry about anything.

Actually the hoarders and I admit to having made multip adr a time or two in my live, are really not complaining because this new policy does nothing to prevent me from making multiple adrs.

In general I simply dislike new policies that I view as being implemented for no other reason but to collect another fee. I didn't like it when bank of america did it and I don't like it when Disney does it.

As many have already pointed out, this is no kinda of way going to stop hoarders. At best it may open up a few last minute adrs. but since in general the planners don't change their plans at the last minute (notice I said in general) and we've already proved it won't stop hoarders. this will probably end up leaving a bad taste in first timers who for whatever reason will get dinged with a $40 charge for changing their minds within 24 hours.

So I can't see this as making but a very small % of peoples dining experience any better.

 

[CandleontheWater]

I'll go back on record that it's not just about someone being sick (for me) - not deathly projectile vomiting sick, but even just not feeling well sick (though that is a reason). It's about realizing your children may need a break/nap from either overstimulation or they're just tired and cranky. It's about not wanting to go out in a rainstorm if I don't want to experience that miserableness (and cloud my overall experience). It's about having fun at one park and not wanting to stop the fun because we have to be over at XXX by 5:00 to eat. It's about we're having fun, eating different snacks through WS all day and don't feel like eating a full dinner now.

Yes, I view my vacation differently than a lot you apparently do. I used to schedule everything down to the gnat's...eye, didn't matter whether DD was tired or not - we had a schedule to keep. Our trips became a lot more enjoyable when I let off the gas and got more flexible though. We have an 8:00 ADR at CP and DD's still asleep at 7:30 because we were out late last night - ehh, I'll just cancel.

So this is a takeaway from the way I like to vacation. It may not be a takeaway from your regimented vacation style, but it does take away from mine. I don't know how I'll ultimately react in action to the new policy. My guess is I'll be voting with my wallet and eating a lot less $100+ sit down meals and have a lot more $20 snack/CS meals.

This is exactly right! Your chosen vacation style may be different from the militant touring plan followers, color coded spreadsheet holders, and regimented planners, but it is no less valid!

I think that some people are so worked up about this forget that a reservation is just that, a reservation. It is not an obligation. I did not sign in blood that I WILL be there at 8:00 pm for the Crystal Palace, and I think it is crazy for anyone to think that I should.

If you personally would like to treat your ADRs as life or death occurrences, that is your choice, but there are people who value spontaneity, and for whom relaxing and going with the flow IS a big part of vacation.

I have maybe completely scrapped two or three ADRs TOTAL in over 50 vacations to Walt Disney World. I don't think that is a bad percentage, but I still don't like the thought of having to fork over cash, ANY CASH, for circumstances beyond my control.

 

[fla4fun]

Good. Because many of the Disney CMs are unionized; plus I can't see a company that needs the daily level of staffing WDW does, regularly changing schedules on a daily basis.

I have a good friend who is now retired, but worked as a server at a WDW Resort TS restaurant for many, many years, and was a member of the union. It was not unusual for him to be called and told not to come in, to come in but be told to leave before the restaurant opened, to be sent home early (sometimes with as little as one or two tables served), or to be told to come in later than scheduled, or be told to come in when he was not regularly scheduled, or sometimes they would ask for volunteers to leave early or take a night off. One of these different scenarios would happen virtually weekly, if not multiple times per week. Believe me, they can, and do, change schedules on the fly. Part of it, like any business, can be attributed to the absences of other CM's and the necessity of covering those shifts, but a big part was how busy the restaurant was expected to be. I was there a few nights when it backfired - they had sent CM's home, and all of a sudden, all these guests would appear and want to eat. So the servers would pick up extra tables, and the people would get fed. This was not very long ago either, so I would assume that servers working there now have the same schedule changes thrown at them as well.

 

[MonorailMagic415]

Thank you for your insight!!!!

As a guest who experienced a timing glitch in a recent vacation, I have to vouch for the flexibility and courtesy of the CM's dealing with not only room, but dining reservations. Did you know if airlines start canceling flights (as they did recently during Hurricane Irene), WDW throws their room deposit cancellation policy out the window and gives people their money back. They don't insist that you drive, take a train or walk to make it to your room reservation. We also had tickets to HDDR and my DS started taking marathon naps during our trip - I was afraid we weren't going to make the early show. I called the reservation line on the day of the show, explained my dilemma and asked if we could switch times. Although we fell within the cancellation fee time period, the CM checked later times and told me he would try to bypass the cancellation fee if there was availability. There wasn't availability and my son woke up in time for the show, so we did not have a problem, but this is just an example of how Disney tries to work with you, if you make a good faith effort, to help accommodate you when unforeseen issues arise while you are vacationing.

As another PP posted, I also have a feeling the 24-hour cancellation policy has something to do with staffing the restaurants and would love to hear from a CM if that is the case.

From my experience, Disney has a big problem with hoarders and no shows. And the unfortunate part is that the primary person it impacts is the guest. Not once did I get sent home or taken off the schedule (which is not as easy to do as you may think) because people cancelled. Disney restaurants are a busy place and the one I worked at consistently had the same amount of cast scheduled no matter what the reservation system says. We had more people on holidays, but besides that it was a consistent number of cast. As someone who has seen managers and directors behind the scenes, they do so much for the guest. I once saw my manager accept a guest after we were closed and personally serve them. They will still go out of their way to help you. And if this policy keeps people from making 6 dinner reservations at once, which I think it will, then that is great for all those guests who didn't make a reservation and just want a meal. Trust me, every single cast member is trained to go above and beyond to help, not to get more money.

 

[Happy99]

Actually the hoarders and I admit to having made multip adr a time or two in my live, are really not complaining because this new policy does nothing to prevent me from making multiple adrs.

this is exactly the reason this new policy is being implemted, not for collecting an extra fee, but to deter people from making multiple reservations so that they have choice on any particular day just because they think they are entitled to this and then have many people not able to get that reservation due to this.

 

[Snurk71]

this is exactly the reason this new policy is being implemted, not for collecting an extra fee, but to deter people from making multiple reservations so that they have choice on any particular day just because they think they are entitled to this and then have many people not able to get that reservation due to this.

But it's not going to work - I don't understand why so many can't see it. A hoarder will still make their 6 ADRs, they just will cancel them right before their trip or the day before the ADR. If they're so careful to make 6 ADRs for the same night, this is no deterrent for them to not continue their practice. They just need a small modification to it.

I think I might do it just to prove a point the stinking point on our next trip! Let's see, I have plenty of email addresses and 4 phone#s I can use, not including if I rope some family into the mix and use their phone#s.

 

[MikeSF]

But it's not going to work - I don't understand why so many can't see it. A hoarder will still make their 6 ADRs, they just will cancel them right before their trip or the day before the ADR.

So wouldn't that mean 5-6 ADRs will all of a sudden become available a day or two before you go into a park, perhaps one that you absolutely know you're going to be in a day or two... for all those people who don't plan every step they take months out.

So my family should not enjoy a character meal because we do occassionally have illness in our family?

But if your child is sick wouldn't they miss the character meal too?

Personally I see this as a "policy" issue that won't be enforced IF you talk to someone and explain your situation, if not the restaurant but a customer service rep. Anyone know what Disney's official policy is someone getting sick in the park? Is it a refund of tickets? However a few years back after a day at going to a park with "rides I'm too old to ride anymore because they hurt" and having my noggin knocked around I went to DL the next day (slow day) me and my wife bought a 1 day park hopper to go to both parks, well we went to the DL park for a couple hours then over to CA when that one opened, went on a few rides and then hit the ferris wheel they have, and for some reason I got so dizzy I felt like I was going to throw up, and when the ride was over I sat on a bench for 30 minute or so and just could not continue to do anything... talking to customer service we asked if it was possible to upgrade the tickets to 2-day park hoppers, and I explained why.. I obviously did not look very happy/healthy and the guy printed out 2 - 1-day park hopper tickets, and 2- enter after 4pm DL park tickets (in case I was feeling better later in the day), free of charge. Now I'm pretty sure this isn't official Disney policy, also I doubt it's abused much if it is, but I got a sympathetic customer service rep (who I recall ironically was from Orlando), who helped me out of a jam. Does this mean "my boy is sick I don't want to pay $40" will work? No, but sometimes those who have power to make changes do have a bit of sympathy.

 

[NLD]

It is a shame that Disney has to go this far, but I applaud them for doing something. I am honstly stunned by all of the drama from a few posters over a very small fee. Would it suck to have to pay it? Yes. I don't think any of us enjoy throwing money away. But I place the blame for that on all of the people (and you know who you are!) who make more ADRs than they can possibly need or really want.

And THIS is why we're upset.

I do NOT make more ADRs than I could possibly want or need.

However, it's entirely possible that I could get dinged with paying $$ for missing an ADR.

That is EXACTLY what's upsetting.

Right now people get mad at hoarders because it makes it harder for the rest of us to get the restaurants we want.

Under this new policy, we can be mad at hoarders because it's STILL hard to get the restaurants we want AND we're getting dinged with fees.

 

[Snurk71]

So wouldn't that mean 5-6 ADRs will all of a sudden become available a day or two before you go into a park, perhaps one that you absolutely know you're going to be in a day or two... for all those people who don't plan every step they take months out.

Correct. I've conceded that this may help the day-of checkers and walk-ups. But for those that like to plan before then, it will be the same availability as always.

Also, walk-ups could still have open opportunity with a less restrictive cancellation time - like 3 hours.

But if your child is sick wouldn't they miss the character meal too?

I think people are saying they won't even make the character meal ADR now because of the odds that their child will get sick without enough advanced warning at some point (they don't know when, but it will happen) and they don't want to risk the $40-$60 cancellation fee they know they're going to experience at some point (based on their past experience with their trips and children).

That's a reasonable position, given an individual's financial position.

 

[always]

Ok...so can I ask why do you not like the change?

Eh, I'm indifferent to the change. I really do think it's a money grab though. If I had an issue with it it would be that. We always vacation in the summer and don't encounter many empty tables. We have had significantly long waits past our ADR time at some of the restaurants on the new list which does affect our touring plans. We deal with it though because we eat where we like to eat.

On a larger scale I don't like that Disney is moving toward a "schedule your every minute" type of destination with this move as well as the proposed advanced fast passes. Vacation is my time and if I decide at 2:30 that I'd like to stay at the pool another hour I should be able to cancel my 5:30 dinner reservation and not be out money or potentially miss out on an attraction depending on how the new fast pass system works.

I've worked in the restaurant business a long time and understand the importance of filling and turning tables, especially from a server's point of view. In the busy seasons I fail to see how a $10 per person cancellation fee is going to help that. In the off peak season, I do think it will help however.

 

[Snurk71]

And THIS is why we're upset.

I do NOT make more ADRs than I could possibly want or need.

However, it's entirely possible that I could get dinged with paying $$ for missing an ADR.

That is EXACTLY what's upsetting.

Right now people get mad at hoarders because it makes it harder for the rest of us to get the restaurants we want.

Under this new policy, we can be mad at hoarders because it's STILL hard to get the restaurants we want AND we're getting dinged with fees.

There is a contingent that just doesn't seem to be able to open their minds and understand this angle. We can apparently say it over and over, but they either just can't comprehend what we're saying, or just don't want to. Understanding a different view/belief/perspective doesn't mean yours is any more right or wrong - I don't think some understand that.

 

[mcd2745]

{A} I just find it hilarious that people think this policy will mean increased availability at restaurants or a better dining experience.

Can you not see all the tired, cranky, sick kids (and adults) being dragged to that table beside you because they were too late to cancel their reservation without paying Disney money for nothing?


{B} I see this policy and I immediately think "Well those are places I don't want to go near in future".

This is not the way to handle a "no show" problem. It is probably the very worst thing Disney could have done. I foresee a lot of angry Disney visitors fighting with Disney CMs to get their money back and even more Disney guests having a miserable time at dinner.

If they wanted to increase availability to walk-ins, then all they had to do was limit the percentage of ADRs allowed for a given time period.

Based on your statement I bolded and labeled{B}, then I guess your statement I labeled {A} makes no sense, because in {B} you basically said you would avoid those places and therefore increasing availability - making those people you referred to in {A} right.

 

[mom2rtk]

And THIS is why we're upset.

I do NOT make more ADRs than I could possibly want or need.

However, it's entirely possible that I could get dinged with paying $$ for missing an ADR.

That is EXACTLY what's upsetting.

Right now people get mad at hoarders because it makes it harder for the rest of us to get the restaurants we want.

Under this new policy, we can be mad at hoarders because it's STILL hard to get the restaurants we want AND we're getting dinged with fees.

I absolutely agree.

And it's not a small fee. You could come pretty close to eating a counter service meal for the cancellation fee. Never mind if you paid for the dining plan and then lost your opportunity to use that TS credit.

 

[Euphoria027]

If Disney knows the amount of reservations a full day ahead of time, they can decide to cut staff for the day, rather than prepare for the level including the no shows. This ties in with the cash grab side of things too. This is one thing that WOULDN'T be possible with a 3hr window. It would also mean that walk-ups would be no more likely to happen than they do now, and potentially less likely. (Since they now assume more correctly that this 80% occupancy will show up, there will be fewer no shows, and thus less chance to squeeze someone in).

I don't see why this is a bad thing! It's not a cash grab at all... Any restaurant in ANY location (just to avoid the YOU'RE COMPARING APPLES AND ORANGES thing) will cut people if they're over-scheduled because it saves money. On the flip side, they'll be swamped all night if they're under-scheduled. Having a good idea of the # of reservations makes it easier to plan the schedule accurately to avoid both of these things from happening. Saving on labor is not a cash grab at all.

Anxiously awaiting your condescending reply

 

[mom2rtk]

Based on your statement I bolded and labeled{B}, then I guess your statement I labeled {A} makes no sense, because in {B} you basically said you would avoid those places and therefore increasing availability - making those people you referred to in {A} right.

Just because that poster said THEY would avoid those places does not mean others will. As such, I don't see those 2 statements as mutually exclusive.

 

[Happy99]

But it's not going to work - I don't understand why so many can't see it. A hoarder will still make their 6 ADRs, they just will cancel them right before their trip or the day before the ADR. If they're so careful to make 6 ADRs for the same night, this is no deterrent for them to not continue their practice. They just need a small modification to it.

I think I might do it just to prove a point the stinking point on our next trip! Let's see, I have plenty of email addresses and 4 phone#s I can use, not including if I rope some family into the mix and use their phone#s.

I guess YOU cannot see how inconsiderate you are to everyone else. Don't you think Disney reads these boards and you and others like you are the reason they are doing this. Making those of us who do not make multiple ADR's paying the price for you being inconsiderate

 

[kaytieeldr]

I must have missed this in this very long thread. Is it part of the policy on the first page or is it just speculation like we are all doing? I know they haven't refunded for part of a party at dinner shows (per the thread where the child threw up at the beginning of Hoop De Doo).

That's just it, it would not be just $10 for most families. It would have been $40 ($50 next trip since youngest DD is going) for the one ADR we called to cancel.

I too must have also missed the partial party fee being waived because that is not how it was presented in the beginning and that is not how it works now with cc hold meals. So I'll wait and see if that really happens.

I thought our odds of someone in our family getting sick while on vacation were pretty slim too...that was until DS spiked a fever of 103 on our first full day there.

There are two threads on this. I think the other one is on the Community board, and a WDW local resident posted this information in that thread.