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

[PirateD]

I think part of the problem is that Disney can't fill those empty tables with walk-ins. When people don't cancel their ADRs, how does Disney know if they are coming or not?

Of course Disney wants to get what money they can. They are a business! How long are they supposed to let there be empty tables at the restaurants because people can't be bothered to cancel their ADR's?

I've been at the Crystal Palace when they have been turing people away, yet been sat in an area with lots of empty tables. If it were my restaurant and that happened, I would be plenty upset. If that made me greedy, then I guess I would be greedy. No restaurant anywhere could allow that to continually happen, and still expect to stay in business.

It would be beyond stupid of any restaurant to accept empty tables when they are supposedly booked and not try to do anything about it.

I didn't realize that when people didn't show up Disney left the tables sitting empty indefinitely. I would have thought that they would have filled them once the check-in time was missed. We have walked-in before and have gotten seated. Actually, those meals are some of my best memories. I think the spontaneity of it all made it more fun.

I'm certainly not advocating no shows. I just disagree with the 24 hour notification part of the policy. The main reason I posted is that I'm sad that this makes Disney look bad in the eyes of my family and others. It can't be good for their business to have such a negative reaction from many of their customers.

Even I'm a little disillusioned with Disney dining. I just got back from a conference. I stayed at an awesome hotel that had an amazing restaurant. I enjoyed exquisite plated, composed Top-Chef-llike dishes. I paid the same price for three courses as I do for a meal at Disney, but Disney doesn't even come close to the quality of the food or the service that I experienced there. We were, by the way, over an hour late for our reservation two of the three nights because our meetings ran unexpectedly late. We weren't charged a fee. Nobody even scolded us. I know it's a different situation than WDW, but still it makes me feel that Disney is falling behind in service and the quality of its dining.

Note: I should add here that I didn't make the reservations (the company did), and I had no control over when the meetings ended so please don't flame me for being inconsiderate in not keeping the assigned reservation time. LOL!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I've been at hotels which charge for internet access, but allow free access to the hotel's website and a few basic sites such as weather.com Disney could charge for internet access but allow any guest to access a Disney website. People shouldn't think a perceived need to offer online access to dining (not a real need) would translate to free internet access. Getting people on the internet, to check on their reservations and check weather might lead people to pay for internet access for other sites. Good promotion.

The purpose of the holiday surcharge was to generate revenue. It's certainly possible that additional revenue was one of the reasons for this policy. Prepares any alternative, which doesn't generate equivalent revenue wouldn't be of interest to Disney. A family will find the cancellation fee is 30-50%. SW gives no show passengers a full credit. Many hotels let you cancel up to 5p on the day of your arrival. There are very few restaurants that charge a cancellation or no-show. There are several alternatives Disney could have chosen, if necessary, to deal with no-shows. It seems obvious, to some of us, that Disney-the business, decided a new revenue stream makes sense.

Regardless of the reason, I think it's a good change for many.

Internet access is a whole different issue, and free access is a different matter still. But it's moot if the guest doesn't have a computer or other Internet-capable device.

I find the assumption that everybody travels 'connected' fascinating.

I've been surprised by all the suggestions requiring a guest to keep an eye on their cell phones all day too. When I'm on vacation, I want to be connecting with my family. I don't want to spend time on the phone or a lot of time on the internet, but that's me.

I'm certainly not advocating no shows. I just disagree with the 24 hour notification part of the policy. The main reason I posted is that I'm sad that this makes Disney look bad in the eyes of my family and others. It can't be good for their business to have such a negative reaction from many of their customers.

Even I'm a little disillusioned with Disney dining. I just got back from a conference. I stayed at an awesome hotel that had an amazing restaurant. I enjoyed exquisite plated, composed Top-Chef-llike dishes. I paid the same price for three courses as I do for a meal at Disney, but Disney doesn't even come close to the quality of the food or the service that I experienced there. We were, by the way, over an hour late for our reservation two of the three nights because our meetings ran unexpectedly late. We weren't charged a fee. Nobody even scolded us. I know it's a different situation than WDW, but still it makes me feel that Disney is falling behind in service and the quality of its dining.

I've been on the DIS for a long time, & every change WDW makes is met this way. This is nothing compared to the reaction, when they dropped they appetizer & tip from DDP. It eventually dies down as people get used to the change.

 

[333disneymom]

The Most Magical Place on Earth (you're thinking of Disneyland).

But nobody is forced into anything. Nobody has to get the Dining Plan, or make ADRs, or make ADRs at the affected restaurants. Everybody who does make reservations at those 19 restaurants, though, will be advised of the cancellation policy and can choose to continue withe the reservation or not, and then choose to cancel it at least a day before it's scheduled or not.

It's all choice. Nothing is forced.

Actually, some people do have to make an ADR. Those with special dietary needs and food allergies are recommended to make an ADR and contact special diets in advance of their trip. That way the chef knows their needs ahead of time and is prepared. Without ADR, there is no guarantee that the chef will be able to make something safe. Most people I know who deal with food allergies and diet restrictions make all of their ADRs in advance. Personally, I have never missed an ADR, but with illness, children, transportation issues, I could see how something might come up the day of a reservation and need to be cancelled.

Additionally, Disney World is quite unique. It's not like many other parks, where you are in one location. You could be at any one of 4 parks, two water parks, Downtown Disney, etc. With so many variables mentioned above, to not allow same-day cancellations (within a certain time frame - 3 hours?) seems unrealistic. The policy, I would think, would also discourage people from buying the Deluxe Dining Plan. I've never had it, but I've often heard of people changing dinner plans for a later reservation since they were still full from lunch. Also, with people having two or three reservations a day, they have even more possibility of having a change and therefore a charge at some point, not to mention the sickness factor if cancelling three meals in one day.

I believe a 2 or 3 hour window would suffice and still allow Disney to fill seats with walk-ins. I also think that tying in the ADR to the room reservations and only allowing one ADR per meal time - breakfast, lunch and dinner, would cut down on the multiple bookings. Of course, Disney would have to find a way to deal with multiple bookings for locals and those staying off property - maybe tie it in to an annual pass or ticket purchase? Not sure how they could work that, but I think there is definitely room for improvement.

 

[racefanof88]

Most (all?) character are either buffet or served "all you care to eat". Every guest seated pays. AFAIK Signature dining has no per person requirement.

Very true, except in the case of Le Cellier, one of the restaurants on the list. So if I foresee not wanting to keep my ADR for what ever reason I may have, I just show up with my family, take the table and order a glass of water!! Just because I show up and take the table doesn't mean I have to order anything at all! How does that help Disney OR the servers. That is when we will see Disney becoming like a Bourbon Street bar, "one drink minimum"...............

 

[pinkerbell]

But time is money, especially on an expensive vacation. Maybe the dedicated cancellation line will be better but on our last trip it took me forever on the phone to cancel one unneeded ADR when our plans changed. I dialed WDW-DINE from the bus stop at Epcot and was in the Pop Century lobby before hanging up. I think that's a big part of why people haven't been more proactive about canceling all along - you have to get through all the data-collection prompts, phone number, reservation number, how many times have you been to WDW, say and spell your last name (which never takes for me, but repeats for three attempts before transferring to a live person), etc.

I ran into this on our last trip whne myu daughter was Ill, I finally gave up!

The Most Magical Place on Earth (you're thinking of Disneyland).

But nobody is forced into anything. Nobody has to get the Dining Plan, or make ADRs, or make ADRs at the affected restaurants. Everybody who does make reservations at those 19 restaurants, though, will be advised of the cancellation policy and can choose to continue withe the reservation or not, and then choose to cancel it at least a day before it's scheduled or not.

It's all choice. Nothing is forced.

I am confused; who forced you to make an ADR at a restaurant with a clearly stated cancel/no show fee?

merriam webster definition of forced
1. compelled by force or necessity
2. done or produced with effort, exertion of pressure

while no-one is forced to make a reservation it appears that many on this board will feel compelled by neccessity or pressured to keep adr's that at the time may not be in their best interests.

 

[Lewisc]

Regardless of the reason, I think it's a good change for many.



I've been surprised by all the suggestions requiring a guest to keep an eye on their cell phones all day too. When I'm on vacation, I want to be connecting with my family. I don't want to spend time on the phone or a lot of time on the internet, but that's me.

I don't think anyone is suggesting a guest has to keep an eye on their cell phone. Rather those guests interested in knowing about same day availability of dining, and who are will to check their cell phone for text messages, might benefit if such a system was put in place.

I don't see how the change is good for anyone. People who make multiple ADRs and ADRs on spec will continue to do so. They'll just cancel at the deadline. I don't see how that benefits us.

 

[HeatherLassell]

Even with the DDP, all guaranteed reservations will require a CC to be placed when you make the reservation.

CRT and the 3 dinner shows will not change from how they are now, which is full payment at time of booking if you do not have a confirmed resort reservation with an appropriate dining plan attached, or if you do, it's a guarantee for the full price per person (so for these 4 it's not $10 per person!)

Ok I think I get what you're saying. I do have a package booked with the DDP (table service) and I was looking at the reservation thing where it says "I want to use my dining plan to make reservations". So what you're saying is I will still have to use my credit card to reserve it BUT if I am using my dining plan it will just be used if I don't show up? There won't be any actual hold or full payment taken for the meal ahead of time?

Thanks for answering my questions.

 

[racefanof88]

I don't think anyone is suggesting a guest has to keep an eye on their cell phone. Rather those guests interested in knowing about same day availability of dining, and who are will to check their cell phone for text messages, might benefit if such a system was put in place.

I don't see how the change is good for anyone. People who make multiple ADRs and ADRs on spec will continue to do so. They'll just cancel at the deadline. I don't see how that benefits us.

 

[pinkerbell]

Very true, except in the case of Le Cellier, one of the restaurants on the list. So if I foresee not wanting to keep my ADR for what ever reason I may have, I just show up with my family, take the table and order a glass of water!! Just because I show up and take the table doesn't mean I have to order anything at all! How does that help Disney OR the servers. That is when we will see Disney becoming like a Bourbon Street bar, "one drink minimum"...............

I don't think anyone is suggesting a guest has to keep an eye on their cell phone. Rather those guests interested in knowing about same day availability of dining, and who are will to check their cell phone for text messages, might benefit if such a system was put in place.

I don't see how the change is good for anyone. People who make multiple ADRs and ADRs on spec will continue to do so. They'll just cancel at the deadline. I don't see how that benefits us.

 

[Cafeen]

Ok I think I get what you're saying. I do have a package booked with the DDP (table service) and I was looking at the reservation thing where it says "I want to use my dining plan to make reservations". So what you're saying is I will still have to use my credit card to reserve it BUT if I am using my dining plan it will just be used if I don't show up? There won't be any actual hold or full payment taken for the meal ahead of time?

Thanks for answering my questions.

Correct on both counts. As a note, sometimes the online system is funky with those pre-paid experiences (CRT and the dinner shows), so it may be best to call for those. Basically, if it doesn't show an "Amount due today", you're good to go. If it shows something other than $0, you're going to have to call or you will be charged.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I don't think anyone is suggesting a guest has to keep an eye on their cell phone. Rather those guests interested in knowing about same day availability of dining, and who are will to check their cell phone for text messages, might benefit if such a system was put in place.

I don't see how the change is good for anyone. People who make multiple ADRs and ADRs on spec will continue to do so. They'll just cancel at the deadline. I don't see how that benefits us.

We will have to wait to see, but I believe people will eventually stop making so many "just in case" ADRs when they realize it's no longer worth the hassle. If they don't take the time to cancel, the fee will make them think twice next time. A cancellation policy of 24 hrs. will also help those trying to book same day ADRs for all meals.

 

[housemouse]

I don't see how the change is good for anyone. People who make multiple ADRs and ADRs on spec will continue to do so. They'll just cancel at the deadline. I don't see how that benefits us.

I think a lot of the missed ressies are due to changing your mind on the fly,the day of, for whatever reason. If people know they're going to be charged because it's the same day and they don't want to go, do you honestly think they're going to waste vacation time on the phone to cancel a ressie they're going to be charged for anyway? I wouldn't. Disney will collect $10, but they still won't have a table to give to someone else cause they'll believe I'm still coming. I just think everyone jumping for joy over being able to get "walkups" is partying prematurely.. And the kicker is you can't be mad at those folks for not showing up anymore because they played within Disney's defined rules.
They paid to hold that table even though they're not coming.

 

[HeatherLassell]

Correct on both counts. As a note, sometimes the online system is funky with those pre-paid experiences (CRT and the dinner shows), so it may be best to call for those. Basically, if it doesn't show an "Amount due today", you're good to go. If it shows something other than $0, you're going to have to call or you will be charged.

Thank you so much for taking the time to help me! Atleast now in April (yes I'm still like 343 days out) when it's time to make my ADRs I will know what I'm doing. I will be ready to call if the online tries to charge me!

 

[Snurk71]

I don't see how the change is good for anyone. People who make multiple ADRs and ADRs on spec will continue to do so. They'll just cancel at the deadline. I don't see how that benefits us.

The change will be good for same day planners, like tarheelfan, who's a local. I think that's why we keep hearing her support for the plan - she is one that will benefit from the change.

What I don't understand is why a company would institute a policy that might benefit less than 10% of their customer base while potentially irritating 90+%. That's just dumb business. And before anyone posts, I don't have any insider information on locals being less than 10% of the base. That's just my educated guess based on my experience.

 

[Snurk71]

An alternative that works for you-the-customer -- not necessarily one that works for Disney-the-business.

Katie, I know I said I was going to ignore you, and I did for a few days. But my comment was an alternative solution to the problem presented (empty tables), maybe one that Disney hasn't even considered. And if my proposal couldn't resolve their supposed empty seat problem (which is the subject), then they're either poor business managers or just seeking a new revenue stream. My guess (yes, that's my guess - I don't hold any inside information) is that they already have a policy programmed for day-prior cancellations and they just rolled these additional restaurants into it without thinking about alternative solutions and the real guest experience.

 

[Snurk71]

As far as breakfast, I don't remember there being a resolution on here that would help those looking for early morning ADRs same day. There's been a lot of speculation, but I haven't seen a solution. Maybe, I missed it. It's been suggested that the cut-off wouldn't help with those ADRs anyway, but we don't know that for sure at this point. I can't imagine why they would be willing sacrifice those times in the new policy, but they very well may be willing to do so. We'll just have to wait & see.

What we do know is how the current one-day cancellation policy works. You can cancel CRT any time before the day of the ADR, up to either when the dining line closes at 10:00 PM EST or until 11:59 PM EST online. I have doubts that Disney did any programming for this new batch of restaurants. So I will bet my first $30 late cancellation fee that this turns out to be the same.

 

[Snurk71]

Very true, except in the case of Le Cellier, one of the restaurants on the list. So if I foresee not wanting to keep my ADR for what ever reason I may have, I just show up with my family, take the table and order a glass of water!! Just because I show up and take the table doesn't mean I have to order anything at all! How does that help Disney OR the servers. That is when we will see Disney becoming like a Bourbon Street bar, "one drink minimum"...............

You can bet your cancellation fee that's what we're going to do if we don't feel like eating at an ADR - we'll show up, have a glass of water, and leave. At least people won't be able to complain about our supposed empty table though.

Good policy...

 

[tarheelmjfan]

The change will be good for same day planners, like tarheelfan, who's a local. I think that's why we keep hearing her support for the plan - she is one that will benefit from the change.

What I don't understand is why a company would institute a policy that might benefit less than 10% of their customer base while potentially irritating 90+%. That's just dumb business. And before anyone posts, I don't have any insider information on locals being less than 10% of the base. That's just my educated guess based on my experience.

It's not just the locals who will benefit. It will also benefit those who didn't realize they needed to make ADRs in advance. As I've said before, we also visit WDW for a week at a time. I really don't think this plan will negatively effect those experiences either. I only make ADRs I know we will go to, & don't book others just in case the stars align & we feel like going.

Katie, I know I said I was going to ignore you, and I did for a few days. But my comment was an alternative solution to the problem presented (empty tables), maybe one that Disney hasn't even considered. And if my proposal couldn't resolve their supposed empty seat problem (which is the subject), then they're either poor business managers or just seeking a new revenue stream. My guess (yes, that's my guess - I don't hold any inside information) is that they already have a policy programmed for day-prior cancellations and they just rolled these additional restaurants into it without thinking about alternative solutions and the real guest experience.

Maybe, they're trying to improve all guests experience not just those who book up the most popular restaurants far in advance. I really don't understand why people think it's okay to book ADRs they'll go to, if nothing else comes up. They're taking that restaurant & time away from someone else who definitely wants it.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

You can bet your cancellation fee that's what we're going to do if we don't feel like eating at an ADR - we'll show up, have a glass of water, and leave. At least people won't be able to complain about our supposed empty table though.

Good policy...

You all do realize that if a lot of people start doing this they will just find a way to crack down more to shop it right? They're not forcing you to go to order anything. You have a choice of canceling 24 hrs. in advance or not making an ADR in the first place, if you so choose. As I've said before, people really do need to stop shooting themselves in the foot. If you do feel impelled to do it, go for it. Please, don't complain when they enact a more restrictive policy to put a stop to it though. Disney isn't going to continue to let guests "get one over on them" for long, w/o doing something about it.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The change will be good for same day planners, like tarheelfan, who's a local. I think that's why we keep hearing her support for the plan - she is one that will benefit from the change.

What I don't understand is why a company would institute a policy that might benefit less than 10% of their customer base while potentially irritating 90+%. That's just dumb business. And before anyone posts, I don't have any insider information on locals being less than 10% of the base. That's just my educated guess based on my experience.

But even just based on the DIS, the policy potentially alienates less than 90% of the customer base. It doesn't alienate me - someone now aware of the policy who isn't a local. Whether I agree with it or not doesn't matter; if I choose (not forced) to make an ADR at any of the included restaurants and then opt not to cancel in time, it's my inaction that gets me penalized. Or I can choose to eat somewhere that doesn't impose the cancellation fee.