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

[SmallWorld71]

Love it or hate it, I went onto the website and the system is indeed all set up to take your CC #s for the aforementioned places. The cancellation policy just states a day ahead with no specific time frame in hours mentioned or an explanation of what that means. They state that they will charge you if you don't cancel a day ahead or if you are "no-shows" but there is no specific mention of partial parties and I will be interested to see how that is handled.

 

[Snurk71]

Wow - go away on business for a few days and miss 7 or 8 pages of debate. I think the time away was good though - helps to clear the head and step back and take a lot of things in (I recommend it for a few that are heavy in this debate). In that light, I share the following...

To those that keep arguing in favor of the plan, I ask - why are you so adamant in your support of the policy? If the new policy won't benefit you (many of you have asserted this), why do you care and argue against those that feel the policy will negatively impact them? How would the cancellation policy hurt you if it were 0, 3, or 6 hours instead of day prior? Do you often worry/concern yourself about things that don't impact your life? Do you enjoy seeing other people experience negative things in other areas of your life?

I notice some supporting the new policy bounce around a bit for the cause. First it was to fill tables, then it's to provide availability for walk-ups, then it's to provide availability for same day planners, then it's something else. I ask again - why do you care (outside of Tarheel - she admits she could benefit at times for her local/short trips) if Disney has tables assured of being filled 180 days out? Are you a major shareholder with a lot riding on Disney's profit maximization?

It would be nice everyone could be open-minded and understand another's point of view. It doesn't mean you have to share it, but I just read a lot of people not even being able to see the other side's point of view. Speaking for myself, I understand that Disney doesn't want open tables at the restaurants - even for 10 minutes - because it looks like lost profit opportunity. So they've taken an action to address it. I just disagree with their method. I could accept a no-show/no-cancellation fee, I just don't like the paramaters they've placed around it. I'll give an example - we have a core value at my company - "provide excellent customer service even when it doesn't make financial sense" (yes, that is an actual written core value). Why do we do this - because we're dopes that don't want to or know how to make money? No - we understand that providing good service will eventually turn mulitple times over in future profits. Disney used to follow this methodology. So I can differ with Disney not only as a customer of theirs, but also as a business peer.

The more I've been away, I really think the cancellation window is simply a function of a system/program that was already in place and they never even considered a different cancellation window. They already had the programming and structure in place for day prior cancellation for places like CRT - so just apply that same program to a batch of additional restaurants and be done with it. So maybe a little ruckus to offer a more lenient cancellation window will sway Disney. Maybe it won't because they won't want to do the programming or manage another flavor of cancellation.

If Disney does eventually offer a shorter cancellation window, would you voice your disapproval to Disney? Why?

 

[happypooh]

I know doctors do sometimes charge for no shows but they don't usually ask you for a credit card ahead of time!! I get calls all the time from patients who either get better before coming in or can't get a ride or their car breaks down or have to go to a funeral and a plethora of excuses but I'd never ask for a credit card ahead of their visit to see me! This new policy does not account for life just happening - and at the happiest place in the world I expect better.

 

[ejrj]

I have NOT read every page of this thread - only about 20. Can someone tell me if the xxl fee applies to highchair diners as well? I'm (sadly) thinking it likely does? I have not made ADRs since we had children but I understand when I do I am to include our infants in the number, so even though it's only my husband and I eating, our reservation is for four and therefore we'd be hit for $40 should we for some reason have to xxl last min.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I notice some supporting the new policy bounce around a bit for the cause. First it was to fill tables, then it's to provide availability for walk-ups, then it's to provide availability for same day planners, then it's something else.

I'm relatively certain when I've stated an opinion why WDW might be doing this, it's been to provide restaurant seating to (generally) guests who can't or don't know they need to make ADRs; (specifically) locals and first-time visitors/DDP users - but if I've stated otherwise, I'm sure somebody will call me on it.

It would be nice everyone could be open-minded and understand another's point of view.

Respectfully, while you say that, I think few if any posters who disagree with the change are going to be open-minded about it. I think the day-before cancellation works - or will - because I think I'm right about the market Disney is trying to accommodate . But while I can understand why the people who are unhappy are against the change, I don't understand why they're not willing to give it a chance, or to be flexible - maybe don't make reservations at the affected restaurants, or at least not consecutive ADRs?

 

[Snurk71]

Respectfully, while you say that, I think few if any posters who disagree with the change are going to be open-minded about it. I think the day-before cancellation works - or will - because I think I'm right about the market Disney is trying to accommodate .

That's where we differ. I don't think Disney's trying to accommodate any market. I think they're just trying to fill tables (don't care who - just have butts in the seats) and this is the path they've chosen to accomplish it. Some of us get that, we just think there was a less bumpy road to take.

But while I can understand why the people who are unhappy are against the change, I don't understand why they're not willing to give it a chance, or to be flexible - maybe don't make reservations at the affected restaurants, or at least not consecutive ADRs?

I think I can answer that - some feel that's a takeaway from their past (and preferred) vacation styles. Others can argue too bad - that's Disney's rule or that we're all just "me people". But you asked why we/they aren't open to the change. It's a takeaway for us.

 

[Lewisc]

n period should be much shorter, again, no. Why should it be three hours instead of 24? You don't expect them to do that for a resort reservation, do you? How about an airline reservation? Or should any new rule, law and policy just be whatever you want, whenever you want it, however it pleases you? I would never expect a government to allow that, let alone a company just trying to keep all of its facilities open rather than making them seasonal or reducing basic services.
.....
Once again, if you don't think you can make it on-time or at all to an ADR, don't make the ADR. It is not mandatory, it is simply suggested. But to go through life expecting the worst to happen, or to demand an unyielding amount of leeway without consequences... Maybe Walt Disney World isn't the place for you?

This is an internet discussion board. Some people have a different opinion then you have. Posters are entitled to discuss their opinion of Disney's new policy. Some posters think a 3 hour window gives Disney enough notice to either accept a last minute ADR or to know how many additional walkups can be accommodated. Disney strongly suggests DDP guests make ADRs. AFAIK Disney doesn't hold back tables for walkups.

I think it's kind of a reach to compare Disney's policies with "laws". Even then people have discussions regarding laws.

JMO but it's only a matter of time before other Disney restaurants do the same thing.

Again industry standard isn't to impose "no show" penalties for casual restaurants. Southwest offers a full credit for no shows. Many hotels let you cancel up until 5p on your check in date. Penalties for restaurant "no shows" are certainly not industry standard.

Thirty or thirty-two out of 365 nights, I think?

The poster did say this time of year. The 30 or 32 nights aren't 't spread out over the year. Almost all those nights are either for the Halloween party or the Christmas party.

Oh, really? So you know for a fact that if someone no-shows or cancels their ADR that the Disney restaurant in question will absolutely and unequivocally be able to fill that very table with the exact number of guests it seats? So then what you're saying is: "I guarantee it." Fantastic! Then you wholeheartedly agree with Disney's new policy, which holds you accountable and responsible for that GUARANTEE. So then if they can't fill up the table, you've given Disney permission to charge you $10 per missing person. Thank you. I knew you'd finally come around and appreciate the new policy.

The new policy imposes the charge even if Disney is able to fill the table with a walkup or last minute ADR. Glad to see you've come around and realize how unfair the new policy is.

I don't care if Disney is able to fill the table. Rain results in a lot of no-shows and a shortage of walk ups. I think that's the cost of doing business.

Many doctors do charge for no-shows.

I don't understand your point. You don't really think there is large pool of people waiting at the dentists office hoping for a "no show"? Dentists, who want to keep their patients, don't charge the fee if the patient calls up says something like I'm sick and I don't want to infect your staff.

I'm relatively certain when I've stated an opinion why WDW might be doing this, it's been to provide restaurant seating to (generally) guests who can't or don't know they need to make ADRs; (specifically) locals and first-time visitors/DDP users - but if I've stated otherwise, I'm sure somebody will call me on it.

Respectfully, while you say that, I think few if any posters who disagree with the change are going to be open-minded about it. I think the day-before cancellation works - or will - because I think I'm right about the market Disney is trying to accommodate . But while I can understand why the people who are unhappy are against the change, I don't understand why they're not willing to give it a chance, or to be flexible - maybe don't make reservations at the affected restaurants, or at least not consecutive ADRs?

You have it reversed. Most of the posters who like the new policy are the posters who aren't being open minded. Not putting you in that category but most others.

Give it a chance. Disney thinks it works and they'll include more restaurants. Doesn't matter if I'm affected by it. The fact that Disney wants me to pay if something comes up at the last minute is the issue. Not how often it occurs.

Disney created the situation. Accepting reservations 6 months in advance. Suggesting DDP guests make ADRs or run the risk of not being able to eat a TS meal at meal time. Not allocating tables for walkups. Letting guests make more ADRs then they could possibly keep.

I'll go one step further. Is it possible Disney is "overselling" DDP? Assume I book a trip 30 days in advance. Should Disney offer me the dining plan if there isn't enough restaurant availability? I don't know how often, or if, it occurs but it's something to consider.

 

[CandleontheWater]

So, I figured I'd give it a day, and then call Disney to get the official party line on the issue. When I called I asked to speak with a supervisor, because I wanted the official and correct responses to my questions. The woman I spoke to was very gracious, and told me the following.

All cancellations need to be made full 1 day in advance NOT 24 HOURS. So, if you are dining on Thursday, you need to cancel on Tues, with Wed being the "one full day". This is per the official memo that has been sent out about the policy, and is unfortunately more restrictive than I thought.

If you have an ADR for 10 people and 8 show up you WILL NOT be charged for the two people who do not arrive. If some members of the party show up, than it counts as making your reservation. This is per the official memo. This part makes me feel a little better.

Also I asked about what would be acceptable reasons to waive the penalty. This is what I was told "major illness or injury, hospitalization, death in the family". Any hope of Disney working with the guests, is not happening. The supervisor was adamant that this policy will have teeth, no exceptions.

I asked about dining with young children, who could be unpredictable, and she said that you would have to cancel one day in advance, that no exceptions would be made even for kids being kids.

I also asked about transportation issues. We all know that sometimes even 1.5 hours isn't enough to get around. She said that they will hold your reservation for 15-20 minutes, and then you will be considered a no show and charged.

This is not good, you better be prepared to make sure you have hours to devote to making your ADR, and you better be there unless you are at death's door.

I expressed my dislike of this new policy to the supervisor, and I wrote to Disney, and I will continue to let them know what a bad decision I think that this is. I would highly suggest anyone that agrees with me do the same. (of course if you love the new policy, you can tell them that too, I'm all for equal access.)

Also here is the new cancellation number- 1-407-WDW-CNCL. I tried calling it and it isn't working, maybe its just not up and running yet.

 

[CandleontheWater]

I'll go one step further. Is it possible Disney is "overselling" DDP? Assume I book a trip 30 days in advance. Should Disney offer me the dining plan if there isn't enough restaurant availability? I don't know how often, or if, it occurs but it's something to consider.

I think you are onto something there! I usually have a TA make my reservations, but for my Dec trip I just did it myself. When I called to make the reservation the CM practically shoved the dining plan down my throat. She kept insisting that it would "save me money" and be "more convenient" even after I told her that I knew what I was doing, and wanted nothing to do with the dining plan.

I have since called back many, many, times (I'm trying to switch from the Poly to a MK view at the Contemporary, but so far all discounted rooms are sold out), and every time I call I get the hard sell on the dining plan. My trip is less than two months away, there is nothing left for ADRs, but for some reason, the CM always seem to gloss over that part.

 

[MELSMICE]

I think I can answer that - some feel that's a takeaway from their past (and preferred) vacation styles.

I said many pages ago that people in general have a hard time with change. It's not fun and it's not easily accepted. No one likes change, especially when they feel it will affect them negatively.

I'll go one step further. Is it possible Disney is "overselling" DDP? Assume I book a trip 30 days in advance. Should Disney offer me the dining plan if there isn't enough restaurant availability? I don't know how often, or if, it occurs but it's something to consider.

I am in favor of the change.

That being said, there's a possibility that they are overselling the DDP. Of course, this is just a guess.

Maybe the first step they should have taken before implementing this change would be to somehow flag those diners that double/triple book ADR's. If there system is connected & everyone sees the same "program" I'm not sure how this is not possible.

Give it a chance. Disney thinks it works and they'll include more restaurants. Doesn't matter if I'm affected by it. The fact that Disney wants me to pay if something comes up at the last minute is the issue. Not how often it occurs.

What bothers me about some of the "last minute things" some posters have talked about is that it could be due to "tired or cranky kids; too full to eat a full meal; decided to go to a different park", etc. I, personally, don't see those as valid excuses.

I completely understand the getting sick thing.......that's uncontrollable. The other things I think are just poor excuses.

 

[Lewisc]

I want to thank the PP for posting updated information. It's clear Disney wants a full calendar day to rebook canceled ADRs.

Not surprised. That time frame is the only way Disney has more then enough time to book ADRs and won't have to lower itself by accepting walkups.

Hard selling the DDP 30 days before arrival, when the availability of ADRs is extremely limited, is unethical. Borders on fraud. JMO but the opposite would be the ethical way to go. I'd be happy to book DDP for you but restaurant availability is very limited. A PP made a great point. In the "real world" hotel restaurants don't accept reservations for 100% of their tables. There is availability for hotel guests who didn't make reservations 6 months in advance.

 

[angelmav]

I think you are onto something there! I usually have a TA make my reservations, but for my Dec trip I just did it myself. When I called to make the reservation the CM practically shoved the dining plan down my throat. She kept insisting that it would "save me money" and be "more convenient" even after I told her that I knew what I was doing, and wanted nothing to do with the dining plan.

I have since called back many, many, times (I'm trying to switch from the Poly to a MK view at the Contemporary, but so far all discounted rooms are sold out), and every time I call I get the hard sell on the dining plan. My trip is less than two months away, there is nothing left for ADRs, but for some reason, the CM always seem to gloss over that part.

Disney has no issue with selling a plan to you without you having any idea when and where it can be used. Someone has to eat at Boatwrights!

 

[Lewisc]

The problem is people who make reservation with different credit cards, in the name of different people in their group, different phone numbers.. How many different phone numbers are available to everyone in your family? Home phone? Cell phone? You really can't use phone number or credit card number as a way to prevent overbooking.

I'd use Disney resort reservation number. Dramatically shorten the reservation window for guests not staying at a WDW resort. Automatically cancel all ADRs if the resort reservation is cancelled.

Do you want to dine in a restaurant with screaming, cranky kids? Only there because the family didn't know the shape their kids would be almost 48 hours in advance? Families don't know how their kids will be at Disney. How much "fun food" the kids will be eating in the park. How over tired their kids would be.

Again. Don't look at it from the side of the families with the kids. Assume most of them will now show up. Is dining with those families the kind of dining experience you're looking for?

Maybe the first step they should have taken before implementing this change would be to somehow flag those diners that double/triple book ADR's. If there system is connected & everyone sees the same "program" I'm not sure how this is not possible.


What bothers me about some of the "last minute things" some posters have talked about is that it could be due to "tired or cranky kids; too full to eat a full meal; decided to go to a different park", etc. I, personally, don't see those as valid excuses.

I completely understand the getting sick thing.......that's uncontrollable. The other things I think are just poor excuses.

 

[HeatherLassell]

Disney has no issue with selling a plan to you without you having any idea when and where it can be used. Someone has to eat at Boatwrights!

So true. My friend just booked a trip 3 months ago. I told her to get on her ADRS asap since she wasn't likely to find many. She booked 1 or 2 but then left it. I'm not sure why. Anyways, she decides to call 2 weeks ago and upgrade her free QS to TS. They did it of course. Disney was happy to do it. Of course then my friend is freaking out when she can't get and TS reservations for any of the places she wanted for the entire trip. I did tell her that since she is gonna pay for the internet to check reservations every night and see if anyone cancelled for the next day.

 

[sjs314]

So, I figured I'd give it a day, and then call Disney to get the official party line on the issue. When I called I asked to speak with a supervisor, because I wanted the official and correct responses to my questions. The woman I spoke to was very gracious, and told me the following.

All cancellations need to be made full 1 day in advance NOT 24 HOURS. So, if you are dining on Thursday, you need to cancel on Tues, with Wed being the "one full day". This is per the official memo that has been sent out about the policy, and is unfortunately more restrictive than I thought.

If you have an ADR for 10 people and 8 show up you WILL NOT be charged for the two people who do not arrive. If some members of the party show up, than it counts as making your reservation. This is per the official memo. This part makes me feel a little better.

Also I asked about what would be acceptable reasons to waive the penalty. This is what I was told "major illness or injury, hospitalization, death in the family". Any hope of Disney working with the guests, is not happening. The supervisor was adamant that this policy will have teeth, no exceptions.

I asked about dining with young children, who could be unpredictable, and she said that you would have to cancel one day in advance, that no exceptions would be made even for kids being kids.

I also asked about transportation issues. We all know that sometimes even 1.5 hours isn't enough to get around. She said that they will hold your reservation for 15-20 minutes, and then you will be considered a no show and charged.

This is not good, you better be prepared to make sure you have hours to devote to making your ADR, and you better be there unless you are at death's door.

I expressed my dislike of this new policy to the supervisor, and I wrote to Disney, and I will continue to let them know what a bad decision I think that this is. I would highly suggest anyone that agrees with me do the same. (of course if you love the new policy, you can tell them that too, I'm all for equal access.)

Also here is the new cancellation number- 1-407-WDW-CNCL. I tried calling it and it isn't working, maybe its just not up and running yet.

While I do think the new cancelation policy and cc holds will deter people(hopefully) from booking the way many do now. I have seen people post on the cancelation threads 'Ohana 5pm 515pm 530pm CM 5pm, 530pm etc all on the same day, which is totally so not right.

Thank You CandleontheWater for your post............
All cancellations need to be made full 1 day in advance NOT 24 HOURS. So, if you are dining on Thursday, you need to cancel on Tues, with Wed being the "one full day".

I was a bit confused about when I needed to cancel by if it became necessary to do so, now I am clear on it

I have 3 ADR's with cc holds, made before the new policy went into effect, only one made via CM who told me it was 2 day cancellation policy, fine it is for Tues so I am thinking Sunday if I need to cancel, which sounds like the same policy you outlined so in reality all Disney did was add some of the more popular restaurants to the list of cc holds the cancellation policy is the same as it's always been.

My confusion lies in the fact when I heard you needed to cancel 1 day in advance I thought they added additional restaurants and lessened the cancel lation time by a day, but it seem that is not the case.

Cancelation Policy is the same just additional restaurants require a cc hold now.

 

[MELSMICE]

The problem is people who make reservation with different credit cards, in the name of different people in their group, different phone numbers.. How many different phone numbers are available to everyone in your family? Home phone? Cell phone? You really can't use phone number or credit card number as a way to prevent overbooking.

I'd use Disney resort reservation number. Dramatically shorten the reservation window for guests not staying at a WDW resort. Automatically cancel all ADRs if the resort reservation is cancelled.

Hmmmm..........I honestly didn't realize that people did this to get around the system.

They could definitely use the Disney resort reservation number for those staying on-site. I also agree that they could shorten the window for non-resort guests.

 

[Lewisc]

While I do think the new cancelation policy and cc holds will deter people(hopefully) from booking the way many do now. I have seen people post on the cancelation threads 'Ohana 5pm 515pm 530pm CM 5pm, 530pm etc all on the same day, which is totally so not right.

What's not right is Disney accepting those reservations in the first place. Too many guests play games. Then limit ADRs to guests with resort reservations. Shorten the window for non-resort guests.

One poster suggested not accepting ADRs until 45 days, the pay in full date for packages. That may be too an extreme a change, but it does have some logic.

 

[rachellm]

Also I asked about what would be acceptable reasons to waive the penalty. This is what I was told "major illness or injury, hospitalization, death in the family". Any hope of Disney working with the guests, is not happening. The supervisor was adamant that this policy will have teeth, no exceptions.

I also asked about transportation issues. We all know that sometimes even 1.5 hours isn't enough to get around. She said that they will hold your reservation for 15-20 minutes, and then you will be considered a no show and charged.

I wonder what they'll do for larger transportation issues - like cancelled flights.

On our last trip in July, our flight was cancelled. We were supposed to land at 1 and we had 7pm ADR at O'Hana. The airline couldn't get us on an Orlando flight until the next day. We ended up flying into Tampa and driving, but we did miss the ADR (didn't arrive at the hotel until 9pm.)

I can't imagine Disney enforcing the policy in a situation like this. And honestly if they did, I'd dispute the charge with my cc!

 

[Mkrop]

So, I figured I'd give it a day, and then call Disney to get the official party line on the issue. When I called I asked to speak with a supervisor, because I wanted the official and correct responses to my questions. The woman I spoke to was very gracious, and told me the following.

All cancellations need to be made full 1 day in advance NOT 24 HOURS. So, if you are dining on Thursday, you need to cancel on Tues, with Wed being the "one full day". This is per the official memo that has been sent out about the policy, and is unfortunately more restrictive than I thought.

If you have an ADR for 10 people and 8 show up you WILL NOT be charged for the two people who do not arrive. If some members of the party show up, than it counts as making your reservation. This is per the official memo. This part makes me feel a little better.

Also I asked about what would be acceptable reasons to waive the penalty. This is what I was told "major illness or injury, hospitalization, death in the family". Any hope of Disney working with the guests, is not happening. The supervisor was adamant that this policy will have teeth, no exceptions.

I asked about dining with young children, who could be unpredictable, and she said that you would have to cancel one day in advance, that no exceptions would be made even for kids being kids.

I also asked about transportation issues. We all know that sometimes even 1.5 hours isn't enough to get around. She said that they will hold your reservation for 15-20 minutes, and then you will be considered a no show and charged.

This is not good, you better be prepared to make sure you have hours to devote to making your ADR, and you better be there unless you are at death's door.

I expressed my dislike of this new policy to the supervisor, and I wrote to Disney, and I will continue to let them know what a bad decision I think that this is. I would highly suggest anyone that agrees with me do the same. (of course if you love the new policy, you can tell them that too, I'm all for equal access.)

Also here is the new cancellation number- 1-407-WDW-CNCL. I tried calling it and it isn't working, maybe its just not up and running yet.

This policy is just so wrong on so many levels.

 

[Mkrop]

I wonder what they'll do for larger transportation issues - like cancelled flights.

On our last trip in July, our flight was cancelled. We were supposed to land at 1 and we had 7pm ADR at O'Hana. The airline couldn't get us on an Orlando flight until the next day. We ended up flying into Tampa and driving, but we did miss the ADR (didn't arrive at the hotel until 9pm.)

I can't imagine Disney enforcing the policy in a situation like this. And honestly if they did, I'd dispute the charge with my cc!

Well according to some posters here, you should have had your crystal ball handy so that you would just "know" your flight could be late, or there are some who think you are irresponsible for making that reservation in the first place on a travel day and therefore should gladly hand over your money.

Btw I think you have/had a valid reason for cancelling!

I see a lot of first night tradtions of booking a character meal at Chef Mickey's going out the window so people dont have to use a park ticket but could still get a taste of Disney magic.