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

[SmallWorld71]

I think people are overly optimistic that the restaurant will be able to just pull together a couple of tables and magically make their party of 4 and party of 3 into a table of 7.....or perhaps even more difficult, a party of 8 and a party of 6 into a single party of 14?

I'm going to gently say that this is probably thought "easy" by those who have never worked in a restaurant. Most of Disney's tables are what are referred to as a 4 topper....meaning that it seats 4 people. Yes, they have a handful of 2 toppers and 6 or 8, but the VAST majority are 4s. What happens is that the CM in charge of seating knows that she's going to need a table of 8 in about half an hour....she starts planning that this 4 topper and that 4 topper are near each other and were seated about the same time (ever notice that they call you up and then tap tap tap something into the computer....it's putting in the table number where they're sending you, plus the number in the party, plus the time). So if they think they have a party of 8 and a separate party of 6, they're planning accordingly.....suddenly needing a table for 14.....ummmm, that takes a lot of coordination ahead of time. It's not like they can drag this table from the corner over to the other corner and that table from the middle to both of those (and THAT is only 12 seats by the way, lol). There isn't room to move tables from different areas of the room together. In fact, for really large parties like 14, you'll usually see those tables sitting together empty for a large amount of time because they were planning ahead. Ever wonder why almost ALL restaurants charge a forced gratuity for parties larger than X (usually it's 6, some restaurants it's 8). There are many reasons, including being sure that the fact that that large of a party will require more work by extra staff so that they're all served hot food at the same time, but also because most restaurants have to hold those tables extra long so they are available.

That is also part of the reason why it's sometimes easier to get a table for 3 even if you only need 2 seats....because there are a limited number of 2 toppers but all of those 4 toppers will accomodate the party of 3. It's probably also the reason Disney wants to charge for individual people not showing up.....if your party of 2 is taking up a 4 topper that's 2 meals that Disney isn't selling.

If the info. given to Candle on the Water was correct, then my (and others) earlier speculation about possibly needing to double book for larger parties is no longer needed. The current info. is that Disney will not charge if partial parties show up, only for no shows. In my particular situation, I was concerned about traveling with a couple family members with chronic illnesses and not wanting to put them in the position of having to pay if they were too sick that day. Of course, I hate to assume that this is indeed what will happen as we all know that you don't always get accurate info. over the phone.

 

[SmallWorld71]

But defining "seriously ill" is a big issue. We're not a family that runs to the doctor at the first sign of fever or vomiting at home and for the most part we are healthy overall, so we're extremely unlikely to have a medically-verifiable illness at Disney. But if I've got a kid throwing up in my resort room, I'm going to be mad as a hornet at being told that's a minor illness and not good enough reason to skip dinner. I wonder if they'd consider housekeeping as verification enough? Our poor housekeeper got quite a workout (and an extra-good tip) on our trip of the creeping crud.

I'm wondering about the serious illness thing as well. As I've stated, the only ADR we've ever missed was due to DS12 getting diagnosed with Strep Throat that day. Now, according to the Dr. we shouldn't have gone as DS was contagious. But, I certainly don't consider strep throat a "serious illness." DS would have been OK going, the Tylenol brought his fever down and had it not been a surprise meal, he probably would have argued in favor of going. But, we probably would have spread the illness to fellow guests. So, what constitutes serious?

 

[MELSMICE]

Just have to say that I don't get the "how the family is going to react" as a valid excuse for not showing up to an ADR.

 

[Marshay]

But defining "seriously ill" is a big issue. We're not a family that runs to the doctor at the first sign of fever or vomiting at home and for the most part we are healthy overall, so we're extremely unlikely to have a medically-verifiable illness at Disney. But if I've got a kid throwing up in my resort room, I'm going to be mad as a hornet at being told that's a minor illness and not good enough reason to skip dinner. I wonder if they'd consider housekeeping as verification enough? Our poor housekeeper got quite a workout (and an extra-good tip) on our trip of the creeping crud.

Yep, pity anyone going next winter...I'll have the Filet Mignon and a side of norovirus please!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I'm wondering about the serious illness thing as well. As I've stated, the only ADR we've ever missed was due to DS12 getting diagnosed with Strep Throat that day. Now, according to the Dr. we shouldn't have gone as DS was contagious. But, I certainly don't consider strep throat a "serious illness." DS would have been OK going, the Tylenol brought his fever down and had it not been a surprise meal, he probably would have argued in favor of going. But, we probably would have spread the illness to fellow guests. So, what constitutes serious?

I don't know their definition, but I'm pretty sure him going to the doctor would satisfy their requirements. At least, that's the way it sounds in the info we've been given. I guess we'll have to wait until the time comes to know for sure.

 

[ConnieB]

[*]Shorten the cancellation window to 3 hours. This should provide enough time for restaurants to know what they're looking at, while giving enough flexibility to those guests where the unexpected happens.

This works great for the guest....illness, cranky child, or even just "I'm tired let's skip dinner and go to bed early". Three hours is more than enough.

The snag though comes with the staffing and food prep......if someone else snags the cancelled reservation within the 3 hours, great , no loss. But what if it's one of those times that the stomach bug is going through the park (that seems to happen several times during the flu season where dozens of trip reports talk of days in the room too ill to move.....and while "dozen" isn't a lot, that's just the ones that talk about it here!).

Now you have cancellations but not enough showing up to fill them.....and admit it many of us wouldn't think to walk up to Le Cellier or CG or CRT and expect to get seated....that may take years to get out of our brains, lol.

Staff has been scheduled, they only get roughly $3 an hour unless they have tables that are tipping them....empty tables equals no pay.

Food Prep: While there is always the issue of perishables bought and delivered for freshness, there is also the prep......sure a lot of the veggies will be ok the next day, meat too, but what about the slicing, dicing, cooking ahead, baking that must be done hours and hours before serving. Now we've made 50 cheesecakes because that's what a full ADR book would warrant, but too many cancellations and now you have day old cheesecake that your customer isn't going to be happy to receive, but your budget doesn't allow it to be thrown away either.

There are so many facets of food prep, budgeting, etc, that the average person just doesn't understand. Why should they though, they're just there to be served a freshly made today meal. And rightly so.

But, there is so much talk about the downhill slide of the quality of the food....and that is very possibly in part due to having to use "leftovers" each day to keep the budget on track.

I know we all think Disney is racking in the dough, and frankly at $30+ for a steak, they're not exactly hurting, but the average restaurant has so many expenses that patrons just don't see, that the profit margin really is VERY small. And wasting food is a big part of the problem many restaurants have....cancelled reservations that don't get refilled is going to make it worse.

I'm torn on whether I like this policy....I think only time will tell for me. IF it does make it easier to get a last minute reservation, I'll like that. I do plan but only because I must in order to be sure we get to eat where we want. I'd much rather be able to go online the day before and make tomorrow's reservations, but that's pretty impossible right now for many of our favorites. Thankfully, my girls are teens now and while they still love their princesses, they're pretty much over having to see them for 3 minutes at their dinner table....so we seek them out and have long talks with them at meet and greets instead. So little to no character meals for us regardless of this policy. But....as preteens their palates became ripe for Signature restaurants....so those we're going to have to more carefully plan. The BEST news to me is that most of World Showcase where most of our favs are located are not YET on this list. Our last couple of trips we've been making lunch ADRs instead....easier to get, mostly the same food for less $$ and the added bonus that at lunch we definitely are hungry....but by dinner we may have eaten a later than planned CS and not want dinner now. So win win for us in that regard. My worry is that getting into those non-cc required places will become more difficult as so many are saying they're done with character and Signature, so they're either going to fall back to only CS or head for the non-cc TS making those difficult to get now, lol.

Thank heavens that for us, this year is Disneyland...so it will be next September before we are again in WDW......so hopefully all the kinks will be worked out and by March when we have to start planning we'll know which type of ADR will work for our family. My heart goes out, but my thanks too, to those who will pave the way! Please keep reporting your experiences so that the rest of us can benefit!

 

[Cafeen]

Just have to say that I don't get the "how the family is going to react" as a valid excuse for not showing up to an ADR.

You go there expecting to eat roughly on schedule. Turns out that the schedule doesn't work down at Disney because of overstimulation, heat exhaustion, too much walking, or whatever unexpected thing happens since you have little (or no) experience to base it on. Poof your whole ADR schedule is screwed. Not that difficult a concept.

This works great for the guest....illness, cranky child, or even just "I'm tired let's skip dinner and go to bed early". Three hours is more than enough.

The snag though comes with the staffing and food prep......if someone else snags the cancelled reservation within the 3 hours, great , no loss. But what if it's one of those times that the stomach bug is going through the park (that seems to happen several times during the flu season where dozens of trip reports talk of days in the room too ill to move.....and while "dozen" isn't a lot, that's just the ones that talk about it here!).

Now you have cancellations but not enough showing up to fill them.....and admit it many of us wouldn't think to walk up to Le Cellier or CG or CRT and expect to get seated....that may take years to get out of our brains, lol.

Staff has been scheduled, they only get roughly $3 an hour unless they have tables that are tipping them....empty tables equals no pay.

Food Prep: While there is always the issue of perishables bought and delivered for freshness, there is also the prep......sure a lot of the veggies will be ok the next day, meat too, but what about the slicing, dicing, cooking ahead, baking that must be done hours and hours before serving. Now we've made 50 cheesecakes because that's what a full ADR book would warrant, but too many cancellations and now you have day old cheesecake that your customer isn't going to be happy to receive, but your budget doesn't allow it to be thrown away either.

There are so many facets of food prep, budgeting, etc, that the average person just doesn't understand. Why should they though, they're just there to be served a freshly made today meal. And rightly so.

But, there is so much talk about the downhill slide of the quality of the food....and that is very possibly in part due to having to use "leftovers" each day to keep the budget on track.

I know we all think Disney is racking in the dough, and frankly at $30+ for a steak, they're not exactly hurting, but the average restaurant has so many expenses that patrons just don't see, that the profit margin really is VERY small. And wasting food is a big part of the problem many restaurants have....cancelled reservations that don't get refilled is going to make it worse.

I'm torn on whether I like this policy....I think only time will tell for me. IF it does make it easier to get a last minute reservation, I'll like that. I do plan but only because I must in order to be sure we get to eat where we want. I'd much rather be able to go online the day before and make tomorrow's reservations, but that's pretty impossible right now for many of our favorites. Thankfully, my girls are teens now and while they still love their princesses, they're pretty much over having to see them for 3 minutes at their dinner table....so we seek them out and have long talks with them at meet and greets instead. So little to no character meals for us regardless of this policy. But....as preteens their palates became ripe for Signature restaurants....so those we're going to have to more carefully plan. The BEST news to me is that most of World Showcase where most of our favs are located are not YET on this list. Our last couple of trips we've been making lunch ADRs instead....easier to get, mostly the same food for less $$ and the added bonus that at lunch we definitely are hungry....but by dinner we may have eaten a later than planned CS and not want dinner now. So win win for us in that regard. My worry is that getting into those non-cc required places will become more difficult as so many are saying they're done with character and Signature, so they're either going to fall back to only CS or head for the non-cc TS making those difficult to get now, lol.

Thank heavens that for us, this year is Disneyland...so it will be next September before we are again in WDW......so hopefully all the kinks will be worked out and by March when we have to start planning we'll know which type of ADR will work for our family. My heart goes out, but my thanks too, to those who will pave the way! Please keep reporting your experiences so that the rest of us can benefit!

So, it's back to the Disney wanting to cutback costs associated with having too much staff. That's been one of my thoughts for awhile, and the "full day" brings that to light some more.

In other words, I wouldn't expect cancellations to open up ADRs or Walk-ups.

 

[ConnieB]

If the info. given to Candle on the Water was correct, then my (and others) earlier speculation about possibly needing to double book for larger parties is no longer needed. The current info. is that Disney will not charge if partial parties show up, only for no shows. In my particular situation, I was concerned about traveling with a couple family members with chronic illnesses and not wanting to put them in the position of having to pay if they were too sick that day. Of course, I hate to assume that this is indeed what will happen as we all know that you don't always get accurate info. over the phone.

Ahhh, see this is what happens when I start responding to posts on page 15 or so in a nearly 70 page thread, lol. I'm glad to hear that showing up with less than your reservation won't be a penalty. Our situation has always been the opposite...the girls and I go and occasionally my DH who likes Disney but doesn't love it will show up for a few days...so we need to take our 3 person to 4. Thankfully we've never ever been turned away, but our numbers work perfect because there are no 3 toppers, so my two kids and I always would be at a 4 topper anyway. (Ok, before someone corrects me, I'm sure "somewhere" there is a 3 topper , but think about it....it would be up against a wall to block the 4th side because I can't think of any triangle tables in Disney). Growin up there were 5 of us, and that's always going to be harder, because now you need a 6 or two 4s. Thank heavens for small families, lol.


I am starting to think that Disney has put out an announcement with the worst case scenario and as expected they'll tone it down as necessary as they see what the needs for tweaking are. Of course, it also occurs to me that we won't know the true impact for about 180 days......sure some are making ADRs after Wed for trips in the next couple of months, but until "all" ADRs are under the new policy the real effect won't be felt. Drat that, because I'll be looking to make ADRs for our Sept/Oct in about 5 months....but the effect should at least be started by then I hope.

Another thought was that they might allow the "Johnny is sick" for an ADR without question and waive the fees....but when you then call back two days later and Johnny is sick again, well, they're either going to offer a doctor or start charging you. And remember, they can see that Johnny's ticket was used the day before, and if you got Johnny a FP, well that's on there too. Yeah, the hoarders use multiple emails/names/credit cards, but eventually there will be a pattern and CMs will just start enforcing the fees for habitually cancelling in the 24 hour window. After all even hoarders probably don't have enough different credit cards to make only one ADR on each card, lol. And can you imagine trying to keep track of that too. Way too much work for me, lol.

 

[Lewisc]

But what if it's one of those times that the stomach bug is going through the park (that seems to happen several times during the flu season where dozens of trip reports talk of days in the room too ill to move.....and while "dozen" isn't a lot, that's just the ones that talk about it here!).

Do we want those guests keeping their ADRs? Going through the buffet line? Disney should be thanking, not charging, a guest who is concerned about infecting guests at a buffet.

 

[fla4fun]

Do we want those guests keeping their ADRs? Going through the buffet line? Disney should be thanking, not charging, a guest who is concerned about infecting guests at a buffet.

My guess would be that if Disney knows that a norovirus epidemic has hit their resort (and based on the threads we've read, it happens that way sometimes) they'll be more flexible as far as the cancellation policy goes. After all, the big outbreak a couple years ago had a lot of victims - not just a few here and there - and they were getting sick everywhere! I did manage to stay clear of the germs, but there were several times I was walking down the halls of my resort and mousekeeping was doing a "special" cleaning due to illness. But it will still be up to Disney to make that call, not us.

 

[ConnieB]

Do we want those guests keeping their ADRs? Going through the buffet line? Disney should be thanking, not charging, a guest who is concerned about infecting guests at a buffet.

Exactly!

 

[ConnieB]

My guess would be that if Disney knows that a norovirus epidemic has hit their resort (and based on the threads we've read, it happens that way sometimes) they'll be more flexible as far as the cancellation policy goes. After all, the big outbreak a couple years ago had a lot of victims - not just a few here and there - and they were getting sick everywhere! I did manage to stay clear of the germs, but there were several times I was walking down the halls of my resort and mousekeeping was doing a "special" cleaning due to illness. But it will still be up to Disney to make that call, not us.

I've never read anything that indicates that Disney takes any special steps or even acknowledges that there is a problem....understandable from a business sense I suppose. So many on DIS and other boards though try to blame it on "food poisioning" but if you've ever had food poisioning you know it's not just about barfing. And considering the thousands that Disney feeds from the same food base, well, let's just say that would be one low crowd index day!

But imagine how a little extra cleaning and maybe even a warning that it's going around and suggesting folks wash their hands more often could slow it down! Even public schools do that much. Those handrails at all the rides are just teeming with ick, lol. If they were cleaned just every couple hours (one of those extra CMs standing around could just take an antiseptic rag and walk the line running it along the rail, that wouldn't be a thorough disinfecting by any means, but it would probably cut the germ rate in half and take less than 5 minutes.). For as obsessive as Disney is about trash pick up, a simple swipe during fall/winter a few times a day should seem like a no brainer and would save a lot of people. I avoid those rails as much as possible, lol.

But yeah...if mousekeepers are working double time, then one can only hope that "Johnny's sick" is a valid excuse. I'm still not convinced that Disney is going to stay as strict as their policy sounds....they aren't on other things so why should they on this, especially given that they pride themselves on guest relations. But, I guess we'll know next spring.

 

[Mkrop]

This "major" illness thing is what is bothering me. So many people have chronic illness that could prevent them from a meal but do no require a doctor's visit.

One of the few ADRs we ever cancelled was many years ago when DS's asthma flared up due to wildfires in GA. He didnt need a dr, he needed to get out of the parks, take a nap, and use his nebulizer. He also didnt need to eat later as he still wasnt feeling a 100%. And he has cough variant asthma, so he would be hacking and coughing, not wheezing. We cancelled at noon when he had the attack, a 7ish or so ADR. Under this policy we would be charged bc of the short window, and bc there is no need for a Dr, we have an action plan in place. I shouldnt have to pay a Dr for a condition I know how to treat to waive a meal fee.

Now some will say that is I have a child with asthma that could flare up maybe I should not make ADRs at those restaurants. Well #1 that stinks, and #2 I have no idea what could trigger it. He is now 14 and we have it under control, he hasnt had an attack in years (knock wood) but given the wrong trigger like wildfires or pollen etc, and I could easily have a child who does not belong in a restaurant but would be better off with room service or a pizza while relaxing.

And like I said I am just dealing with asthma, there are MANY visitors to WDW that have worse health issues than I am dealing with who can now never make an ADR at a character meal without this penalty hanging over their heads. And the answer is not always sending a partial party if there are single parents or a family of 3, or the meal was for the sick child's bday etc.

 

[mom2rtk]

I guess I just don't like situations where I have no control. And trusting a company known for milking every dime possible out of people does give me a certain sense of unease about this change.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Do we want those guests keeping their ADRs? Going through the buffet line? Disney should be thanking, not charging, a guest who is concerned about infecting guests at a buffet.

You can get sick from someone in a park, just as easily as at a restaurant. People tend to be more conscientious of hygiene when dining, than when touring the parks. Hopefully, an adult who isn't sick would load a plate for someone at a buffet who may have a virus. If they would load their own plate, or allow a sick child to do it, they're not worried about getting others sick anyway. They would have gone to the restaurant & parks sick or not.

But yeah...if mousekeepers are working double time, then one can only hope that "Johnny's sick" is a valid excuse. I'm still not convinced that Disney is going to stay as strict as their policy sounds....they aren't on other things so why should they on this, especially given that they pride themselves on guest relations. But, I guess we'll know next spring.

I think this will depend on how many "sick" people they all of a sudden get calls from. If only people who were truly sick, would call in with that excuse, they probably would be more forgiving. If people who are tired, sunburned, hungover, not hungry, have tired kids, are cold or wet, want to ride another ride, etc. are all of a sudden "sick", they'll be forced to not accept any sick excuse that isn't accompanied with a doctor's note. Hopefully, people will be honest, & people who are really sick will be given a break. People have a way of bringing things on themselves, then wanting to blame someone else.

 

[mom2rtk]

And how does Disney know when there is a rash of sickness? I didn't know we were supposed to notify anyone. We've had one kid or another sick on various trips, but we just dealt with it and nobody was notified.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

And how does Disney know when there is a rash of sickness? I didn't know we were supposed to notify anyone. We've had one kid or another sick on various trips, but we just dealt with it and nobody was notified.

If it's like on a cruise ship, it's impossible to miss. Norovirus spreads rampantly. People are getting sick (vomiting & other) everywhere. Odds are many people around you would be sick too. Often all or most kids in the family would have the same thing. Adults, who wash their hands diligently, are less likely to get it, but some do. The elderly, kids, & those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible. There's no mistaking this for a common cold or something you ate that didn't agree with you. Any family that gets Noro on vacation has my most sincere sympathy & deserves a do-over.

 

[CandleontheWater]

Because I am becoming obsessed with this thread, I made two more calls to Disney dining. I worked in statistics before i became a SAHM, and used to work for a major polling company, so I know that how you ask the question effects the answer. I asked if there was a 24 hour cancelation window for these reservations. This first CM I talked to was totally on top of things. She told me that it was NOT 24 hrs, but one full day, and explained the scenario. I was pleased.

I tried it again, asking the same question. This time the CM told me yes, it is 24 hrs. I asked again to be sure, something like "if I have a reservation at 11 am today, and I cancelled at 11 am on Friday, I would not be charged" and she said yes. I then told her about the conflicting information I had been receiving and asked her to double check her answer. Well she went and asked, and when she came back, she told me that I had taught her something today, and I was indeed right, it was ONE FULL DAY, NOT 24 hrs. I was not pleased.

I am not surprised that CM have the wrong answers, and I am really upset that I have to call back multiple times to get to the bottom of this.

I think I am going to write another letter to Disney letting them know how displeased I am with the implementation of this dumb policy.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Because I am becoming obsessed with this thread, I made two more calls to Disney dining. I worked in statistics before i became a SAHM, and used to work for a major polling company, so I know that how you ask the question effects the answer. I asked if there was a 24 hour cancelation window for these reservations. This first CM I talked to was totally on top of things. She told me that it was NOT 24 hrs, but one full day, and explained the scenario. I was pleased.

I tried it again, asking the same question. This time the CM told me yes, it is 24 hrs. I asked again to be sure, something like "if I have a reservation at 11 am today, and I cancelled at 11 am on Friday, I would not be charged" and she said yes. I then told her about the conflicting information I had been receiving and asked her to double check her answer. Well she went and asked, and when she came back, she told me that I had taught her something today, and I was indeed right, it was ONE FULL DAY, NOT 24 hrs. I was not pleased.

I am not surprised that CM have the wrong answers, and I am really upset that I have to call back multiple times to get to the bottom of this.

I think I am going to write another letter to Disney letting them know how displeased I am with the implementation of this dumb policy.

You're doing a great job. Maybe, if you call enough, you'll be able to enlighten all the CMs on the policy. Sadly, this is way too common with Disney. You can never count on what the CMs on the phone tell you. The cruise line industry is just as bad (not just Disney's, all cruise lines). It shouldn't be that way.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Because I am becoming obsessed with this thread, I made two more calls to Disney dining. I worked in statistics before i became a SAHM, and used to work for a major polling company, so I know that how you ask the question effects the answer. I asked if there was a 24 hour cancelation window for these reservations. This first CM I talked to was totally on top of things. She told me that it was NOT 24 hrs, but one full day, and explained the scenario. I was pleased.

I tried it again, asking the same question. This time the CM told me yes, it is 24 hrs. I asked again to be sure, something like "if I have a reservation at 11 am today, and I cancelled at 11 am on Friday, I would not be charged" and she said yes. I then told her about the conflicting information I had been receiving and asked her to double check her answer. Well she went and asked, and when she came back, she told me that I had taught her something today, and I was indeed right, it was ONE FULL DAY, NOT 24 hrs. I was not pleased.

I am not surprised that CM have the wrong answers, and I am really upset that I have to call back multiple times to get to the bottom of this.

I think I am going to write another letter to Disney letting them know how displeased I am with the implementation of this dumb policy.

I'm not liking the answers you are getting. But, once again, thank-you for taking the time to call and post.