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

[Colleen27]

But is that really such a bad thing, if you truly like to 'play things by ear'?

It is if it has such a negative effect on their overall enjoyment that her DH won't want to go back. I know my DH would react the same way - we both find counter service to be a miserable, chaotic mess, and he has a lot lower tolerance for it than I do. Ordering for 5 or 6 people while keeping all three kids behaving, followed by having to help ourselves to condiments and utensils while juggling trays and the kids only to wander around hoping to catch someone leaving a table just isn't an experience we want on vacation.

 

[MELSMICE]

Mcd, it's the way you phrase your question that is frustrating to "the other side". As the poster later answers - they always called to cancel and not just show-up. Your question implies something more negative.

But in reality, what it appears to me that everyone is saying is, "I will make my ADR's & I will most likely go to them...........but if we are having a good time, I'm too tired or not hungry then I'll just cancel.......no big deal." Obviously, sickness is a different issue.

People want the ADR's in place, especially for those well sought after restaurants, but if they don't feel like going there is really no obligation to do that.

For numerous restaurants there is still the option of making an ADR & then canceling at the last minute should you change your mind. For the more sought after restaurants the new policy is in place.

If I don't show up or don't cancel,I paid for that privilege. Complain to Disney about it. It's their policy.

I have no desire or need to complain to Disney about it.

I guess I would view it different, but I wouldn't see the paying $10 per person as a privilege. I would see it as unfortunate that my child or family member got sick. Other than that, there is no reason I wouldn't show up for an ADR that I had to put a credit card hold on. (if it was for travel or serious illness then I would go through the proper channels of Disney to make sure I was not charged).

Just wondering, how many that have had to pre-pay or put the CC hold on their dining plans have have had to cancel or just not shown up. You know, for such things as Hoop Dee Doo, Luau, Backyard BBQ, Cinderella's Royal Table? Has it been a big issue in the past to date?

 

[Colleen27]

I know it's only been a few days, but I was wondering how it's been going for those that have had to credit card guarantee?

Odds are we're not going to hear much about it for at least a month or two, and I don't expect significant numbers of reports until it has been in effect for 180 days or thereabouts. The DIS is a planner-heavy sample so I don't expect there are many regular posters who booked meals on less than a week's notice to be reporting back already!

 

[mcd2745]

Mcd, it's the way you phrase your question that is frustrating to "the other side". As the poster later answers - they always called to cancel and not just show-up. Your question implies something more negative.

And since you presented the question of planning vs. traveling by whim/flexibility, speaking for myself, it's not a black or white issue. When we travel I do have a park plan, ADR list, firework/parade nights/times, etc all on my handy dandy spreadsheet. For some weird reason I like to fork over $100 to Disney for dinner, $70 for a character breakfast. Over the course of my trip that turns to a pretty hefty price to Disney (I've never complained about the cost). But the one, maybe two times, over a 7 night trip that one of my invalid situations for canceling an ADR comes up - I'd like to have a little more flexibility to adjust the plan than 2 days beforehand (which is what the policy is in real life). But I'm learning that I'm causing the financial ruin of the Disney corporation with my occasional late cancellation.

I'm certainly not shedding a tear for Disney's bottom line. From a personal standpoint, when I read about so many people having a cavalier attitude towards their ADRs, I feel worse for the people who really wished that they could have had that ADR than I do for Disney. From a logical stanpoint though, I can totally understand why Disney would have identified a business need to implement this policy.

Sure, we'd all like to have more flexibility. And for when "life gets in the way" such as in the case of a legitimately sick child - that's completely understandable. But in the cases of "I'm a little tired", "I want to stay at the pool longer", "it's a cooler out than I expected", "I want to tour the park some more", "I'm not hungry right now", etc...wanting flexibility for those instances does come across as a little selfish.

 

[mcd2745]

It is if it has such a negative effect on their overall enjoyment that her DH won't want to go back. I know my DH would react the same way - we both find counter service to be a miserable, chaotic mess, and he has a lot lower tolerance for it than I do. Ordering for 5 or 6 people while keeping all three kids behaving, followed by having to help ourselves to condiments and utensils while juggling trays and the kids only to wander around hoping to catch someone leaving a table just isn't an experience we want on vacation.

So in your case, dining is a major prioroty. So to satisfy that priority, I believe a sacrifice has to be made unfortunately. I'm the same way. I like a TS for breakfast and dinner (we usually just grab a snack or two during the day instaed of a full lunch, but sometimes we'll get the kids CS). So, to satisfy that preference, I make my ADRs and essentially commit to a daily schedule 6 months in advance. I don't like it, but that's the way it is. I've made the decision that having those dining plans/ADRs in place trumps the flexibility/spontaneity I'm giving up. But I guess therein lies the big difference betweeen me and "the other side". I feel like at that point (180 days out) I've already given up flexibility, so in essence, this new policy has no real effect on me and therefore I don't have a problem with this policy. Meanwhile even though others made ADRs at the same six months out, they apparently never felt like they gave up any flexibility at all and they could still go whichever way the wind blows.

 

[MELSMICE]

So in your case, dining is a major prioroty. So to satisfy that priority, I believe a sacrifice has to be made unfortunately. I'm the same way. I like a TS for breakfast and dinner (we usually just grab a snack or two during the day instaed of a full lunch, but sometimes we'll get the kids CS). So, to satisfy that preference, I make my ADRs and essentially commit to a daily schedule 6 months in advance. I don't like it, but that's the way it is. I've made the decision that having those dining plans/ADRs in place trumps the flexibility/spontaneity I'm giving up. But I guess therein lies the big difference betweeen me and "the other side". I feel like at that point (180 days out) I've already given up flexibility, so in essence, this new policy has no real effect on me and therefore I don't have a problem with this policy. Meanwhile even though others made ADRs at the same six months out, they apparently never felt like they gave up any flexibility at all and they could still go whichever way the wind blows.

 

[housemouse]

I guess I would view it different, but I wouldn't see the paying $10 per person as a privilege. I would see it as unfortunate that my child or family member got sick. Other than that, there is no reason I wouldn't show up for an ADR that I had to put a credit card hold on. (if it was for travel or serious illness then I would go through the proper channels of Disney to make sure I was not charged).

And I don't see it as an onerous financial burden. $10/head for some people(I'm aware not all) is chump change. Especially on a multi-thousand dollar vacation. I'm kind of starting to view the fee as something akin to a "dining hopper." I make my ADR with the intention of keeping it, but if I choose to do something else then I can "hop" over to it without wasting vacation time on the phone cancelling. Paid my fee, no harm no foul. And it's Disney's policy to do so now.

 

[Colleen27]

So in your case, dining is a major prioroty. So to satisfy that priority, I believe a sacrifice has to be made unfortunately. I'm the same way. I like a TS for breakfast and dinner (we usually just grab a snack or two during the day instaed of a full lunch, but sometimes we'll get the kids CS). So, to satisfy that preference, I make my ADRs and essentially commit to a daily schedule 6 months in advance. I don't like it, but that's the way it is. I've made the decision that having those dining plans/ADRs in place trumps the flexibility/spontaneity I'm giving up. But I guess therein lies the big difference betweeen me and "the other side". I feel like at that point (180 days out) I've already given up flexibility, so in essence, this new policy has no real effect on me and therefore I don't have a problem with this policy. Meanwhile even though others made ADRs at the same six months out, they apparently never felt like they gave up any flexibility at all and they could still go whichever way the wind blows.

I don't mind giving up flexibility. I'd prefer a shorter window (90 days was nice, 45 would be better) but I actually like the "structure" that two ADRs per day gives our trips. I just don't want to have to worry about large cancellation penalties if someone in the family gets sick, and since we have a party of 5/6 it isn't a small fee especially if the issue effects more than one meal. If there were a clear exception for illness I would think the policy excessive but tolerable and well-meaning; the ONLY reason I have a problem with it is because we have had several episodes of illness while at WDW.

 

[rhino78]

The conclusion people are "jumping to" comes straight from the phone calls people have made to verify and clarify the policy.

Again, hearing a CM tell you how the policy will be enforced and actually experiencing it are two completely different things. Disney doesn't have the best reputation for providing accurate info on their policies. Like many businesses, they have a nice firm policy in writing to cover their own backside, but, in reality, many policies have a lot of wiggle room.

No offense to anyone, but of course the CMs are telling people this is serious. At least one goal of the policy is to get more people to commit to their ADRs. To do that, people have to believe they will be charged.

 

[Marshay]

But I'm learning that I'm causing the financial ruin of the Disney corporation with my occasional late cancellation.

And I know you must simply feel horrible about this!!

So I really wonder who is getting the $10/pp now...

 

[Colleen27]

Just wondering, how many that have had to pre-pay or put the CC hold on their dining plans have have had to cancel or just not shown up. You know, for such things as Hoop Dee Doo, Luau, Backyard BBQ, Cinderella's Royal Table? Has it been a big issue in the past to date?

I've tended to avoid those things. We've had lunch at CRT twice, once for my older DD in her princess stage and once at my mom's request, and that was once too often for me (the food is just okay, the service rushed, and the character interaction cursory IMO).

Because we travel in the winter the BBQ and luau sound like foolishness to me - outdoors and not climate controlled, with a cancellation policy that doesn't really allow time for penalty-free cancellation on short enough notice to have an accurate weather forecast in hand. I don't want to sit through a luau or BBQ if it happens to be 30° instead of a more normal 60° that night so I don't book them. Hoop Dee Do doesn't present the same issues but just doesn't interest me so its really never come up.

But again, it is one thing to have one potential cancellation penalty for a big special meal that is a once-per-trip (or in our case, once every few trips) occasion and quite another to have to accept the same risk for each and every dinner and a handful of breakfasts/lunches.

 

[Snurk71]

From a personal standpoint, when I read about so many people having a cavalier attitude towards their ADRs,

This is the kind of comment I was referring to. "Cavalier" implies we don't really care - we might go, we might not, probably won't even go to half of them. When the reality is that most of us hit well over 90% of out ADRs. To call that "cavalier" is a poor characterization. If I cancel 1 out of 20 ADRs, do you really think I view them cavalierly (is that a word???) because of the one time I was experiencing one of my invalid, and now apparently selfish, times while I'm on vacation giving Disney thousands of dollars? You misrepresent at least me by implying that I have one of these invalid and selfish situations every other day when that's not even close to the truth.

 

[mcd2745]

I don't mind giving up flexibility. I'd prefer a shorter window (90 days was nice, 45 would be better) but I actually like the "structure" that two ADRs per day gives our trips. I just don't want to have to worry about large cancellation penalties if someone in the family gets sick, and since we have a party of 5/6 it isn't a small fee especially if the issue effects more than one meal. If there were a clear exception for illness I would think the policy excessive but tolerable and well-meaning; the ONLY reason I have a problem with it is because we have had several episodes of illness while at WDW.

I totally understand. But unfortunately, we all know what that would lead to...everyone playing the sick kid card. So what are they to do? At least in the beginning, I think Disney has to make it look like they will be taking a firm stance.

 

[mcd2745]

This is the kind of comment I was referring to. "Cavalier" implies we don't really care - we might go, we might not, probably won't even go to half of them. When the reality is that most of us hit well over 90% of out ADRs. To call that "cavalier" is a poor characterization. If I cancel 1 out of 20 ADRs, do you really think I view them cavalierly (is that a word???) because of the one time I was experiencing one of my invalid, and now apparently selfish, times while I'm on vacation giving Disney thousands of dollars? You misrepresent at least me by implying that I have one of these invalid and selfish situations every other day when that's not even close to the truth.

Only you know what your true intentions are. So if you know "that's not even close to the truth" for you, then you should not be bothered by such a comment. But there certainly have been posts in this thread (and in many other threads I 've read over time) that suggest to me that it is indeed a true characterization for some.

 

[Snurk71]

Only you know what your true intentions are. So if you know "that's not even close to the truth" for you, then you should not be bothered by such a comment. But there certainly have been posts in this thread (and in many other threads I 've read over time) that suggest to me that it is indeed a true characterization for some.

But I, and others in this thread, are bothered by such comments because you paint with a wide swath with your comments that imply we're all cavalier. I don't recall reading any posts in this thread by any of the opposers (by the way, shouldn't we come up with a better tag name for each side - like the greasers and the soc's?) that suggest such carelessness and whim. I'd be happy to retract if you could source them (from this thread).

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

But I, and others in this thread, are bothered by such comments because you paint with a wide swath with your comments that imply we're all cavalier. I don't recall reading any posts in this thread by any of the opposers (by the way, shouldn't we come up with a better tag name for each side - like the greasers and the soc's?) that suggest such carelessness and whim. I'd be happy to retract if you could source them (from this thread).

Snurk, join me in embracing our selfishness and cavalierness. I have named our side The Dark Side.

 

[Mkrop]

But in reality, what it appears to me that everyone is saying is, "I will make my ADR's & I will most likely go to them...........but if we are having a good time, I'm too tired or not hungry then I'll just cancel.......no big deal." Obviously, sickness is a different issue.

People want the ADR's in place, especially for those well sought after restaurants, but if they don't feel like going there is really no obligation to do that.

For numerous restaurants there is still the option of making an ADR & then canceling at the last minute should you change your mind. For the more sought after restaurants the new policy is in place.


I have no desire or need to complain to Disney about it.

I guess I would view it different, but I wouldn't see the paying $10 per person as a privilege. I would see it as unfortunate that my child or family member got sick. Other than that, there is no reason I wouldn't show up for an ADR that I had to put a credit card hold on. (if it was for travel or serious illness then I would go through the proper channels of Disney to make sure I was not charged).

Just wondering, how many that have had to pre-pay or put the CC hold on their dining plans have have had to cancel or just not shown up. You know, for such things as Hoop Dee Doo, Luau, Backyard BBQ, Cinderella's Royal Table? Has it been a big issue in the past to date?

We havent done any of those things bc of the CC hold/prepay. We have done CP, Fantasmic and La Nouba. On those days, we had a much different touring style bc we needed to be at those ADRs. On our La Nouba day, we went to the pool early and then went to the room and relaxed so that everyone would be ok and be able to get to the show. I dont want that kind of touring everyday or have that kind of pressure for a lot of meals.

And I agree with Snurk when they say that the poster is painting everyone with the cavalier brush, I take my ADRs seriously but I also take my family's enjoyment seriously as well, and all the things that have been termed invalid could infringe on that. And I also feel as if you are trivializing some of the excuses..."a little chilly out" was not the term I used...I said it was downright freezing with record low temps in FL...big difference btw that and a "little chilly out"

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Now I'm probably going to really irritate a few people (sorry Tarheel, but I know you're one of them). I'll own up to canceling ADRs for not being hungry, having a good time at the pool, DD sleeping in towards the end of the trip, rainstorm, and all of the other poor/invalid "excuses" that have been cited. That's a vacation to me. And I'll put up the tens of thousands of dollars (probably over $50K when all added up) I've spent as a Disney customer over the past 10 years for my style of vacationing (and that doesn't include the 500 DVC points I've purchased over the past 3 years).

This sounds pretty cavalier to me, but maybe we have a different definition of cavalier.

I think many are reading more into some posts than is being said. No one has said that everyone opposed to the policy has a cavalier attitude toward ADRs. As mcd2745 stated, anyone who doesn't feel that way shouldn't be offended by a post stating some do. If it doesn't apply to you, the poster obviously isn't referring to you.

 

[mom2rtk]

But I, and others in this thread, are bothered by such comments because you paint with a wide swath with your comments that imply we're all cavalier. I don't recall reading any posts in this thread by any of the opposers (by the way, shouldn't we come up with a better tag name for each side - like the greasers and the soc's?) that suggest such carelessness and whim. I'd be happy to retract if you could source them (from this thread).

How bout the Jets and the Sharks? I'm in. I like anything with good music.

 

[coopersmom]

Reality check: It's a dinner/breakfast/lunch reservation--and not even a real "reservation" at that--not a sacred vow. ANY "excuse" for not going, up to and including, "I don't feel like it," should be a valid reason for canceling or changing meal plans, particularly when you're on vacation. (Note that I said cancellation, not no show, though I am also someone who has been told by Disney employees there was "no need" to cancel reservations when I tried. Still, I agree it's basics manners to let someone know you won't be coming, even if that "someone" is a business.)

Disney, clearly, disagrees with my perspective. That's their right as a service provider. My right as a consumer, and what will happen in my case, is that I will eat even fewer Disney restaurant meals than I did previously ... And, based on their fairly dismal food quality, it was already pretty limited.

I just think it strange that most hotel stays can be cancelled, without penalty, up until the day of arrival and even high-end, high-demand, small-capacity restaurants outside Disney that require credit card holds, allow cancellations without penalty (no explanation required) up to a certain time on the day. (For most, that time is somewhere between 6 hours and 30 minutes in advance.) And those are at restaurants where the food is actually worth waiting for.

Any way you slice it, their entire restaurant model is decidedly unfriendly to the average customer. 180 day reservations mean way too much guesswork so, of course, people are making reservations they won't be able to keep. When they can get reservations (or even know to make them) at all, that is. Other than, say, Christmas, Thanksgiving or other major holiday meal, I can't think of any other circumstance where I know when, where and what I'll be eating six months in advance. (Heck, MOST people don't even plan their vacations six months in advance.) Silly; but if you don't play along and book up the even halfway decent eateries are unavailable.

Funny how when we went to Disneyland we were able to book a sit down lunch at a popular place (basically any place we wanted to) three days in advance of our visit without issue. (And, at that point in our timeline, we had no question about where we'd be and when.) Hasn't seemed to hurt their business model as, when we showed up, there were lines out the door for every eatery in the park.