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

[tarheelmjfan]

I think Disney has been a slow adopter to social media, which is fine with me too. I don't have a Facebook or Twitter account, nor do I want one. But a lot of people do and I would think this would be more successful than either of us would estimate.

I have a FB acct. myself. I'm just not interested in using it, when I'm on a family vacation. I'm with you on Twitter though. My 19 yr. old DS thinks he's too old for Twitter. I'm not that interested in following people through their everyday, mundane lives. My life is boring enough, without that.

Basically, I don't see this suggestion* as a viable alternative to the new policy. It won't prevent so many no shows. They obviously think there's a problem that needs correcting. As Nala noted, there's already options for securing last minute ADRs or walk-ups. The new policy is to help in making sure the tables that would have been empty are now available.

*I realize this wasn't originally your suggestion.

 

[Mkrop]

Do that many people really carry their phone around with them all the time at WDW? I guess I'm way behind the times. I might have my phone with me, but won't have it on while I'm enjoying vacation time with my family. I can't imagine checking often for a text message to come through, but that's just me.

ETA: I personally don't see any policy that requires a guest to be connected to electronics on vacation a solution to anything.

But see this is how YOU vaction, which is the whole point of this thread, and how dining fits into it. Maybe you dont want your phone with you but other people do, and if WDW is all about getting people in the seats to fill the no shows or the cancellations, this is ONE viable alternative. So are walkups. Just fill the darn seats but dont limit how someone wants to enjoy their vacation if that is what they claim is the goal.

And one of us always has a phone on vacation with us, sometime both if we think we need to split up.

They post wait times in Epcot why not dining info.

 

[mcd2745]

Yes, I was still in the system. And I suspect if it were a lunch ADR and I showed up at 8:00 I would still be in the system. They weren't expecting me (almost seemed shocked to go up that many screens) and they didn't hold my table open for me - which flies in the face of the theory that there's all these open tables because of no-shows. I was a late show (not even a no-show) and my table was apparently seated right on without me.

1 + 1 = 2, except when it comes to open tables at WDW - for some reason 1+1= 3 there. Having open tables with busy-as-ever servers just doesn't add up to holding tables for no-shows. If the servers were all standing around with the open tables, then it would make a little more sense. But it doesn't add up.

You seem to be forgetting that an ADR isn't a real 'reservation'. It just allows you the "privilege" of getting your name on the list for the next available table. It's not like there would be a table in the restaurant with a "RESERVED - Snurk71" sign on it and no one else gets seated at that table but you. They're turning away walk-ups and not allowing them to get on the list for the next available table, based on the assumption that those with ADRs are going to show up. And when large numbers of people with ADRs no-show, that's where you get your empty tables. It's not because one of the cooks and 4-5 servers are calling in sick every day, and this after they weren't even adequately staffed to begin with even though they had ADRs booking the place to capacity for 6 months.

 

[mcd2745]

But see this is how YOU vaction, which is the whole point of this thread, and how dining fits into it.

But Disney can't possibly put a system into place that satisfies the wants/needs/preferences of what....10 million different families that visit each year (that's just a guess on the number). Any kind of policy set by any organization (much like any law established by any government) has to consider what they feel is the overall "greater good" and benfits the greatest number of people - whether they're successful in that is another story. Will there alway groups who feel it unfairly harms or inconveniences them? Sure. But that's just the nature of the beast.

 

[Colleen27]

Not really. They just instituted a policy to discourage no-shows and same-day cancellations.

It seems more reasonable to me that if in fact the policy succeeds at reducing no-shows, there will be less walk-up availability, not more.

Particularly if this policy drives some demand away from the penalty restaurants... It will likely reduce walk-up availability at the restaurants that do often take them now without opening up any tables for walk-ups at the restaurants that generally don't.

 

[Snurk71]

You seem to be forgetting that an ADR isn't a real 'reservation'.

No, I'm fully aware of that and don't forget it. And that's part of my beef - the deal is too one-sided to Disney. All the benefits to Disney, less and less to their customer/guest.

They're turning away walk-ups and not allowing them to get on the list for the next available table, based on the assumption that those with ADRs are going to show up. And when large numbers of people with ADRs no-show, that's where you get your empty tables. It's not because one of the cooks and 4-5 servers are calling in sick every day, and this after they weren't even adequately staffed to begin with even though they had ADRs booking the place to capacity for 6 months.

I disagree based on my experiences. You speak in such certain terms that unless you work for Disney and know such things as fact ('fess up if you do), you don't appear to be very open-minded - you seem to be consistently arguing against anything one of the "anti-policy" posters share, without considering alternatives outside of your beliefs are even possible. So I think it's time I start passing on your posts too.

 

[MELSMICE]

I'm with you on Twitter though. My 19 yr. old DS thinks he's too old for Twitter. I'm not that interested in following people through their everyday, mundane lives. My life is boring enough, without that.

I do carry my phone will on vacation & have it turned on. There are many reasons why people may carry their phones.

This past trip about 2 weeks ago was a trip for just DH & I so if my kids needed to get a hold of me I wanted to be available. They would text me throughout the day to "check in". I also own a business & need to be available in case I'm needed. I answered quite a few business calls while at the pool.

A little OT, but a comment on the Twitter thing. Twitter really isn't meant to follow the "mundane lives" of people. It's to follow people or things you are interested in. I don't follow friends. I follow numerous Disney accounts, a DVC account, the Orlando Sentinel, Anderson Cooper, Regis & Kelly, Goodreads, Southwest, among many other things I have an interest in following. My DH follows some sports writers and things he's interested in.

I found out about this new Disney Dining change via Twitter & was one of the first ones to post it on the Dis last week. I found out about the plan to put WiFi in the deluxe resorts via Twitter. I use it for my business & my clients "follow me" (actually follow my business) for updates that come through via Twitter. I also update things on FB.

The only "mundane" people I follow on Twitter are my family & my kids.

 

[dismommom]

I mentioned earlier in this thread that on our last visit, we waited over an hour past our ADR time twice.

The worst offense was when we waited over an hour past our ADR. It was supposed to be around 7pm and ended up being after 8pm. Eight is pretty late. WE were very patient. We had a large party, and I understand that they only have so many tables. We had checked in early, made one inquiry half an hour past our ADR time - and at that time stated we'd be fine with being split up.

THEN we saw a party the same size as our, that we KNEW had arrived after us - getting seated. There was simply NO EXCUSE for that. That's when we said, "Hey, that's not right!" We were polite, but firm.

Finally they squeezed us into a table two seats too small! We were SURROUNDED by empty tables, many of which were big enought for our party, or bigger, and there were several spots where two side by side tables empty.

The explanation we got was that we had been slated to sit at a PARTICULAR table, and those guests had not vacated.

But what I still can't get past is how mucked up their system is.

We've run into this also. You are asked to show up 15 min in advance. After 15 min past if you show up you should be put behind anyone who has already checked in, including walk ups. I think this would cut out a lot of "empty tables"

Also do we know what's going to happen to Walk ups? If you walk up and there is no table now but one expected in an hour, are you supposed to sit in the loby for the hour or can you come back in in 45 min. (go to gift shop or sit outside, etc?) and will you be asked to give them a cc for that table an hour from now? Just wondering.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

But see this is how YOU vaction, which is the whole point of this thread, and how dining fits into it. Maybe you dont want your phone with you but other people do, and if WDW is all about getting people in the seats to fill the no shows or the cancellations, this is ONE viable alternative. So are walkups. Just fill the darn seats but dont limit how someone wants to enjoy their vacation if that is what they claim is the goal.

And one of us always has a phone on vacation with us, sometime both if we think we need to split up.

They post wait times in Epcot why not dining info.

I don't have a problem with them sending texts to those who want them. It won't help me, but that doesn't bother me in the least. I just don't think it's an alternative to the policy change. It will not solve the problem. There are ways to find that info now & there's still a problem. Texts may help people get the info w/o going to GS, concierge, etc., which is great for them. It just won't fix the problem.

Particularly if this policy drives some demand away from the penalty restaurants... It will likely reduce walk-up availability at the restaurants that do often take them now without opening up any tables for walk-ups at the restaurants that generally don't.

There are only so many people. If the people who would normally book the more popular restaurants book less popular ones, there will have to be more availability at the more popular ones.

I do carry my phone will on vacation & have it turned on. There are many reasons why people may carry their phones.

This past trip about 2 weeks ago was a trip for just DH & I so if my kids needed to get a hold of me I wanted to be available. They would text me throughout the day to "check in". I also own a business & need to be available in case I'm needed. I answered quite a few business calls while at the pool.

A little OT, but a comment on the Twitter thing. Twitter really isn't meant to follow the "mundane lives" of people. It's to follow people or things you are interested in. I don't follow friends. I follow numerous Disney accounts, a DVC account, the Orlando Sentinel, Anderson Cooper, Regis & Kelly, Goodreads, Southwest, among many other things I have an interest in following. My DH follows some sports writers and things he's interested in.

I found out about this new Disney Dining change via Twitter & was one of the first ones to post it on the Dis last week. I found out about the plan to put WiFi in the deluxe resorts via Twitter. I use it for my business & my clients "follow me" (actually follow my business) for updates that come through via Twitter. I also update things on FB.

The only "mundane" people I follow on Twitter are my family & my kids.

Twitter's great for those who enjoy that type of thing. I just don't have any interest in following anyone. The info I want can be found on the internet, w/o me needing to do that. That's not saying I think it should disappear. It's just not for me.

 

[SmallWorld71]

I've seen lots of empty tables in a number of popular restaurants that were completely booked for that meal, including places like Chef Mickey's, Cape May Cafe, Coral Reef and Crystal Palace (maybe it's a problem with restaurants starting with the letter C!).

LOL! There are more restaurants at Disney that begin with C, than any other letter, I believe. Anyway, my experience has been quite the opposite of yours. I've been to Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace multiple times (and Coral Reef once) and the only empty tables I've ever seen were when we had an opening time ADR (or when the table was being cleared). BUT, my vacations are typically either during President's Week or August and the parks are far from empty. So, perhaps time of year has a lot to do with it.

Also, for the record, while I am opposed to this policy as it stands now, I have no problems with reserving with a credit card or with being responsible enough to cancel my ADR if I can't use it.
What concerns me is:
- the unexpected need to cancel and then being charged for it (if they are able to waive the fee for extenuating circumstances, then fine)
- larger groups being fined if a small portion of their group is unable to come, but the majority do show up
- the ability to change ADR's - you see this often in people's dining reviews here on the DIS where they make a change that day to their plans; I don't think people should be fined for changing ADR's since it is not a disservice to Disney

 

[Cafeen]

As for the phone debate, I always bring my phone with me to the parks. Mainly because I don't wear a watch .

Cell service is spotty at best though, and I know several international travelers don't use any service on their phones due to huge international charges (and this includes Canada). It's certainly an interesting proposal though.

LOL! There are more restaurants at Disney that begin with C, than any other letter, I believe. Anyway, my experience has been quite the opposite of yours. I've been to Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace multiple times (and Coral Reef once) and the only empty tables I've ever seen were when we had an opening time ADR (or when the table was being cleared). BUT, my vacations are typically either during President's Week or August and the parks are far from empty. So, perhaps time of year has a lot to do with it.

Don't forget Captain Cooks, Contempo Cafe, Captain's Grille, CRT, Cap'n Jack's, Chef's de France, Columbia Harbor House, Cosmic Rays, Cafe Rix, and Citrico's (And that's leaving out the named snack stands ) (Yes, I looked them all up between Cap'n Jack's and Citricos)

This brings up something interesting. These people who are seeing all but their table empty (ok, that's exaggeration), are you going during slower park times? Maybe the two are inter-related, more CMs during busy times = more tables available = less empty tables. Fewer CMs during slow times = fewer tables available = more empty tables.

For those that are harping on "5 or 6 sick CMs" are missing the point. We're talking about initial scheduling 6 months out to only have an 80% capacity based on staff (for example). Just because all the ADRs are gone, does NOT mean that every table in the place is booked. It means every table they're expecting to be available based on planned staff levels is booked.

And there are far more than one host/hostess at most Disney restaurants. One or two checking in, then 3 or 4 (at least) seating people. Those are the hosts/hostesses. Losing one can mean a delay in seating, driving down the working capacity.

Buffets also require a set amount of cooks and servers per table, and due to all the different foods prepared, I'd actually think that more cooks would be needed for these restaurants. Sure, they don't cook to order, but with more tables means more of the various pans being emptied faster.

 

[Marthasor]

I just did another test - called the dining line.

Got a nice/polite CM and asked specifically about CRT, since it is a one-day cancellation policy restaurant already in production. I gave her the same scenario I've asked the others - if I have an 8:00 AM CRT ADR on Friday, when do I need to cancel by in order to avoid a penalty. The CM said 24 hours before - so before 8:00 AM on Thursday. I pressed her, asking if she could double-check that because I thought I had heard I could cancel any time prior. So she checked with her supervisor and came back with...

I can cancel any time Thursday as long as I cancel the day before. So another vote for the day prior, another vote against the 24 hour (even though that is what the CM initially thought).

I wonder if I should get a bonus of some kind for helping train these CMs on the cancelation policy.

Thanks for doing this! I hope this is what they stick to moving forward. I just wish everyone was clear on the policy. I'm hoping the will re-release the text of the new policy with a clearer statement regarding the cancellation timeframe.

 

[maxiesmom]

This brings up something interesting. These people who are seeing all but their table empty (ok, that's exaggeration), are you going during slower park times? Maybe the two are inter-related, more CMs during busy times = more tables available = less empty tables. Fewer CMs during slow times = fewer tables available = more empty tables.

For those that are harping on "5 or 6 sick CMs" are missing the point. We're talking about initial scheduling 6 months out to only have an 80% capacity based on staff (for example). Just because all the ADRs are gone, does NOT mean that every table in the place is booked. It means every table they're expecting to be available based on planned staff levels is booked.

In my case I remember seeing empty tables during both December during the Pop Warner/Candelight Processional madness and at the peak of Spring Break. Not times they would cut down on staff or schedule restaurants to be at less than capacity.

Using the example of the Spring Break experience, that was at The Crystal Palace. My nephew met me for dinner, and we were suprised at the number of empty tables. And when you figure that they are already paying Tigger, Pooh and the gang to be there, plus the kitchen staff, it doesn't make sense to think they are just cutting a few members of the wait staff and leaving tables empty to save money. At over $40 a plate they would definately lose money.

 

[Mkrop]

In my case I remember seeing empty tables during both December during the Pop Warner/Candelight Processional madness and at the peak of Spring Break. Not times they would cut down on staff or schedule restaurants to be at less than capacity.

Using the example of the Spring Break experience, that was at The Crystal Palace. My nephew met me for dinner, and we were suprised at the number of empty tables. And when you figure that they are already paying Tigger, Pooh and the gang to be there, plus the kitchen staff, it doesn't make sense to think they are just cutting a few members of the wait staff and leaving tables empty to save money. At over $40 a plate they would definately lose money.

If this was last year, we were there at that time, and it was brutually cold, so there could have been nights where venturing out to the parks was not something a family wanted to do. We did the CP at Tutto Italia, and the place was packed yet the actual ceremony outside was very empty. We had many layers and winter gear on and we were freezing. During that timeframe, I dont recall other restaurants having empty tables, most were pretty packed. I am not doubting you but I just dont recall seeing empty tables, I know the resort restaurants we went to like WCC and Cape May Cafe and the place in the YC, had tons of people asking for walkups bc they did not want to venture out to a park, so maybe more park places suffered during that cold spell. The resorts were hopping so I am sure that is the tradeoff when the weather is poor.

 

[ScoJo15]

They post wait times in Epcot why not dining info.

I think this is a pretty cool idea. Why not have an electronic board next to the ride times that shows TS restaurants that have availability. I know you can find this information out from guest services, but would be nice to see this on a quick glance board...eliminating any waiting in line, calling WDW or pulling up an app on your phone. It might help with any same day seating that becomes available as a result of the new policy.

 

[mcd2745]

I've been to Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace multiple times (and Coral Reef once) and the only empty tables I've ever seen were when we had an opening time ADR (or when the table was being cleared). BUT, my vacations are typically either during President's Week or August and the parks are far from empty. So, perhaps time of year has a lot to do with it.

For the record, there hasn't been empty tables every time I'ved dined at those restaurants, but it's happened and at times when there were no ADRs to be had even though we go at what's considered to be a slower time.

This brings up something interesting. These people who are seeing all but their table empty (ok, that's exaggeration), are you going during slower park times? Maybe the two are inter-related, more CMs during busy times = more tables available = less empty tables. Fewer CMs during slow times = fewer tables available = more empty tables.

For those that are harping on "5 or 6 sick CMs" are missing the point. We're talking about initial scheduling 6 months out to only have an 80% capacity based on staff (for example). Just because all the ADRs are gone, does NOT mean that every table in the place is booked. It means every table they're expecting to be available based on planned staff levels is booked.

And there are far more than one host/hostess at most Disney restaurants. One or two checking in, then 3 or 4 (at least) seating people. Those are the hosts/hostesses. Losing one can mean a delay in seating, driving down the working capacity.

Buffets also require a set amount of cooks and servers per table, and due to all the different foods prepared, I'd actually think that more cooks would be needed for these restaurants. Sure, they don't cook to order, but with more tables means more of the various pans being emptied faster.

We usually go at the very end of August/beginning of Sept - considered a slower time right after the peak summer season ends. However, like I said all these restaurants were completely booked though. Perhaps the no-show rate happens to be greater during this time frame. That's possible.

As for the staffing. I doubt they schedule staff greater than 6 months out and then open up only enough ADRs to match the staffing level they already set. It's more likely staffing is scheduled only a few weeks out. So I think they would open up the ADRs for 100% (or more - we know they intentionally overbook) of capacity and then as those dates approach, based on ADR booking levels (plus anticipated overall attendance figures), staff accordingly. Why would they want to limit themselves to less than capacity right from the get-go? They would foolishly be denying themselves added revenue.

 

[Jungle Cruiser]

California Grill has had the credit card guarantee and "no show" policy for years. It's a tough restaurant to get an ADR at, and it is a restaurant that you can't "walk up to " and hope to get a table. That being said we had an ADR there last June and I wasn't feeling great that afternoon. My daughter spoke to the concierge at the hotel, who called the CG and our ADR was cancelled at no charge. There will clearly be no policy statement about canceling due to illness but I think in most cases it won't be an issue.

I think we should try to remember that Disney has done this as a reaction to a problem.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

This brings up something interesting. These people who are seeing all but their table empty (ok, that's exaggeration), are you going during slower park times? Maybe the two are inter-related, more CMs during busy times = more tables available = less empty tables. Fewer CMs during slow times = fewer tables available = more empty tables.

For those that are harping on "5 or 6 sick CMs" are missing the point. We're talking about initial scheduling 6 months out to only have an 80% capacity based on staff (for example). Just because all the ADRs are gone, does NOT mean that every table in the place is booked. It means every table they're expecting to be available based on planned staff levels is booked.

And there are far more than one host/hostess at most Disney restaurants. One or two checking in, then 3 or 4 (at least) seating people. Those are the hosts/hostesses. Losing one can mean a delay in seating, driving down the working capacity.

Buffets also require a set amount of cooks and servers per table, and due to all the different foods prepared, I'd actually think that more cooks would be needed for these restaurants. Sure, they don't cook to order, but with more tables means more of the various pans being emptied faster.

If a 2 or 3 WDW, restaurant managers or the Food & Beverage manager came on here & told us the empty tables are due to staff scheduling, I might believe it. Otherwise, I'm not buying it. We eat 2 TS meals a day. Breakfast or lunch usually runs us $100.00+. Dinner is usually $250+ (all Signatures). It would make no sense at all to leave those tables empty, to cut back on a few employees. We're talking restaurant employees. These aren't high paying jobs. If they're having a problem getting enough employees to show up for work, they'll be looking for new employees. No company is going to allow their employees to miss an excessive amount of work. I have a very hard time believing staffing is the reason the tables are empty.

If this was last year, we were there at that time, and it was brutually cold, so there could have been nights where venturing out to the parks was not something a family wanted to do. We did the CP at Tutto Italia, and the place was packed yet the actual ceremony outside was very empty. We had many layers and winter gear on and we were freezing. During that timeframe, I dont recall other restaurants having empty tables, most were pretty packed. I am not doubting you but I just dont recall seeing empty tables, I know the resort restaurants we went to like WCC and Cape May Cafe and the place in the YC, had tons of people asking for walkups bc they did not want to venture out to a park, so maybe more park places suffered during that cold spell. The resorts were hopping so I am sure that is the tradeoff when the weather is poor.

You've just helped to make the argument of why this policy change occurred. People would skip an ADR, just because they thought it was too cold to bother showing up. This is just one of the many reasons people would find for missing ADRs. I don't blame them for getting tired of the no-shows, with their many excuses.

I think this is a pretty cool idea. Why not have an electronic board next to the ride times that shows TS restaurants that have availability. I know you can find this information out from guest services, but would be nice to see this on a quick glance board...eliminating any waiting in line, calling WDW or pulling up an app on your phone. It might help with any same day seating that becomes available as a result of the new policy.

It was a good idea. I don't think it's an alternative to the policy change, but it would be helpful to guests in the parks looking for a place to eat that day.

As for the staffing. I doubt they schedule staff greater than 6 months out and then open up only enough ADRs to match the staffing level they already set. It's more likely staffing is scheduled only a few weeks out. So I think they would open up the ADRs for 100% (or more - we know they intentionally overbook) of capacity and then as those dates approach, based on ADR booking levels (plus anticipated overall attendance figures), staff accordingly. Why would they want to limit themselves to less than capacity right from the get-go? They would foolishly be denying themselves added revenue.

I agree. That argument makes no sense at all. They would be sacrificing thousands to save hundreds.

California Grill has had the credit card guarantee and "no show" policy for years. It's a tough restaurant to get an ADR at, and it is a restaurant that you can't "walk up to " and hope to get a table. That being said we had an ADR there last June and I wasn't feeling great that afternoon. My daughter spoke to the concierge at the hotel, who called the CG and our ADR was cancelled at no charge. There will clearly be no policy statement about canceling due to illness but I think in most cases it won't be an issue.

I think we should try to remember that Disney has done this as a reaction to a problem.

They very well may have allowances for those who are sick. Let's hope those who want to skip an ADR for other reasons don't use it as a loophole. If that happens, they'll be forced to take a tougher stance & charge everyone regardless of the reason. Unfortunately, there always seems to be people who abuse policies ruining a good thing for everyone.

 

[eliza61]

California Grill has had the credit card guarantee and "no show" policy for years. It's a tough restaurant to get an ADR at, and it is a restaurant that you can't "walk up to " and hope to get a table. That being said we had an ADR there last June and I wasn't feeling great that afternoon. My daughter spoke to the concierge at the hotel, who called the CG and our ADR was cancelled at no charge. There will clearly be no policy statement about canceling due to illness but I think in most cases it won't be an issue.

I think we should try to remember that Disney has done this as a reaction to a problem.

And I have no problem with trying to fix a problem but this charge doesn't do that.

Like I said previously my family owned and operated a successful restaurant in NYC. jsut as busy as any wdw place. No shows are pretty easy to calculate, trends always develop and any manager with a decent management program can almost predict down to the number with a small % of error the amount of no shows, what days have the highest amount of no shows, what hours have the highest number of no shows etc.

So my question is why not try allowing the appropriate walks up to fill your supposedly empty tables. Le Cellier is hugely popular, no way no how can you make me believe they would have trouble getting last minute call ins and walks up to fill any potential cancellations. 24 hours ahead? Seriously? heck, the morning off should not be a problem?

So instead of an answer to a problem I see more of a got a problem, make a money grab opportunity.

Sort of like Bank of America and it's fees.

 

[Mkrop]

You've just helped to make the argument of why this policy change occurred. People would skip an ADR, just because they thought it was too cold to bother showing up. This is just one of the many reasons people would find for missing ADRs. I don't blame them for getting tired of the no-shows, with their many excuses.





.

Record low setting temps is pretty darn good excuse in my book. If you werent there you have no idea how cold it was trying to tour the parks. We kept the CP package bc they would not cancel but it was not a fun night, we were on vacation I would have rather to call it an early evening and go out early the next day.

We rearranged our whole week bc of how cold it was, we toured DHS and it was brutal, with winter coats, we knew we would never survive a day at AK, so we called and cancelled Tusker House for 10 am, the day before at 5ish. I would have been out $40 just bc I would like my family to enjoy their vacation and not freeze. Most of AK is outdoors, riding the safari would have been miserable, riding EE would have been out. Instead we rearranged and went there later in the week when it had warmed up.

Customer service is key and if I had to be charged bc of a cancellation due to extreme weather I would not have been a happy camper. WDW still got our money at a different location. But without this flexibilty I would have to readjust or second guess our trips. Hey there might be a DVC on the resale market soon

Just to give you an idea of how cold it was, we had a first floor room at BLT facing the Bay, there was no heat, it got down to below 30 at night, and the wind was blowing through the glass doors bc there was no balcony. We had to pile the sofa cushions and extra blankets against the door so there would not be a draft, and we had to order extra blankets. We were extremely grateful when we moved to the 4th floor during our split stay.

We were literally in winter coats, hats, gloves etc for a good portion of our trip, this was not on tour around in jeans and a light coat. The shops were selling fleeces and warm coats like crazy. It was warmer in Philly than it was in FL.

We laugh about it now, but it was not fun when we were going through it but we made the best of it. If we did not have the flexibilty to change our plans, that particular vaction could have been a complete diaster.