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

[Mad Hattered]

1,000

DOH! Someone beat me to it. I am all for the cancellation policy. We attend the parks 2 to 3 times a year, have no kids and like to eat. It won't be an issue for us whatsoever, and that is what matters to me.

 

[SmallWorld71]

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.

First of all, thank-you for the post.

I am glad to see that they are considering a partial party showing up as making the ADR. This helps me considerably if my whole party (13) decides to do an ADR.

HOWEVER, I have a MAJOR issue with the cancelling a full day ahead thing the way Disney has written it. If you go to Disney's website to make reservations, they are NOT clear on what it means. Their cancellation policy could be interpreted as the day before (as in some time Tues if your ADR is Wed.) or 24 hours before. Without being on the DIS, I would never have interpreted a day before as being almost 2 DAYS before in the case of dinner ADR or a day and a half in the case of a breakfast ADR. If Disney wants people to follow their new rules, they need to make them clear and not open to interpretation.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

Did anyone find out if we will still be charged if we cancel a reservation but book another one in it's place?

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I haven't read all of the pages of this but have popped in and out to read a few pages at a time. Thank you to CandleontheWater for the clarification.

At first I didn't have an issue with the policy because for the most part, we are able to keep our ADRs. DS is 15 so much less of a chance of sickness, etc. Certainly at least one of us can make it to the restaurant to avoid the fee if something comes up and one of us isn't feeling well. Or the $30 may not matter once during the trip depending on the issue.

The way I see it affecting us is that last trip I called same day to change times on a couple of our ADRs. Same restaurant, but a different time that same night. We originally had a 5:30 ADR at the Yachtsman but wanted to go a bit later so I called in the morning and changed it to 7:45. My guess is that this can no longer be done as we would not be cancelling that 5:30 with enough notice.

And the "full day" policy is definitely confusing. I think most people would take that as 24 hours, not the way Disney is apparantly enforcing it.

Should be interesting to hear feedback on this. And I know that I will have to be very sure of our plans when making our ADRs and rethinking those plans the week before we arrive to make any possible changes then.

 

[twinklebug]

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.

.. so I guess we're really to think of it as 48 hr advance notice. And how are we to know if someone will be sick 48 hrs in advance causing all three of us to miss?

Disney needs to re-think the timing bit. That's great for their end for staffing, but not family friendly.

In the future I can see us trying more walk-ups or calling the day-of to see if there's availability. I don't plan on risking $30 for the three of us at almost all of our TS meals when anything can happen. Worst case: we eat counter service, go offsite, or eat in the villa... there's always food available somewhere. I have my doubts that this plan as-is will work in the long run for Disney.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

Seriously... having to plan every minute of every day takes all the fun out of a vacation at Disney World. I'd like to be able to say... hey, it's 8pm and we are really having fun at Magic Kingdom right now... let's change our plans and stay late and just have quick service breakfast in the morning instead of Chef Mickey's. What's the result?

• Disney has 12 hours to get another diner at Chef Mickey's.
• We will still buy breakfast somewhere the next morning.
• We will be in the park longer buying souvenirs instead of relaxing at resort.
• Family is happy our vacation was not ruled by ADRs.

This will definitely change how I do dining at Disney World. I will do less dining at restaurants so I have more flexibility. Might even just skip making ADRs except for 1 or 2 favorites. No more deluxe dining plan. Not worth it.

I can reason charging people for not canceling and still not showing up. But there should be a reasonable time frame for canceling and changing plans... 24 hours should be enough. For all the ADR hoarders, double bookers, and ADR abusers... there's got to be another way to deal with that.

 

[kaytieeldr]

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.

Again, I believe the point of requiring guests to cancel certain reservations a day in advance (and attaching a financial penalty to compel them to do so) is to provide dining options to guests who couldn't, for whatever reason, make reservations at 6AM Eastern 180 days in advance: local residents, new visitors who truly don't believe that 'strong suggestion', people who plan their visits in a shorter window...

Southwest offers a full credit for no shows.

Making them so unique, this policy is dragged out in many discussions. It's not typical, and so not comparable.

Many hotels let you cancel up until 5p on your check in date.

Whereas Disney requires room-only cancellations to be made at least five days prior to arrival - or the penalty is a full night's room cost. And a vacation package costs $100 or $200 to cancel or change less than 45/5 days, respectively - and as far as I know, no refund for no-shows.

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.

True - and while I hesitate to mention that there are actually about 120 nights at this time of year, so those party nights cause only the Magic Kingdom to close at about its normal closing only about 1/4 of the nights - I don't hesitate to point out most people who visit now choose to visit now.

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.

Well, first, she was responding to someone who said "doctors don't charge for no-shows". Yes, they do. I don't know about my dentist, I just started seeing a new one this week - but since they have a 'walk-ins and emergencies welcome!' policy, I'm going to guess they don't charge if you cancel. My docto's office does charge no-shows.

 

[Lewisc]

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!

The suggestion has always been not to book a restaurant with a cancellation penalty your first night. Don't book the Lua....The problem is Disney just dramatically increased the number of restaurants in that category.

Other posters have made comments like use your travel insurance.

Booking your first night and having a late flight is an excuse. I don't the excuse is any better then a family member being sick.

 

[rachellm]

The suggestion has always been not to book a restaurant with a cancellation penalty your first night. Don't book the Lua....The problem is Disney just dramatically increased the number of restaurants in that category.

Other posters have made comments like use your travel insurance.

Booking your first night and having a late flight is an excuse. I don't the excuse is any better then a family member being sick.

I've always thought that having a character meal or a fun-themed meal is a great start to a trip. I doubt we'll stop doing that on the off chance that flights are seriously delayed/cancelled.

I understand the need for changes and hope this policy will fix some of the issues. But, I find it hard to believe that a company that prides itself on their customer service will take such a hard stance. Especially for things that are easy to "prove." If I went to Disney with my flight plans, verification that the flight was cancelled, and my boarding pass for our later flight (through a different city) and their answer was still - Too bad. I'd be livid, and likely done with Disney.

As for it being an "excuse", well yes, it is. Things happen. I would hope that Disney would be flexible in realizing that.

 

[Colleen27]

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?

For us it is because it represents a significant departure from the travel habits we enjoy. Signature dinners every night have been part of our last three trips (one of the things I love most about Disney is the ability to have signature-level dining experiences as a family; in the "real world" restaurants of that caliber don't generally welcome young children), and we very much enjoy the all-inclusive nature of the DxDDP which only works well for us because of our habit of having many 2-credit dining experiences. So it isn't an exaggeration at all to say that we are looking at having to change our entire approach to Disney vacations if we want to be sure we won't be getting hit with fees in the event of a sick kid or major transportation delay.

 

[dismommom]

Pretty much all the time. Standard AK hours are 9-5; anything beyond that is extended hours.
Have you noticed how they have cut back on evening extra Magic?
Thirty or thirty-two out of 365 nights, I think?
Just count and it's 42 nights. But we com during the MNSSHP or during the Christmas party time and it's usually at least 3 nights of our stay. Do they still do the Pirates & Princess Party?
Long walk or pointless cab fare when one opts not to have a car, though.
WE always bring a car or rent one. Not everyone's cup of tea but it is ours.
I haven't ever used the Fantasmic! Dining Option - is there a cancellation fee? Because under the change starting today, only Brown Derby would be affected; if there's always been a cancellation fee, then there's no difference; and I thought there was a cut-off time for F!D reservations anyway, and that it was well before 5? This was not the Fantasmic Dining Option, just a regular dining ADR and yes I believe the Fantasmic Dining charges a cancellation fee.
Not necessarily. I've stayed onsite with and without a car, with and without a Dining Plan. This won't change anything about my visits.

I have no interest in changing your visits. I hope everytime you go is magical and perfect. Lessing your exprience would never give me happiness.

I have been to WDW over 30 times. I love the way it is so magical. I am just finding the magic going away. I had a friend who came out of a ride to find her $300 stroller moved and broken. When she spoke with a castmember he told her "It sucks to be you". I couldn't believe it. After woking her way up the chain she was finally given free stroller rental for the rest of the trip.

I had a family member come back to her room after it had maid service. Her beach towels had been taken with the dirty towels. Nothing was done.

We went on the Keys to the Kingdom tour and were told every cast member has the power to right a wrong. I've heard about it happening many times.

I love Disney as I always have found it Magical. We've planned our retirement to move close to Disney. But times are tough and people make choices. We cut out movies and dining out at home to take our Disney vacations and I'm sure lots of other people are watching the money.

But Disney seams to be more interested in their bottom line these days. No one begrudges them making a profit. But the big guys need to understand they are killing the magic.

I'm going in December, and if a free dining bounce back is offered I will probably book it, but I probably won't pay for an upgrade as I usually do. I will be watching these boards and the trip reports. With the constant raise in the cost and the lessening of the experience Disney might loose me as one of their biggest fans. Some say they won't miss me and will fill my spot. Well if they do I hope the family filling my spot finds magic and a great vacations with wonderful memories. And I will miss what Walt Disney World used to be.

 

[Colleen27]

The suggestion has always been not to book a restaurant with a cancellation penalty your first night. Don't book the Lua....The problem is Disney just dramatically increased the number of restaurants in that category.

Other posters have made comments like use your travel insurance.

Booking your first night and having a late flight is an excuse. I don't the excuse is any better then a family member being sick.

I agree about not booking cancellation penalty ADRs for arrival night and that's advice I've given often, but now we're talking about also being penalized for the next day's ADRs if, as in the previous poster's example, there's a full day's delay. Even if you call at noon when you're told that the airline can't get you out until the next day you'll be charged for any cancellation penalty ADRs you had on what should have been your first full day in the parks.

 

[Colleen27]

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.

So basically, worst case scenario for guests.

I'm still suspending final judgement on grounds that Disney call centers, even when dealing with supervisors and their memos, aren't always accurate when it comes to on-the-ground policy. It was just a few weeks ago that the call center CMs and were asserting (and at least one supervisor confirmed) that a memo went out indicating that Disney had changed their policy to disallow early ticket pick up but that has not been the case when actually dealing with ticketing on site. So I'll wait and see what happens in practice knowing that calling for answers in theory isn't necessarily going to yield correct information. But if this does turn out to be how it will work it will significantly change our Disney travel habits.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

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?

You've already acknowledged that I admit to liking the policy, because it could improve my chances of getting ADRs same day. That's not the biggest reason I'm in favor of it though. I think people will eventually stop booking "just in case" ADRs, when money is involved. To me, if anyone takes an ADR out of the pool for others to book, they should show up. If they don't, they're punishing another guest for nothing.

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.

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.

It appears one is only being open-minded, if they agree with your position. I haven't seen one person change their mind, during this discussion. Some people don't like the plan, because it affects their touring style. Others, like me, think it's about time. No one is going to change their position. The only truly open minded people are those who reserve their opinion, until the policy is fully implemented & they've experienced a trip under the new policy.

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

Would I get all upset, complain on here, bomb their FB page, email them, send disapproving Tweets, etc., no. I would be disappointed. I don't think a window that short does much at all to help the situation. To me, that would be like putting a butterfly band aid on a 5" gash.

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.

The truth is none of us know for sure what they're trying to accomplish. We can offer speculation, but can we really debate something we have no clue about?

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.

People keep using Southwest as a comparison. Why is that? Is it because SW is the only airline with this policy? (For anyone who was going to answer, I already know the answer. ) SW has much more competition to fill seats. They're trying something different to try to get an edge up on the competition. WDW doesn't have that competition.

I don't care if WDW 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.

Since you've apparently never been a no-show, rain must not have stopped you from going to an ADR. Do you think another family is better than yours?

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.

She was replying to a PP who said doctors don't charge no shows.

 

[CandleontheWater]

So I just called back again. I was interested in getting the answers to some of the new questions that have come up, and I wanted to be sure that the information was consistent.

Everything in my previous post was confirmed, but here is some new information that I learned.

If you make an ADR with the CC hold, you will receive an e-mail three days before your ADR, reminding you about your ADR. The e-mail will also have a link for quick cancellation.

I also asked about travel delays, the CM told me that they will work with people who have travel delays, and either modify or cancel the reservation without penalty. BUT you do need to be sure and call Disney when you know that you are going to be delayed.

I also was told by the CM that the new policy also states that if you modify a reservation, that you will not be charged a penalty, even if you are doing it within the "one day" window.

This is of course subject to availability.- Here is how it would work. Today (Thursday) your son refuses to take a nap back at the hotel. You have a 7 pm reservation for Chef Mickeys. You know that your son is going to be a beast at the restaurant, so you don't want to take him. You can call and try and change the reservation to a different day or time, and if you are successful- then they will wave the fee. So if they have availability for dinner on Friday, you can change and not be charged. If there is no availability- then you are SOL, take your beasty son, or be charged.

So I asked another scenario- say it is pouring rain, and you don't want to trek from POR out to the Contemporary for your Chef Mickeys reservation, but you would like to change to Boatwrights and just eat at your hotel. Well that is no dice, if you try to modify across restaurants you will still be charged Even though you are still eating at a Disney restaurant they they are getting your money.

Also I have tried the 1-407-WDW-CNCL number five times. Three time I got the recording "This is not a vaild number and you cannot be connected at this time", twice I was directed right to the Disney dining line.

I asked both time if this was the cancellation line, and they told me that they indeed had a separate cancellation spiel, and that you would not have to give your resort info, how many times you visited, your pets name, your favorite color, etc. From what they told me there is no "separate" cancellation line, just the regular Disney dining line with a streamlined spiel.

Also- all three CM I spoke to about this change have hinted it was made to free up space so that more people can get reservations. They also mentioned no-shows. I still think that Disney can control this, and there are other ways to go about it, but they have chosen the easiest route for them- put it on the guests to police the problem.

 

[Marshay]

But Disney seems to be more interested in their bottom line these days. No one begrudges them making a profit. But the big guys need to understand they are killing the magic.

I gotta agree with you -- Disney is killing the magic of family meals with this new policy. I can just imagine the number of sick, cranky, over-tired children and parents that will now be in the restaurants (maybe mine!) b/c no one wants to pay $40 (my family of 4) to skip the meal when we REALLY should, if nothing else for the sake of the servers and other patrons.

I do see us eating more in our 1br rather than risking a TS and paying $40.

Also, w/o a TS ADR planned, I feel we are more free to go off-property, esp to parks like Legoland, Sea World and Universal where we'll be gone all day.

For our family, Disney will lose money with this new policy.

If I'm in the majority, then Disney will have no choice but to adjust their new policy.

If I'm in the minority, that's ok, too. Disney obviously didn't make this new policy to help families. So I'll save $$ and either eat CS or cook in our room.

 

[notnothin]

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.

This is what I had expected to hear. During one of our past trips, we had a Wishes dessert party booking for 7:15 pm on a Thursday. I called at 4:00 pm on Wednesday (27 hours prior) to cancel and was unable to do so without penalty. After some discussion, both the CM and her manager admitted that we were indeed 27 hours out, but the policy was "one full day prior". Needless to say, we went to the party!

 

[twinklebug]

I gotta agree with you -- Disney is killing the magic of family meals with this new policy. I can just imagine the number of sick, cranky, over-tired children and parents that will now be in the restaurants (maybe mine!) b/c no one wants to pay $40 (my family of 4) to skip the meal when we REALLY should, if nothing else for the sake of the servers and other patrons.

I do see us eating more in our 1br rather than risking a TS and paying $40.

Also, w/o a TS ADR planned, I feel we are more free to go off-property, esp to parks like Legoland, Sea World and Universal where we'll be gone all day.

For our family, Disney will lose money with this new policy.

If I'm in the majority, then Disney will have no choice but to adjust their new policy.

If I'm in the minority, that's ok, too. Disney obviously didn't make this new policy to help families. So I'll save $$ and either eat CS or cook in our room.

You're not alone at all. The anxiety it will produce (although small) alone makes me think TS will become a rare occasion for us. The primary reason I take the family to vacation at WDW over other locations is because Disney has gotten very good at taking all my anxiety away from the moment I step on the plane to the moment I leave. This new threat of charging me for a meal because my son was sick and I canceled only 12 hours out or I missed a bus is taking a step backwards & very un-Disney-like.

If more people feel the same about going elsewhere to eat, I predict that this one little change added to other canned solutions Disney has added to the parks are transforming the magical feel of the parks into the feel of just another amusement park. Once it reaches that level it really won't matter where we go for entertainment.

 

[Marshay]

So I just called back again. I was interested in getting the answers to some of the new questions that have come up, and I wanted to be sure that the information was consistent.

Everything in my previous post was confirmed, but here is some new information that I learned.

Just wanted to say thanks for all your info! (I followed you over from another TR).

I emailed Disney re: my opinion on the new policy but never heard back from them.

have you just been calling the regular 407/wdw-dine number?

 

[mcd2745]

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 am in favor of the policy because I believe it addresses an issue (you and others may disagree with that - and that's fine). An issue that it seems obvious hurts both Disney and guests. If they were to shorten the cancellation window to 3 or 6 hours, I personally wouldn't have a problem with it. I've never said I would. In fact, I have said that what they have done it is not exactly how I would have addressed it, but it's better than doing nothing. I also argued that a shorter cancellation window would make for a much less effective policy for Disney in terms of what they are trying to accomplish and offered that breakfast would be one of, if not THE biggest problem with that - something that was never adequately countered IMO. Do I enjoy other people's negative experiences? Of course not. But this is an internet discussion board, and this is an interesting subject to discuss. Almost any subject will have people on both sides of that issue - why should this be any different?

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?

I have been totally consistent in my belief that their reasoning behind this policy was to reduce no-show rates with hopefully the added benefit of spreading out demand to the less popular restaurants. As for the question of "why do you care"? I guess it just in my DNA that I like to see measures put in place to try to stop the likes of the hoarders/abusers/cheaters (whatever you want to call them) - in any situation, not just when it comes to WDW dining. But that doesn't matter. Whether someone cares/doesn't care and their reasons behind it doesn't deprive anyone of their right to have an opinion on this or any other subject.

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.

I totally understand people wanting a shorter window to cancel, and that most, if not all, arguing against the policy in this thread would not be considered a hoarder, so their intentions are 'good' when they make ADRs. However, I also think many of the reasons given throughout this thread are not really vaild reasons to cancel on short notice or no-show. A legitimately sick child is valid, but "we're tired" or "it's chilly out" and others are not. Seems to me Disney is saying that they believe a shorter window does not adequately address the issue for them. I understand that too.

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.

You could very well be right with regards to them just utilizing current infrastructure when forming this policy. That wouldn't surprise me. Although, I don't think they really wanted a shorter window anyway.

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

Answered above.