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

[SLJ6974]

What is a MO.

 

[mom2rtk]

Yes, I know that I will now have to change my MO but I don't have to like it, and this thread seems to be the right place to discuss that.

But to answer your question, for 2012's trip I already had all my ADRs made before the policy went into effect, so we'll go with our old MO for this trip (call and cancel as soon as we know we're changing our plans).

In 2013, I won't make as many ADRs and we'll eat more counter service. DH won't like that and he'll threaten not to go back in 2014.

In 2014, maybe they will have a whole new policy anyway, so I'm not going to plan that far ahead.

We're in the same spot. We're set for Dec 2011 but won't be the least bit surprised to see this policy refined before we have to make ADR's for any future trip.

What is a MO.

Method of operation. They way you go about things.

Modus operandi.

 

[HeatherLassell]

What is a MO.

Modus operandi ("often used in the abbreviated forms M.O. or simply Method) is a Latin phrase, approximately translated as "mode of operation".

 

[kaligal]

Right it COULD have been less. The fact of the matter is that it's one full day. Unless mass amounts of people refuse to book ADRs because of this do you really think it's gonna change?

Disney doesn't care if a few families get screwed by their policies. Why should they?

If they can make money by taking advantage of sick people, they're going to do that. And no, I don't think that is going to change.

Unlike you, I have a family of people who do, on occasion, get the flu, have strep or pink eye, have a heart attack, etc.

Illness and disease rarely care about whether or not it is an opportune time for the person they've chosen to visit. They don't always call ahead, either.

OF COURSE we'll all care more about our ailing loved one. Duh. Just now, we also have to care about taking a hit from Disney, too.

 

[Mkrop]

True. Key word is "if".

But from what I can tell they don't want to have to search out people to fill your table. If the ADR is for 1pm they want someone in that table at 1pm. Not having to text people (hire extra staff for this task?) who may be on the other side of the park or hope that someone walks up at that moment to see if their is a table available.


They tell you to cancel your ADR a full day in advance or they will charge you a fee which makes them money. Regardless of whether they can or do fill your table.

So instead let's create illwill btw WDW and their guests...

I think most of the technology is is place with Mobile Apps, they have a board in Epcot where they could post that walkups are available, if they dont have a ready supply at their doorstep, they could do the same in the lobbies or concourse of hotels, a simple sign can do wonders. I think WDW could accomplish their goal of filling the seats, reducing no shows, and charging true no shows with a minimal effort. Less effort than it will take to listen to everyone's story of why they need to cancel.

 

[mcd2745]

Yes, I know that I will now have to change my MO but I don't have to like it, and this thread seems to be the right place to discuss that.

But to answer your question, for 2012's trip I already had all my ADRs made before the policy went into effect, so we'll go with our old MO for this trip (call and cancel as soon as we know we're changing our plans).

In 2013, I won't make as many ADRs and we'll eat more counter service. DH won't like that and he'll threaten not to go back in 2014.

In 2014, maybe they will have a whole new policy anyway, so I'm not going to plan that far ahead.

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

 

[CandleontheWater]

I guess I am leary of this bc of having my mom be sick on our trip (even though no ADRs were affected), DS8 throwing up last trip bc of eating chocolate cake at 9pm, but we didnt know at the time if it was sick or too much cake(once again we lucked out with no ADRs), and then not at WDW but DH got incredibly sick in Vegas when we went there to see the Grand Canyon, he was really sick (stomach virus) practically the whole trip.

Well I guess you should have known not to feed your kid cake. I mean, an ADR is the MOST important thing on vacation, it certainly trumps having fun, indulging in treats, relaxing, enjoying time with your family, or just about anything else.

For crying out loud you made a PROMISE to be there, now your character is besmirched!

ha ha, just kidding!

 

[rhino78]

Disney doesn't care if a few families get screwed by their policies. Why should they?

If they can make money by taking advantage of sick people, they're going to do that. And no, I don't think that is going to change.

Unlike you, I have a family of people who do, on occasion, get the flu, have strep or pink eye, have a heart attack, etc.

Illness and disease rarely care about whether or not it is an opportune time for the person they've chosen to visit. They don't always call ahead, either.

OF COURSE we'll all care more about our ailing loved one. Duh. Just now, we also have to care about taking a hit from Disney, too.

Now Disney is taking advantage of sick kids? Really? The policy already says that illness would be an acceptable excuse so I don't understand how Disney is "taking advantage" of anyone. At least wait until you hear how the policy is actually implemented before jumping to conclusions.

I don't see how Disney is being selfish myself. This policy is pretty fair. Everyone has the chance to book at 180 days and everyone is subject to the cancellation policy. Again and again, it seems to come back to people want a lot of flexibility on vacation. I get that completely, but isn't just as selfish to demand flexibilty at other guests expense? If my family will commit to an ADR at 180 days, why should we have to wait for someone else to make their plans?

As someone else said, flexibility requires comprmise. If being flexible is that important, you may have to sacrifice on dining.

 

[Mkrop]

Well I guess you should have known not to feed your kid cake. I mean, an ADR is the MOST important thing on vacation, it certainly trumps having fun, indulging in treats, relaxing, enjoying time with your family, or just about anything else.

For crying out loud you made a PROMISE to be there, now your character is besmirched!

ha ha, just kidding!

Yes I had no idea I was such a promise breaker!


Although I will completely throw DH under the bus on that one, he bought these rich desserts and I said we should save them for tomorrow, we had a fridge...nope he claimed they would be fine, eat up kids! And guess who he threw up on at 4am! Yep me! So we made cleaned everyone up, allowed everyone to sleep in, took the morning slow, even though I was 95% sure it was chocolate cake related. When we realized he was perfectly fine we ventured out. Good thing we did not have any ADRs to worry about that day.

And to the previous PP WDW said extreme illness, the above obviously would not qualify but I would be penalized for being a responsible parent and making sure it was a case of too much cake vs a stomach bug. Or I guess we are just irresponisble for allowing our child to overindulge bc no one has ever had that happen

 

[mcd2745]

Now Disney is taking advantage of sick kids? Really? The policy already says that illness would be an acceptable excuse so I don't understand how Disney is "taking advantage" of anyone. At least wait until you hear how the policy is actually implemented before jumping to conclusions.

I don't see how Disney is being selfish myself. This policy is pretty fair. Everyone has the chance to book at 180 days and everyone is subject to the cancellation policy. Again and again, it seems to come back to people want a lot of flexibility on vacation. I get that completely, but isn't just as selfish to demand flexibilty at other guests expense? If my family will commit to an ADR at 180 days, why should we have to wait for someone else to make their plans?

As someone else said, flexibility requires comprmise. If being flexible is that important, you may have to sacrifice on dining.

And of course, the inverse is true as well. If dining is that important, you may have to compromise on flexibility. But I guess for so long people have been used to having their cake and eating it too, that they are having trouble with this concept.

 

[MELSMICE]

There hasn't been any flaming in this thread. I hope that trend will continue.

YEP....that's already been confirmed on several other boards that people are thinking this way....multiple people have said if they're going to have to pay the cancellation fee anyway, then no way will they cancel so that Disney can fill their seats and get paid for another family using "their" table. I see the point, but it's rather selfish, because the one really losing by this is that other family who could have enjoyed the pixie dust of getting a walk up they weren't expecting.

I agree, in that I think it's selfish & spiteful.

I think everyone understands that type of attiude - I know I sure do. But if that's how you like to carry out your days, with a "play it by ear" element...then you probably should not be making ADRs. It's a choice that has to be made. What is more important to you? The "flexibility"...or making sure you have that meal at that particular restaurant? Certainly for some, that dinner at 'Ohana is the most important thing, and for some, the flexibility to let the day take them where ever it decides to takes them is the priority. It would be nice to not have to make that choice (and waaaaaay in advance, as well), but that's just not the way it is unfortunately.

As long as you're flexible, you can do both.

We are pool people. We spend the entire day at the pool just about every day. I know that my family will not want to leave the pool until at least 4:00-4:30, maybe even 5:00, to get ready for dinner. If I have made an, ADR I am sure to make it for about 7:00-7:30. We head back to the room a few people at a time to get ready, we hang for a bit & then head to the meal.

We had a stretch where every vacation we went on someone got sick. We've had strep, stomach flu, pink eye, bronchitis, allergic reactions and even cellulitls where one of my DD's was released from the hospital about 6 hours before our flight left.

You can not control sickness, you make the best of it. I'll be honest, if my child woke up with a fever, I'd give them some Motrin and follow their lead as to how they felt throughout the day. If they got worse then I would worry about not making the ADR. If we can't, then so be it. I wouldn't be happy about the charge but not much you can do if you have a sick child. If the fever was down and they were feeling fine, I'd give them some more Motrin & be on my way!

 

[Mkrop]

And of course, the inverse is true as well. If dining is that important, you may have to compromise on flexibility. But I guess for so long people have been used to having their cake and eating it too, that they are having trouble with this concept.

If you read my above ancedote, my family DOES struggle with having their cake and eating too!

Sorry I couldnt resist!

 

[Snurk71]

So you feel you HAVE to have an ADR...but you don't feel at all that you have to show up for it?

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.

 

[mom2rtk]

Now Disney is taking advantage of sick kids? Really? The policy already says that illness would be an acceptable excuse so I don't understand how Disney is "taking advantage" of anyone. At least wait until you hear how the policy is actually implemented before jumping to conclusions.

I don't see how Disney is being selfish myself. This policy is pretty fair. Everyone has the chance to book at 180 days and everyone is subject to the cancellation policy. Again and again, it seems to come back to people want a lot of flexibility on vacation. I get that completely, but isn't just as selfish to demand flexibilty at other guests expense? If my family will commit to an ADR at 180 days, why should we have to wait for someone else to make their plans?

As someone else said, flexibility requires comprmise. If being flexible is that important, you may have to sacrifice on dining.

I think the policy says exception for "serious illness". It all boils down to their definition. If it requires a visit to a clinic or a doctor's note, then it's too restrictive, penalizing people who should not be penalized, and encouraging anyone with an illness to push their family member to keep the ADR unless sick enough to pay for a clinic visit. It all comes down to how this policy is put into action.

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.

So can we blame YOU for the last round of ticket increases?

 

[housemouse]

I agree, in that I think it's selfish & spiteful.

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

 

[diskids2]

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?

 

[Colleen27]

I don't know for a fact but I would assume that the most popular restaurants have people wanting to get in at all times. Is it only in busy season or in all seasons? Can they not fill the seats with walk ups? As long as you cancelled so they know they aren't holding the table? I will say I don't understand why they seem to want to avoid walk ups and only take ADRs.

None of us understand that aspect, I don't think. Disney is VERY anti-walk-up, even as only a small percentage of tables (the last minute cancellations that aren't re-booked). They *could* fill the seats with walk ups, but all indications are that they *won't*. Why they approach things that way is anyone's guess.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

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.

Well said. Thank you for describing my trips and style perfectly (except we usually stay 6 nights).

 

[Colleen27]

No table will sit there empty while people ask to sit down. If there is a spot to be filled and a person to fill it, a happy marriage will be born.

That actually isn't the case. There have been multiple reports, including one in just the last few days, of being turned away at the podium yet able to log onto the web site on a cell phone and make an immediate ADR. There have also been many reports of being told "no walk ups" despite many empty tables in the restaurant. Disney seems to have an unofficial/unstated policy against accepting walk ups, at least at certain times and/or certain restaurants.

 

[Colleen27]

Now Disney is taking advantage of sick kids? Really? The policy already says that illness would be an acceptable excuse so I don't understand how Disney is "taking advantage" of anyone. At least wait until you hear how the policy is actually implemented before jumping to conclusions.

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

In case you missed it, this is what Candle On The Water was told when she called:

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 don't know about you, but I don't read "major illness or injury, hospitalization..." to include norovirus, stomach bugs, flu, or any of the other communicable ickies that tend to go round in crowded settings like Disney World. And that's the most specific answer I've seen. My e-mail to guest services parroted back some vague wording about "exceptional circumstances" without even a for-instance to give an idea of what that means in concrete terms.