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

[housemouse]

Yours isn't the first report I've read of the e-mails coming at the 24hr mark either, which I find interesting since according to several CMs and at least one supervisor (thanks again Candle!) that's too late to cancel without penalty.

Unless the whole thing is just a new revenue stream as others have suggested. Send you an email to prompt you to cancel so someone else can pay to eat at the table. But send it too late so you have to pay the fee anyway. Possible?

 

[Colleen27]

Unless the whole thing is just a new revenue stream as others have suggested. Send you an email to get you to cancel so someone else can pay to eat at the table. But send it too late so you have to pay the fee anyway. Possible?

Possible, but given Disney's record on technical issues I'm willing to give them benefit of the doubt and guess it is just another symptom of their lazy, slow-moving, and low-priority approach to electronic communications with guests.

 

[Marshay]

Oooorrrr........

Maybe you could get a walk-up as a result of an empty table someone else got charged $10 a head for! So.... Disney gets YOUR $50 (for a family of 5), THEIR $50 and your dinner $$$$$ (either paid OOP of through the Dining plan you paid for)! Everyone wins, right? Oops.... ok........ Disney wins!

I've written to Disney, both snail mail (because I do think that tends to be taken more seriously) and e-mail expressing my opinion about this new policy. I also e-mailed specific questions asking for clarification of the details, which I didn't get. I was very much hoping to have certain things in writing - specifically the no penalty for showing up a person short for an ADR, because that may apply to any ADRs I change between now and our trip (we still don't know if our 7th person will be coming) - but the response I received was just vague non-answers and quoting from the equally vague wording on the website.

I also wrote a second snail-mail letter specifically about the implementation of this policy. So far I've gotten answers from phone CMs that the deadline to cancel without penalty is 1) 24 hours, 2) before close of business on the prior day, and 3) before close of business two days prior, as well as conflicting info about how checking in with fewer people than are on the ADR will be handled. Disney is doing a dismal job of making sure their own employees understand the policy, but they're not likely to accept guest ignorance/misunderstanding (even if it came straight from a CM's mouth) as a reason to waive the fee.

I know it may not make a difference, but dining is too big a part of our travel style/priorities for me to remain silent about my disappointment/frustration in changes that make it much less likely/more stressful for us to continue to enjoy that aspect of Disney vacations.

Obviously, let us know if you hear anything. So far they haven't responded to me either. I hope it's bc they are swamped with trying to revise this policy...

You missed my point entirely. If I decide for whatever reason that I can't make my ressie and it's too late to cancel, I now feel zero reason to call and cancel(whereas before this asinine policy I would have). I paid my "dining hopper" fee so that I don't have to waste vacation time on the phone. Still results in a no show,doesn't release a table for someone else, doesn't fix Disney's problem, just gives them $10/head. Not everyone CAN'T afford that. Some it won't faze at all.

You also unintentionally artificially inflated your figures in an OOP scenario. You counted the cost of missing the meal($10/head) plus the cost of CS without subtracting the cost of what you would have spent if you have kept the ADR, which in all likelihood would have cost you more than $80. You are still only out $10/head on your meal. Does that make sense?

It's an asinine policy.

Oh, I agree with you! If I'm not within the cancellation policy hours, then there is no way I'm cancelling either. I'll hold onto that ressie the whole time -- who knows? Maybe we can still make it. Maybe we'll just send one person (hmmm, the server would much rather have 1 person than 4 right?)

I haven't thought about the $10/pp as the price to dining hop. Interesting idea but one I can't intentionally subscribe to. If/when I make my ADRs in the future, it's b/c we really do intend to eat there. But I understand now what you were saying.

And regards to the missed costs above -- I hear what you are saying ...Once again, I may just send one person to the meal if we would already be charged. One person's meal is probably equivalent to the $40 charge we'd incur if we wouldn't go at all. So I guess in that way, that one person would break even...we'd still have to pay OOP for the CS meals for the rest.

We just got back from an AWESOME Halloween trip! While there I was receiving emails on my smartphone from WDW about my ADRs for the next day. These were coming to my phone about 24 hours before our appointment, sometimes 26-27 hours. Just to test the system, I tried to cancel-on line, using my DroidX AND my daughter's IPhone AND an IPad. Never worked. Between slow connections, no connections, dropped connections and other internet related issues, it wouldn't complete the process. Due to booking before the new policy started, we incurred no $ charges because we were "grandfathered", but future trips won't be so lucky.
Just to try to ease my concerns, I called the WDW Dining cancellation number a couple of times, from a bus...and from a park. What a joke. Due to bus noise and crowd noise, I could barely even tell there was somebody on the other end. One call took 25 minutes to get everything done-from start to finish. I even tried to call once from a BATHROOM in MK (at least it was fairly quite), but the call dropped about halfway through Jungle Book theme. I really don't want to be walking through parks, or sitting on Peter Pan Flight trying to make these cancellations before the penalty kicks in. Character meals are a BIG part of our park experience-especially for our Autistic son. We bend over backwards and nearly break our necks trying to get from Point A to Point B, but sometimes it's tough to make these ADRs in time.
Well...we're going back in mid December and I'm hoping a few kinks get worked out.

This is truly the horror stories that no one wants to hear. So now if I'm on hold for 20 minutes and my cancellation window passes, will I still have to pay? What if the call is drooped (like you had) and when I get back on I get a CM right away? They will think I just called late when in actuality I called prior to my window but the call was dropped.

UGH!!

I do like the idea of Disney setting up the cancellation line and sending out reminder emails. So when they discovered the no-shows were a problem, why didn't they set up these user-friendly methods of trying to help the situation before implementing the heavy-handed penalties?

The other issue I have is that they want to put ALL the responsibility on the customer. Heaven forbid that they should invest in a user-friendly IT systems to make it EASIER to cancel.

And I'm sorry, but if you're going to do this, you need free wi-fi in ALL levels of resort rooms. I really don't want to invest the half hour so many of my calls to Disney take.......... to cancel an ADR. Online is far better, but not at $10 a day, thank you very much.

Yep, the cancellation line would have been great to have as soon as they allowed you to make ADRs, too!!

Sorry if that was you that I knocked over getting off the bus at TTC...my face buried in my poorly lit, battery hog smartphone...frantically trying to cancel an ADR 1-1/2 days from that point-in-time, but I got a better signal extending my arm as far as possible to the Northeast...at least until the rain started...then my non-waterproof phone had to be covered up....and as everybody knows, you can't walk up the monorail ramps while addressing important phone issues (like canceling ADRs in time to avoid "chump-change" fees ...) without running into a few kind folks who were smart enough to put all of their ADR eggs into that one Chef Mickey basket...knowing with full confidence they'd never have an issue with a baby, an upset stomach or...perhaps...an Autistic son's meltdown.

(disclaimer: most of this was a purely fictional...well kinda...and no offense is meant....at least to fellow Dis'rs)

Just wanted to say thanks for the laugh!!

 

[Marshay]

Possible, but given Disney's record on technical issues I'm willing to give them benefit of the doubt and guess it is just another symptom of their lazy, slow-moving, and low-priority approach to electronic communications with guests.

I agree -- I don't think Disney is doing this JUST to make some $$. I think they just really haven't thought this through, nor have the technological resources to handle it nor trained the CM to understand and communicate to guests, etc, etc, etc.

FYI -- I see we have almost the same tickers!! See you at Disney!

 

[MELSMICE]

Not to throw this thread too OT, but I've seen mention of some FP situation causing similar debate/divide. Can someone clue me in on what the deal is?

Is the issue that Disney is going to charge customers $10/FP for unused FPs? I mean, that's pretty cavalier/inconsiderate/rude for someone to take a FP out of the machine when they're not 100% committed to being at DHS 7 hours later for their TSMM FP - espeecially when another deserving family could have had that FP. How is Disney supposed to know how to staff the FP lines without a pinpoint measure of FP no-shows? Aren't there at least 2 CMs for every FP ride? That's a waste of money/resources to have a CM standing there with thumb inserted not collecting any FPs. Not to mention if they could they could take ride vehicles out of rotation to reduce the wear and tear and energy comsumption to save money if the ride isn't going to be at 100% utilization. Now that I think it through, I can see where Disney should be charging for an unused FP.

I believe is currently or will soon be testing a new FP system for parades. You get a FP & then get a reserved viewing area for parades. I think at this point this will be a random selection of people that they will distribute them to.

I've also heard, but can not confirm, that there was talk about getting FP's in advance as part of your "touring plan".

I don't believe, but can't say for sure, if there is any cost associated with this, so I won't speculate.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Along your thought process, the dark side can't believe people are still debating against consumer's rights and real world examples of affected change, what customer service/hospitality means, and suppositions for what Disney is intending with this policy vs the experience impact we know we're going to have.

There wouldn't still be debating going on if the "fors" or the "don't care either ways" didn't continue to post opposition. If the "fors" can't beleive it's still being debated they could just stop and it would no longer be a debate - just a gripe session by the dark side. So the "fors" are just as responsible for this debate still going on as anyone. Sorry, share the blame.

You've talked me into it. The posts are all repetitive at this point anyway. Not to mention the fact that when you start looking for names to label groups & establishing cliques, you're getting a bit too juvenile for me. This isn't high school anymore.

One last note, if you're going to call someone out for not replying to every post in the future, you should probably at least respond to the reply you're given. Better yet, don't call people out. It's not conducive to healthy conversation. Someone who was looking for a fight would have engaged that behavior causing the thread to eventually be shut down.

 

[buckeev]

...running on far less robust mobile hardware ........

Watch it now....my DroidX is kinda sensitive to be being called "less robust" ...

I'm usually a "glass-half-full" kinda guy, but this new policy, IMHO, has a few leaks in the glass.

 

[housemouse]

I haven't thought about the $10/pp as the price to dining hop. Interesting idea but one I can't intentionally subscribe to. If/when I make my ADRs in the future, it's b/c we really do intend to eat there. But I understand now what you were saying.

I'm not sure I'd subscribe to it, just looking at it through different lenses. Some posters feel that if you want flexibility you shouldn't make ADRs. If you look at it differently though it could encourage flexibility IF you're not concerned with the fee. Instead of making one ADR/day a family now could make both a lunch and dinner ADR. Keep whichever one they want day of and skip the other. Pay your "flexibility fee" and go on with your day. And you followed Disney's policy to boot.

 

[CandleontheWater]

Greetings from the dark side!

For anyone interested the dedicated cancellation line- 1-407-WDW-CNCL- is still not working....

 

[Snurk71]

You've talked me into it. The posts are all repetitive at this point anyway. Not to mention the fact that when you start looking for names to label groups & establishing cliques, you're getting a bit too juvenile for me. This isn't high school anymore.

Tarheel, some of us just maintaining some levity in the debate - that's all the group naming thing is. In case you missed it, I first offered up the greasers and soc's (a nod to 'The Outsiders'), another offered the gang names from West Side Story (I think it was WSS). So that's all just in fun for some of us. I have a dry/sarcastic sense of humor.

One last note, if you're going to call someone out for not replying to every post in the future, you should probably at least respond to the reply you're given.

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what I didn't respond to. I've gone missing for a few days a couple of times over the past week or two and tried to catch up the 5-10 pages I miss while on the road, but I probably don't catch everything.

If it was about selectively arguing points without acknowledging the validity of others, I think I've tried to acknowledged through this whole debate that I don't have an issue with the CC hold and charging for no-shows (giving some credence to whatever the "fors" want to be called) - it's the timing and details I don't agree with. I've also put on the big boy pants and owned up to cancelling ADRs for the cavalier and inconsiderate (sorry - I've lost track of the things it's been called) reasons. So I'm trying to be fair.

Better yet, don't call people out. It's not conducive to healthy conversation. Someone who was looking for a fight would have engaged that behavior causing the thread to eventually be shut down.

But I think that is what a debate is - it's not a fight. Maybe I'm just able to separate logical debate from the emotion and it's not personal or anything to get upset about to me. If I want to challenge someone, I challenge that specific person. Watch the political debates, when the candidates don't agree with the 9-9-9 plan, they call out and address Cain for the plan - because it's his idea. I just saw you as picking on certain posts without acknowledging the validity to others. Maybe you don't see any validity to our view though.

I apologize if calling you out as the torch-carrier for the "fors" was too much.

 

[mom2rtk]

Greetings from the dark side!

For anyone interested the dedicated cancellation line- 1-407-WDW-CNCL- is still not working....

LOL! The real question......... is anyone SURPRISED?????

 

[miprender]

That's not surprising. Disney designs their site for Internet Explorer and it often doesn't function on other browsers. If I can't cancel a dining reservation on my fully equipped gaming desktop using Chrome or Firefox, what kind of chance does a streamlined browser running on far less robust mobile hardware have? And it sounds like the cancellation line is just another phone number to access the same long, slow process of trying to actually get to a CM, so that isn't going to be any help either. Nothing like making cancelling as frustrating as possible and then implementing fees because more guests don't do so of their own volition!

Yours isn't the first report I've read of the e-mails coming at the 24hr mark either, which I find interesting since according to several CMs and at least one supervisor (thanks again Candle!) that's too late to cancel without penalty.

We had free internet access being a DVC member for our trip in July and I could not log on to the Disney Dining website through any server no matter what time I tried. I even tried my mom's droid phone and nothing either.

So I can't imagine how the website will work now that everyone will be trying to log on

 

[tink20]

I made ADRs before the change was made, so no CC# was given. I made the ADRs for 4. I am not going to know if my DD is going until the last minute. I was going to just show up and have a party of 3 if she doesn't go with us. (I thought this would be easier than trying to change all my ADRs at the last minute).

So, are they going to tack $10 on to my bill at each restaurant. We have ADRs at 5 of the restaurants, so this could get pricey.....what to do?

 

[mom2rtk]

I made ADRs before the change was made, so no CC# was given. I made the ADRs for 4. I am not going to know if my DD is going until the last minute. I was going to just show up and have a party of 3 if she doesn't go with us. (I thought this would be easier than trying to change all my ADRs at the last minute).

So, are they going to tack $10 on to my bill at each restaurant. We have ADRs at 5 of the restaurants, so this could get pricey.....what to do?

No.

 

[CandleontheWater]

I made ADRs before the change was made, so no CC# was given. I made the ADRs for 4. I am not going to know if my DD is going until the last minute. I was going to just show up and have a party of 3 if she doesn't go with us. (I thought this would be easier than trying to change all my ADRs at the last minute).

So, are they going to tack $10 on to my bill at each restaurant. We have ADRs at 5 of the restaurants, so this could get pricey.....what to do?

You will be grandfathered in- so no worries at all about extra fees.

IF you were to run into this in the future, multiple CM on the Disney dining line have told me that you WILL NOT be charged if everyone in your party does not show. You will only be charged if no one shows up.

To clarify- if you have and ADR for 4, and 3 people arrive for the reservation, you will be in the clear, NO penalty will be charged to your CC.

 

[n2mm]

Disney CM have stated that you won't get charged for those people not attending the ADR as long as someone from your party makes the ADR. Although I haven't seen that in writing, it does make sense.

So you should be covered to make an ADR for 10 and if not everyone makes it, you shouldn't be charged for those who do not make it.

This was addressed several pages back -- good news for you!!

Thanks for the info. However, is this policy firm and is there somewhere I can read it? I only ask because I called Dining just last week and the CM told me that I would be charged the $10 fee if someone in my party did not show even though the rest of us would be eating. I don't want to make any changes until I see this. I will continue to monitor this situation. I do fear that each restraurant will decide what best suits them, so this may fall into a "gray zone".

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks for the info. However, is this policy firm and is there somewhere I can read it? I only ask because I called Dining just last week and the CM told me that I would be charged the $10 fee if someone in my party did not show even though the rest of us would be eating. I don't want to make any changes until I see this. I will continue to monitor this situation. I do fear that each restraurant will decide what best suits them, so this may fall into a "gray zone".

They really need to get their act together on this. Any policy, even a BAD one, goes down far easier if people can get some consistently correct answers.

 

[ConnieB]

I made ADRs before the change was made, so no CC# was given. I made the ADRs for 4. I am not going to know if my DD is going until the last minute. I was going to just show up and have a party of 3 if she doesn't go with us. (I thought this would be easier than trying to change all my ADRs at the last minute).

So, are they going to tack $10 on to my bill at each restaurant. We have ADRs at 5 of the restaurants, so this could get pricey.....what to do?

Because your reservations were made before the change (i.e before October 26) the answer is no, because you are "grandfathered" in on the old policy. I hope your daughter can join you, but even if she doesn't you won't be paying for her absence on the dining bill. BUT...if you were to decide to CHANGE the reservation, it would then fall under the new policy, so better to leave well enough alone, lol.



For those that made their reservations under the new policy it's up in the air whether you would be charged for having a smaller party....some have called and asked and been told it's not a problem, others have been told yes they'll be charged for anyone who doesn't show up. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out.

 

[Marshay]

Thanks for the info. However, is this policy firm and is there somewhere I can read it? I only ask because I called Dining just last week and the CM told me that I would be charged the $10 fee if someone in my party did not show even though the rest of us would be eating. I don't want to make any changes until I see this. I will continue to monitor this situation. I do fear that each restraurant will decide what best suits them, so this may fall into a "gray zone".

Ah-ha -- this is the first time I heard about CM saying you would be charged for partial no-shows...I wouldn't change anything either. This new dining policy is just a massive Disney-train wreck...

They really need to get their act together on this. Any policy, even a BAD one, goes down far easier if people can get some consistently correct answers.

yep. this is just crazy!

Because your reservations were made before the change (i.e before October 26) the answer is no, because you are "grandfathered" in on the old policy. I hope your daughter can join you, but even if she doesn't you won't be paying for her absence on the dining bill. BUT...if you were to decide to CHANGE the reservation, it would then fall under the new policy, so better to leave well enough alone, lol.

For those that made their reservations under the new policy it's up in the air whether you would be charged for having a smaller party....some have called and asked and been told it's not a problem, others have been told yes they'll be charged for anyone who doesn't show up. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out.

This is the 2nd time I've heard this now (about charges for partial no-shows). Unbelievable if Disney is going this route ...

 

[Colleen27]

Thanks for the info. However, is this policy firm and is there somewhere I can read it? I only ask because I called Dining just last week and the CM told me that I would be charged the $10 fee if someone in my party did not show even though the rest of us would be eating.

I think that CandleontheWater probably has the most accurate info because she specifically requested a supervisor for clarification, but I've been told the same as you by dining line CMs so for right now I think it is unclear at best. I will offer this, though, on the off chance it might be relevant to how the new policy will be implemented - we went to Akershus a person short in '09 because that was DH's turn to be sick on our trip of the creeping crud and were not charged for him, even though they've had the $10 no-show fee for a long time.