I completely disagree with the statements bolded. I certainly can make intelligent, logical conclusions based on the information I do have - and yes, some of the information that my conclusions are based on are anecdotal in nature. That does no invalidate anything. Those that are so against this policy mostly are against it based on experiences they have had (sick kid, unusually cold temperatures, etc.). Those experiences are certainly not "typical", so does that completely invalidate their opinions? I don't think so. Even if I don't agree with those opinions, I acknowledge they are valid and those people are certainly entitled to such opinions.
I find it amusing this notion that those who do not have a problem with this policy and believe that it's main intent is to adress a problem (which I also believe it does - although, could it have been done better? yes) are just wildly speculating. However, those that think this is just a money grab by Disney are not specualting at all. Everyone is specualting and drawing thier own conclusions and forming their own opinions - as we all are entitiled to do.
See, even though we're on opposing sides, I totally agree with the caveat that Speculation is not bad

. It makes for discussion. If none of us could speculate on anything, then we'd just be repeating what the policy actually is, and providing only answers that have been covered in the first post. Speculation, especially when utilizing logic and reason, is what makes us actually discuss.
--(This line to separate out my responses)--
All quoted to preserve the narrow-minded sense of black & white along with the other side of entitlement "If I don't need it, you can't get it!"
Granted, there's no sense in replying really, since there's no way to have any sort of conversation when one side says "I'm right, if you don't agree then you're intentions are not good!" Though, since I'm blowing off work, I may as well.
I'm not sure if this post was serious or not.
But if it is serious, hate to break the news to you but Disney is not a charity.
Disney is a business for profit. People that complain about Disney going after every last dollar, are the first ones to also complain about everything at the parks going down hill.
The parks are going down hill because they are catering to people who ruin it for everyone else. The complainers, who are looking to get something for nothing, the majority
free dining people who don't tip worth a damn etc...
This policy is a welcomed change, becaus
e clearly the amount of no shows was a very high number.
Legitimate customers will not complain about this positive change!
Proof? Or do you not need proof because you're on the "right" side? Isn't that how dogma works?
Besides, the bigger question is WHY there are no shows, and why are they in such numbers. These questions should be addressed first.
Entitlement is the ruin of modern day business.
So is "reverse entitlement". "I don't want/need it, so you can't have it!" Balance is key, but most people don't see this and only see left and right, black and white.
Not a chance. The bottom line is that if intentions are good, there should be zero problem with this change.
The only people who would have an issue with this being done, are customers who want the option of blowing off a reservation. Disney gives plenty of time, to give a notice and to not be charged.
The 2011 free loading customer mentality is, give me everything I want, for free with no responsibility on my part to do anything right since I'm the customer.
While not 100% in 3 years, I am sitting at ~95% (rounded down) over 3 trips and ~45 ADRs (missed 2), though every ADR that I have made, I fully intended to go to when I booked them, and even right up to the time I decided not to go. Both were places I was really looking forward to. Of course, since I am against this change, my intentions are bad. Since I can see flaws in the policy and strongly believe that it's treating the symptom and not the problem, then I am a freeloader.
O, I've read it.
I can only respond to your point by saying that in the last 2 years I have had 60+ reservations @ WDW and never missed one.
Um, grats? Do you get a cookie?
Then again, it's all about you isn't it. Since YOU haven't had to cancel at the last minute, or missed one for some unforeseen circumstance, then no one else should either right? This is another version of the MEMEME syndrome that you so eloquently despise.
My kids (twins) are in college now.
Another cookie? Just more "This part doesn't apply to me so I'll pretend like it doesn't exist for anyone." More MEMEME is all I read.
(As a note, I travel solo so the small children portion does not apply to me either, that doesn't mean that I can't understand their issues and concerns with the policy and that certainly doesn't mean that I'll just throw them under the bus when it's time...)
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As an aside. I am against the policy, I am not against the people for whom the policy won't do harm to. For those that do make their ADRs consistently, great. Keep it up. I'm more concerned with the people who happen to miss one due to whatever reason, and then being hit with additional fees due to that. I'm concerned with Disney implementing a short-sighted bottom-line targeted policy. I'm concerned with Disney's recent rash of poorly thought-out and implemented plans. I'm nervous about them placing the responsibility for the system they created squarely onto the shoulders of their paying customers.