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

[TDC Nala]

Rather than differentiate by meal, the new policy applies to all meals at restaurants that have characters or are signature for any part of the day. So Le Cellier lunch, Ohana and Cape May dinner, etc. all have the CC requirement and cancellation policy.

BTW, Tusker House is a character meal for lunch starting next week. No characters at dinner, but still requires a CC for booking because of the way this policy is designed.

Exactly. The policy applies to ALL meals at the named restaurants.

 

[MELSMICE]

And over time that will likely be the justification for expanding this policy to all restaurants.

That's what I was thinking.

 

[waynesgirl]

I could not have said it better...this is an ADR...not a contract or moral commitment and time in Disney is a VACATION. We have cancelled ADRs many times while on VACATION ....not because of illness but because we are having fun in the moment and just don't feel like going to dinner. My every day life is so scheduled - down to the minute - what I love about VACATION is not having a schedule.
Since I know if I want to have a table service meal I must have an ADR that is booked months out, I make them (one a night - not multiple) but we do end up canceling about half of them - I always cancel them - I have never been an no show. When I do this at the hotel, the cast members just love it because they know that they will get to make some magic for the next guest looking for an ADR!

We have 8 Dinner ADRs for our upcoming trip and 3 or 4 will be cancelled - probably within 2 or 3 hours of our schedule time. Oh the horror - someone who did not plan 6 months ago will benefit from our change of plans!

I've read some more of these posts. I didn't look at the thread for a while because it is what it is.

But I did want to respond to this, if I could. An ADR is an agreement that you make with WDW by supplying your credit card. You agree to show up to an ADR. An ADR is an ADVANCED dining reservations. WDW is supplying you an advanced reservation and you in turn will supply your credit card. That is, in technical views, an agreement, ergo- a contract. You have accepted a service but you will have to pay for it. Should you choose to cancel, for wahtever reasons you have listed, then you choose to not honor the agreement and you should be charged.

As to the being on vacation and don't want a schedule, that is exactly what nearly all the posters on this thread are complaining about. Everyone (even in the real world and not just WDW) talks about "what if" or "in case of"- but the whole time, it seems to me, based on what I am reading, that most of the vacation is planned nearly to the T. People using plans to maximize their vacation time in the parks is exactly that- a plan and a schedule.

As far as making reservations and then making cancellations, that isn't a very nice way to put it. Many of the people on this thread, and other guests, might not have been able to make plans in the way that you do. Maybe they called and couldn't get a reservation for the same day that you made it because they were all taken. Much like the "I might need to cancel because Johnny or Susie..." the same holds true for the "I couldn't get an ADR because I had something to do that morning and by the time I called, all the ADRs were taken".

I don't really have a horse in this race but I have a career that requires me to be at work many times at 7 AM and many times I cannot break away from my clients until 6 or 7 PM. Looking at it from that logic, I am being punished by you because I can't stop what I am doing to "plan" so I have to wait on the "kindness" of strangers to release an ADR they have held for 6 months with a half-hearted intention of showing up. But, you don't want to pay for that ability- just complain it isn't fair.

I'm not trying to be mean and unfair- I am not losing sleep over not being able to wat at CRT or the LTT or Ohana's. Done it once- no worries. I hope that this is resolved soon because people seem to be waiting to go all Red Queen- "Off with their heads!"

 

[bigAWL]

Ok, I'm probably the minority here - and I'm not sure if it's been said. I think the original intent with this new policy was the fact that there were a lot of people making multiple reservations for the same time and then not canceling the ones they didn't use.

As a result, many restaurants had tables not in use and were losing revenue, because they were holding the ADR expecting people to show up.

I do agree they may need to tweak the cancellation policy, but I'm overall grateful for now possibly having opportunities to get reservations at places I previously could not because of multiple bookings.

I think it would be quite easy for Disney to modify their ADR system to simply not allow overlapping ADRs... if they cared about that.

 

[Colleen27]

But I did want to respond to this, if I could. An ADR is an agreement that you make with WDW by supplying your credit card. You agree to show up to an ADR. An ADR is an ADVANCED dining reservations. WDW is supplying you an advanced reservation and you in turn will supply your credit card. That is, in technical views, an agreement, ergo- a contract. You have accepted a service but you will have to pay for it. Should you choose to cancel, for wahtever reasons you have listed, then you choose to not honor the agreement and you should be charged.

But what is Disney's end of that agreement? That's something that bothers many of us about this policy. ADRs aren't reservations and often aren't even an assurance of being seated within a reasonable timeframe. We're going to be held accountable for not cancelling up to 48 hours in advance (based on the "one full business day between cancellation and ADR" interpretation), and in return we get seated eventually (and very possibly get charged if we go elsewhere because the restaurant is running unreasonably behind).

I think it would be quite easy for Disney to modify their ADR system to simply not allow overlapping ADRs... if they cared about that.

They did, back in June, and didn't even wait until 180 days after the change to gauge if it was working before taking this more aggressive step.

 

[mom2rtk]

But what is Disney's end of that agreement? That's something that bothers many of us about this policy. ADRs aren't reservations and often aren't even an assurance of being seated within a reasonable timeframe. We're going to be held accountable for not cancelling up to 48 hours in advance (based on the "one full business day between cancellation and ADR" interpretation), and in return we get seated eventually (and very possibly get charged if we go elsewhere because the restaurant is running unreasonably behind).



They did, back in June, and didn't even wait until 180 days after the change to gauge if it was working before taking this more aggressive step.

Two of the parts of this that irk me the most.

And this from a person who contended all along that they did indeed need a cc guarantee on many of these places.

 

[ConnieB]

I think it would be quite easy for Disney to modify their ADR system to simply not allow overlapping ADRs... if they cared about that.

I disagree....because it does seem like Disney has tried that. For a while they would cancel one or both of your reservations if they were too close together in time. Then people started using different email addresses, phone numbers and putting some reservations in spouse's name or even the kid's names. And they bragged about it on DIS and other boards. So, how do you track duplicates when in less than 5 minutes you can make a new email....most people have a half dozen phone numbers in their family (home, work, everyone in the family has cells, relatives even since no one from Disney ever calls it anyway). And names...well, if you run out of those travelling, now that you can make the reservations online you simply use variations....John Doe, J Doe, JL Doe, etc.

Now...credit cards start narrowing that game playing field....sure a lot of families have a couple credit cards, but relatives may be a little less willing to give you their credit card number. But even so, it doesn't stop people from making duplicates. Between personal and business cards, my husband and I have 4 credit cards and 2 debits cards....so we could potentially make 6 reservations. BUT....by threatening to charge us rather substantial amounts for not showing up, hopefully less people are going to bother making duplicate reservations. Because, the reason most often stated is that they don't know what park or when they'll be hungry, etc.....so since the same could probably be said 24 hours ahead of time, the duplicate will have to be cancelled before you how where you'll be and when you'll be hungry.

Disney can't track this by ISP, because many people have the ability to change their ISP...and many people use an ISP that is the same as many other people not related to them. Many companies giving away freebies have tried tracking by ISP but it only slows down the computer savvy....and a little research online and anyone can be savvy enough.

So...charging makes sense. It gives a huge incentive to NOT game the system. No unwanted charges. There are still people who are already posting how they plan to get around it, so it won't stop everyone. The diehards will still make the reservations with their credit card, then stop that credit card and have another issued. Seems way way way too extreme for me, and too much hassle just for a reservation, but then I can't really see making duplicates anyway. And a part of me hopes if they go ahead and do that....since opening and closing credit cards can damage your credit scores, that they enjoy the higher rates they'll pay for mortgages, car loans and just balances on their new cards. neener. Since my score is in the coveted 700's no reservation and not even a large fine for being sick, tired or not hungry is worth messing with that. My current car loan is 0% for 5 years.....that a lot of fines that I'm saving, lol.

As always, this gaming really hurts those of us who do our best to keep our single reservations, and those who regularly game the system, will simply find ways around it, while we will end up paying a fine for being tired, not hungry or whatever. I just wish we could have seen this coming a little more clearly and instead of just gasping in frustration at the audicity of those bragging about, we'd have had the foresight to blast them out of the water and plea with DIS to erase those posts so that others didn't get the idea. But, not sure that would have mattered, as gamers always game, whether they have bragging ability or not.

 

[maxiesmom]

As always, this gaming really hurts those of us who do our best to keep our single reservations, and those who regularly game the system, will simply find ways around it, while we will end up paying a fine for being tired, not hungry or whatever. I just wish we could have seen this coming a little more clearly and instead of just gasping in frustration at the audicity of those bragging about, we'd have had the foresight to blast them out of the water and plea with DIS to erase those posts so that others didn't get the idea. But, not sure that would have mattered, as gamers always game, whether they have bragging ability or not.

You are so right. I think we can all see a day in the not too distant future where a credit card is needed for all ADRs. Too many people trying to be cute, and finding ways to maniuplate the system, and that is what will happen for sure.

 

[mom2rtk]

I disagree....because it does seem like Disney has tried that. For a while they would cancel one or both of your reservations if they were too close together in time.

I don't remember when this started, but it doesn't seem like that long ago. I can't imagine it was long enough to know if it even made a difference. After all, ADR's are 180 days out, and I'm thinking it might not have even been that long ago.

 

[Colleen27]

I don't remember when this started, but it doesn't seem like that long ago. I can't imagine it was long enough to know if it even made a difference. After all, ADR's are 180 days out, and I'm thinking it might not have even been that long ago.

Late June, I want to say 25th or so? I looked up the date when it came up early on in this thread but don't remember exactly now.

 

[mom2rtk]

Late June, I want to say 25th or so? I looked up the date when it came up early on in this thread but don't remember exactly now.

So we're only now about 5 months out.

They didn't even give it a chance.

 

[honeymo78]

I haven't searched through the entire thread but maybe someone knows. With this new policy are they allowing you to modify the number of people on your reservation rather than just cancel? We most likely will have 6 people on our May trip but there is a real chance it will end up being just 5. For normal dining, I just made reservations for 6 because there is no harm if we show up with 5. I'm really not sure what to do about our character meal and signature meals. Book 6 but what if 5th person doesn't go? I won't find out until close to the trip and may not be able to get that same time (or any reservation at all) by the time I know for sure. I don't want to have to pay for them not being there either? Do I just make a reservation for 6 then have another party member make the reservation for 5 and cancel the one we don't need as soon as we know if the 6th person can be with us for the trip?

 

[waynesgirl]

But what is Disney's end of that agreement? That's something that bothers many of us about this policy. ADRs aren't reservations and often aren't even an assurance of being seated within a reasonable timeframe. We're going to be held accountable for not cancelling up to 48 hours in advance (based on the "one full business day between cancellation and ADR" interpretation), and in return we get seated eventually (and very possibly get charged if we go elsewhere because the restaurant is running unreasonably behind).

To address the underlined parts:

Disney's end is that the person making the ADR gets that spot. You get a confirm # well in advance. That is basically- they give you, you give back. It's a give and take.

ADRs ARE reservations. They are Advanced Dining Reservations. By no means am I being rude, but that is exactly what it is- a reservation. It says so right in the three words. You have been given this chance to book early, meaning you have taken the reservation with the understanding that you have to cancel within a time frame of be charged. Where you are not willing, someone else might be.

Though I do agree with the 48 hour thing, 24 hours in advance, especially during peak times or the most coveted meals, is not too much for Disney to ask in return for allowing you to book 180 days in advance. As far as the reasonable timeframe, I also agree with you and I would really like to see a post soon from someone that has already checked-in that decided to leave, as they don't want to wait an additional hour to eat- if Disney was to charge for that, it is unfair.
But I would also like to see people that have ADRs, that want to show up 40 minutes late, not be honored in the ADR cycle and have to wait like everyone else. Or, the guests that are seated promptly or within a 15 minute timeframe be courteous people as well. If you occupy a table longer than 2 hours (with reasonable service and eating time- I am not talking about paced meals, I am talking buffets or family-style), there should be a surcharge. But that's just me. I find this an argument that isn't taking into account the various factors and many people aren't looking at the underlying issues. Sometimes, it really isn't the restaurant's fault. I have seen it more than once where a family will stay. And stay. And stay.

Two of the parts of this that irk me the most.

And this from a person who contended all along that they did indeed need a cc guarantee on many of these places.

I don't like to say irk about the comments- I just think that this is a no-win argument for either side. Pro or con. Unfortunately, people are going to find a way to go around the system. There is the ultimate solution to this problem. Choose to boycott with your wallet. That is what people have to do.

ETA: Please bear in mind, I am at work at a hotel. I have people complaining in my face right now about my policies that they knew before they got here. It is hard to please everyone but ultimately, Disney is not in business to not make money. Same as me.

 

[mom2rtk]

I don't like to say irk about the comments- I just think that this is a no-win argument for either side. Pro or con. Unfortunately, people are going to find a way to go around the system. There is the ultimate solution to this problem. Choose to boycott with your wallet. That is what people have to do.

ETA: Please bear in mind, I am at work at a hotel. I have people complaining in my face right now about my policies that they knew before they got here. It is hard to please everyone but ultimately, Disney is not in business to not make money. Same as me.

We can agree that Disney had a problem to address.

I can also agree that when too many kids act out at lunch at my daughter's school, THEY have a problem. But it irks me when they make the entire class miss recess for it.

Disney is telling everyone they have to miss recess for the actions of a few (or a lot, but certainly not all or probably even a majority).

Here's the deal that the politicians get wrong all the time too. Recognizing that there is a problem is not enough justification for THIS change to be necessary.

 

[Mkrop]

You are so right. I think we can all see a day in the not too distant future where a credit card is needed for all ADRs. Too many people trying to be cute, and finding ways to maniuplate the system, and that is what will happen for sure.

I could care less if they want my cc # for any or all places, my issue is charge for a true no show, and give a more reasonable time frame to cancel. If I am rude enough not to cancel, then charge me, but if I cancel a 7pm ADR at 8am that is when I think it is over the top to charge.

 

[MELSMICE]

I could care less if they want my cc # for any or all places, my issue is charge for a true no show, and give a more reasonable time frame to cancel. If I am rude enough not to cancel, then charge me, but if I cancel a 7pm ADR at 8am that is when I think it is over the top to charge.

I'm in support of the policy, but I can appreciate this.

 

[Colleen27]

ADRs ARE reservations. They are Advanced Dining Reservations. By no means am I being rude, but that is exactly what it is- a reservation. It says so right in the three words.

Well no, it isn't a reservation. It might be part of the name they chose to use to replace the old (more accurate) moniker of "priority seating" but that doesn't make it accurate. No table is reserved for your party. You simply get preferential treatment on the waiting list, and you might be seated right on time or you might check in at the podium to be told to come back later because they're running so far behind that they're out of pagers. I could accept a fee for true reservations where a no-show or unfilled slot due to a short-notice cancel means a table sits empty but that is not the case with Disney "reservations".

 

[waynesgirl]

Before I respond: Happy Thanksgiving to You All!

We can agree that Disney had a problem to address.

Definitely agree on that.

I could care less if they want my cc # for any or all places, my issue is charge for a true no show, and give a more reasonable time frame to cancel. If I am rude enough not to cancel, then charge me, but if I cancel a 7pm ADR at 8am that is when I think it is over the top to charge.

I think this is the fundamental problem...I do not care if they take mine either, but if I cancel, it is usally the day before and always at a restaurant that wasn't packed to begin with...but yes, I think ultimately, it is the timeframe and not the actual card charge that is the issue. I do think that at least a 4 to 5 hour notice would be better. But it is Disney's rules and we all just follow along.

I'm in support of the policy, but I can appreciate this.

+1

Well no, it isn't a reservation. It might be part of the name they chose to use to replace the old (more accurate) moniker of "priority seating" but that doesn't make it accurate. No table is reserved for your party. You simply get preferential treatment on the waiting list, and you might be seated right on time or you might check in at the podium to be told to come back later because they're running so far behind that they're out of pagers. I could accept a fee for true reservations where a no-show or unfilled slot due to a short-notice cancel means a table sits empty but that is not the case with Disney "reservations".

Well, it's like mincing words, or hashing the FP policy, or the line-cutting terminology- someone isn't going to agree. And unfortunately, the one who doesn't agree is WDW itself. They see it as a reservation and this is how they choose to enforce it, regardless of what we say. You have a choice. You always have a choice. Do not go and Disney will get the point if everyone else does it as well.

 

[Mkrop]

Before I respond: Happy Thanksgiving to You All!




Definitely agree on that.



I think this is the fundamental problem...I do not care if they take mine either, but if I cancel, it is usally the day before and always at a restaurant that wasn't packed to begin with...but yes, I think ultimately, it is the timeframe and not the actual card charge that is the issue. I do think that at least a 4 to 5 hour notice would be better. But it is Disney's rules and we all just follow along.
+1



Well, it's like mincing words, or hashing the FP policy, or the line-cutting terminology- someone isn't going to agree. And unfortunately, the one who doesn't agree is WDW itself. They see it as a reservation and this is how they choose to enforce it, regardless of what we say. You have a choice. You always have a choice. Do not go and Disney will get the point if everyone else does it as well.

So will we...but that doesnt mean I cant complain here, to them and explain my reasoning. WDW can make rule that we all need to wear blue shirts with pink shorts on Tuesdays, I can decide to follow or not go on Tuesdays, and I can not like it and complain.

What most likely will happen is we will not book many ADRs at those restaurants, thank goodness my kids are beyond character meals, eat more CS, check out the Swan/Dolphin places since we like to stay in the Epcot area, or eat in our DVC villa. WDW will get less of my food budget.

If they has a smaller cancellation window, I would book places, 9 times out of 10 go to those ADRs, we rarely miss, but if I did I would cancel and then they could fill that with a walkup. I am not a gambler and I am not willing to gamble a TS for each day on the chance someone gets sick, that just isnt my style. I value $40, I am not spending it on a gamble. It is a meal not the end of the world, I will explore other options instead of sticking with other places.

So yes WDW can make any rule they choose, I can tell them the rule is ridiculous, and I can adapt until the rule is changed or not.

 

[waynesgirl]

So will we...but that doesnt mean I cant complain here, to them and explain my reasoning. WDW can make rule that we all need to wear blue shirts with pink shorts on Tuesdays, I can decide to follow or not go on Tuesdays, and I can not like it and complain.

What most likely will happen is we will not book many ADRs at those restaurants, WDW will get less of my food budget.

I am not a gambler and I am not willing to gamble a TS for each day on the chance someone gets sick, that just isnt my style. I value $40, I am not spending it on a gamble. It is a meal not the end of the world, I will explore other options instead of sticking with other places.

So yes WDW can make any rule they choose, I can tell them the rule is ridiculous, and I can adapt until the rule is changed or not.

And thus is the meat of the thread. There are people on the thread, not you or most of the ones hanging on, that have made rude comments and assumptions without actually having experienced the results.

I am with you- though I am a gambler of sorts, I am not willing to take a chance with $40. I am going tomorrow to WDW and I wanted reservations at Flying Fish. No way am I giving my cc on the hopes that I can not get delayed on my flight as it is supposed to rain. However, if I luck up and get a walk-up, then so be it. I don't care about the cc policy because overall, it does not affect me in the slightest. Even with children. They don't care about characters.

And complaining is great...as I am sure you and many others are being polite and respectful about it. It is the ones who say they are gonna raise a nasty stink, and basically act like children, if they don't get their way. Many, like you and I, will not be making reservations due to the hold. So long as we are not breaking the perceived rules, like using a pre-paid card that has no money on it, or making 3 reservations for the same time frame and not canceling those, etc., then everything will be ok. But unfortunately, as a PP stated, the very few make a problem for the very many at WDW.

But, on a lighter note, I did get some really good deals at the Disney Store online. SO it made this a little better for me this morning- no crazy Black Friday crowds. I'm gonna see enough of those starting tomorrow.