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

[pinkerbell]

I just returned on Wednesday. I checked my credit card online and was billed $50 from Disney Dining. I called right away to find out why. The cm said it was for not showing up at Akershus for a party of 5. We did go and we did eat there. They messed up checking us in because we checked in along with my cousin party of 6. They seated us together at a table for 11. The cm said they will look into it and took my number she said it could be up to 14 days before its credited. It shouldn't be all that hard to figure out since we were on Disney dining that credits were used. We also had the gratuity billed to our room and it showed up on our receipt. I just hope to get the money back soon.

I was afraid things like this would happen. We are going in APril with 2 other families and have a few dinners we coordinated. Did you book before the policy was implimented? I know Akershus fills up fast and to have gotten a ressies for 11 so soon after it's implementations makes me wonder?
thanks

 

[Colleen27]

I was afraid things like this would happen. We are going in APril with 2 other families and have a few dinners we coordinated. Did you book before the policy was implimented? I know Akershus fills up fast and to have gotten a ressies for 11 so soon after it's implementations makes me wonder?
thanks

Akershus required a CC even before the new policy; they have for years. And I don't think they really fill up that fast. In swapping a few things around for our trip next month I'm seeing lots of availability and we're a party of 7.

 

[MELSMICE]

I have had 5 kids and I can assure you that even with naps and taking it easy and doing everything right you can have a child have an unexpected meltdown. So before you judge try to remember everyone's kids are different and react different.

That's what I was saying........it's unreasonable to think that children won't have meltdowns at WDW, regardless of the reason. It could be overstimulation, it could be they are tired, or it could be that they just want to do nothing, not even sit down to dinner.

 

[maxiesmom]

I think this whole thing is messed up. I can't imagine how many people are going to have incorrect no show charges on their cc. This was in no way put into place to prevent people from making several reservations, this was purely to make more revenue. People are still able to make multiple reservations, as long as there within an hour of each other. So this is doing nothing, but pissing everyone off.

I don't agree, I think it is preventing people from makind multiple ADRs. I am not the only Diser who has noticed how much easier it is now to get ADRs that you used to have to fight tooth and nail for.

And if it is about making Disney more money, why is that such a shock? They are a business, after all. That is kind of the whole idea, to increase revenue. And if this policy does that for them, and lets those of us who really intend to use ADRs to make them, then I think it is a good idea.

Of course they need to work the bugs out of the system so that they are not charging people who do show up. But honestly, I'm not suprised that happened. Their computer system seems to always have a few issues for some reason.

 

[sarahbug79]

As far as combining reservations we did this at a few restaurants. Some we were able to book a party for 11 but most we had separate reservations and asked to be seated near or with each other. All of the other reservations worked out fine but they must not have checked us in at Akershus.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

I wasted an hour of my vacation being aggravate by Disney. Here now.
Here's 2 of the problems.

On 12/10 in morning, made ADR for 12/11 6:25pm Cape May Cafe. At 3pm 12/10, called to cancel and change to a different restaurant. Was told I'd be charged the $10 fee and that I would have had to cancel on 12/9. When I explained that 12/9 is 2 days before 12/11, not 1.....(can they count?) and that I was told by Disney I could cancel until 10pm.....the CM told me "it's not 24 hours, it's one day, they told you wrong" which makes no sense. When I asked to speak to a supervisor, the reply was "there isn't any". After more insisting, I was put on hold and after a while, she came back and told me "it's taken care of" in a sharp tone of voice. This took me a LONG time to cancel while ignoring my son in line waiting for Santa and wearing the battery down in my cell phone. I didn't bother scheduling another ADR.

While at Crystal Palace, and no one was at checkin, I asked if they could cancel an ADR and see if CP was available the next day. It wasn't but the CM said it would likely be slow around 4pm if I wanted to walk up and try. I still wanted to cancel but the CM would not do it, she said she could do it in the computer but she is supposed to tell guests to call instead. Telling her I had no way to call in time to cancel (phone battery dying again) made no difference.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

I can't imagine doing the deluxe dining plan again with this policy being inflexible and so many CMs giving me different stories about the policy. It's too aggravating. I'll be doing quick service a lot more often. All this hassle and guess what? Crystal Palace was quoting 15 minute waits for walkups on 12/9. But they had NO reservations all day when I checked that morning and the day before. Saving seats for walkups maybe????

 

[CandleontheWater]

I wanted to share my experiences from this past week with the new system.

We had the unfortunate "luck" to have a confirmed beg bug infestation in our Poly room. The morning I woke up covered in bites I had a 4:20 ADR at the Garden Grill. We got the call that our room was positive for bed bugs around 11 am, and it took us until about 5 pm to deal with the hassle of getting our stuff bagged up for cleaning, switching rooms, and purchasing new clothes from the gift shop.

After everything was dealt with (sorry, bed bugs trump dining reservations), I checked with the concierge to see if we could still be fit into the Garden Grill for that evening. The concierge called over to the restaurant who told us to come on over and they would seat us.

When we checked in at the podium, the CM there was serious about finding our ADR, and checking us in, because he told us that if he didn't we'd be charged the fee. I told him that I made the ADR prior to the new policy, and that they didn't have my credit card on file.

He laughed and asked me if I had ever used a credit card at Disney, and said that they "had their ways" to find us and charge us.

This is getting crazier and crazier. It is going to be really sad to tell my son, who is at the perfect age for characters, that we can't do any more meals because of draconian dining policies.

 

[bjakmom]

I don't agree, I think it is preventing people from makind multiple ADRs. I am not the only Diser who has noticed how much easier it is now to get ADRs that you used to have to fight tooth and nail for.

It could also be that ADRs are more available because people like us are not making many ADRs under the new policy. We only booked 3 ADRs for the 8 days of our next trip - and I may cancel them as the trip gets nearer. We usually book our ADRs 6 mos out and do TS at least once a day - I have NEVER in 40 years double booked ADRs. We do, however, often need to cancel ADRs on the same day, or cancel and rebook somewhere else if we decide to be in another park. I think Disney will eventually repeal this policy - until then we're planning on being able to make same day ADRs this May like we could in the old days - I expect ADRs to go that far down. We'll see . . .

 

[Marshay]

When we checked in at the podium, the CM there was serious about finding our ADR, and checking us in, because he told us that if he didn't we'd be charged the fee. I told him that I made the ADR prior to the new policy, and that they didn't have my credit card on file.

He laughed and asked me if I had ever used a credit card at Disney, and said that they "had their ways" to find us and charge us.

This is getting crazier and crazier. It is going to be really sad to tell my son, who is at the perfect age for characters, that we can't do any more meals because of draconian dining policies.

First, I'm soooo sorry to hear about the bed bugs!! UGH! I hope Disney was good about getting it all cleaned up, etc.

Now the whole "credit card thing" is just scary. I really hope that the CM was just joking with you all. To charge you for a no-show meal that was made PRIOR to the ridiculous rule in place -- that's just utterly unbelievable!

 

[Marshay]

It could also be that ADRs are more available because people like us are not making many ADRs under the new policy. We only booked 3 ADRs for the 8 days of our next trip - and I may cancel them as the trip gets nearer. We usually book our ADRs 6 mos out and do TS at least once a day - I have NEVER in 40 years double booked ADRs. We do, however, often need to cancel ADRs on the same day, or cancel and rebook somewhere else if we decide to be in another park. I think Disney will eventually repeal this policy - until then we're planning on being able to make same day ADRs this May like we could in the old days - I expect ADRs to go that far down. We'll see . . .

yep, this is my new interpretation of people making multiple ADRs.

We used to see people booking ADRs for the same time at two different places. Now that is not *as* prevalent, but still can be done.

However, this policy is now preventing people from making the 5-10+ ADRs and I'm willing to bet there are now more people, esp families, only making 3-5 ADRs for that same week -- or maybe none.

So if you are one of the lucky ones to get a walk up -- woo hoo!!

 

[starousse]

I wanted to share my experiences from this past week with the new system.

We had the unfortunate "luck" to have a confirmed beg bug infestation in our Poly room. The morning I woke up covered in bites I had a 4:20 ADR at the Garden Grill. We got the call that our room was positive for bed bugs around 11 am, and it took us until about 5 pm to deal with the hassle of getting our stuff bagged up for cleaning, switching rooms, and purchasing new clothes from the gift shop.

After everything was dealt with (sorry, bed bugs trump dining reservations), I checked with the concierge to see if we could still be fit into the Garden Grill for that evening. The concierge called over to the restaurant who told us to come on over and they would seat us.

When we checked in at the podium, the CM there was serious about finding our ADR, and checking us in, because he told us that if he didn't we'd be charged the fee. I told him that I made the ADR prior to the new policy, and that they didn't have my credit card on file.

He laughed and asked me if I had ever used a credit card at Disney, and said that they "had their ways" to find us and charge us.

This is getting crazier and crazier. It is going to be really sad to tell my son, who is at the perfect age for characters, that we can't do any more meals because of draconian dining policies.

First of all, I'm so sorry to hear about the beg bug thing. I hope you were able to get your stay paid for due to this horrible inconvenience.

Second, with regard to being charged for a reservation made prior to this whole ridiculous fee charging scam, that is utterly ridiculous. I'm sorry, but I think if some CM told us that, "that they would track down my credit card number to charge us", even though I booked prior to the new date, I honestly think my husband would be escorted out of Disney by the police for knocking that guy out. C'mon, give me a break already. I think this whole thing is getting out of hand.

I sure hope I don't encounter any of this nonsense this upcoming week. Hope you have a good rest of your trip.

 

[NLD]

I also tend to think it's the "regular folk" (not the double bookers) who are making fewer ADRs, thus freeing up more availability.

We fall into that category anyway. And it seems a few other folks here do, too.

I will say this: I still think this policy is a horrible policy and terribly bad customer service. HOWEVER. If so many people stop making ADRs that walk-ups are available just about everywhere... then that wil be my silver lining. Because then we'll just go with 0-1 ADRs and leave the rest for walk-up. And that would move us towards even less structure, which would be nice for us.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

I didn't let any of this drag me down and we got some good pixie dust.... We did deluxe DDP the last 3 trips (not this time) but will not again. Here now at WDW 5th time.... And its impossible to completely plan every minute nor do I want to. If its 8am and I have a character dinner same day, I should be able to change it to a different dinner but under this policy I can't without being charged.

How does it make any difference? Example - have ADR for Garden Grill but want to go to Magic Kingdom instead and Crystal Palace has an opening.....if I switch, I'm canceling but taking an empty spot. Big deal? But I'd get charged the late cancel fee.

I write policy for a living. This is bad policy, poorly thought out, poorly explained to customers and employees. No one knows what "within 1 day" means.

A CM did tell me the reason was to keep people from making multiple ADRs. I think they also want people making less reservations. It's clear they are saving tables for walkups by limiting ADRs.

 

[Colleen27]

I also tend to think it's the "regular folk" (not the double bookers) who are making fewer ADRs, thus freeing up more availability.

We fall into that category anyway. And it seems a few other folks here do, too.

I will say this: I still think this policy is a horrible policy and terribly bad customer service. HOWEVER. If so many people stop making ADRs that walk-ups are available just about everywhere... then that wil be my silver lining. Because then we'll just go with 0-1 ADRs and leave the rest for walk-up. And that would move us towards even less structure, which would be nice for us.

That's my feeling too. We're definitely freeing up availability - instead of the 20+ ADRs we've made (and kept) on our last 3 trips, I don't see booking more than 2 or 3 must-dos under the new policy. It is disappointing but now that we have confirmation of the no-exceptions nature of the policy, even for a puking child or someone heading to urgent care, I just can't see risking many CCG ADRs.

Like you, I'll consider it a silver lining if this opens up the option to book same-day or day-prior ADRs on a more consistent basis, but I still feel like it is terribly guest unfriendly and a stunning example of lousy service.

 

[Marshay]

I will say this: I still think this policy is a horrible policy and terribly bad customer service. HOWEVER. If so many people stop making ADRs that walk-ups are available just about everywhere... then that wil be my silver lining. Because then we'll just go with 0-1 ADRs and leave the rest for walk-up. And that would move us towards even less structure, which would be nice for us.

Like you, I'll consider it a silver lining if this opens up the option to book same-day or day-prior ADRs on a more consistent basis, but I still feel like it is terribly guest unfriendly and a stunning example of lousy service.

yep, just wanted to say I agree with this as well (i.e., the silver lining). I hate the new policy but if it does mean we can now stop planning our meals 6 months in advance, then I'll adjust my touring style to meet that.

However, I tend to think that overall, we will just do less ADRs, even if we can get walk-ups because we'll focus more on rides, shows, shopping, swimming, relaxing and then when we're hungry, do the "where should we eat?" dance ... whereas before we'd plan our day around where we wanted to eat and when. I'd make sure we didn't get in line for an attraction if I knew our meal was only 20 minutes away or so.

Now, we'll probably get in line and then figure out our plans for meals later.

 

[Mkrop]

It might be too early in the policy but we just got backed and asked around for some lunch ADRs and there were no walk up openings.

 

[MELSMICE]

It might be too early in the policy but we just got backed and asked around for some lunch ADRs and there were no walk up openings.

I would think it might have to do with the fact that the policy really isn't in affect for ADR's that occurring right now. If most people made their ADR's 6 months out and the policy went into affect a few weeks ago then it probably won't have a significant affect on dining & availability for a few months. JMO

 

[TDC Nala]

Was told I'd be charged the $10 fee and that I would have had to cancel on 12/9. When I explained that 12/9 is 2 days before 12/11, not 1.....(can they count?) and that I was told by Disney I could cancel until 10pm.....the CM told me "it's not 24 hours, it's one day, they told you wrong" which makes no sense.

The official wording of the cancellation policy is "at least one day in advance" not "24 hours." There's been a lot of speculation so fare as to what "one day in advance" means, but to Disney, that apparently means a full day in advance...if your reservation is on Tuesday you must cancel it on Sunday, not Monday. Of course we all had to wait until guests actually started trying to cancel affected reservations before we found that out.

 

[coopersmom]

The official wording of the cancellation policy is "at least one day in advance" not "24 hours." There's been a lot of speculation so fare as to what "one day in advance" means, but to Disney, that apparently means a full day in advance...if your reservation is on Tuesday you must cancel it on Sunday, not Monday. Of course we all had to wait until guests actually started trying to cancel affected reservations before we found that out.

"One full day" IS 24 hours. Ask anyone. That's the worldwide standard of time-keeping for, oh, the last 5000 years. I know Disney World considers itself a universe onto itself, but I'm pretty sure it still follows the laws of physics and is located, along with the rest of us, on Planet Earth. They may be better able to dictate the length of a "full day" when they build DisneyVenus but right now, a day IS still 24 hours, even in Disney World.

I'm not jumping on this poster, as I know they're just repeating what they're told and not the only one, but it is illogical (on Disney's part), and I'm positive that anyone with a printed copy of their cancellation at least 24 hours prior to their reservation time and a copy of Disney's "one day" policy could get any fee Disney attempted to charge reversed by their credit card company.