New Dining Rules

[JAP]

Originally posted by zulaya
JAP, I think you underestimate how many people feel overwhelmed by planning a Disney Trip and do book the package because they either don't know they can do it all themselves or they don't have the time to research it.

I disagree. Back in 2000 when I was planning my trip I knew nothing about this Disney internet sites. I went to the official site thinking I would get all kinds of information. I looked at WDW Travel and their packages and decided I needed to check with a local travel agent. Then I decided to look into booking the whole deal myself. In doing my research I found this site as well as a few others. I also went to the library and checked out guides.

My point is anyone going to Disney who is going to lay down thousands of dollars will, more than likely, do a little research and just not bow down to almighty Disney.

Also, I think this thread is very contradictory to what many have stated on DisneySteve's thread regarding PS times.

 

[lauraljp]

Let me see if I understand this. If August 4 comes and they do change this, I can call and try to get CRT for beginning of November because I will be within my 90 days at that point.

If so, there might be ALOT of people calling August 4 who were waiting for the 60 day window who can now get in within 90.

Laura

 

[AmyA]

Originally posted by madge
Along with the AP and DVC people, the guests eligible for SoG won't be able to book anything early, either. If you stay at SoG, then you aren't on a WDTC package and the overflow reservations go through CRO

I feel your pain, Madge! We always stay via SoG somehow when we go. By the time we get back from our Jannuary trip, we'll have made 4 trips and bought 6 APs within 18 months. I'm not sure why the loyal customers who return year after year are being punished. I think this would go over a lot better if they tied it into on-property reservations rather than WDTC packages.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

what about the PS's that are already made????? We will have our PS's done (all but one that I really want) by Aug 4th, but will they then be cancelled, or will they honor those PS's that are already made?????? I am so stressed over this now.

I think I have to rearrange my itinerary again.

 

[d-r]

Originally posted by ripleysmom
Personally I got no problem with this. It's WDW's right to make their policy the way that they want. If you want to make sure that you can get your PS's then you will pay for the privilege.

As for not buying DVC because of this? I don't see that happening either. DVC is about more than PS's. The units are too tempting and just too good of a deal to pass on because I can't get ressies for something....at least IMHO.

I disagree. I would agree with you if this was a perk that was going to package members that didn't impact dvc reservers, but this does impact them because it is a limited resource (tables), and those booking a package are at an advantage to DVC members.

I'll try to explain that better. Say they go ahead with that idea that package bookers will be able to check in to their resort at the airport, and then be driven straight to a park and their baggage taken care of. Well, that doesn't bother me as a DVC person. Fine, let them pay for that in their package. More power, that's great. It doesn't impact me, it is just a perk I won't get.

But this PS policy is different because it could potentially impact me. It doesn't just let somebody else get a perk that they paid for, it could potentially mean that it impacts my vacation. It means that using my DVC points is a disadvantage. And that seems a really poor way to treat the people who have made the bigger commitment.

I'm all for capitalism, and I agree that it is wdw's right to do what they want, but I think it would be a stupid thing for them to do.

 

[Lewisc]

I agree the policy, as reported, needs some "fine tuning" to be fair to everyone.

I'm not sure how many people are making PS on spec without having actually even reserved a room yet. Not sure how many PS are either being cancelled, changed or just no shows. Restricting early PS to people who have made a deposit on a WDTC package makes some sense as long as Disney comes up with something that is also fair to other guests

BUT We may not like some of the solutions (putting cancellation penalties on room only reservations or charging an advance deposit for PS)

 

[PJesse25]

One question: how do they plan to enforce this policy? How will the CM's know when we call whether we have a package through WDTC or not? I am a travel agent and I can tell you, there are other wholesalers selling Disney packages and most people who are booking don't know which one their package is through. I can forsee a lot of problems with this policy.

Of course, my room reservation for my upcoming trip IS through WDTC, so I guess this may benefit me when it comes to CRT if does come to pass. I could also see them exempting Cindy's, though.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by PJesse25
One question: how do they plan to enforce this policy? How will the CM's know when we call whether we have a package through WDTC or not? I am a travel agent and I can tell you, there are other wholesalers selling Disney packages and most people who are booking don't know which one their package is through. I can forsee a lot of problems with this policy.

Of course, my room reservation for my upcoming trip IS through WDTC, so I guess this may benefit me when it comes to CRT if does come to pass. I could also see them exempting Cindy's, though.

I read that when you make a deposit on the package, they give you a number and you use that number when calling Disney Dining...

 

[honeymo78]

Just as beatty said. You recieve a confirmation/reservation number when you pay your deposit and you will have to give out that number to the CM when you make reservations for more than 90 days out.

 

[delikado]

So can anyone confirm if any PSs already made for AFTER Aug 4th will be considered void?! If so, this is going to be one heck of a mess...

 

[Scottwdw]

A reply to a previous poster: As in the past, any Priority Seatings already made will not be affected. This was the case when they switched Cindy's to a paid deposit, people who previously got Cindy's without the deposit were not asked to pay it or give up their PS times.

 

[mrsltg]

Echoing what others have said, this is not good. I'm usually firmly planted in Disney's camp, but this could be the change that makes me open my eyes to the other vacation destinations out there. Disney charges a premium for their services (one which I am more than happy to pay, BTW), so they need to be careful when they start fiddling with things that effect their repeat customers. The trip on my countdown clock reflects my 4th in 24 months (not as many as some, but more than most). Disney has me booked for 12 nights AKL, part of which is concierge. They are going to get big $$$ from me, the least they can do is let me have a fighting chance at getting character meals for my daughter.

DVC people, I am really sorry. I hope this works out, especially for you guys.

Erin

 

[tink2]

First of all, I think this is ridiculous!!! I, like most of you, look for ways to save money and a package is usually not included! Packages generally cost a lot more than booking everything yourself and separately.
Now, we booked our room with the Disney Club. In the past, I've heard that a room-only res. through Disney Club was considered a package- will this count?
I, too, am hoping for Cindy's for my 4 year old DD and nieces. I will be very disappointed and angry if we don't even get a shot at it!!!

 

[>>^..^<<]

I agree with the principle that onsite guests get first dibs on restaurant reservations ~ I am sure they will have something in place for DCV guests and those who book onsite resorts through other means... (translation - They better!)

I have been hearing how difficult it is to get late PS's lately - Disney Dining saying the last time of the day is 4:30pm or 5:00pm and then closer to the dates suddenly there are suddenly seatings at 7pm etc...

Anyone calling at that early a time is going tohave a really limited selections of seating times.... the park hours are not even in place yet.

Hope it all works out ~ fingers crossed

>>^..^<<

 

[DisneyCP2002]

I'm on the fence here with how I feel about this whole situation. I'm happy that I booked with WDTC(even though expensive) and that puts me in the group that will get to make the ressies early BUT I am also very displeased with how they are handling this. I cannot believe that they are excluding those with AP's and DVC ressie's. The ones of you who can afford that should be able to book yours in advance as well. I wish I was one of the lucky who could afford to do this. If it wasn't for my tax refund this trip wouldn't even be happening lol

I really do think Disney should rethink who all can make these early PS's because it should be ALL people who use Disney resorts not just us that use the travel packages. It should be fair to everyone not just a select few. Disney has done some very stupid things recently and this is one of them. Hopefully if enough complain they will either modify this OR do away with it completly.

Now to those who have PS's already before the 4th. I know for a fact that those will still be honored. I thought to ask my travel agent this morning this exact thing. She said that those will not change. She also confirmed that this will be available because she was in a high level meeting on Sunday and they told all of the need to know people then.

I do hope that Disney will change the policy to include those that at least stay on Disney Property as well. I really hate that I have some perks over others and wish I could help some people's dreams come true with CRT that can't get through because they aren't staying with WDTC plan. If there is any way I could I would.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I would not want to be working the phones over the next few weeks, a lot of people are going to be very upset. Sounds like time for another E-Mail campain to me. And oddly this trip I have the FTP booked, but last year and most likely next year that will not be the case. This just is not right for the AP holders and those who have DVC.

 

[DrTomorrow]

In one respect, I understand why most of you feel that this is unfair and a bad move; many other industries reward regular customers (frequent fliers, casinos, the old 5-punches-gets-a-free-sandwich cards).

However, it seems to me that Disney thinks that it has its fanatics [DISers, DVC, AP] in its pocket, and can count on our $$$ regardless; and I can't say that I disagree. I'm at a loss to think of any other product or service that has this level of devotion - look at some of the countdown clocks; people have trips in 2005 in the planning stages. People are on the phone early in the morning, just to eat with the Princesses. Debates rage on the pros/cons of EMH. Will we devotees of Disney suddenly head to IoA? I think not. We'll grumble, and email, and rail over on the Debate Board, but after all is said and done, one year from now, will this really turn many of you away from Disney? Did the removal of EE turn you off-site?

I too got 'burned' by FTP - I'd just purchased two PAP vouchers in March for planned Oct03/Spring04/Sept04 trips when FPT zinged on the scene. Did I spend less - no, I spent more! I booked an FTP this year, and I'll still be spending a year at WDW starting next year.

Please don't flame, but I am interested in reasoned disagreements and opinions on a "Pixie-Dust Free" analysis of Disney's new tool to promote packages and its effect on the small core of existing fanatics.

Thanks,
Erick

 

[BCV23]

If the CRO does completely turn over to WDTC by January than those of us who make AP reservations will end up with the same PS advantages as full packages I think. As someone said if you do room only with WDTC it as a very basic package but still called a package...doesn't it include mini golf or something usually? I think this might be an attempt to make the CRO-WDTC switchover a little less bitter for those of us who hate the idea of WDW getting the interest on the full price starting at 45 days out.

I too hope the plan is fine tuned to not leave out SOG as well as DVC members.

 

[madge]

As in the past, any Priority Seatings already made will not be affected. This was the case when they switched Cindy's to a paid deposit, people who previously got Cindy's without the deposit were not asked to pay it or give up their PS times.

ok, so my question doesn't get buried in pages of comments....I call on August 2 for my Oct 1 CRT reservation. Assuming I get it, it's mine. Same with the Crystal Palace reservation I will book if I can't get CRT. THEN....on Monday, August 4 I am eligible to call for any of the restaurants for the rest of my trip (October 4-6)? correct?

I don't think there is going to be an onslaught of people calling on Monday, because other than the message boards/newsgroups, I don't know how well this is going to be publicized.

However, I do have visions of WDTC using this as a perk of booking a travel package.....

 

[SAWYERMAW1]

Just talked to Disney Dining. She confirmed this would go into effect on 8/4 as reported but would exclude Cindys.