New Dining Rules

[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.

 

[GladysK]

Originally posted by nasmith
Disney has been disappointing me alot lately- and this is the MOST disappointing change yet! We go to WDW about 4 times a year, eat EVERY meal in their restaurants, stay concierge......! Jill

I thought the whole point of staying concierge was they can get you last minute "hard to get" ressies to most restaurants. Why would that change?

On my last trip, I walked up to the front desk and the CM made my next day's dining ressies with NO PROBLEM.

I don't think this change is a big deal for normal dining ressies.

 

[mommystieg]

Whose bright idea was this I am also an AP holder and DVC member--why are we being punished for being loyal Disney visitors

 

[dvcmember]

It hardly seems fair to give perks to people who come to disney once in a Blue Moon and exclude annual passholders and DVC members. Those of us who are loyal disney fans and come multiple times year after year are the people whoo keep the place going. It seems that they really missed the boat on this one. Barb

 

[trampslady]

I have to say that, as a DVC Member contemplating an add-on of 100 points today, I'm a bit upset by the apparent prospect of this new rule. Of course, I just got off the phone with dining and they new nothing of it. When asked where I heard this info, I reported back various Disney-related web sites. She immediately blew it off as rumor, scandal, etc. I politely reminded her that these "scandalous" web sites generally have more correct and timely information than they do! Still don't know more than I did before.

We eat every meal at WDW and never even venture off the property for anything. We have visited from Texas six times this year, been on the cruise, and have two trips remaining for the year. I would say my family contributes to the profitability of Disney. In return I would just like to have the same advantages as those that buy packages from Disney.

 

[zulaya]

Just called Dining and was very explicit with my informatino and "Audrey" had no idea. I asked to speak to a supervisor, and she said they would have no more info that she would...basically she refused to transfer me. Her opinion was this wouldn't ever happen. She said just wait until Aug 4 and see what happens. Yeah, like you can do that when you are worried about getting Cindy's.

 

[Josephine]

This may be to get everyone used to booking with the travel company. As of January 2004 CRO will no longer exist. All room reservations that do not require tickets will be categorized as a basic package.

 

[zulaya]

CRO going away has been a rumor for years. But if this dining policy is any indication, that may happen too.

 

[Josephine]

Originally posted by zulaya
CRO going away has been a rumor for years. But if this dining policy is any indication, that may happen too.

Yes I know but I have been told by Central reservations that it will be going away as of the beginning of 2004. Everyone is in the process of being trained on the new system that they will have. Some people are already on it.

 

[Lori-n-NY]

Ok lets think about this for a minute.
When the first-time visitor books a package with WDTC or a local travel agent who is going to tell them to book any PS at 180 days? I booked first two trips from a TA and never once did she mention about PS. I know that is one TA but everyone think back to your first trip and did they tell you all that info? We have all seen the novice visitor at WDW and they are amazed when they can not get to eat somewhere because they did not call and reserve it. They had no idea. I have seen families have to go to a different place because there is no availablity. We are a big handful of people with a ton of knowledge and know the ins and outs of what to do when. We are still the minority of visitors to WDW.If you don't buy a guidebook or join a group online then your left clueless. And for us that helps us to assure our own PS we want.

Disney needs to keep the people coming if they want to add new rides and shows for us to enjoy. If they can convince people to but packages then they gain. Not everyone who books a package will also do alot of PS.
They encourage us to stay on site with early entry, free shuttles that run all day, refillable mugs for length of stay, and various other perks. They tried to increase their business with the FTP and how many of us took them up on the offer? I have read alot of people changed thier reservations to the FTP which saved them money and/or gave them more time at Disney.

I know alot of us are bumming right now waiting for the AP or room only codes for the fall and I for one can not wait much longer. I would not want to be a CM at CRO right now. They must be getting alot of calls. I also don't like to fact that the AP code will only be from 8/24-10/1 because I am going on 10/23.....
What a way to spend the summer wondering when the codes will be here and trying not to miss it.

Ok now that I have rambled and kinda got off track.I'm sorry.
Lets hope all things work out for everyone. Maybe we have to eat a little later or early then you wanted but hey there are worse things to deal with. Remember your in Disney World and others are not.
Keep the magic alive and enjoy.
Lori

 

[Josephine]

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[zulaya]

Back to the subject line...I just talked with another CM who basically said, if it isn't on the official Disney website, don't believe it. Yeah, I am that naive.

Looks like wherever Deb Wills got this info, it's from a source who hasn't leaked it anywhere else because no one I can call can confirm it.

Hopefully the PS Calculator Master, scottwdw, will chime in if he has any info on this.

 

[JAP]

Lori in NY has some great points as does PetesMom.

How many people actually book a complete package through WDW travel? I would assume there would be some, but most people do some research before handing over a couple thousand dollars for a vacation.

I would think only a hand full of the reservations would be going to those people who book the "package". Yes it is a small advantage and that is not fair to the DVC folks, but IMO I don't think it will effect the overall PS schedules and obtaining the times you want.

 

[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.

We on the DIS of course are going to plan it out months and months in advance, book our own rooms, get our own tix, etc. We seriously are a minority among the masses.

I think this new rule is designed not only to get people to spend more money on packages, but to increase bookings further in advance. I have been reading all year how Disney rooms haven't been reserved until 2-3 months ahead of time, when pre 9/11 it was 6-9 months on average. Disney wants those rooms filled ahead of time to increase their bottomline, so I think that has something to do with this as well.

 

[mazzarafe]

I'm really not happy about this. I was getting all set to make my list of the ps's I was gonna get to make starting next month because I like to call the first day possible to get the time I want. No I'm not the only one because I've called at 7:00am serveral times for my last trip to have the time I asked for already gone.

Now for this trip that both my girls want to have breakfast in the castle will be even harder to come by. As will a chance at the princesses in Epcot.

This is very unfair because a package whether it is more expensive or not it is not meant for everyone. I would do it if I wasn't going to MVMCP the night we arrive. But we need some down time from getting into Disney to be up late. Also do not know when we are exactly getting there becaue airfare for my dates is outta control and I have no idea when we are leaving our last day. So why in the world would I pay for 2 days of park passes that I more than likely will not be using? And because of this I may not have the same chance I normally would at getting the harder ps's. Just doesn't seem fair to me. I don't go to Disney that often, but recently it's been once a year and since I have been going the cheapest trip has cost me $3k with one child and me and DH. We spend alot on meals because we like to eat nice on vacation and usually only do a few fast food meals. Not to mention all the extra's we spend $$$ on.

This may be my last trip to Disney for a few years and I'm hoping that this doesn't come to be true because I won't be in any rush to return because my $$$ is not as good as someone who books a package. That is really what they are saying, because lets face the fact that when we save money on one thing we spend it somewhere else while at Disney.

This would be a nice perk to add for onsite guests as mentioned by others. Well then why would they do anything else to lure guests to stay onsite anyway...

 

[mazzarafe]

Just want to add one more thing. I know last post was winded, but don't you think that when people inquire about package prices they are going to find out from WDTC that this is a perk for purchasing the package?

Don't forget they also have changed the tickets being more inviting to purchase before arriving with cheaper costs. This is also info that you are informed about when calling for ticket prices.

It may take awhile to feel the pinch of this as word gets out. Just like the new breakfast at Norway was easy to get in the beginning but now word is out and it's not a sure thing anymore.

 

[Scottwdw]

Originally posted by zulaya
Back to the subject line...I just talked with another CM who basically said, if it isn't on the official Disney website, don't believe it. Yeah, I am that naive.

Looks like wherever Deb Wills got this info, it's from a source who hasn't leaked it anywhere else because no one I can call can confirm it.

Hopefully the PS Calculator Master, scottwdw, will chime in if he has any info on this.

Hey, thanks for the title zulaya!!

I heard about these changes yesterday but could not get anybody to confirm it until this morning. I would like to remind everyone so far I have not seen an OFFICIAL statement from WDW on this new PS policy.

This is what I do know as of now. This only effects restaurants and not recreation (ie., fishing water sports, golf, tennis, horse-back riding, etc.), dinner shows, GF kid's programs, Lunch With a Disney Artist, Bistro de Paris, Victoria & Alberts or Illumination cruises. This could change as WDW gives out all the details.

I will be sending out a newsletter tonight and update the boards as I find out more information. I will have the PS Calculator and (hopefully) the PS Report updated by Sunday to reflect this new policy.

One thing about package people not knowing about their priority seating advantage: They will know about it as WDTC and travel agents use it as a reason for booking a package. It will turn up in sales brochures, web sites and books in short order.

As always, if you don't like something WDW is doing, call or email them. And, here I am coming up on my 120 day PS window!!!

Happy Planning

 

[Disneyolic]

When we booked through WDTC we booked "room only" and paid for just that. However, they always add in something like miniature golf w/o charge to make it a package. If that is the case in the future still, then we will be able to book our "rooms only" package and still be able to make those precious PSs. Can't really comment on DVC members.

I, also, do not agree with any of this if it does happen but remember that Disney has changed other perks (ie, early entry) and then went back to it. Guess we'll see...

 

[zulaya]

SCottwdw, so basically you are confirming the meat of this - that package holders get to make PS at 180 days out and the rest of us get the 90 day window? And that this applies to Cinderella's Breakfast?

 

[Scottwdw]

Originally posted by zulaya
SCottwdw, so basically you are confirming the meat of this - that package holders get to make PS at 180 days out and the rest of us get the 90 day window? And that this applies to Cinderella's Breakfast?

Whoops, yes, I've gotten more than one credible sources (wow, I sound like those guys in "All The President's Men"!) confirming the new policy.