New Dining Rules

[elgerber]

So if they do away with CRO, and all rooms are booked through the travel company, DVC members will still be left at 90 days??

This will be very interesting to see how this plays out.

Erika

 

[beattyfamily]

On RADP...maybe the tide is turning from all our complaint calls and emails??

I just called to make PS for Thanksgiving...at the end of the conversation...I asked the CM about the "new rules" as of 8-4-03. She didn't know what I was talking about and read a wonderful statement about information from non-official Disney sources to me. Then she offered to "make a call"...when she returned...the CM said that all but a select few Disney restaurants (like V&A) would be available 90 days in advance for PS. I asked about the 180 day window for those confirmed with WDTC. The CM said emphatically that it was misinformation...there was only the 90 day window for everybody. Hmmmmm

AND...

Okay I just got off the phone myself with dining and got this story as well. According to the lady I talked to it's offical that on August 4th those who are 90 days out will be able to get ressies for all resturants except for Chefs de France. Nothing said about V&A but did confirm CRT would be available. This makes me still 60 days from that mark but oh well I can deal with that.

 

[KIS]

I have been planning my first trip to WDW for April 24, 2004. I found the DisBoards about a month ago.

I've been plodding along making decisions, learning what to expect at WDW, and trying to shape a family fun vacation.

Just when I was getting the hang of this all, they change the rules.

How often does WDW change the rules like this?

I had been planning on a room only reservation at Dolphin with the teacher's discount, purchased (already -- to avoid increased fees) 7 day park hopper plus tickets, and have been honing in on our itinerary and dining.

I don't think I quite grasp the significance of this yet. I don't think it's worth it to suddenly purchase a package just to get a better chance at some popular dinner times and locations.

What's the worst we room only's stand to miss out on? CRT Breakfasts and the Rose and Crown during Illuminations, right?

What makes it more confusing is that there seem to be some chats elsewhere on these boards about the CRO and "room only reservations" getting reshuffled. I can't quite grasp the significance of that along with this PS thing.

KIS

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

FYI People: you dont need to worry about dining policy as they are not changing it.
Matt

 

[kdibattista]

All I gotta say is that I'm glad I'm not a Disney Dining CM at 7:00am on August 4th!!!!

 

[Scottwdw]

Talk about your information and misinformation that came out overnight (when you would think such important issues like this would not be decided on) has led me to stop posting on these message boards until I get confirmation from people in the know.

I will be posting any and all rumors here: New PS Policy

The only thing "official" on that page is in italics.

Feel free to read and discuss what you see but it's getting a little crazy. Funny, it makes me rethink the controversy over Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction. If such an issue of WDW priority seating can get so warped over a period of just 2 days, can you imagine how something like a WMD program could get created from little evidence over months.

 

[Kaitysmom]

Don't worry about it KIS. You are pretty much right about the CRT and Rose and Crown PS (last year they wouldn't let you request an outside table for viewing anyways). Both are hard to get now, even without the changes. They are supposedly only releasing 1/2 of the PS at the 180, so you'll still have a good chance on the other 1/2. I wouldn't change my ressies for dining arrangements. Nobody confirmed this for me but I am pretty sure that the restaurants only release a % of their seats to the PS system, so walk ups still get in. Also, PS isn't truly a reservation. I have had to wait over 45 minutes with PS in the past (though only 2X over 5 trips) If you fail to get your PS, try again 48 hours out.

Zulaya - take heart, I have been in your position and attempted to get those birthday PS at CRT. We failed at the 60 day mark and called and called in case they released more seats. Got them the day before her birthday when they released the cancellations. I hope you get them!

Maybe this whole thing will just blow over like Donalds_Best_Pal has posted.

 

[zulaya]

I was not going to read this thread anymore, but I read on the DVC Board this info from wdwig.com

Priority Seating Changes - previously we reported to you that WDW had changed their Priority Seating Policy, giving special "perks" to folks booking a Walt Disney Travel Company Vacation Package. Well, that bit of news caused an uproar with Disney Vacation Club members, Annual Passholders and other Disney Resort guests. The policy is now going through review and possible changes. Stay tuned, we will keep you posted on any confirmed developments! (7/30/03)

 

[Scottwdw]

Hey, it's almost football season!


WDW to it's Internet fan base, "After further review...."

 

[Miss Jasmine]

This makes me happy that I sent WDW an email. I really hope they are considering another plan.

 

[KIS]

Kaitysmom,

What do you mean by 48 hours out? Do you mean 48 hours before your trip? Before the date you hope to go to that particular restaurant or what?

Thanks for your feedback.

I guess we just have to sit back and wait.

KIS

 

[Certifiable WDW Nut]

At this point WDW needs to say something, if for no reason than to keep their phone system from crashing Monday morning. If it's changing, announce it before Monday morning and if it's not changing somehow manage to say that too.

At this rate, Monday morning is going to be hell for everyone - CMs, guests, IT people - everyone.

 

[jacksonsmom]

Originally posted by Certifiable WDW Nut
At this point WDW needs to say something, if for no reason than to keep their phone system from crashing Monday morning. If it's changing, announce it before Monday morning and if it's not changing somehow manage to say that too.

I whole heartly agree!! They should not leave us hanging & wondering. I really feel bad for the CMs working the phones on Monday, I would NOT want that job

I am hoping by Sunday they give the OFFICIAL word about changing the PS's or not.

Personally I say leave everything ALONE!!!! But if they are going to change it then they better make it FAIR to everyone staying on site.....DVCs, APs, room only's, and packages!! I can see having off site people waiting to make their PS's but NOT for people staying ON site. It would not be fair to say "well these people that are staying on site CAN make a PS right now, BUT these people that are in the room right next to them CAN'T"
I would be so disappointed in Disney if they did change it to where only people with packages can make a PS before everyone else.

Guess we will see on Monday what happens!

 

[Kaitysmom]

KIS - 48 hours prior to when you want the PS. Worked for me, got CRT this way. Just call right at 7:00, two days ahead and see if they have anything for the restaurant you wanted. This will work if you can be flexible with your time - probably unlikely that it would work for Rose and Crown at Illuminations times, but who knows... This method is worth a try regardless of what happens with their new system.

Does anyone else look at people dining during those hard to get PS and wonder how they got them? So many try so hard, just makes me wonder if they know how lucky they are?

 

[Scottwdw]

Folks, you need to read my latest update.

New PS Policy

You will find that WDW did listen and, yea, they spun it in their favor. You got to love PR people!!

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by Scottwdw
Folks, you need to read my latest update.

New PS Policy

You will find that WDW did listen and, yea, they spun it in their favor. You got to love PR people!!

Great news! Thanks so much for sharing your latest info with us!

 

[BCV23]

Thanks for the update Scott...great news.

Personally I like the 90 days out policy. One call will usually do it for us.

 

[dvcmember]

That is wonderful news. Barb

 

[ead79]

Hooray! I like the new policy, even though it means I'll have to wait longer to book some PS's for my December trip. I think it takes a lot of the confusion out of the dining ressies system.

 

[MicheleC]

Excellent news! I'm really surprised that they changed their decision due to the volume of people responding negatively to the initial announcement. I guess I'll be calling with the masses on Monday morning to try to get CRT for my October trip!