New Dining Rules

[MrsPete]

I DO like the idea of standardizing ALL reservations to 90 days (or 60 days or whatever). Having one rule for Magic Kingdom, one rule for Epcot, and another rule for resorts was confusing.

 

[jacksonsmom]

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!!

THANK YOU for your updates!
That is wonderful news. Although now I will have to wait
another 30 days before making a couple PS's for our December trip, but that is OK!
I think having all restaurants 90 days out is the most fair decision

 

[mazzarafe]

That is great news!!!

It is much easier to have one set time to have to call. Get it all over with alot quicker. I know I have trouble sleeping when it's ps time.

Hopefully the word won't spread too fast and we have an easier time getting CRT ressies because we call 30 days earlier than the masses. Wishful thinking I guess.

Good luck to everyone who has to call on Monday to play catchup on your ps's. I have until DD's birthday in September before my 90 day window is up and I'll be calling on her b-day for CRT so maybe that'll bring me luck!

 

[susy]

Just spoke to a CM this morning about the new policy. I was making a PS and this was a regular CM (not a manager). I asked about it and he said that they did get so many complaints in the past couple of days that the new policy will be 90 days out for everyone as of AUG 4! Yeah!

 

[beattyfamily]

Here is the e-mail I just got:

Thank you for your email with reference to Priority Seating reservations at the
WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort. Effective August 4, 2003, bookings for all Walt
Disney World® Resort dining locations that offer priority seating times will be
available 90 days in advance, with the following exceptions:

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review can be confirmed 2 years out
Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show can be confirmed 2 years out
Bistro de Paris can be confirmed 30 days out
Lunch with a Disney Artist can be confirmed 30 days out
Victoria and Albert's Chef's Table can be confirmed 180 days out
Mickey's Backyard Barbecue can be confirmed based on availability

This change will result in a more easily understood process for our guests, with
a consistent policy for our dining locations that accept priority seating,
except for locations with unique situations. The new policy will be in effect
for all WDW Resort guests, including Disney Vacation Club Members. As always,
we will continue to evaluate enhancements to these policies to best serve the
needs of our guests.

What do you think of the BOLD line? What does it mean for offsite guests?

 

[Disneyolic]

beattyfamily - that is interesting. My hope would be that only resort guests would be able to make the PSs. That should be a perk to staying onsite, but I guess we will see.

 

[ahutton]

I sent an e-mail inquiring about the policy. Here is the response I received:

August 1, 2003

Thank you for your email with reference to Priority Seating reservations at the WALT DISNEY WORLD. Resort. Effective August 4, 2003, bookings for all Walt Disney World. Resort dining locations that offer priority seating times will be available 90 days in advance, with the following exceptions:

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review can be confirmed 2 years out
Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show can be confirmed 2 years out
Bistro de Paris can be confirmed 30 days out
Lunch with a Disney Artist can be confirmed 30 days out
Victoria and Albert's Chef's Table can be confirmed 180 days out
Mickey's Backyard Barbecue can be confirmed based on availability

This change will result in a more easily understood process for our guests, with a consistent policy for our dining locations that accept priority seating, except for locations with unique situations. The new policy will be in effect for all WDW Resort guests, including Disney Vacation Club Members. As always,
we will continue to evaluate enhancements to these policies to best serve the needs of our guests.

Sincerely
Jackie
Member Satisfaction Manager

 

[DisneyCP2002]

Although it means a 60 more days wait for me I'm so glad they changed the policy to include everyone. The way it was setup originally was not fair to all those we are loyal to Disney but don't go through WDTC to make travel arrangments. This now should make everyone happy, since everyone seems to be included. I'll be happy when my 90 day mark hits that's for sure.

 

[FloridaCat]

What does it mean for offsite guests?

They/We will continue to do what they have always done. Enjoy Orlando’s fine dining.

We have been coming to WDW for years and since we live so close, many times on a one day ticket. We have dined in every major dining establishment at WDW, with no PS or a very long wait, as many day ticket people have, will do the same.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

What a relief!

I just returned from a non-Disney vacation and was nearly sent into a frenzy by this thread! I'm SO glad I didn't panic I can handle the 90 day rule!

 

[flyingchef]

I heard that they have since changed the policy...all restaurants are able to be booked 90 days in advance by anyone...that means all restaurants that were previously 120 days or 60 days will now be changed to 90days starting aug 4. As always, everything with disney is subject to change until It is officially announced.

 

[inky dinky doo]

Originally posted by flyingchef
I heard that they have since changed the policy...all restaurants are able to be booked 90 days in advance by anyone...that means all restaurants that were previously 120 days or 60 days will now be changed to 90days starting aug 4. As always, everything with disney is subject to change until It is officially announced.

. . . and sometimes even after it's officially announced.

Pat

125 days and counting . . . again!

 

[smfnj]

Originally posted by 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

This was the bright idea of some clueless suit. "We don't have to worry about all the AP/DVC sheep, they'll keep coming back to throw all of their hard earned money at us. We can concentrate all the perks on those who rarely come to WDW and try to turn them into sheep also."

I'm preparing a blistering letter for all those cluless suits as we speak. The last one I wrote was about the end of Early Entry.

steve

 

[Scottwdw]

Folks, WDW dropped the WDTC 180 day PS idea. For the latest information, check out my page at New PS Policy

 

[smfnj]

Originally posted by trampslady
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 think it's time for everybody to post messages on all the wonderful places to eat just a short ride off-property, also the non-Disney owned on-property establishments.

steve

 

[FloridaCat]

Orlando Dining
All styles, price range. Many close to WDW

http://orlando.diningchannel.com/

 

[BCV23]

Wow...what is everyone so upset about? Did you read Scott's link? It's 90 days for EVERYONE for almost all restaurants including CRT! Nice and simple it seems to me. For the vast majority of guests who don't read this site and others like it they will have no clue about this week's tempest in a teapot.

 

[smfnj]

Originally posted by BCV23
Wow...what is everyone so upset about? Did you read Scott's link? It's 90 days for EVERYONE for almost all restaurants including CRT! Nice and simple it seems to me.

Yes I did read Scotts post, however it took quite a while to read all 15 pages of messages and I posted as I went along.

I've been reading on the Resorts forum the last few days and saw mention of the PS changes. You're right, the latest change is simple and fair to all WDW resort guests. But you are wrong as far as "what is everyone so upset about?" If everybody didn't get upset and write/call Disney, the original PS system favoring WDTC customers would now be policy.

Also, if everybody didn't get so upset when Early Entry was axed you wouldn't be able to enjoy Extra Hour Magic now. You can be a sheep and go along with whatever idea some clown at WDW comes up with or speak out and force changes. Lots of squeaky wheels get attention at high levels.

steve

 

[BCV23]

My "what is everyone so upset about" was referencing the last few posts when folks were complaining about the policy that no longer existed ...and in fact never did come to fruition.

I agree that it was great that everyone let WDW know their objections to the proposed policy change and that WDW listened. I just couldn't understand why people were still so upset and complaining when the change had been abandoned!

As for EE....another whole story. We personaly don't like it nor what it does to the staffing levels at non EE parks. So you bet we don't enjoy it now. However obviously lots of folks love it and WDW has listened to its guests.

 

[smfnj]

BCV23, I understand. Many people, myself included don't follow all the boards every day, just not enough time. Heck, I've got 30 or 40 newsgroups I TRY to keep up on also. I was livid when I started reading this thread and posted before finishing reading the whole thread, and I'm sure some others may also.

You're right about EE, I don't go on vacation to get up at 6am, but many people do. It does bring a lot of people into one park each day which we avoid like the plague.

steve