NEW Dining Rules

[pgjam]

I hope this will be cleared up soon. Family members just returned from WDW & went to the Tuesday member day & had a great time. She spoke to a CM about various concerns - he said that the only way Disney will listen to us is if we voice our concerns in large numbers. She is even considering going down to Disney for the Annual meeting to let her voice be heard. I hope DVCer's are given the same consideration as a package holder. We always go to Chef Mickey's because my DS has special needs & cannot wait in the character lines - gets too anxious. Chef Mickey's is an opportunity for him to interact w/the characters w/o the lines. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Do you think it is better to e-mail now before official word comes out & give Disney an opportunity to change their mind before they put out information, get deluged & then have to change a policy?
pgjam

 

[Lisa F]

I don't think any of these emails to MS are alarmist. In fact, I think they are a good idea. If we just quietly sit by and let things happen, we are much more likely to get the shaft... but if Disney hears the displeasure, at least they have a chance to do something about it, even before the official announcement is made. They can come out looking really good in this whole thing by saying "of course it was NEVER our intention to alienate our most valued customers" and include DVC in the 180 day priority... but IF they weren't intending to do that in the first place and IF nobody says anything to them then they can go on blissfully believing that this is a good move. I wouldn't be surprised if Disney allows stuff to "leak" so they can gauge public reaction to it before making the official announcement so that they can modify the official announcement if need be.

I, too, sent email, though I am not expecting a personal response to it (and would not be disappointed to not get one). I just want to be part of the "count" when they figure out whether it is worth it to include DVC in the 180 day priority.

Lisa

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by erikthewise
I hope you are right, Doc!
But my impression is that the whole point of this change is to encourage the use of UHP-inclusive packages, and that only such packages will receive the 180-day window. If so, your interpretation seems unlikely to hold up. Just speculation of course.

WDTC also offers "room only" packages without any passes included. Instead of "Dreammaker" plan these are called "Basic" plan. That's part of the problem with incomplete or incorrect internet rumor- they often allow/force readers to jump to a conclusion regarding what is really intended rather than waiting until the new program is released and explained.

The first rumor about this I heard was a few days ago and stated that 180 days was for only packages and 90 days was for room only reservations- no mention of off-site guests. The same person who provided that rumor corrected it yesterday stating the 180 days was for ANY confirmed reservation with paid deposit- 90 days was for off-site guests. Thus the reason for my interpretation of "paid" deposit including DVC reservations.

Since Disney has released no information about this- all printed versions to date are truly based on someone's understanding of the situation as described over the phone- thus the conflicting information.

I'll still choose to wait until Monday to pass judgement on how this will affect DVC members- unless DVC makes an announcement prior to that time.

Stay Tuned!

 

[lenshanem]

I, too think this might be jumping to conclusions, but I think I'll go ahead and send MS a short and sweet email asking them to please include DVC in the 180 policy. I won't send an upset letter until I hear it is official. Then I'll freak out! LOL

 

[beattyfamily]

So how many DVCers are between the 90 days and 180 days and wondering whether to call Monday and try for PS for CRT and Fantasmic package and Chef Mickey's and whatever??

I'm at 121 days from my trip right now and I was going to call Saturday for Chef Mickey's and next Tuesday, August 5 for Storybook Princess as that would be the 120 day mark...but IF we fall into the 90 day policy, then I cannot call on Tuesday but have to wait now until September.

I'm SO confused as I'm sure many others are....what are you all going to do come Monday for PSings past 90 days?

 

[Terry S]

I am hoping DOC is right and I have a feeling if it is changed they are going to tell us that it was planned that way all along.

I don't think it hurts to write an E-mail letting the powers that be know we heard rumors of this policy and hope that it includes DVC members. I also think that the E-mail should not only go to MS though, it should go to WDW Guest Communications as well.

 

[Certifiable WDW Nut]

Originally posted by Lisa F
I don't think any of these emails to MS are alarmist. In fact, I think they are a good idea. If we just quietly sit by and let things happen, we are much more likely to get the shaft... but if Disney hears the displeasure, at least they have a chance to do something about it, even before the official announcement is made. They can come out looking really good in this whole thing by saying "of course it was NEVER our intention to alienate our most valued customers" and include DVC in the 180 day priority... but IF they weren't intending to do that in the first place and IF nobody says anything to them then they can go on blissfully believing that this is a good move. I wouldn't be surprised if Disney allows stuff to "leak" so they can gauge public reaction to it before making the official announcement so that they can modify the official announcement if need be.

Lisa, I agree wholeheartedly, which is why I sent my note. I think it is much easier for Disney to make adjustments to a policy BEFORE it is released, then after. We are giving them a chance to fix something without looking as stupid as they would if they released it and then had to modify it because "they didn't think about it"

I personally believe that sitting and waiting on this one is a really bad idea.

 

[Terry S]

Here is the letter I sent:

I am writing to you in regards to the changes in Dining Priority Seating Rules. My understanding is that this new policy states that people who book a package through the Walt Disney Travel Company can make a Priority Seating 180 days in advance and everyone else has to wait until 90 days out.

I do like the idea that those people who have made a commitment to Walt Disney World to stay on site will be getting a bit of preferential treatment. I just have a question as to weather or not you may have left out one of your most loyal customers? Those who are members of the Disney Vacation Club. I am a member of the Disney Vacation Club at the Beach Club Villas, I have made a huge commitment to Walt Disney World and am hoping that we have not been forgotten.

We make our reservations for our accommodations 11 months in advance and we call to make our reservations for each and every priority seating at the 120 day or 60 day mark (whichever applies) at exactly 7:00 AM. As a matter of fact I have all my 120 day reservations made for my October trip and plan on calling for Cinderella's Royal Table and Crystal Palace next week. I am hoping that for our next trip in May that I will be able to make all our Priority Seatings at 180 days. I already have our accommodations booked for four 2 bedroom Villas at the Beach Club Villas.

Thank you for taking the time to listen and please let me know that you have not forgotten about one of your most loyal customers, the members of the Disney Vacation Club.

 

[zulaya]

My November trip is about 110 days away . I can tell you that I am calling on August 4th to see if I can get into Cindy's for my DD birthday. So I'll have firsthand knowledge what applies to this 180/90 rule. And I fully anticipate being on hold for a VERY long time but I am going to find out what's going on since the powers that be can't seem to see fit to release the official policy ahead of time so we know what to do.

 

[trampslady]

Okay, what are the e-mail addresses? I do believe strongly that if we are going to "fuss" about it here, we might as well be sure that those that need to know at Disney are aware of the negative impact this policy will have if DVCer's are excluded.

 

[Patabel]

While I certainly hope Doc is right - IMHO I think expressing our concerns "before the horse gets out of the barn" is the better way. A company always looks for ways of being proactive, than having to be reactive...especially to possible outrage!

My e-mail to MS went out this morning. Got the standard reply.....but won't hold my breathe for a better reply. Methinks it will take awhile.

 

[HookdonWDW]

Originally posted by trampslady
Okay, what are the e-mail addresses?

WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com <WDW.Guest.Communications@disneyworld.com>

members@disneyvacationclub.com <members@disneyvacationclub.com>

 

[natcam1996]

Just sent this to MS:



I just wanted to bring to your attention a rumor circulating among a number of websites frequented by avid customers of WDW resorts and restaurants. The rumor has changed a bit over the last few days, but the constant seems to be an indication that some guests going to WDW will be able to make priority seating dining reservations at onsite restaurants at 180 days prior to the date of the meal. The point of my message is to express my hope that all DVC members who are staying at one of the onsite DVC resorts on points would be able to take advantage of this policy. We are among the most loyal and committed of your customers as evidenced by the long term financial commitment we have made through DVC. During each trip to WDW my family spends hundreds of dollars dining in onsite restaurants, another indictor of the great service and products you provide for us. We believe that including DVC members in this new policy would be another demonstration of commitment by your company and another great service to DVC members.

Had to do it quickly because I didn't have much time.

 

[gtrist4life]

I just sent my version of Terry S's email (Thanks for a great letter, Terry ) to both DVC Member Services and WDW Guest Relations.

We don't usually book PS's with the tight windows, but we may in the future (38 years is a long time!) and if we can influence a decision in our favor, I'm for it.


Peace
G4L

 

[timC]

When the CM takes your priority seating request, he/she will have to validate your entitlement to 180 day booking. That takes programming. If we're days away from the announcement, I'm afraid the programming has already been coded and tested. And, I'm sure CM supervisors have already been briefed on how the new PS processes will work.

At this point, if DVC bookings have been made available to the PS reservation system then we're in. If not, we'll have plenty of time to complain, because it'll take weeks or months to add DVC to the program.

Fingers X'd ... email howler standing by.

 

[Jen D]

I have to say Doc's "version" of the rumor makes more sense-- it basically rewards people who (a) stay on site, and (b) make their reservations far in advance-- which obviously Disney would like more advance bookings. The idea of tying it to packages hardly make sense-- penalizing AP holders and DVC members who CAN'T buy packages but obviously are locked in as loyal, money-spending customers-- just defies reason.

It is smart to flood them with e-mails before the policy comes out. It gives them time to fix it while saving face (claiming the policy we heard about was just a rumor, would never have taken place.) Deb Wills usually has a pretty good inside track on what is going on, so something is surely brewing there. Hopefully they will get their story straight by Monday.

 

[zulaya]

timC - you may be right. However, I think there may be time for them to pull the plug on this before it "goes live" on August 4 if enough of a stink is raised - and I think people are up in arms about it. I just don't know if less than a week before hand it will make a difference.

There's also been the speculation that this info was "leaked" to see how the public would react to it. That may be where the phrase "this policy is subject to change" comes in.

I still plan on calling on Monday to see if I can make CRT ressies for November 16. At that point, I will be 102 days out. I assure you, that my results will be posted here and on the Restaurants Board.

 

[sgtpet]

Doc makes an excellent argument but I would still recommend everybody to send the e-mails and voice your concerns. I think the e-mails posted here have been quite appropriate.

Let's hope that Doc is right and that we aren't treated like 2nd class citizens at WDW.

Who has made a greater commitment to that place than us?

 

[married@wdw]

Originally posted by timC
When the CM takes your priority seating request, he/she will have to validate your entitlement to 180 day booking. That takes programming. If we're days away from the announcement, I'm afraid the programming has already been coded and tested. And, I'm sure CM supervisors have already been briefed on how the new PS processes will work.

At this point, if DVC bookings have been made available to the PS reservation system then we're in. If not, we'll have plenty of time to complain, because it'll take weeks or months to add DVC to the program.

Fingers X'd ... email howler standing by.

Not sure about this -- I believe WDW-DINE CMs already have access to CRO reservations and can search it with a confirmation number. Earlier this year I called while driving to work to make a PS and had a brain freeze on the date I needed it (wasn't at 90 days or anything, just trying to get some planning done while I was sitting in traffic). The girl I talked to looked up my reservation and then checked a calendar for me. So I don't think this would really be a complicated new process. Might actually save some time because they wouldn't have to ask "are you staying on site" and "what's you phone number."

My DH and I already have Saturday morning breakfast set aside to go over plans for our January trip -- we'd been procrastinating a bit becuse we were having trouble deciding. I'll be calling first thing Monday morning!

Oh yeah, and I sent an e-mail to MS too, just in case!

 

[erikthewise]

Further thoughts...

IF the rumors are true that state that CRO is being phased out and all (cash) reservations will eventually be through WDTC,

AND IF it is true that all WDTC packages including room-only packages will be eiligible for 180 day PS's,

THEN it may be that this change is seen by its originators (for whom the CRO phase-out is a done deal) as saying nothing more than "on-site guests get PS priority".

In this case it would be reasonable to expect that DVC reservations will sooner or later be included. Not that we shouldn't be squeaky wheels until this is cleared up.

The point made about programming is a good one. Unless the WDW-DINE CMs can see on their screen that you have a DVC reservation covering the date of your PS, or you can give a reservation number that they can accept, all the good intentions in the world won't get us equal treatment.

Of the roughly 23,000 onsite rooms at WDW (I am including Swan/Dolphin but not Pop Century), roughly 1500 are at DVC resorts, about 6.5% of the total. DVC resorts have higher occupancy rates than non-DVC, but some DVC resort reservations are by nonmembers. So at any given time, 5%-10% of onsite guests are DVC members.