NEW Dining Rules

[timC]

married@wdw. I'm sure you're right, that they already have access to reservation info.

I should I add a couple of additional comments to clarify.

WDWDINE is a high-volume call center. Dinsey's goal is to process this volume as efficiently as possible. Reservation checking is going to add time/cost. Takes additional time to process, and could cause potential queuing of calls waiting. To keep the processing time down, they'll have to integrate this check right into their PS workflow... That's new code.

MORE IMPORTANTLY: Regardless of whether DVC is included or not, how much extra time are we going to have to wait on hold, so CMs can check guests for 180day PS entitlement. Ugh...

 

[spiceycat]

the way it once was that the MS computer system was the stand alone - and CRO did not have access to the MS system. WHich is why at 60 days or less if you try to make a reservation at a DVC resort - MS has to call CRO to make sure that the room that MS would like to give you has not been already taken by CRO.

Lately MS has been trying to get DVC member to use WDW dinning instead of calling them - but if this policy goes into effective - either WDW dinning has to get access to MS - or MS will have to start making dinning reservations for all DVC members-like they use too (and still do if you ask).

So no at the present the MS computer system is only accessibly through MS.

I still remember the old days (that I miss) when you could call member services 6 months before for your dinning reservations - other WDW resorts got a 3 months - and the general public was 3 days? - oh those were the days..... No wait at first the general public could only make reservations when they were in the parks.

remember the long lines at the computer terminals....

one of the benefits of being a DVC member - of course I didn't appreciate it at the time

 

[inky dinky doo]

Originally posted by timC
Fingers X'd ... email howler standing by.

Howler, indeed, Tim! Too funny. If only we could, right?

I'm one of those who falls between the 90 and the 180. What is everyone else planning to do Monday? Call or not call and take a chance on missing out (if the time/place of the PS is important)?

Pat

 

[Terry S]

Pat, I am debating on that on too. My 90 days is here next Thursday for CRT, I really don't want to have to make that call on Monday unless I have to.

 

[OhhBother]

Here's the e-mail I sent.

Good afternoon.

I have been a member of Disney Vacation Club since 1996, and I regularly visit Walt Disney World. During our visits, my family eats exclusively at WDW restaurants.

I am hopeful the planned changes to the dining reservation system will recognize the financial commitment DVC members have made to the Disney organization. It will be unacceptable to me if individuals booking a one-time package to Disney receive the opportunity to make dining arrangements before I do.

Thanks for your attention to this matter. I am confident Disney will resolve this situation in a way that acknowledges the long-term support and commitment of the thousands of DVC members worldwide.

 

[nanajoyx2]

I am really confused by some of the statements some members are making. Why would members be able to make PS reservations for CRT 90 days ahead when all MK meals can only be reserved 60 days ahead? Or are they anticipating a change as of Monday? Do DVC members have a different timetable for PS reservations that I don't know about? I just go by the pscalculator that I found on the web. Any answers would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[HookdonWDW]

Nice e-mails! I'm really impressed with what people have sent out. Here is a copy of the e-mail I sent. I sent it to Guest Relations, and cc'd MS:

Dear Guest Services,

I am writing this letter looking for clarification as to what the new policy will be for dining reservations beginning on August 4, 2003. I, like many others, read several unofficial reports yesterday regarding what these changes would be. From what I garnered yesterday, the changes will be as follows:

1. Changes will be effective August 4, 2003
2. Changes will involve all PSings at restaurants, excluding dinner shows, Animator's Lunch, Victoria and Alberts, and Bistro de Paris.
3. Guests with confirmed reservations through WDTC will be able to book dining reservations at 180 days out.
4. All other guests will be able to book dining reservations at 90 days out.
5. 50% of dining space will be released at 180 days.
6. The remaining 50% of dining space will be released at 90 days.

My question is, exactly where do DVC members fall under these new policies? I am hoping that as guests who have made a substantial commitment to staying at Disney for the next 39 years, we are not being left out of the equation, and that we will be offered the opportunity to book dining reservations at 180 days out, and not lumped into a competition at 90 days out with those who have not committed to staying in Walt Disney World accomodations.

We have been all set to add on to our contract. With this new wrinkle though, we've decided to wait and see what the final changes end up being. If DVCers aren't included in the ability to book reservations further out, we won't be adding. We won't sell our membership, or stop going to WDW completely, but we will most likely be much more selective about where we spend our money once we arrive. Currently, we eat all of our meals on site. We've made trips just to experience the different eateries - not necessarily to ride the attractions. The excellent dining is also why we have Annual Passes. We like to be able to just go to a park to dine and then hang around our DVC resort for the day, experiencing the different recreational opportunities available at Walt Disney World. And of course, since we have annual passes, we choose to spend much more time at WDW than we otherwise would. Since we've averaged 5 trips/year for the past two years, and usually bring other family members/ friends to WDW with us, Disney will have less of our money in their pockets.

I understand that Disney is a business, and needs to have new marketing strategies to entice new customers, but I don't believe this needs to be done at the expense of some of your most loyal customers. I have always seen Disney as a company that sets the bar for other companies in customer service, guest relations and customer satisfaction. Hopefully, when the "final" word comes out on the changes, we'll find that Disney Dining has not forgotten those who have been loyal customers regardless of the tourism slump.

Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns.

Sincerely,

 

[mousecrazy]

The following was in the 7/29 AllEars Newsletter (wdwig.com ).

Our friend Scott from the PS Planning Guide (http://pscalculator.net/) writes with two very important pieces of Priority Seating information!

Also, there has been a significant change to the Priority Seating Policy! Beginning August 4, guests with a paid deposit on a Walt Disney Travel Company package may begin booking PS arrangements for most WDW dining locations 180 days in advance. All other guests must wait until 90 days prior to the desired date. The only exceptions to this policy will be specialized dining events, such as dinner shows, Lunch With a Disney Artist, Bistro de Paris, and Victoria & Albert's. A valid Walt Disney Travel Company package booking number (with paid deposit) will be required when calling for a Priority Seating for more than 90 days out.

Check out Scott's site pscalculator.net for a page dedicated to his thoughts on this subject.

 

[goldilocks_63]

to member services asking for 180 day PS.

and then called Member services to follow up, and was told:

We don't know anything.....

IMHO, They are being very blase.

They did say they have got several calls about it today from other members, but when I asked if they would pass on my verbal comments, was told no.

The MS said to send an email, and then at some point a response will be given probably thru the mail to all DVC members.

I get the feeling that whatever the policy is, they aren't interested in our votes, and don't know that we can do anything at this point to change it. I guess I would suggest that everyone please email you opinions, if you have any.

Goldi

 

[Luv2Dream]

I just got this e-mail from the pscalculator site and this statement was included in it: NEW INFO: Looks like anybody booked at a WDW Resort will be
able to call 180 days in advance. This is not fully confirmed
yet so stay tuned!!!!! So, this should cover the above groups
I just mentioned but again, this is not confirmed.

The groups he was referring to were AP holders, DVC owners, etc.
Let's hope he's correct

 

[Scottwdw]

Nope, I was wrong....here's my new updates...

The latest information (see my page at New PS Policy ) I have is not good news.

As always this could change (keep calling and emailing folks!):

Only those people with a WDTC package will be allowed to make the 180 day PS. Those booking through CRO do not qualify.

CRT WILL be included in this new policy.

The GF Kid's programs and Evening Care Facilities (like the Neverland Club) will be included in the new policy.

Being seasonal, the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package will NOT be included.

 

[lenshanem]

This is TOTALLY unacceptable!!! So let me get this right... Soemone books ONE trip through WDTC using a package and gets to make PSs way before me who now has a loan payment cause I decided to join DVC a couple months ago?!?

I am totally offended. If this is the case I won't be adding on like I've been planning. This needs to be corrected ASAP.

As soon as WDW puts out a final statment I will be emailing and calling back AGAIN!!!

 

[pharmlivin]

maybe I can't do much to change it if it is true but I can do a lot of other things like:

-Eat off-site more often

-Watch every penny I spend when I'm at WDW...When I'm tempted to spluge I'll remember how DVC members were treated and restrain myself.

-I'll stop "talking up" the benefits of DVC to co-workers, family friends. Might even start mentioning the disadvantages.

This might not seem like much but multiplied by 60,000 members such behavior could have an impact.

I love my DVC vacations but with a little restraint I could leave with $0.00 balance due at the end of my trip instead of the usual balance I tend to generate.

 

[ZachnElli]

I haven't said anything on this yet. Just watching quietly, but steaming! I just bought into DVC last freaking week and now I get put into the "offsite" group? What really stinks, is that CRO is going to be done away with at the end of this year, so everyone staying onsite will be considered a package through WDTC? Except of course DVC! And we'll be in with those staying offsite!? Ridiculous! I still have until next Tuesday to change my mind, think they'll mind sending back my $26,000?!

 

[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.

There is similar talk on 2 thread on the Restaurant Board too!

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

I am 14 and belive it or not became friends with the one of the vice presidents of WDW Operations. I called him 2 years ago to give feedback on how our family loved WDW and how we visit 20+ times. To make a long story short we were suppose to get together on my trip 2 years ago to WDW but he got sick and was unable to visit. So sent a nice gift to my hotel for me to have as apology. He told me if I ever have problems or concerns to call him... So I called hime today and acutally remembered me belive it or now and said mature and wise I sound now. LOL Here is the deal: Disney Dining doesnt know but they suspended using the policy, he said they got many mad guest calling and complaining. He also understands why us DVC members were very upset and felt like we were getting the shaft. Disney Dining will be notified soon he said but not now. I hope this helps people calm down a lot. The policy there in will stay the same. My mom said I shouldn't give his name out and of course not his number so he doesnt get a flood of calls. This information is real so dont just take it as a joke. I hope this helps calm people down
Matt


__________________

 

[Lisa F]

This from Deb Wills site:

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)

I'm glad I sent in my email, it does seem that the complaints are doing some good!
Lisa

 

[zulaya]

Donalds_best_pal, I might believe you if haven't quoted your same story word for word in every post you have about this issue. If you truly have a friend that is higher up, that's great, but time will tell.

Good to hear the news from Deb Wills' site too. You know she has good sources since I honestly can't think of anything she has forewarned readers of that hasn't come true. Let's hope this policy gets a revamp!

 

[erikthewise]

I really liked Terry S' letter and some of the others, but felt I had to write my own...

---------
I want to add my voice to the many others who are concerned about the nature of the upcoming changes to Priority Seating policies. Of course we don't have any official information yet, but the advance information is disturbing.

If the intention is to reward guests staying at Disney resorts with preferential PS treatment, that's fine. But the advance information does not make it clear whether DVC reservations and "room-only packages" will receive equal treatment.

If not, Annual Passholders, who have made a yearlong commitment, and DVC members, who have made a lifelong commitment, will receive second-class treatment, for which there is no justification. This would be analogous to a sports franchise giving its best seats to those who purchase tickets at the gate, while seating season ticket holders in the bleachers.

As a DVC member and an annual passholder, all I ask for is equal treatment with other WDW resort guests. I look forward to hearing that is what will happen.

 

[Patabel]

erikthewise.....great analogy!