New Reservations Cancellation Policy

[Cafeen]

I could write a lot more... (and have, three times, then deleted it all), but I'll just say that I'm absolutely not a fan. So much that my dining plan days, and my at least 1 sit down meal per day will likely be over.

Not that it matters to Disney at all, but it just means that my trips will no longer be as long or as costly...or maybe even at Disney.

 

[NYtoCelebration]

When I lived in New York and traveled to WDW, we always made dining reservations in advance. We typically dine signature, but also do TS in the parks. Now, I live here and I'm not really pre-planning Disney meals unless it's a special occasion.

So, looking at it from both perspectives, I am IN LOVE with this new policy. I can't tell you how many times I have tried to call in the afternoon to get a dinner reservation anywhere on property, only to be told everything is booked. I'll take my chances and drive over and half the restaurant will be empty. It's insane. And, coming from NY previously, booking 180 days out, sometimes not getting what I wanted because it was booked, and then arriving for my reservation only to find half the tables empty. It's wrong. And, something has to be done - for the guests who are trying to have a decent meal, and for Disney, who is seeing tables sitting empty.

First, you have lots of people who make reservations at resorts located next to parks (Poly, Cont, BC, YC, BW, etc.) so they can avoid the parking fee at the theme park and to get prime access to the parks. Then, they leave their cars there all day and take a table away from someone else who would want it.

Second, people play the odds - they don't know where they'll be, so they make multiple reservations.

This is not a hardship. We plan plane tickets, theatre tickets, hotel arrival dates - why should dining be any different? You need to be there or you forfeit. Period.

If a flight is delayed or a ride gets stuck, there should be some system in place (maybe going to guest services with your plane ticket and flight arrival time - or a pass from the castmember at the attraction) to get a credit. But, really, you're in the parks, get yourself to the restaurant or don't make a reservation. Would you make a doctor appointment and then say, "Well, I'd rather go to Target instead," or "Its a long walk in the rain to get to their office from my car, so I'll skip it?"

An appointment is an appointment. Don't be late for a very important date!!

The dollar amount is perfect - enough to make it hurt a little, but not so over the top that people are going to the poorhouse.

I really don't see the big deal. And, I personally think those who complain the most are the ones who are probably most flippant about their reservations in the first place.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I have kids. I have never not made it to an ADR. I make a reservation, I plan on being there. If for some reason, I can't make it last minute, then I would accept the penalty.

I really dislike the fact that some people with kids use their children as an excuse of why they can't do something or can't make it somewhere on time, like it should excuse them of all penalties. Their excuse is no more valid than anyone else's excuse of illness or what be it.

If you can't make it, then I think you should accept the penalty. It's a reservation. Maybe they will make exceptions if you call the day of. I think it's mostly the people that are double booking, and then simply don't cancel their second reservation they're trying to weed out, that simply just don't show.

I wouldn't mind if they shortened the window of cancellation to say maybe 6 hours before your ADR? At least it gives last minute searchers and day of people, the chance to eat there.

I've also never had to miss an ADR and I have two kids. We usually make 6-8 ADR's a trip. If my kids are being crabby or are having a meltdown I tell them to suck it up and get over themselves. Life doesn't revolve around them. We have an appointment we need to be at and they better behave accordingly. I've taken my kids since they were 2 and 3. I've never had an issue.

I completely understand medical issues though. That you can't get around and I know it happens. Luckily it hasn't happened to us.

This policy doesn't bother me, not because we "never" miss an ADR, but because we are vacationing differently now. I don't do the DDP anymore. I've decided this upcoming trip to do maybe 5 ADR's for our must do's and be spontaneous the other 5 days. CS, TS, eat around Epcot, etc. Most of our TS will be lunch before we take our midday break and leave our evenings open to go to DTD, park hop, pool time. My kids are older and last trip they were kind of upset at times with a few of our dinner ADR's because after a midday break they would rather be in the parks. They had no choice and we went to the ADR. They always had tons of fun and didn't regret the ADR but I know as they are getting older we need to vacation differently.

So it really isn't a big deal for me right now. It will actually benefit me on being more spontaneous.

I will be a bit peeved if someone is violently ill and we can't go to the ADR and get charged. But if one gets sick the other's can go to the ADR or at least half the party.

 

[AmyB2006]

I could write a lot more... (and have, three times, then deleted it all), but I'll just say that I'm absolutely not a fan. So much that my dining plan days, and my at least 1 sit down meal per day will likely be over.

Not that it matters to Disney at all, but it just means that my trips will no longer be as long or as costly...or maybe even at Disney.

I wish you wouldn't have deleted it. Because I honestly don't understand this mentality.

How can asking someone to actually keep an appointment/reservation that YOU made, be that much of an inconvenience to you, that you will no longer vacation at Disney?? I really don't understand it. Do you typically cancel the one reservation that you do make at the last minute?

 

[Nancyg56]

Years ago my DH and I booked some extras on our honeymoon, and we were told there would be no refunds. Period. We understood, but DH, whose legs had not seen the light of day in more years than I care to count thought he did nto need sunscreen in Aruba. 20 minutes later he looked like a lobster. We decided to take a walk down to the check in desk and ask if we could reschedule. One look at him and they had no problem making an exception. You see, we would have just accepted that our money was gone because we knew that going in, but it did not hurt to ask.

I look at the WDW ADR policy this way as well. I know what the policy is and I accept it when I make that ADR. In the event that something beyond our control is responsible for me missing my ADR or not allowing me to cancel in the timeframe allowed, I will have no problem discussing that to see if something can be done. If it is not possible, I have already determined that is the chance I took when I made the ADR. We don't generally cancel ADR's but I do remember one time when my DGD was exhausted and instead of remaining in EPCOT we decided to take her back to the resort. I called and canceled CR about 6 hours prior to our ADR and scheduled one at our resort instead. I know that she is older now, but considering the new policy, I think we probably would not have changed our plans that morning, when we had planned on a later arrival at EPCOT.

We also are thinking of more CS options as well, but not because of the policy, but because as my DGD is older, we are more spontaneous and don't need the structure that dinner plans ensure. When my DGD was younger, keeping a plan was important and we used the ADR's we made as [art of the foundation of that plan. I wonder if some of the tired kid things we are hearing about might have to do with trying to stray too far from normal routine. I have read about 9PM ADR's at 'Ohana because that was all that was left, and early CP in order to gain early entry into MK, but this is after a lat night the evening before. There is something about WDW that sometimes presses parents to push the parameters of what their family can handle.

 

[Colleen27]

I wish you wouldn't have deleted it. Because I honestly don't understand this mentality.

How can asking someone to actually keep an appointment/reservation that YOU made, be that much of an inconvenience to you, that you will no longer vacation at Disney?? I really don't understand it. Do you typically cancel the one reservation that you do make at the last minute?

The problem is two-fold: First, there's the need to make all those appointments/reservations in the first place (which is now also expanding to headliner rides). My concept of a great vacation doesn't involve a ton of counter service, nor does it involve the need to set reminders on my phone for every scheduled ride time and meal.

And now, in addition to all those appointment times to keep, the ones for meals have no flexibility to change or roll with whatever might happen during the day, no ability to say "Sure, honey, if you want to see the castle today we'll go to the Magic Kingdom instead of Epcot" or "You're right, it is really hot. Let's head back to the resort for a swim". It doesn't happen often, but I like having that option. We now have to choose - do we want to be able to relax on vacation even though it means settling for counter service, or do we want to coordinate our travel plans around a rigid appointment schedule in order to enjoy decent meals?

 

[disney1990]

To me this is no different that purchasing tickets to a show. You buy tickets for something like Disney on Ice, somebody gets sick at the last minute, and you can't go. You are out a lot more than $10 per person.

 

[Nancyg56]

The problem is two-fold: First, there's the need to make all those appointments/reservations in the first place (which is now also expanding to headliner rides). My concept of a great vacation doesn't involve a ton of counter service, nor does it involve the need to set reminders on my phone for every scheduled ride time and meal.

My DDIL and DS are going on a cruise in November. They have recently been given the option of making all of their dining reservations in advance. So far, there is no cancellation policy because this is the first time their cruise line is offering this option. I have to wonder if there are going to be more destinations that will encourage guests to make as many advance plans as possible. For those people who are comfortable with this kind of structure, I think this is a welcomed addition. For those folks who do not want to make plans in advance, they need to be able to roll with it when they arrive. I don't know how this will affect people or how they vacation, but I think that we may see more of this in the future. My DDIL was on the phone as soon as her window opened, but this was a new way of planning for her. When they joined us on vacation, I had always taken care of the dining.

 

[KimmiP]

When I lived in New York and traveled to WDW, we always made dining reservations in advance. We typically dine signature, but also do TS in the parks. Now, I live here and I'm not really pre-planning Disney meals unless it's a special occasion.

So, looking at it from both perspectives, I am IN LOVE with this new policy. I can't tell you how many times I have tried to call in the afternoon to get a dinner reservation anywhere on property, only to be told everything is booked. I'll take my chances and drive over and half the restaurant will be empty. It's insane. And, coming from NY previously, booking 180 days out, sometimes not getting what I wanted because it was booked, and then arriving for my reservation only to find half the tables empty. It's wrong. And, something has to be done - for the guests who are trying to have a decent meal, and for Disney, who is seeing tables sitting empty.

First, you have lots of people who make reservations at resorts located next to parks (Poly, Cont, BC, YC, BW, etc.) so they can avoid the parking fee at the theme park and to get prime access to the parks. Then, they leave their cars there all day and take a table away from someone else who would want it.

Second, people play the odds - they don't know where they'll be, so they make multiple reservations.

This is not a hardship. We plan plane tickets, theatre tickets, hotel arrival dates - why should dining be any different? You need to be there or you forfeit. Period.

If a flight is delayed or a ride gets stuck, there should be some system in place (maybe going to guest services with your plane ticket and flight arrival time - or a pass from the castmember at the attraction) to get a credit. But, really, you're in the parks, get yourself to the restaurant or don't make a reservation. Would you make a doctor appointment and then say, "Well, I'd rather go to Target instead," or "Its a long walk in the rain to get to their office from my car, so I'll skip it?"

An appointment is an appointment. Don't be late for a very important date!!

The dollar amount is perfect - enough to make it hurt a little, but not so over the top that people are going to the poorhouse.

I really don't see the big deal. And, I personally think those who complain the most are the ones who are probably most flippant about their reservations in the first place.

Amen! When I called to tell my DH about the new policy his only word was "Sweet!". See we both know exactly how it gets abused. People make multiple ressies at multiple parks cuz they have no idea where they will be that day (which in a way is silly because now you have to plan your FP+ ahead of time too so you pretty much know where you are). Hey here's a thought, if you want spontinaity don't make a ADR! Plan your must-haves and wing the rest. It's completely frustrating to be locked out of a reservation on the 180 mark by people who are holding it "just in case".

FYI for people saying there is no empty tables. My daugther's dance studio went in 2012 June 28-July 2. Busy time to be sure. No ADR. Twenty people got into 50 PTC for dinner with a couple hours notice and 6 when to Sci-Fi at the same time no ADR. I am sure if someone would have tried online it would have shown as completely booked. So yeah, this probably has been a problem for a while.

The only thing that gets me is people in general (not you lovely people here ) complaining when there are problems, then when Disney fixes it, complains about that too. Nothing is perfect in this world, and as I tell my DD, when you try and make everyone happy, you make no one happy...including yourself. So do the best you can and let the chips fall where they may.

Ok now everyone...group hug!

 

[clanmcculloch]

And this is the key. I wouldn't even worry if you're not typically one of the people that are no shows. I mean I get that kids get sick. I have two of them myself. But some of the "what if" scenarios here make me giggle. My DS came down with a respiratory infection and had to have breathing treatments and antibiotics on the first day of our Disney cruise. I didn't make it to dinner the first 4 nights of the cruise because I was in the room with him. It happens. I didn't ask the cruise line for a refund of part of my money cause I couldn't make it.

This isn't an apples to apples comparison. You weren't charged an additional penalty for not going to dinner. This is the same as somebody using the dining plan missing a meal and wasting the credit. You paid for all of your meals to be included in your cruise and didn't get to eat that meal just like somebody with the dining plan who doesn't get to eat all of the meals they paid for. How would you feel if you were charged an additional fee on top of what you've paid for your cruise? For people using a dining plan that's exactly what's going to happen in this type of situation unless the fee gets waived for the illness (I'm sure it'll be waved some of the time but no guarantee).

 

[lemonpan]

I haven't had time to read through the entire thread. So please forgive me if this is question has already been answered.

How does this affect day-of reservation changes? Let's say, you have a reservation at Sanaa decide to change it to Kouzzina because a table opened up. If you call the 800-number (or use the app, etc), will they allow you to switch restaurants without the penalty?

Because I see language around cancelations/no-shows but not changes.

Thanks!

 

[mrsclark]

I haven't had time to read through the entire thread. So please forgive me if this is question has already been answered.

How does this affect day-of reservation changes? Let's say, you have a reservation at Sanaa decide to change it to Kouzzina because a table opened up. If you call the 800-number (or use the app, etc), will they allow you to switch restaurants without the penalty?

Because I see language around cancelations/no-shows but not changes.

Thanks!

The system will not see it as changing a reservation. It will see it as canceling the old one and booking a new one. So, yes, the penalty would apply in that case.

 

[lemonpan]

The system will not see it as changing a reservation. It will see it as canceling the old one and booking a new one. So, yes, the penalty would apply in that case.

Got it. Thanks! As someone who's never double booked, this part is a wee bit of a bummer for me. It's just the hubs and I on these trips. Usually once during the vacation we'll say, "Hmm, instead of X let's see if Y has tables that opened up."

We always make the change---several hours out--and exchange one Disney restaurant for another. (So we aren't leaving "campus", if you will.) So while I understand the new policy, I hope that in time they allow for an apples-to-apples change day-of without penalty.

 

[Crystal824]

.

 

[Crystal824]

Got it. Thanks! As someone who's never double booked, this part is a wee bit of a bummer for me. It's just the hubs and I on these trips. Usually once during the vacation we'll say, "Hmm, instead of X let's see if Y has tables that opened up."

We always make the change---several hours out--and exchange one Disney restaurant for another. (So we aren't leaving "campus", if you will.) So while I understand the new policy, I hope that in time they allow for an apples-to-apples change day-of without penalty.

Yeah, we have done that a few times before too.....got tired and decided to go back to the resort instead of stay in the park. I guess that won't be happening in the future. Still, I'm ok with it if it means I will be able to actually get reservations for some of the restaurants we want.
__________________

 

[quandrea]

I have actively avoided those restaurants since having my son knowing anything could happen with him preventing me from making the ADR.

So I guess now I have to avoid all ADRs and pray for walk-ups. This blows.

I agree. We often change our plans based on mood, weather, energy level. These changes are made last minute. I don't appreciate having to lock in six months in advance and then have to cancel as much as 24 hours in advance. We travel to wdw frequently. When one visits frequently the trips change. They are less regimented. I have less invested in an ADR because I know I'll be back. They are removing all flexibility. Disney will ultimately get less of my dining dollars. We will do cs or eat in the villa

 

[quandrea]

I've also never had to miss an ADR and I have two kids. We usually make 6-8 ADR's a trip. If my kids are being crabby or are having a meltdown I tell them to suck it up and get over themselves. Life doesn't revolve around them. We have an appointment we need to be at and they better behave accordingly. I've taken my kids since they were 2 and 3. I've never had an issue.

I completely understand medical issues though. That you can't get around and I know it happens. Luckily it hasn't happened to us.

This policy doesn't bother me, not because we "never" miss an ADR, but because we are vacationing differently now. I don't do the DDP anymore. I've decided this upcoming trip to do maybe 5 ADR's for our must do's and be spontaneous the other 5 days. CS, TS, eat around Epcot, etc. Most of our TS will be lunch before we take our midday break and leave our evenings open to go to DTD, park hop, pool time. My kids are older and last trip they were kind of upset at times with a few of our dinner ADR's because after a midday break they would rather be in the parks. They had no choice and we went to the ADR. They always had tons of fun and didn't regret the ADR but I know as they are getting older we need to vacation differently.

So it really isn't a big deal for me right now. It will actually benefit me on being more spontaneous.

I will be a bit peeved if someone is violently ill and we can't go to the ADR and get charged. But if one gets sick the other's can go to the ADR or at least half the party.

To me having to tell my kid to suck it up in order to head to an expensive meal we don't really want at that moment isn't my idea of a fun holiday. Dr's appts, family holiday dinners, school appts--these things need to be sucked up. Dinner on vacation. Not so much. Disney is turning vacation time into a regimented proposition. In my daily life I have to be places at an appointed time. On holiday I'd like the freedom to cancel. At the last minute if need be.

The problem is two-fold: First, there's the need to make all those appointments/reservations in the first place (which is now also expanding to headliner rides). My concept of a great vacation doesn't involve a ton of counter service, nor does it involve the need to set reminders on my phone for every scheduled ride time and meal.

And now, in addition to all those appointment times to keep, the ones for meals have no flexibility to change or roll with whatever might happen during the day, no ability to say "Sure, honey, if you want to see the castle today we'll go to the Magic Kingdom instead of Epcot" or "You're right, it is really hot. Let's head back to the resort for a swim". It doesn't happen often, but I like having that option. We now have to choose - do we want to be able to relax on vacation even though it means settling for counter service, or do we want to coordinate our travel plans around a rigid appointment schedule in order to enjoy decent meals?

Agreed. Agreed. Agreed.

 

[xipotec]

The problem is two-fold: First, there's the need to make all those appointments/reservations in the first place (which is now also expanding to headliner rides). My concept of a great vacation doesn't involve a ton of counter service, nor does it involve the need to set reminders on my phone for every scheduled ride time and meal.

And now, in addition to all those appointment times to keep, the ones for meals have no flexibility to change or roll with whatever might happen during the day, no ability to say "Sure, honey, if you want to see the castle today we'll go to the Magic Kingdom instead of Epcot" or "You're right, it is really hot. Let's head back to the resort for a swim". It doesn't happen often, but I like having that option. We now have to choose - do we want to be able to relax on vacation even though it means settling for counter service, or do we want to coordinate our travel plans around a rigid appointment schedule in order to enjoy decent meals?

Ding ding ding!! Winner!
This is why I think its a bad idea.

I am also calling bubkiss on anyone who thinks this will make people not book multiple ADR's is kidding themselves.

One can still make all the ADR's they want and still cancel the. 2-3 days before the time. Not a big deal. So basically it might help improve last minute ressies, but it will do nothing to help those waiting till a week before who are trying to snag BOG or R&C for Illuminations. Its mainly going to hurt those not in the know and those whos plans have changed at the last minute for that day.

Its a money grab, and it may backfire on Disney with angry diners and people unwilling to be punished for "life" happening.

 

[xipotec]

People make multiple ressies at multiple parks cuz they have no idea where they will be that day (which in a way is silly because now you have to plan your FP+ ahead of time too so you pretty much know where you are). Hey here's a thought, if you want spontinaity don't make a ADR! Plan your must-haves and wing the rest. It's completely frustrating to be locked out of a reservation on the 180 mark by people who are holding it "just in case".

FYI for people saying there is no empty tables. My daugther's dance studio went in 2012 June 28-July 2. Busy time to be sure. No ADR. Twenty people got into 50 PTC for dinner with a couple hours notice and 6 when to Sci-Fi at the same time no ADR. I am sure if someone would have tried online it would have shown as completely booked. So yeah, this probably has been a problem for a while.

Actually you cannot do this anymore. The system will not allow overlapping ADR's anymore.

Now if the asked for a CC to ensure you were not using multiple profiles, thats one thing. But to use it as a penalty for not canceling a full day before is another . There are so many ways they could have done this in a better more customer friendly way if it was just about ADR overbooking.

 

[ladyknight1]

I am so very glad that Disney has changed their policy. As locals, it will be much easier to find reservations within a month than it has been.