New WDW dining reservation system creating a caste system?

[Disney Khi]

Initially I thought it was a totally unsubstantiated rumor until I saw a poster's email from the itinerary planning office at AKL. Here's the post: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32189470&postcount=77

Huh. That is really interesting. I had been all regarding this as just one of those Dis rumors until I read that e-mail. Although, if it is true, and that one supposed e-mail exchange still doesn't prove anything, I don't know how Disney would enforce it. Couldn't someone just not say that they are using the TIW card when they make ADR's in order to not be bumped from the restaurant? And then suppose they try to use the TIW card after not mentioning it in the ADR. Is the restaurant CM not going to honor the discount? That just seems like a Disney nightmare waiting to happen.

 

[dbmarie]

How long did it take you to get through?

I was on hold for over 2 hours.

 

[msteddom]

So does this mean that I will not be allowed to use my TIW card just because the CM booking my reservations neglected to ask me if I had one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Melissa

 

[Halloweenqueen]

I'm hoping the Podcast crew can shed some light on this topic.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Huh. That is really interesting. I had been all regarding this as just one of those Dis rumors until I read that e-mail. Although, if it is true, and that one supposed e-mail exchange still doesn't prove anything, I don't know how Disney would enforce it. Couldn't someone just not say that they are using the TIW card when they make ADR's in order to not be bumped from the restaurant? And then suppose they try to use the TIW card after not mentioning it in the ADR. Is the restaurant CM not going to honor the discount? That just seems like a Disney nightmare waiting to happen.

I don't understand this either. Just don't tell them you have a TIW card. And if somehow it shows in their system that you DO have the card, what happens if you say, "Well I really want the ADR, I won't use my TIW card." Can the CM over ride to give you the ADR? What will happen at the restaurant if you give them the card anyway? They are going to refuse it? And that is just one nightmare scenario...There are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO many potential problems with this system, IF it's true, it is literally mind boggling. I will be so unbelievably disappointed if Disney is doing this that it might actually be something that would make me think of vacation destination alternatives and that is really saying something for me to say that.

 

[katscradle]

I am also hoping that some light will be shed on this situation.
Hopefully before our next trip, in December.
I am beginning to think that the TIW card was Disney's way of
ripping us off.

 

[disneygirlinnj]

As of right now this is still all just a rumor. If it were in effect I'm pretty sure some sneaky CM would be able to tell us some definite answer.

I honestly think the rumor was all started by a guest that booked Pop for free dining (or some other low combo on the totem pole) who was mad they didn't get Ohana or Le Cellier, etc.

And FWIW, I totally think this is an OK thing to do. Like I posted in the other thread in the restaurant forum... people who pay more money at sporting events get better seats/better opportunity. Why shouldn't it be the same with Disney?

 

[gkrykewy]

well......im not much for unsubstantiated rumor....but....there really is no reason to call at 90+10 and have to fight for a spot to sit and take times you dont want which is what i had to do and i called right away on the first morning. i can remember thinking that it was not POSSIBLE for all of those times to be gone and for no availability at Sci-Fi and no Fantasmic dinner packages left within one hour of the window opening. i am afraid i am going to have to believe this one.

Remember that your 90+10 day isn't everyone else's -- lots of peoples vacations start in the days prior to yours, and so their 90+10 windows start earlier. If your trip starts in the middle of free dining, it's not surprising that you would run into this issue.

 

[lugnut33]

It's all coming to light now. This is just the first step in the news that came out about 2 years ago about Disney applying for a new type of fast pass system that assigned fast passes based on the category of resort you are staying at. If you were at a Deluxe resort you got unlimited fast passes (ala Front of the Line at Universal), or possibly even a special entrance for immediate seating.

It's a way for Disney to peel back all the discounts they are having ot give out to get people to come. By offering more incentives to people willing to pay more, they can raise the costs of the rooms, and what does it really cost them to allow Deluxe resort stayers unlimited fast passes? NOTHING!

 

[jrgutknecht]

I can see the logic behind this rumor from a certain point of view (thinking as a Disney bean counter) on the other hand, there is a loophole that makes me question the whole thing.

Assuming it's true, what's to prevent you from booking a reservation at a deluxe with no dining, no package and no discounts, just book rack rate and pay your one night deposit. Then at 90+10 call and make all your ADR's. Since you've booked rack rate at a Deluxe (assume it's the GF) then you should be in the highest "tier" to get available reservations. Once you've secured your reservations, change your reservation to another hotel and then even later you could call back and add dining. OR instead of adding a package, you show up and use the TIW card.

Unless TIW has terms that read "reservations must include TIW discount to apply" or something like that, there's no way they can make this work.

Something just doesn't add up here, so I still think (in spite of the concierge's e-mail) that this is just a rumor or mistake. All CM's make mistakes and mis-interpret the Disney systems at some point no matter how much they try to be perfect. Even concierge employees make mistakes. Case in point: when we booked our stay at the WL in May our parents had a deluxe room and the rest of us had regular woods view rooms. When my mother requested connecting or adjacent rooms, the concierge told her that that wasn't possible because she would be on the 7th floor and the rest of us would not be. I knew this was balony, but my mother said "That's what the concierge told me" Guess what?? The deluxe rooms are NOT all on the 7th floor and and we had connecting rooms on the third floor.

John

 

[dpic]

As of right now this is still all just a rumor. If it were in effect I'm pretty sure some sneaky CM would be able to tell us some definite answer.

I honestly think the rumor was all started by a guest that booked Pop for free dining (or some other low combo on the totem pole) who was mad they didn't get Ohana or Le Cellier, etc.

And FWIW, I totally think this is an OK thing to do. Like I posted in the other thread in the restaurant forum... people who pay more money at sporting events get better seats/better opportunity. Why shouldn't it be the same with Disney?

Bad analogy. People who pay more at sporting events get exactly what they pay for--better seats. Should people who pay for better seats also get to be first in line at concessions and restrooms? Should their hot dogs be all beef while everyone else gets chicken lips? We stay at either WL or AKL. The only perk I expect is a room at WL or AKL. I don't consider my position better than anyone staying at a mod or budget--my room is just a little bigger and more expensive.

 

[Michele]

I think we are beyond rumor here.

If you check out the link from NOM in post #1 there are 2 CM's saying this is true and the link from ead79 in post #20 gives the info straight from AKL concierge.

 

[FireDancer]

Bad analogy. People who pay more at sporting events get exactly what they pay for--better seats. Should people who pay for better seats also get to be first in line at concessions and restrooms? Should their hot dogs be all beef while everyone else gets chicken lips? We stay at either WL or AKL. The only perk I expect is a room at WL or AKL. I don't consider my position better than anyone staying at a mod or budget--my room is just a little bigger and more expensive.

The Cleveland Indians have a section of seats called club seating. For the price of the ticket you get service at your seat, you don't have to wait in line. The food is included in the price of the seat and is all you can eat. You also have choices like prime rib and custom made pizzas that the rest of the stadium doesn't have so for paying more you get a bunch of added perks.

When you pay for a first class ticket on an airline you not only get the nicer seat in the front of the plane but (depending on the airline) you get food that no one else gets. You get drinks that others pay extra for. You may even get your own steward/stewardess so you don't have to wait as long as the passangers in coach.

I have no problem with allowing those that are willing to pay extra get added perks. If anyone wants the earlier dinning they can upgrade to a resort that offers it. If you don't want to or can't afford to then don't.

Isn't this all speculation at this point anyways, seems a bit silly to worry about something that may or may not happen.

 

[lugnut33]

The Cleveland Indians have a section of seats called club seating. For the price of the ticket you get service at your seat, you don't have to wait in line. The food is included in the price of the seat and is all you can eat. You also have choices like prime rib and custom made pizzas that the rest of the stadium doesn't have so for paying more you get a bunch of added perks.

When you pay for a first class ticket on an airline you not only get the nicer seat in the front of the plane but (depending on the airline) you get food that no one else gets. You get drinks that others pay extra for. You may even get your own steward/stewardess so you don't have to wait as long as the passangers in coach.

I have no problem with allowing those that are willing to pay extra get added perks. If anyone wants the earlier dinning they can upgrade to a resort that offers it. If you don't want to or can't afford to then don't.

Isn't this all speculation at this point anyways, seems a bit silly to worry about something that may or may not happen.

I think the problem is having a different set of rules for rich people is not what Walt invisioned. He didn't say, "To all who come to this place, welcome, especially the rich. Disneyland is you land, and if you have money it's even more your land".

 

[NWOhioAngela]

i think the problem is having a different set of rules for rich people is not what walt invisioned. He didn't say, "to all who come to this place, welcome, especially the rich. Disneyland is you land, and if you have money it's even more your land".

exactly.

 

[FireDancer]

I think the problem is having a different set of rules for rich people is not what Walt invisioned. He didn't say, "To all who come to this place, welcome, especially the rich. Disneyland is you land, and if you have money it's even more your land".

True, that is why Walt made Club 33 so affordable.

I don't think tiered pricing is a different set of rules, it is one rule with tiered benefits depending on some criteria. Maybe it seems unfair but it is what it is.

I don't really think it will happen but if it does I don't find any problem with it.

 

[lugnut33]

True, that is why Walt made Club 33 so affordable.

I don't think tiered pricing is a different set of rules, it is one rule with tiered benefits depending on some criteria. Maybe it seems unfair but it is what it is.

I don't really think it will happen but if it does I don't find any problem with it.

At what point was Club 33 open to the public? Hasn't it always been a private club? I don't believe the status of that club has changed over time. Access to the Club was never taken away from the general public. That's a pretty big distinction.

 

[DrDeb]

i certainly hope the rumour is just that...a rumour-- what you are paying for in a deluxe resort [& i have stayed often] is a better room/view/convenient transportation /setting/& misc. ammenities
BUT this should never interfere with dining or ride 'preferential' treatment...if one wants VIP treatment in the parks...pay for a tour or a VIP experience-- again this should have nothing to do with ADR's [which are sometimes difficult even @ 7 am on 90+ 10...not complaining it seems to be the luck of the draw] wow i'll be watching for updates because we've switched [because we are 6] to mods or even values at times

 

[Becx N Gav]

RE the TiW - what happens if you are planning to purchase it when you arrive? We did this in Dec when we got our AP's, unless they asked they wouldn't know and I don't think they could say that the res. had to state TiW

 

[PrincessBelle39]

How would this work though if you fall under more than one category. For example, we are doing free dining. But we will also will purchase TIW when we arrive (we don't have it yet) But then we are staying CL. So are we considered CL which I would assume would be the highest category or free dining which would be the lowest?