New WDW Dining Reservations Policy

[tiggerdad]

I agree with this policy 100%. I have literally heard people say that they would make multiple (10 or more) reservations for a day simply because they didn't know where they would be on a particular day. Completely rude and hopefully this new policy will help to gain some control back.

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[MrsHurd]

I think it is a good policy to have in place because you do have people who don't show up. I had honestly never even thought of making multiple reservations just because I didn't know where I was going to be, I am a planner, so I plan what parks for what day and what restaurants. But it is nice to know that maybe now you can do a walk up now and then. Also, it would be nice if you don't have to wait at some places for your reservation, although most of the time we get in close to on time.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I agree with this policy 100%. I have literally heard people say that they would make multiple (10 or more) reservations for a day simply because they didn't know where they would be on a particular day. Completely rude and hopefully this new policy will help to gain some control back.

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I have also seen a number of posts from people that made multiple reservations and bragged about it.

Some people just don't have any regard for others. I guess its part of the *ME ME* group!

I see this as a great improvement , especially if Disney continues the policy they had shown up to now of being willing to wave the cancelation fee if someone has a good reason.

AKK

 

[PEC]

My belief is this is not a perfect system but will likely be the best option available. Yes it could lead to a cut of staff but at the same time if lots of Walk-Ups start they will after a while figure this out and staff accordingly. The problem now, is they overstaff based on reservations and too many individuals do not show. That is extra expenses that are made up elsewhere (many have noted quality of food and this could be a reason). Just judging by the different posts reference this on this site. I think individuals were booking multiple restaurants and would go to the one convenient for them. That was not what the system was designed for and once again abuse of a system causes such steps as Disney just took.

 

[tjkraz]

I think this is a ridiculous policy. I never make more than one reservation, but we did choose to cancel a few reservations the same day this past trip. The second week of our trip it poured and poured. Twice we decided to leave the park early because we did what we could in the rain and wanted to dry out - plus the kids were not feeling well. With this policy we would have to either stick it out soaking wet at the park or pay a huge fee.

Yet there are other park guests to likely missed out on a chance to dine at that restaurant because all of the ADRs were taken.

Neither approach is perfect. But personally, I favor one which gives people a reason to keep the commitment they've made. Secondary benefit of this should be increased availability on short notice. Fewer people will commit to ADRs six months in advance and there will be more cancellations leading up to any given day.

Exactly. And how about if your table is not ready and you have to stand outside in the pouring rain waiting for it, they pay you $10.00 a person. If they are going to charge you $10 per person for canceling, the time should be guaranteed. If you have to wait around for a couple of hours in the pouring rain to stay in the park for your reservation because it is too late to cancel, then you shouldn't have to wait around any longer.

Take a step back and consider the cause-and-effect. What actions lead to people being seated late?

Overbooking? If so, Disney won't be able to do that anymore since no-shows will be practically nonexistent. So this is no longer an issue.

Late arrivals? When a guest arrives 10 minutes late for an ADR, chances are they're bumping the person scheduled to arrive after them. Doesn't matter the reason--stuck on attraction or in a line, late bus, weather, etc. If Disney seats someone 10 minutes late, the next party earmarked for that table will be seated late. With that said, should Disney refuse to seat late arrivals?

"Sorry, you were supposed to be here 10 minutes ago. Regardless of the circumstances, we can no longer accommodate your party. The $10 no-show fee will be charged to your credit card."

What about parties who stay longer than the norm? Let's say Disney allots 60 minutes for a typical meal. One group stays 75 minutes, making the group behind them late. Should managers start asking people to leave after a certain amount of time?

I don't see any of those approaches as improving the system.

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

I agree with the charge but if you are making me guarantee that i will be there or you are going to charge me then yes you better guarantee that i will be seated within a reasonable time of my reservation. Since Disney policy is that they will only hold a reservation for 15 minutes, then I better be seated within 15 minutes of my reservation. If you as a business are unable to accomodate this, then get out of the business.

I expect it from any other restaurant and I expect it from Disney.

 

[maxiesmom]

I agree with the charge but if you are making me guarantee that i will be there or you are going to charge me then yes you better guarantee that i will be seated within a reasonable time of my reservation. Since Disney policy is that they will only hold a reservation for 15 minutes, then I better be seated within 15 minutes of my reservation. If you as a business are unable to accomodate this, then get out of the business.

I expect it from any other restaurant and I expect it from Disney.

That would be true IF an ADR guaranteed you an exact time. It does not. It guarantees you the next table available after that time for your party size. Disney tried to clarify things when they went from calling it Priority Seating to Advance Dining Reservation. It didn't work.

Wanting it to be a reservation for a specific time does not make it so.

 

[Goofy4WDW1964]

That would be true IF an ADR guaranteed you an exact time. It does not. It guarantees you the next table available after that time for your party size. Disney tried to clarify things when they went from calling it Priority Seating to Advance Dining Reservation. It didn't work.

Wanting it to be a reservation for a specific time does not make it so.

Like I said, you want a guarantee from me, you better be giving me one. If you can't, you shouldn't be in the business and you won't be getting mine. You know how many seats you have, you know how many reservations you have, you have an idea of length of stay for guests. Put in a little effort if you want my business. If Disney can't do it, i will eat off site at places that do. I am fine with that. Like I said, I agree with the charge, but it better be for the benefit of the guest, not Disney.

 

[maxiesmom]

Like I said, you want a guarantee from me, you better be giving me one. If you can't, you shouldn't be in the business and you won't be getting mine. You know how many seats you have, you know how many reservations you have, you have an idea of length of stay for guests. Put in a little effort if you want my business. If Disney can't do it, i will eat off site at places that do. I am fine with that. Like I said, I agree with the charge, but it better be for the benefit of the guest, not Disney.

Well they don't guarantee you a set time. So you do have to decide if you want to eat at a Disney restaurant or not.

I also think having the fee is a huge benefit. It is so much easier to book ADRs now than it was before. You don't have to call right at 180 days out to get CRT or Le Ceiller. And I love it! But I'm someone who actually e-mailed Disney when they first rolled out the program on a limited basis and thanked them for it. Got a nice phone call back too.

 

[OurBigTrip]

We'll see...definitely a downside here...potentially

I see a definite downside for people that make ADRs and then don't cancel and don't show up. Otherwise, I don't see a downside.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I see a definite downside for people that make ADRs and then don't cancel and don't show up. Otherwise, I don't see a downside.

Why is everyone assuming that now there'll be walk ins?

They had that system before... And they canned it. I'm saying this for the fifth time all ready...so I'll take another shot at planting...

1. They're redesigning the whole freakin place to predict... Everything. Down to the urinal usage and concrete load stress on Tuesdays.
2. If the point of all the above is to maximize take and minimize wasted overhead ( not denied by anybody...including Disney)... How, exactly, would walk ins fit that?

Maybe I'm looking at this thing from the business end of the horse? It's always possible.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Why is everyone assuming that now there'll be walk ins?

They had that system before... And they canned it. I'm saying this for the fifth time all ready...so I'll take another shot at planting...

1. They're redesigning the whole freakin place to predict... Everything. Down to the urinal usage and concrete load stress on Tuesdays.
2. If the point of all the above is to maximize take and minimize wasted overhead ( not denied by anybody...including Disney)... How, exactly, would walk ins fit that?

Maybe I'm looking at this thing from the business end of the horse? It's always possible.

Please explain when they had this system before. I know they did a test, for a limited amount of time and the test was over.

This system has been reported to have worked well in the popular restaurants over the last 2 years. It opened up reservations on a shorter time frame, making morereservations available to people. It is just NO fair for some/a few people to monopolize multiple reservations.

There is no guarantee it will open up more walk ups, especially during the busy time, but is very possible.

As to maximized profits and use of facilities, I only see good in that. All companies, organizations due just that.

Waste only will increase prices in the end.

AKK

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Tonk,


I'm not sure if you're serious...but I'll play.

The priority seating system that was in place for along time was a mathematic breakdown of tables to allow for accommodating both the advance reserved crowd and the spur of the moment walk up. It had a certain percentage available for each at a given time. It had both the benefits of predicting expected crowds and allowing the flexibility of giving people in AN AMUSEMENT PARK the ability to make choices and not be so bound to the clock. Wonder why that seemed logical?

It died with the dining plan. And not only did they decide that you now almost HAD to stick to meal times and spots ( not in the mood
For Mexican today? Too bad)...but a few other realities occurred:

1. During busy times... "Fully booked" restaurants push people to the massive quickserves... Where turnover and profit are better pound for pound.
2. Cast conformed to the system...and this part is partly my perception...
I distinctly remember during the housing bubble nuttiness employees standing out in front of locations turning people away at the beginning of the meal periods (one time at 5 pm at liberty tree in particular). Now that made no sense... Of course there would have been space (and probably lots of it)... But I've been there. The emps and particularly the MANAGERS would not have been eager to bring anybody else in if their system has been " full". It never hit there pockets. It's not right... But human nature at WDW.
3. They've already reduced restaurant "availability" due to lack of staff at times during the hard reservation system. Often times "full restaurants" with huge waits are not full. With all pre booked and deposited reservations...this will continue to be the case and may be expanded. No lose for them... Your gonna show up and pay an exhorbinant fee for your food (one way or another)...or you'll cover them with a default fee.
I don't honestly see how "walk ins" are gonna be tolerated. It just doesn't fit them at all. The worm has turned from reputation/service (and there was a time) to "pre" accounted revenues and profits. Walk ins don't fit. Go up on the monorail platform and take a chef mickeys ( right now or anytime...) and take a half hour or so to look...might notice something.


There is a definite advantage to guarantees across the board...I agree That weeding out "ghosts" could be a great thing for all of Us.
But I don't see walk ins as the result...perhaps short term reservations...1-2 days before.

Why? Because cutting to the point...Disney loathes their employees (as most business now think is the new norm and can just flaunt it). Not one penny more than necessary to each employee and the minimum total Possible. Walk in restaurants don't allow for that. It's a big, winding argument...but it's still valid.

And no...that isn't just "good business" practices. In many ways it is the exact opposite. But I'm not a labor analyst... I just know Disney's games with theirs.

And did anyone see how they have given benefits to the part times in advance of oct 1st for the qualifiers?
It's a good thing...but also a PR...and to me, that means they're up to something.

I just don't see walk ins being an "acceptable" conclusion here. Of course they want the money... But they want it on "their" terms. And I think they're gonna get it that way.

 

[MASrules]

What if I have a reservation for 6 and only 4 show up...other 2 prefer counter service at the last minute...I am going to be charged for the two that don't show up?

Currently we do this all the time...We never seem to have a problem adding or subtracting 1 or 2 from our reservation at arrival time...hope this does not change.

 

[dissupermom]

I'm ok with the new system! it would have those reservation hoarders make choices and at least cancel within the mandated time period or face losing money. I'm not sure about being seated at a specific time, however, as long as the wait is reasonable, it's okay with me

 

[disneylover1980]

I am happy to hear this. We have been denied dining time after time since we wait until the last minute to plan our trips (maybe 4 weeks out....) since we are local. It will be nice to know that this may make some of the places that we have not been able to get into available.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I just did a quick check for dinner tomorrow (Friday) for two people. I got back 39 choices for Disney Parks or Resorts. I did not count DTD or the Swolphin or dining events.

 

[saskdw]

Well they don't guarantee you a set time. So you do have to decide if you want to eat at a Disney restaurant or not.

I also think having the fee is a huge benefit. It is so much easier to book ADRs now than it was before. You don't have to call right at 180 days out to get CRT or Le Ceiller. And I love it! But I'm someone who actually e-mailed Disney when they first rolled out the program on a limited basis and thanked them for it. Got a nice phone call back too.

I'm not sure if you are missing the point or just refusing to acknowledge it?

Goofy4WDW1964 agrees with the new policy. However what he/she is stating is Disney's new policy now makes this an actual reservation by the standards used everywhere else in the world. Disney may not be acknowledging this at this point. But this will be most people's expectation. No other restaurant anywhere would be able to have this type of cancellation policy and not expect people to be seated in a reasonable time frame. (15 mins ).

We don't need you to quote Disney's website again, we know what it says. Believe me this will be most people's expectation and there will be a lot of pushback on this. My hope is that Disney already understands this and will be able to in most cases provide this service with the decrease in ADR's that will happen. I realise there is a large number of people who would like to be able to do walk-ups at TS places and not have to plan ahead, but there is an equally large number of people who would like to have a reservation and have it honored.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I just did a quick check for dinner tomorrow (Friday) for two people. I got back 39 choices for Disney Parks or Resorts. I did not count DTD or the Swolphin or dining events.

That means wdw is doing bad volume on a Friday night during food and wine...which could also mean disgruntlement amongst fl residents.

But they are doing higher numbers and profits on the ledger... So maybe open reservations don't mean that much?

Now I wonder what would happen if they tailored the staff and tables down... say 14 days out...and the "open" reservations had a termination point?

Would it not mean the same money with less
Overhead?

So I'm back to my original point.


But to you point... For several years I've had little problems with reservation avaialability. Neither far out or close in...
During the early days of the dining plan during the bubble... It was insane and impossible.

So I don't think "ghosts" in the reservation systems are nearly as big a problem as is
Being stated.
So why are they doing this? Money and labor

 

[maxiesmom]

I'm not sure if you are missing the point or just refusing to acknowledge it?

Goofy4WDW1964 agrees with the new policy. However what he/she is stating is Disney's new policy now makes this an actual reservation by the standards used everywhere else in the world. Disney may not be acknowledging this at this point. But this will be most people's expectation. No other restaurant anywhere would be able to have this type of cancellation policy and not expect people to be seated in a reasonable time frame. (15 mins ).

We don't need you to quote Disney's website again, we know what it says. Believe me this will be most people's expectation and there will be a lot of pushback on this. My hope is that Disney already understands this and will be able to in most cases provide this service with the decrease in ADR's that will happen. I realise there is a large number of people who would like to be able to do walk-ups at TS places and not have to plan ahead, but there is an equally large number of people who would like to have a reservation and have it honored.

It is not Disney's fault people expect something they are not told they are getting. I could expect Mickey Mouse to meet me and hold my hand as I enter the park in the morning, but that doesn't mean it is going to happen. Or that it is logical for me to think it should happen.

What good does it do anyone to expect ADRs to be something they are not? All it does is make that person frustrated and upset. As one of my bosses is fond of saying, it is what it is, and that is what you need to work with. Expecting an ADR to guarantee a time when it doesn't, and then being upset that the time is not guaranteed, is illogical at best.

Deal with what is, and stop banging your head against the wall.