No dining reservations anywhere

[rpach10115]

We just got back fro 10 days @ WDW. We stayed @ the poly. We did not have the dining plan. What a nightmare for anyone who did not have the dining plan, and wanted to sit down to eat @ WDW. We arrived on 08/24/2007 and left 09/03/2007. During our stay, we could not get a sit-down dinner ANYWHERE. I was able to get some advance dining reservations. All of the dining places were all filled up with DDP guests. By giving away DDP, wht they did was lock out almost every place to eat @ WDW. The only place to get food was at any of the counter facilities, or to go off-site. I encountered many people that were on the DDP, that were complaining that they could not eat anywhere.

 

[Joan1]

Even people without the dining plan should make reservations ahead of time
Just because you don't have it doesn't mean that you shouldn't make reservations. We usually don't travel on the dining plan but always make reservations ahead of time for places we definitely know we will be dining at. This has gotten to be the norm with dining reservations, more and more people are making them in advance whether on the dining plans or not

 

[Destination Disney]

Yep...we all saw this one coming!

I remeber being able to go to WDW and not be on time restraints with a reservation. Care free vacationing to eat at you own will with a moderate wait time. Now I have learned that as soon as I make my room reservations, I transfer over to the Disney Dining and start making ADR's. It is sad, but it is just what I have been conditioned to do to avoid not being able to get a sit down meal. Plus with 2 little ones I can not deal with the waiting and reality that there may not be a table available for us. I think if Disney is wanting to give away free dining, they need to figure out how to do so without impacting their other guests w/out free dining.
Possibly limit "x" amount of DDP reservations per hour. For example, take the 7 o'clock hour. Reservations at say...7:00, 7:10-7:20-7:30 and so forth. Only allow 1/2 of those reservations to be DDP, or not book up the entire hour to allow for walk-ups!
Just my thoughts!

 

[LakeAriel]

I agree. I always make ADR's in advance and feel for those who don't know you have to. When reserving a resort they ALWAYS tell you. Plus when making payments they leave a message to remind you.

 

[dodukes]

I think that there is no rason to alienate ddp vs non ddp but i do feel that disney should leave about 1/4 reservations for walk up only. even at places like le cellier, its not like they wont fill them, people without an adr may just have to wait a teeny bit longer but id ratehr wait a 30 minutes than not get to eat.

 

[fla4fun]

It's hard to believe that there are still people getting the dining plan who aren't making ADR's, especially considering how many times they are reminded to do so. I just can't believe people would buy (or even get for free) a plan that requires you to eat in a table service restaurant and not take the time to make those plans ahead of time. For the most part, people were reporting being able to get reservations six to eight weeks out from the start of free dining, so it's not like everyone had to plan at exactly 180 days, but they do have to plan. I'm guessing these are the same people who take off on a road trip without hotel reservations and then wonder why they have trouble getting a decent room.

I'm going during free dining, but I don't have the dining plan, and I don't have any ADR's. When I travel in hot weather (and September is still hot) I don't really like to eat heavy meals. I'd rather do CS or snack my way through the day. Plus, I'm staying at VWL so I can eat in the room if necessary. But on my winter trips when the weather is cooler, I do make a few ADR's for the restaurants I really enjoy, even though I'm paying OOP. I don't make them 180 days in advance, and I don't make them for every day. But there are some times, and some restaurants, where it's pretty much mandatory to make ADR's if you want to dine TS. It's a shame that we can't be totally spontaneous like in the old days, but that's just the way it is.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Even people without the dining plan should make reservations ahead of time
Just because you don't have it doesn't mean that you shouldn't make reservations. We usually don't travel on the dining plan but always make reservations ahead of time for places we definitely know we will be dining at. This has gotten to be the norm with dining reservations, more and more people are making them in advance whether on the dining plans or not

Just because some guests may not purchase the DDP or use it during free dining, does not mean they need to make ADR's just because they maybe be staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. Last month when my parents were there we made 0 ADR's and we did not go hungry. Most of the nights we ended up eating the Appetizers on the Atrium Club lounge at the Contemporary and we were very full from the food they served up there. Other nights we went to the Earl of Sandwich on two seperate occasions, the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney as walk in and did not have to wait to be seated and we also went to various off site restaurants.

So I will say again and I hope you understand it. Just because other guests may not make ADR's if they stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel if they are not using the DDP, maybe they don't mind eating at offsite restaurants or at counter service locations. I personally think that is using a stereotype whuch is un fair.

 

[kaytieeldr]

It's hard to believe that there are still people getting the dining plan who aren't making ADR's,

More to the point, it's hard to believe that any Guest would go to Walt Disney World with no dining reservations at all, and then blame their inability to get seated anywhere (?) onsite on Guests who, for whatever reason, DID make reservations in advance. It should be noted that not EVERY diner at every table every time it turned over was using the Disney Dining Plan.

Most of the nights we ended up eating the Appetizers on the Atrium Club lounge at the Contemporary and we were very full from the food they served up there.

In fairness, you can't count that in a discussion such as this one. MOST Guests do not have access to Concierge Lounges and, therefore, snacks. On the other hand, picking up on the rest of your post - those Guests don't even necessarily need to go off-site, or eat at Counter Service locations. It sounds like the OP was looking for a table service restaurant, and I find it really, really hard to believe there was NO seating available at ANY restaurant for the entire ten days. People might need to be flexible. For example, Rainforest is a great suggestion. There are at least a half dozen restaurants in the Dolphin and Swan. There's Bistro de Paris in Epcot. Victoria & Albert's. Bongo's. Wolfgang Puck Cafe Upstairs. House of Blues. ESPN Club. Big River. These sit-down restaurants (i.e. what the OP was apparently seeking) either don't accept reservations, or don't participate in the DDP, or both. Flexibility may be required on the part of the Guest, but again, it's inconceivable that there was NO restaurant that could accommodate the OP at any time of day throughout Disney World for the entire ten days.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

More to the point, it's hard to believe that any Guest would go to Walt Disney World with no dining reservations at all, and then blame their inability to get seated anywhere (?) onsite on Guests who, for whatever reason, DID make reservations in advance. It should be noted that not EVERY diner at every table every time it turned over was using the Disney Dining Plan.

In fairness, you can't count that in a discussion such as this one. MOST Guests do not have access to Concierge Lounges and, therefore, snacks. On the other hand, picking up on the rest of your post - those Guests don't even necessarily need to go off-site, or eat at Counter Service locations. It sounds like the OP was looking for a table service restaurant, and I find it really, really hard to believe there was NO seating available at ANY restaurant for the entire ten days. People might need to be flexible. For example, Rainforest is a great suggestion. There are at least a half dozen restaurants in the Dolphin and Swan. There's Bistro de Paris in Epcot. Victoria & Albert's. Bongo's. Wolfgang Puck Cafe Upstairs. House of Blues. ESPN Club. Big River. These sit-down restaurants (i.e. what the OP was apparently seeking) either don't accept reservations, or don't participate in the DDP, or both. Flexibility may be required on the part of the Guest, but again, it's inconceivable that there was NO restaurant that could accommodate the OP at any time of day throughout Disney World for the entire ten days.

I know that the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney does accept reservations, however I think you need to call them directly.

 

[Pumbaa_]

You can't eat offsite if you didn't rent a car.

Many people don't want to rent a car and use DME. Anyone who has not been going to Disney with any regularity would not know how things have changed in the past few years.

It is hard for people to conceive that in a place the size of Disney, they cannot just go somewhere to eat. Where I live, there are maybe a handful of restaurants where you have to make a reservation to dine. I am sure that a large % of guests have the same local experience.

It is hard to fathom that in order to eat at Chef Mickey's you have to reserve it 6 months in advance. Unfortunately, that is how the dining has turned at Disney (and I miss the old days too )

 

[rcraw45425]

Oh for the days when you could walk into 'Ohana and be seated. We also did walk ups at Le Cellier and Chef Mickeys. Now you have to know 6 months ahead of time if you will want fish, steak or a buffet.

 

[CapeMayMommy]

I don't think that Disney should withhold reservations from vacationers who plan ahead---whether they have the DDP or not. Saving tables for "walk ups" is not fair. Plus---everyone on the DDP is staying on DISNEY PROPERTY. "Walk ups" may or may not be. It makes more sense for Disney to cater to guests staying at their resorts rather than off site guests.

It's just good business sense.

 

[jfis1020]

We just book a last minute trip to BWV with our DVC. We leave a wek from tomorrow. There is not a sit down ANYWHERE with an opening all weekend. I guess that's what I get for waiting to surprise the family!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I don't think that Disney should withhold reservations from vacationers who plan ahead---whether they have the DDP or not. Saving tables for "walk ups" is not fair. Plus---everyone on the DDP is staying on DISNEY PROPERTY. "Walk ups" may or may not be. It makes more sense for Disney to cater to guests staying at their resorts rather than off site guests.

It's just good business sense.

Using you're logic shouldn't WDW let guests who stay onsite walk up for a table without an ADR? Like I said before not everyone who stays at WDW Resort purchases the DDP, so if they would like to go some where at the last minute and can not get an ADR shouldn't they have a chance at table since they are staying onsite and they are not staying offsite? Obviously to prove they are staying onsite, then they would need to show their KTTW card at the restaurant.

 

[CapeMayMommy]

Using you're logic shouldn't WDW let guests who stay onsite walk up for a table without an ADR? Like I said before not everyone who stays at WDW Resort purchases the DDP, so if they would like to go some where at the last minute and can not get an ADR shouldn't they have a chance at table since they are staying onsite and they are not staying offsite? Obviously to prove they are staying onsite, then they would need to show their KTTW card at the restaurant.

I would bet the majority of the people with ADR's are staying on site and many of the "walk ups" aren't. People who I spoke with who were staying off site didn't even know about ADR's. These people were also not only doing Disney, but Universal Studios, Sea World, etc. Disney is not going to cater to these people.

In my dealings with central reservations, I was always asked "do you want to be transfered to dining" . Disney really wants THEIR guests to have the best ADR's--whether on the DDP or not.

However, they don't want to alienate the those staying outside either. It's easier to tell them "sorry we are booked for the evening" rather than "we're saving the tables for our resort guests."

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would bet the majority of the people with ADR's are staying on site and many of the "walk ups" aren't. People who I spoke with who were staying off site didn't even know about ADR's. These people were also not only doing Disney, but Universal Studios, Sea World, etc. Disney is not going to cater to these people.

In my dealings with central reservations, I was always asked "do you want to be transfered to dining" . Disney really wants THEIR guests to have the best ADR's--whether on the DDP or not.

However, they don't want to alienate the those staying outside either. It's easier to tell them "sorry we are booked for the evening" rather than "we're saving the tables for our resort guests."

In the end I don't see WDW doing what you think they should because they like to treat all their guests the same, if they stay onsite or offsite. Besides let's say a guest who was staying at WDW Resort and was able to walk into a restaurant without an ADR and then an offsite guest was told sorry you're not welcome because your not staying onsite, can you really see WDW enforcing a policy like that? I personally think you it's very rude of you to suggest they treat onsite guests and offsite guests different when it comes to walking in at restaurants. If you are able to get you're ADR's then why does it bother you if people who stay offsite want to also try to eat there even it's by walking in? Did you also know offsite guests can make ADR's at 180 days out even if they are not staying onsite, so think of all the times they have been in the same restaurant as you. In the end they have just as much a right to eat there as you or any onsite guest wheather they are on the DDP or not on the DDP.

 

[CapeMayMommy]

You're right---Anyone can make an ADR... we talked to a local couple (older , retired) who ate at Disney a couple nites a week.

Disney likes these people also. And these people knew about ADR's.

Disney does offer their resort guests, annual ticket holders, etc. some nice perks .

The people who they do not want to cater to are those that have crammed in a day of Disney in between Universal Studios, and Sea World on their way to a week at Daytona. These people will have a nice day at Disney--yes, but will they have an opportunity "walk up" and take away a table at Le Cellier from a Disney resort guest/Disney regular? No way.

This last group--the ones that dropped in for a day between going to other attractions---are the least likely to know about ADR's.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The people who they do not want to cater to are those that have crammed in a day of Disney in between Universal Studios, and Sea World on their way to a week at Daytona. These people will have a nice day at Disney--yes, but will they have an opportunity "walk up" and take away a table at Le Cellier from a Disney resort guest/Disney regular? No way.

This last group--the ones that dropped in for a day between going to other attractions---are the least likely to know about ADR's.

The point I am trying to make is this. The people you are referring to would have just as much a right to walk up to a restaurant like Le Cellier or any restaurant on property. Most of the times they will be told the restaurant is full, however there maybe other days when they are able to walk up and eat there. So you are wrong when you say WDW does not want to cater to them, because I am sure the same thing happens to onsite guests that don't make ADR's.

 

[bavaria]

It's about being flexible, as well. We are going to be at WDW this weekend and have a few ADRs booked; they were booked 3-5 days in advance, at our first choice of location and at our preferred times. (And we often hear that tables for two are difficult to book; not so in our case)

This is not unusual. Quite often we will just call dining on the day and see what is available, and make our plans based on that information. Most of my trips are booked 0-2 weeks in advance, so I cannot make plans earlier than that.

If I am working in the area, I may decide after work to eat onsite, and call dining to check. Or I may plan to invite colleagues out; I usually make a call in the afternoon and check on a few locations.

I have several favourites which are often available at the last minute, and frankly enjoy them more than some of the more overhyped locations such as O'hana, etc.

 

[Amy&Dan]

The point I am trying to make is this. The people you are referring to would have just as much a right to walk up to a restaurant like Le Cellier or any restaurant on property. Most of the times they will be told the restaurant is full, however there maybe other days when they are able to walk up and eat there. So you are wrong when you say WDW does not want to cater to them, because I am sure the same thing happens to onsite guests that don't make ADR's. I will also say again I think you're comments are very rude just because offsite guests decide to see other attractions like Universal and Sea World, or even Daytona Beach does not make them any bad. Maybe in the future you should not visit WDW because those guests are always going to be there, wheather you like or not.

Okay, what I am getting from CapeMayMommy is that its clear that Disney is really pushing and catering to the onsite guest. Magical Express, the DDP are all available to guests staying onsite. Its not that they don't like the other guest, but that guest isn't the one that will make them the big bucks. Its not like they are shunned or forbidden to eat a full service meal. Its just that Disney offers the perks (cheaper way to eat ts meals, free airport transfer) to the guest who is purchasing the whole enchilada so to speak. I really didn't get that this poster was saying anything bad about people who do more than Disney when they come to Orlando. But rather if the package guest gets the ADR, Disney won't be crying tears that the guest who didn't do the package has to eat a burger not a steak at Le Cellier. However, anybody regardless of where they stay, has access to the WDW website, planning DVD's, guidebooks and message boards. All of which are availabe to anyone and list the Disney Dining phone number.

In the end, its getting harder and harder to be spontaneous at WDW. I am okay with that since I know months, even years in advance (yeah, that's right, I have my Disney trips planned clear through 2009, I'm weird but I'm okay with that) so preplanning is no bother for me. But I know its not that way for everyone. I am sorry for locals and last minute travellers who can't make those last minute ADR's. On the flip side a busy park is a profitable one. And a profitable one will be maintained and updated so that makes it more enjoyable at least.

I think people can blame it on the DDP if they want, but you also have to look at the big picture of a thriving tourism industry. Disney has done a terrific job of marketing their product and people are visiting in droves. Also, the exchange rate is such that European guests can travel to Florida for cheap and that has caused an increase too. There's a lot of reasons beyond the DDP.

I do agree with you that you can still eat well at WDW without ADR's. Offsite, counter service, non DDP restaurants and restaurants that don't fill up as fast (for example the moderate resort full service restaurants). I have gotten same day reservations in busy times, just not at Le Cellier or Chef Mickey's. If you can eat in the Atrium Club, more power to you. But I think the vast majority of us can't rely on that!