This isn't meant to be about the DDP at all, but a general observation I made this weekend about the current state of dining at WDW.
We ate at the Plaza on Saturday evening, around 6pm. We were given the window table right in front of the check in desk. It was right in front of me and I couldn't help but notice some things.
First - I can't tell you how many people kept walking up and asking for a table, only to be told that they had no reservations. I'm honestly estimating over 100 in a nearly 2 hour period (while we were waiting for table, then full 3 course meal). The looks on their faces, for the most part, were a sight to be seen!
Second - Out of those people that were asking for a table, I would estimate that 80-85% had NO idea that a reservation would be needed at all. Out of that 80%, over half were on the DDP, and said they needed to use their credits somewhere, but nowhere had reservations available. I really felt sorry for the woman who you could tell had been told the same thing at other restaurants, and then told her family they'd just go get hot dogs across the street. The CMs were sending people to Tomorrowland Noodle Station, which was amazingly open.
Third - I was honestly amazed at those who were told there were no reservations, and then proceeded to argue with the CMs about said availability! Like dissing the CM is going to get you a table - yeah, right. Although I did like the style of the guy that tried to bribe his way in - next time use more than a $5 bill, though. The CMs were really taking a battering, and it really wasn't their fault. No wonder they changed shifts frequently!
My overwhelming feeling after seeing this played out in most of the restaurants I ate in over the long weekend, is that the whole dining end of the parks is in DIRE need of something, but I'm not sure what. Expansion? Don't sell more DDPs than you have seats available? Better communication and education about making ADRs? (God forbid what that would do to little ole me, though! I'm on DDE, and while I'm there 2-4 times a month (about 5 nights), I never know 180 days in advance!)
I also encountered what I thought was gross overcrowding in the CS restaurants, though not quite as intense as the TS at dinnertime. Pinnochio's Village Haus, I literally had to ask somebody who looked like they were about to leave if I could have their table - and somebody else tried to slip in while we were making the switch! I thought some fights were going to break out.
Anyway, it seems like the demand for tables GREATLY exceeds the supply. Don't know what to do about it, but..... its there, and I don't think its going to get any better without some change.
What do you think?
We ate at the Plaza on Saturday evening, around 6pm. We were given the window table right in front of the check in desk. It was right in front of me and I couldn't help but notice some things.
First - I can't tell you how many people kept walking up and asking for a table, only to be told that they had no reservations. I'm honestly estimating over 100 in a nearly 2 hour period (while we were waiting for table, then full 3 course meal). The looks on their faces, for the most part, were a sight to be seen!
Second - Out of those people that were asking for a table, I would estimate that 80-85% had NO idea that a reservation would be needed at all. Out of that 80%, over half were on the DDP, and said they needed to use their credits somewhere, but nowhere had reservations available. I really felt sorry for the woman who you could tell had been told the same thing at other restaurants, and then told her family they'd just go get hot dogs across the street. The CMs were sending people to Tomorrowland Noodle Station, which was amazingly open.
Third - I was honestly amazed at those who were told there were no reservations, and then proceeded to argue with the CMs about said availability! Like dissing the CM is going to get you a table - yeah, right. Although I did like the style of the guy that tried to bribe his way in - next time use more than a $5 bill, though. The CMs were really taking a battering, and it really wasn't their fault. No wonder they changed shifts frequently!
My overwhelming feeling after seeing this played out in most of the restaurants I ate in over the long weekend, is that the whole dining end of the parks is in DIRE need of something, but I'm not sure what. Expansion? Don't sell more DDPs than you have seats available? Better communication and education about making ADRs? (God forbid what that would do to little ole me, though! I'm on DDE, and while I'm there 2-4 times a month (about 5 nights), I never know 180 days in advance!)
I also encountered what I thought was gross overcrowding in the CS restaurants, though not quite as intense as the TS at dinnertime. Pinnochio's Village Haus, I literally had to ask somebody who looked like they were about to leave if I could have their table - and somebody else tried to slip in while we were making the switch! I thought some fights were going to break out.
Anyway, it seems like the demand for tables GREATLY exceeds the supply. Don't know what to do about it, but..... its there, and I don't think its going to get any better without some change.
What do you think?
Worst was Teppanyaki, must have been a bad night. We gave up on our ADR after waiting over an hour (and we were there early as instructed). We ate snacks and CS and lost a TS. 
and I have tried to book meals that I hope will help avoid the crowds. I almost didn't book it this time, but we tried to give it one more shot. 
Momelie, your post is one of the best I have ever seen!
. I think Disney needs to add more TS locations (the 2 new ones at AK are a good start).
