Oga's Cantina--are you required to order something?

[marikujawa]

Some may be passionate. Others I think are giving rational explanations and when someones says something they view as incorrect they are going to respond.

Couple examples if I remember correctly:

• You paid to get in to the park: Well yes but Oga's is beverage location for an additional charge (just like any other restaurant)
• ADR and don't order anything: ADRs are very hard to come by for those wanting to take park in the experience and get drinks there
• BOG being changed has nothing to do with Oga's: Actually its the same concept of doing the minimum purchase to see the inside when others would actually take part in the full menu (no purchase here vs cupcake at BOG instead of doing a normal order)
• It's themed so I should be able to see it: There are plenty of places that is a premium to see including the Lightsaber shop and soon to be the Star Wars experience ship

As long as you acknowledge the above do what you wish. Just know you may negatively impact someone in the future who maybe just wanted the snack or a single drink to share among 2 people. Doesn't bother me as I am not that overly interested in seeing it until it hopefully calms down some day.

Yeah nobody doing those things is going to negatively impact anyone - except the people who get a kick out of making up rules and trying to control other people’s behavior.

 

[sethschroeder]

Yeah nobody doing those things is going to negatively impact anyone - except the people who get a kick out of making up rules and trying to control other people’s behavior.

Ummm if Disney decides to follow the mold of BOG with OGA's the new requirement might be a pre-paid fee for 1 or 2 drinks for every person in the party. That would impact anyone possibly who would have just shared a lower number of drinks than their party size.

So yes it would have a negative impact if more and more people start going to OGAs and not ordering anything.

Again do what you want but at least understand that part.

 

[J-Dog]

Ummm if Disney decides to follow the mold of BOG with OGA's the new requirement might be a pre-paid fee for 1 or 2 drinks for every person in the party. That would impact anyone possibly who would have just shared a lower number of drinks than their party size.

So yes it would have a negative impact if more and more people start going to OGAs and not ordering anything.

Again do what you want but at least understand that part.

Yes, but the people that seem to be worried about this happening are the ones that are already insisting that you should be buying something anyway.

So either way it shouldn't matter - if you don't buy a drink now, and Disney is okay with it (as has been reported), then you're good. And if you wouldn't go in without buying a drink anyway, even if Disney eventually requires it, then you're still good. So that whole argument makes no difference in the end.

 

[J-Dog]

No argument and I'm not arguing with you about it.... And you're exactly right, it will be "allowed" until it's not anymore. Same with ADR's in general until they imposed the no-show fee, same with BOG and R&C until the prix fixe, same with FP viewing of parades and fireworks until they imposed higher prices for the view in dessert parties. The point is not that it's "allowed", which is a loose translation of Disney not making waves about people not ordering on a dining reservation... the point is the more people taking advantage of it or making their own rules the quicker it will cost all of us more to get in. Mandatory cover charges? Minimum order? I can see it coming. But people shouldn't worry about that.... only what works for them in the here and now in what's currently "allowed". ???

What about the wait staff? Non paying customers who aren't tipping?

People can also not make an ADR and ask the CM at the door for a quick peek if someone wanted to see it. That's also a fact and proven as some have done it. Perfect compromise for both other paying customers trying to get in and wait staff getting tips.

I mentioned a few pages back in this thread that this was devolving into just another tipping thread. And now it literally has...

 

[sethschroeder]

Yes, but the people that seem to be worried about this happening are the ones that are already insisting that you should be buying something anyway.

Did people all say how many drinks they had and how many were in the group (thought I read one person say one person didn't get anything out of a group but might have misread)? If I go in the future as a family of 4 plus grandparents of 2 we would not be getting 6 drinks likely so it would affect me directly possibly.

On top of that those saying it here are using common sense as there is another 99% of those that will visit OGAs not apart of this small little dashboard. You don't think a good amount of people would be impacted if Disney required prepayment for 1 or 2 drinks for everyone in the party?

Sorry if people feel attacked. Like I said do what you want I am not going to attack you but if asked or brought up on this forum I as well as others will just give you a straight answer on what likely will happen.

Disney won't say anything to you. CMs might be frustrated with no tip and Disneys only response if it happens enough would be prepayment/fixed requirement to buy so many drinks.

 

[Wild4Walt]

Most of the drinks are premixed. It's not a real, functional bar. They can't go off menu.

Good to know. I was going to suggest ordering a soft drink or a bottle of water but this answers that.

 

[marikujawa]

Did people all say how many drinks they had and how many were in the group (thought I read one person say one person didn't get anything out of a group but might have misread)? If I go in the future as a family of 4 plus grandparents of 2 we would not be getting 6 drinks likely so it would affect me directly possibly.

On top of that those saying it here are using common sense as there is another 99% of those that will visit OGAs not apart of this small little dashboard. You don't think a good amount of people would be impacted if Disney required prepayment for 1 or 2 drinks for everyone in the party?

Sorry if people feel attacked. Like I said do what you want I am not going to attack you but if asked or brought up on this forum I as well as others will just give you a straight answer on what likely will happen.

Disney won't say anything to you. CMs might be frustrated with no tip and Disneys only response if it happens enough would be prepayment/fixed requirement to buy so many drinks.

The fact is, though, that we don't know why Disney makes the changes it does. We're guessing. So when you say "I as well as others will just give you a straight answer on what likely will happen," it's just your opinion. You don't know what likely will happen any more than I do. The "cupcake people" are a thing on these boards, but I don't think people ordering cupcakes caused Disney to change BOG the way they did. An earlier post addressed this in more detail. What happens is that one person states Disney made BOG prix fixe at dinner because of groups splitting one cupcake, and it gets repeated over and over until it is accepted as a fact. If Disney makes changes to Oga's, I don't believe it will be primarily because of a few people not ordering anything. When I was there, people were clamoring to order drinks - the servers couldn't keep up with them.

If you and others want to worry about this, that's fine. But by representing yourselves as the ones "in the know" about what motivates Disney to make changes, you may get others believing that they shouldn't do things that Disney allows. People are different - as long as they are not violating any of Disney's own rules, they should be allowed to do what they like without being scolded or made to feel guilty for something that may or may not happen down the road.

 

[sethschroeder]

we don't know why Disney makes the changes it does.

To make more money if people are willing to spend or they can extract it. Getting person B willing to spend $100 for an hour is a better deal then person A willing to spend $10 for an hour.

When I was there, people were clamoring to order drinks - the servers couldn't keep up with them.

Which is why if more and more people order no drinks or a single drink to split Disney would go the route to give people that want to spend more easier access by removing those looking to not buy anything.

I mean you are only reenforcing that there is demand so Disney has the ability to put in a drink minimum with really zero fight.

 

[marikujawa]

To make more money if people are willing to spend or they can extract it. Getting person B willing to spend $100 for an hour is a better deal then person A willing to spend $10 for an hour.




Which is why if more and more people order no drinks or a single drink to split Disney would go the route to give people that want to spend more easier access by removing those looking to not buy anything.

I mean you are only reenforcing that there is demand so Disney has the ability to put in a drink minimum with really zero fight.

Yes, and they may very well do so if there’s very high demand, but I seriously doubt it would be because a few people don’t order a drink. They may have started without a drink minimum in order to test the waters, or maybe they just wanted children to be able to experience Oga’s. We had an ADR for 8:55 pm in late October. The bar seemed full, but they were taking walk-ups. Maybe the demand won’t be as high as for BOG. We just don’t know.

My concern is that the OP asked if something was allowed, and the answer was yes. She wasn’t soliciting lectures or asking for end-of-the world scenarios, although I understand that this is the nature of these boards. I have no problem with people expressing opinions but my experience with Disney is that they want people to have fun and can be very accommodating to all types of people. People looking for advice on planning their trips should hear that (along with the inevitable posts on how they’re ruining Disney for everyone by not acting as some posters want them to). Honestly, if I thought as poorly of Disney as some of the people here, I wouldn’t vacation there.

 

[sethschroeder]

The bar seemed full, but they were taking walk-ups. Maybe the demand won’t be as high as for BOG. We just don’t know.

If it's not as high over time it won't matter what people do. I would say taking walk ups is not an indicator though. They likely do ADRs based on some formula of how long people will stay. If people are staying less time they can fill the extra space with walk ups.

Hoping in the long run it calms down though so possibly it's not always close to capacity.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

Hoping in the long run it calms down though so possibly it's not always close to capacity.

It may already be calming down. I didn’t decide to book an ADR for it until 2 months after my 180 day mark. I had my pick of times breakfast, lunch, or dinner and they were available all days of my trip. Definitely not BOG, CRT, Chef Mickey level difficulty in getting the ADR. Those ADRs may all get taken eventually but I was quite surprised to see so much availability so late in the game.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

It may already be calming down. I didn’t decide to book an ADR for it until 2 months after my 180 day mark. I had my pick of times breakfast, lunch, or dinner and they were available all days of my trip. Definitely not BOG, CRT, Chef Mickey level difficulty in getting the ADR. Those ADRs may all get taken eventually but I was quite surprised to see so much availability so late in the game.

It may be slightly differently between the two parks but even when DLR was 2 weeks out on ADR lead time it there was plenty of availability at that time but it was always in high demand though and they weren't taking any walk-ups. The CM said it was rare that they were because it basically meant there was no line out the door which just didn't happen and that was when DLR was considered slow in terms of crowds. I'm not sure what it's been looking like now with DLR lead time adjusted to 60 days (to match the rest of their ADR system) but I doubt it's slowed down as in how many people want the ADR. It's probably still steady stream of people.

I think because there is a 45min time limit, even without the strictest adherence to that, Disney can accommodate more ADRs than other places where people would generally be taking up a table for at least twice that time period (for Disney's estimates). That doesn't mean it's less popular just that there may be the ability to get more people in and out on a given day compared to other places.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

It may be slightly differently between the two parks but even when DLR was 2 weeks out on ADR lead time it there was plenty of availability at that time but it was always in high demand though and they weren't taking any walk-ups. The CM said it was rare that they were because it basically meant there was no line out the door which just didn't happen and that was when DLR was considered slow in terms of crowds. I'm not sure what it's been looking like now with DLR lead time adjusted to 60 days (to match the rest of their ADR system) but I doubt it's slowed down as in how many people want the ADR. It's probably still steady stream of people.

I think because there is a 45min time limit, even without the strictest adherence to that, Disney can accommodate more ADRs than other places where people would generally be taking up a table for at least twice that time period (for Disney's estimates). That doesn't mean it's less popular just that there may be the ability to get more people in and out on a given day compared to other places.

I considered that and it’s probably correct when comparing to CRT but BOG is huge. They fill the whole place at lunch and breakfast. And while dinner i could see the ADR system assuming 90 mins to move a table I doubt they use more than 45 to 60 mins when it’s in QS mode. I haven’t been to Oga’s yet so I can’t truly compare but people say it’s small. Even if people are packed in I would think that BOG would still hold more people and probably turns tables similarly for lunch and breakfast. So it’s still surprising to me that the ADRs themselves are that much less sought after. But maybe it will still end up crazy busy by the time we go.

 

[J-Dog]

The fact is, though, that we don't know why Disney makes the changes it does. We're guessing. So when you say "I as well as others will just give you a straight answer on what likely will happen," it's just your opinion. You don't know what likely will happen any more than I do. The "cupcake people" are a thing on these boards, but I don't think people ordering cupcakes caused Disney to change BOG the way they did. An earlier post addressed this in more detail. What happens is that one person states Disney made BOG prix fixe at dinner because of groups splitting one cupcake, and it gets repeated over and over until it is accepted as a fact. If Disney makes changes to Oga's, I don't believe it will be primarily because of a few people not ordering anything. When I was there, people were clamoring to order drinks - the servers couldn't keep up with them.

If you and others want to worry about this, that's fine. But by representing yourselves as the ones "in the know" about what motivates Disney to make changes, you may get others believing that they shouldn't do things that Disney allows. People are different - as long as they are not violating any of Disney's own rules, they should be allowed to do what they like without being scolded or made to feel guilty for something that may or may not happen down the road.

Yes - I was just about post this same thing. Posters are commenting on the prix fixe change at BOG due to the "cupcake people" like it's a fact. Does anyone actually know that was a fact? Does anyone have a copy of an internal memo that Disney gave to their execs that stated the exact reason for the change?

If not, then the whole BOG analogy is just an idle threat to the OP and others in his/her position.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I considered that and it’s probably correct when comparing to CRT but BOG is huge. They fill the whole place at lunch and breakfast. And while dinner i could see the ADR system assuming 90 mins to move a table I doubt they use more than 45 to 60 mins when it’s in QS mode. I haven’t been to Oga’s yet so I can’t truly compare but people say it’s small. Even if people are packed in I would think that BOG would still hold more people and probably turns tables similarly for lunch and breakfast. So it’s still surprising to me that the ADRs themselves are that much less sought after. But maybe it will still end up crazy busy by the time we go.

Hmm..I'm trying to find the capacity numbers but that's probably going to be difficult.

I would normally say trust this resource so OC Register for DLR pegs the capacity at 276 people. I'm wondering if someone has taken a photo of the max at WDW because OC Register in CA says there's a sign posted on the outside (I wasn't looking for that when I was there so I'll trust that there is actually one). I haven't been able to locate the information for WDW's version though. I remember it being rumored at 150 way earlier on in the years but that would seem quite strange to be over a 100 people difference between the parks so yeah not completely sure.

What may make it a "looks can be deceiving" thing is that there is a lot of standing room between the bar and the standing tables and at other restaurants you just don't have that as everyone is sitting down.

According to Disney BOG can hold 550 people at a time. Even in QS mode I don't think Disney downgrades their estimates for how long people might stay at least not in half. I don't disagree that people probably use less time when not at Dinner at BOG but Disney may not factor that in when it comes to ADRs allotted in a given day but that's purely my opinion.

I think in my mind I was considering that the turnaround rate for Oga's throughout the whole day is probably much faster due to the time limit than BOG is on average so even if capacity is lower they turn over the tables quicker allowing more people to come throughout the entire day than anticipating X number of people being there for much longer at other restaurants. It would be quite rare indeed that someone would be able to stay 90mins at Oga's with a posted max time limit of 45minutes but Disney would probably anticipate at least some people in a given day even in QS mode would spend around that time (maybe at least 60-90mins) at BOG.

That's not me disagreeing with your thinking though because I can see that too. Either way I'm sure y'all with have fun --Oga's was the highlight for us when we went to DLR (well we only had 1 ride so can't comment on how Rise is).

 

[bimiller0720]

I don’t understand why some one who doesn’t drink wants to “experience” a bar

Because the rest of their group is going and they don’t want to sit outside alone? If we went, 2 of my 3 kids wouldn’t want anything because they only like water. I’m not going to leave them outside alone so the rest of us can go in and it seems kind of ridiculous for my husband and I to have to go separately because not everyone will order something. We don’t actually plan on going here anyway because we aren’t Star Wars fans so it doesn’t affect us, but I can definitely I understand why someone might not always order something.

It’s only happened a couple times, but I’ve been in the situation where I’ve had dinner plans with a group and haven’t felt great so I didn’t order anything. I can’t imagine a restaurant kicking out a member of a group because they are taking up a chair that could be making more money with another customer.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

Hmm..I'm trying to find the capacity numbers but that's probably going to be difficult.

I would normally say trust this resource so OC Register for DLR pegs the capacity at 276 people. I'm wondering if someone has taken a photo of the max at WDW because OC Register in CA says there's a sign posted on the outside (I wasn't looking for that when I was there so I'll trust that there is actually one). I haven't been able to locate the information for WDW's version though. I remember it being rumored at 150 way earlier on in the years but that would seem quite strange to be over a 100 people difference between the parks so yeah not completely sure.

What may make it a "looks can be deceiving" thing is that there is a lot of standing room between the bar and the standing tables and at other restaurants you just don't have that as everyone is sitting down.

According to Disney BOG can hold 550 people at a time. Even in QS mode I don't think Disney downgrades their estimates for how long people might stay at least not in half. I don't disagree that people probably use less time when not at Dinner at BOG but Disney may not factor that in when it comes to ADRs allotted in a given day but that's purely my opinion.

I think in my mind I was considering that the turnaround rate for Oga's throughout the whole day is probably much faster due to the time limit than BOG is on average so even if capacity is lower they turn over the tables quicker allowing more people to come throughout the entire day than anticipating X number of people being there for much longer at other restaurants. It would be quite rare indeed that someone would be able to stay 90mins at Oga's with a posted max time limit of 45minutes but Disney would probably anticipate at least some people in a given day even in QS mode would spend around that time (maybe at least 60-90mins) at BOG.

That's not me disagreeing with your thinking though because I can see that too. Either way I'm sure y'all with have fun --Oga's was the highlight for us when we went to DLR (well we only had 1 ride so can't comment on how Rise is).

It's an interesting question. I don't think they would space out ADRs for breakfast and lunch by 90 minutes - they would lose money because I think most people wouldn't take that long so they wouldn't be able to fill spots as fast as people leave. But I could see 60 minutes. I went and looked at Jun 21st for a party of 2 and looked at Breakfast Lunch and Dinner times. To my surprise, BOG had the same or more times offered as Oga's so I guess they're basically similar popularity. I'm not used to seeing so many BOG times available either. Maybe crowds are down this coming year or maybe people are just not so worried about getting ADRs right away since more and more people talk about picking up last minute ADRs. Either way, hopefully Oga's threads that needle of being busy but not overly busy soon.

I'm looking forward to it. Thanks!

 

[marcyleecorgan]

Every time we go to MK, my grandmom asks if we can "just go and see the inside of the castle". My mom and myself and the CM always have this long conversation that, "No, it is a restaurant and you need a reservation." it's so embarrassing, hahaha at EPCOT she wanted to see the inside of the golf ball without going on the "stinky ride". I was like, "Grandmom they are not going to take you through the maintenance areas!" But EVERY time, she still asks!

 

[only hope]

Because the rest of their group is going and they don’t want to sit outside alone? If we went, 2 of my 3 kids wouldn’t want anything because they only like water. I’m not going to leave them outside alone so the rest of us can go in and it seems kind of ridiculous for my husband and I to have to go separately because not everyone will order something. We don’t actually plan on going here anyway because we aren’t Star Wars fans so it doesn’t affect us, but I can definitely I understand why someone might not always order something.

It’s only happened a couple times, but I’ve been in the situation where I’ve had dinner plans with a group and haven’t felt great so I didn’t order anything. I can’t imagine a restaurant kicking out a member of a group because they are taking up a chair that could be making more money with another customer.

Part of a group not ordering, especially children in a place with a limited non-alcohol menu, is different from no one in a group ordering. I’m a local who visits HS frequently. While I would love to go into Oga’s every visit, I can’t afford it. So we’ve (Mom and I) been just three times and once only one of us ordered. I think we’re going to take turns ordering so we can visit more often.

 

[MomOTwins]

Yes - I was just about post this same thing. Posters are commenting on the prix fixe change at BOG due to the "cupcake people" like it's a fact. Does anyone actually know that was a fact? Does anyone have a copy of an internal memo that Disney gave to their execs that stated the exact reason for the change?

If not, then the whole BOG analogy is just an idle threat to the OP and others in his/her position.

It’s not just BOG. Every character or prix fixe meal now requires payment of a fixed fee for every guest regardless of whether they choose to eat and what they choose to eat (e.g. adult ordering from kids menu still pays adult price; kid ordering counter service mac n cheese at Ohana's still paying table service price). Disney does not want people finding ways around paying at high-demand locations. That is just common sense.

It’s like the individual shampoo bottles at resorts—Disney may claim it is to be eco friendly, but then why still supply them at deluxe resorts if it is about saving the environment and not about cost? I bet Disney looked at the numbers and a not insignificant part of the cost was from guests requiring a full set of new bottles each day as people stocked up to take them home.