Ok...have to vent...sorry

[mcd2745]

IMO the problem in this situation had nothing to do even with double bookings. The problem IMO is that the CM was able to be bullied into seating somebody out of order rather than following the rules. The CM should have just politely said that there are people waiting who have ADRs before this guest and ask for her ADR info so she could cancel her LC ADR and recommend she go enjoy herself at CR. No way should she have been seated. That's the part that bothers me. Why should guests who have waited patiently have to wait longer because there's a rude, obnoxious bully checking in?

That's a very good point and I agree for the most part - except I believe double bookings do play some part in it. And it shouldn't come as a surprise that the same person who double-books, acted like an obnoxious jerk at the podium. It's just representative of a greater societal problem at large where it's "all about me". Unfortunately, there are more and more of these people out there and that's why Disney needs to at least make some attempt to curb the practice of double booking and ADR hoarding.



And oh yeah...Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

 

[Eponine1]

And the sad thing was that there were 3 "annoying people" at the podium when I was there waiting for my reservation. The original lady (who was also booked at another restaurant) and guy with a party of 5 and another couple.

I felt very bad for the young people who work there becuase they are trying to do there best on a system that allows overbooking. People are cranky by dinner time and want to get in and out quickly and don't want to wait around. But that is no reason to get frustrated at the castmembers who are only trying to help.

When we were seated I did tell the castmember that I felt sorry that people were so rude to them. She did appreciate it but says it happens all the time.

I think many people still think it's an actually reservation and not an ADR which for me means that you are seated at the next available table for your party size. Not that you will be eating at exactly 7:00 pm.

But like all of you I do agree that something needs to be done about double booking that is clogging up the system.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

IMHO Free dining has caused WDW to oversell their restaurant seats. It is simply a matter of supply and demand. It is more difficult to get an ADR during free dining.

I was at the BC CL concierge desk when a gentleman demanded a "Reservation" at Le Chef's and when he couldn't get it started yelling he paid over 4K, had the dining plan and should be able to walk into any restaurant he wanted.

It is very frustrating when paying for the DxDDP and yet not be able to get an ADR anywhere nearby even months out.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I think you'll see Disney requiring a credit card to secure more and more dining reservations in the future. It's the only effective way to prevent someone from hoarding multiple ADR's within the same time frame.

I think that this is a great idea. I never book more than our one meal a day, and it really makes me mad to think that some people do that. I had heard that they were cracking down on that by deleting all ADR's if they found out that you had double booked. Has anyone else heard that?

 

[Colleen27]

I think that this is a great idea. I never book more than our one meal a day, and it really makes me mad to think that some people do that. I had heard that they were cracking down on that by deleting all ADR's if they found out that you had double booked. Has anyone else heard that?

It is a long running rumor but in reality doesn't seem to be anything more than the actions of a few rogue CMs acting in a way not compatible with Disney policy. There is no official "rule" against double booking and there are some valid reasons for it, so if there were a change in official policy I'm sure Disney would make it very clear so that people with genuine need for two reservations are forewarned to use two different phone numbers to book them.

Of course, absent a credit card guarantee and short-notice cancellation penalty (which I don't believe Disney has any desire to do, since it would offend/upset many guests - can you imagine the uproar if people were getting charged for ADR cancellations due to the illnesses that sometimes run rampant at WDW?), a rule against double booking is rather toothless. Don't most people have multiple phone numbers they can use if they wanted to double book without getting caught?

 

[clanmcculloch]

IMHO Free dining has caused WDW to oversell their restaurant seats. It is simply a matter of supply and demand. It is more difficult to get an ADR during free dining.

I was at the BC CL concierge desk when a gentleman demanded a "Reservation" at Le Chef's and when he couldn't get it started yelling he paid over 4K, had the dining plan and should be able to walk into any restaurant he wanted.

It is very frustrating when paying for the DxDDP and yet not be able to get an ADR anywhere nearby even months out.

Nope, sorry, doesn't happen. People can't get the REALLY POPULAR ADRs a few months out but there ARE ADRs that can be booked. It simply doesn't happen that there isn't an ADR ANYWHERE nearby months out. Refusing an ADR in China because you can't get LeCellier doesn't mean there wasn't anything available, it means you didn't get the ADR you WANT.

As to overbooking, that's something Disney does, but not due to free dining. They do it all times of year whether free dining is being offered or not.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Nope, sorry, doesn't happen. People can't get the REALLY POPULAR ADRs a few months out but there ARE ADRs that can be booked. It simply doesn't happen that there isn't an ADR ANYWHERE nearby months out. Refusing an ADR in China because you can't get LeCellier doesn't mean there wasn't anything available, it means you didn't get the ADR you WANT.

As to overbooking, that's something Disney does, but not due to free dining. They do it all times of year whether free dining is being offered or not.

Why would I eat in China if I don't want to?

Yes, it DOES happen that all of the WS showcase restaurants are booked for a night.

Yes, it DOES happen that all of the HS restuarants are booked during a Fantasmic night.

Yes, it DOES happen that over a 7 night vacation booked 4 months out there is not ONE time slot for Le Cellier, Lunch or Dinner.

My experience has been during periods of Free Dining ADR's are harder to optain. More demand, same supply.

 

[clanmcculloch]

Why would I eat in China if I don't want to?

Yes, it DOES happen that all of the WS showcase restaurants are booked for a night.

Yes, it DOES happen that all of the HS restuarants are booked during a Fantasmic night.

Yes, it DOES happen that over a 7 night vacation booked 4 months out there is not ONE time slot for Le Cellier, Lunch or Dinner.

My experience has been during periods of Free Dining ADR's are harder to optain. More demand, same supply.

You said not be able to get an ADR anywhere nearby. There are restaurants nearby. You just don't want to go to them. That was my point. Making wild blanket statements that are inaccurate takes away from your point.

My first couple trips I was unable to get many of my first choice ADRs and even some of my second choice ADRs. I chose something else. SOMETHING was available. I tried restaurants I might not have otherwise tried and I found that they were wonderful.

Yes it does happen that all the WS restaurants are booked up, but not months in advance. There will be something. As you said, it may not be something you want, but there will be something. You could also go FW or to one of the many restaurants around Cresent lake, but it seems you want your ADR where you want, when you want, at the last minute. That's not months ahead of time and that's not "nothing available". Very different.

Same with ADRs on Fantasmic nights. If you're talking Fantasmic packages, this sell out VERY early on so I do agree that there may be none of these months out. Months out there will be SOMETHING in DHS on Fantasmic nights, but it may be someplace you're not interested in (H&V) or more than you want to pay (Brown Derby). You also have the option to go to a Crescent Lake restaurant but that's not what you want to do. Last minute, yes every single restaurant in DHS will likely be completely booked on a Fantasmic night, but you were talking about months ahead of time.

Don't book the DxDDP if you can't get the ADRs you want. That's your responsibility to yourself as a consumer. If you're extremely fussy about restaurants and will only be happy if you dine in specific ones then you really need to book 6 months in advance. That's just the reality. This is true whether free dining is being offered or not. I would suggest though that you really think about just how much specific ADRs will make or break your trip because you're really setting yourself up for some major disappointment by putting these places on pedistals. They're just restaurants.

I absolutely agree that it is possible to not be able to get in at LC 4 months out. My most recent vacation is booked at the 4th or 5th busiest time of year (President's Day weekend) just under 4 months out and I found LC ADRs several times during my trip. I could have gotten free dining for my trip (I arrive 2 days before it ends) so it's not like free dining got in the way.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

You said not be able to get an ADR anywhere nearby. There are restaurants nearby. You just don't want to go to them. That was my point. Making wild blanket statements that are inaccurate takes away from your point.
"Nope it doesn't happen" IS a blanket statement and not my experience.
My first couple trips I was unable to get many of my first choice ADRs and even some of my second choice ADRs. I chose something else. SOMETHING was available. I tried restaurants I might not have otherwise tried and I found that they were wonderful.

I've eaten in Nine Dragon's and Teppan Edo and found my local establishments better. Again, my experience.

Yes it does happen that all the WS restaurants are booked up, but not months in advance. There will be something. As you said, it may not be something you want, but there will be something. You could also go FW or to one of the many restaurants around Cresent lake, but it seems you want your ADR where you want, when you want, at the last minute. That's not months ahead of time and that's not "nothing available". Very different.

"Last minute" are your words, not mine. I'm a big fan of Il Mulino BTW always a great meal last minute.

Same with ADRs on Fantasmic nights. If you're talking Fantasmic packages, this sell out VERY early on so I do agree that there may be none of these months out. Months out there will be SOMETHING in DHS on Fantasmic nights, but it may be someplace you're not interested in (H&V) or more than you want to pay (Brown Derby). You also have the option to go to a Crescent Lake restaurant but that's not what you want to do. Last minute, yes every single restaurant in DHS will likely be completely booked on a Fantasmic night, but you were talking about months ahead of time.


Please stop saying "Last Minute" when I did not. I got off the phone 2 weeks ago for an April trip (not Easter) and nothing was available for Dinner night of Fantasmic.

Don't book the DxDDP if you can't get the ADRs you want. That's your responsibility to yourself as a consumer.

I certainly hope you don't work for Disney! They are experts in the art of the upsell. Jeeper's, why vacation at all if your aren't willing to take on all that responsiblity.

If you're extremely fussy about restaurants and will only be happy if you dine in specific ones then you really need to book 6 months in advance.

While some of my trips I can plan a year out, why make it so difficult that you can't get what you want unless you call at 7AM 180 out?

That's just the reality. This is true whether free dining is being offered or not.

Yes, and what is your proof? Who is making blanket statements? That is NOT my experience

I would suggest though that you really think about just how much specific ADRs will make or break your trip because you're really setting yourself up for some major disappointment by putting these places on pedistals. They're just restaurants.

True, people vacation in different styles. But to me they are memories. I have almost a dozen years of photo's of my DD's at CP with Pooh. If I couldn't get a ADR, why shouldn't I be dissappointed?

I absolutely agree that it is possible to not be able to get in at LC 4 months out. My most recent vacation is booked at the 4th or 5th busiest time of year (President's Day weekend) just under 4 months out and I found LC ADRs several times during my trip. I could have gotten free dining for my trip (I arrive 2 days before it ends) so it's not like free dining got in the way.

Another blanket statement. I called yesterday to add an ADR and checked again for LC and now I have an 8:15 our first night. Wasn't there before so what happened? CM said it went to 2 TS credits starting 3/10 so people there are more ADR's. Not a blanket statement just my experience.

Also, I had to put a CC number down for a restaurant that I never had to in the past. My experience.

Of course, I remember WAY back when, when a CRT Princess dinner reservation numbers were up on ebay. Disney changes what it does ALL the time. Some day's I better have the CP breakfast confirmation number in hand and other day's you get waved through. All depends.

 

[mmay60046]

We had the same kind of experience at Le Cellier back in 2005 but there was no free dining at that time. We got there about 10 minutes before our reservation (back then it was called "priority seating") time and checked in. The girl said it would be about 10 minutes. The waiting area inside was very crowded so we decided to wait outside, and I told the hostess I would be right outside the door and I'd watch her so she could just signal me when our table was ready (I can't remember if the pagers weren't working that day, but they weren't giving out pagers), and she said "okay I'll signal you when your table is ready". So we waited outside for about 25 minutes and I kept lookiing in to the hostess and she'd look right back at me, but would never signal that our table was ready. Finally after seeing some people who arrived after us getting seated I went back in and asked if she had forgotten me. She said "Oh, I thought you left. It will be about 10 minutes".

Then after we were finally seated our server was inattentive and aloof.

Food was decent but the experience with the staff has kept us from returning to Le Cellier.

 

[ccgirl]

Thanks

It was the longest wait in the 17 times I've been to Disney that I had so I'm ok. I felt very bad for the girls that were seating the guest and had to hear the complaints about the delays. It's amazing how people can be nasty.

I also had a ADR on 11/14 for Garden Grill at 5:40 pm. We checked in at 5:15 pm and was told 10 minutes. Ok. Sat down and saw all these other people who checked in after us going in. I waited until 5:50 pm (10 minutes after our ADR) and then went back. I'm glad I did. Even though I had a buzzer they had deleted my ADR!!! I didn't complain (kindness gets you better results) I just asked when we would be seated at the point. We had a table within 2 minutes.

The meal was great! Again, the restaurant was packed which I think it was do to the free dining.

Hi there. Just wanted to add that I'm surprised they let you check in that early as that adds to the wait time for other people too. You are supposed to check in 15 mins before your reservation. So, you should have checked in at 5:25. Maybe those people that were seated before you actually had reservation times before you? I know I tried to check in 25 mins in advance and was told to come back 15 mins before my ressie. During crowded times, I always have had to wait at least 20 mins past my reservation.

 

[ccgirl]

Why would I eat in China if I don't want to?

Yes, it DOES happen that all of the WS showcase restaurants are booked for a night.

Yes, it DOES happen that all of the HS restuarants are booked during a Fantasmic night.

Yes, it DOES happen that over a 7 night vacation booked 4 months out there is not ONE time slot for Le Cellier, Lunch or Dinner.

My experience has been during periods of Free Dining ADR's are harder to optain. More demand, same supply.

Plenty of people do plan their vacations 180 days out. There are only 3 restaurants that have the Fantasmic package so, yes, they would book quickly. Can you eat at one of those without the package? A good option for both DHS and Epcot are the restaurants at BC/YC and BW. You can walk to the parks from there. Le Cellier also books up at 180 days out. Now it is 2TS (beginning in 2011). People who stay off site can also book 180 days out, it is not just those on the dining plan. Before I upgraded my Dining plan, I made sure there were restaurants available at. That is just something I prefer to do. Hope you have better luck next time.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I was wondering if I was totally way off base with my assertion that things are available months out so I looked up April ADR availability at DHS on Fantasmic nights. There was availability at prime dinner times (I just searched for "Dinner" as my time) for all 5 TS restaurants on almost every single night where Fantasmic is showing. I did my search based on parties of 4. I checked 4/3, 4/5, 4/7, 4/10, 4/12, 4/14, 4/17, 4/18, 4/19, 4/20, 4/21, 4/22, 4/23, 4/24 (Easter Sunday), 4/26, 4/28, 4/29 and 4/30. This took me only a few minutes to find. Where's the problem finding ADRs?

How is telling you my experience with finding a several options for ADRs and explaining that free dining was being offered at that time and that it didn't interfere with my ability to book ADRs a blanket statement? It was a very specific example. Free dining did not interfere with my ability to have a choice of ADRs for LeCellier, 'Ohana or 1900 Park Fare. It was hard to pass up on Akershus as well but we don't need that many ADRs.

What restaurant required a CC number when it never required that in the past? I'm sure many people would like to know this. It's important for all of us to be prepared for changes like this.

"Nope it doesn't happen" has not been countered by your experience. Your experience was by your own admission not that there wasn't ANYTHING available. You stated your experience to be that you couldn't get your top choice of ADRs. Again, this is VERY different. Yes it's a blanket statement and I'll admit that it likely does happen on VERY rare special occasions (maybe Christmas Day) but 99% of the time it doesn't happen.

I'm sorry to hear that you had bad experiences at some restaurants. It really stinks when that happens and IMO WDW needs to do a better job of getting on top of restaurants where this seems to be a regular occurance. That still doesn't mean NOTHING is available.

I really don't understand your statment "I certainly hope you don't work for Disney! They are experts in the art of the upsell. Jeeper's, why vacation at all if your aren't willing to take on all that responsiblity.". First, no I don't work for Disney. Second, I do LOTS of planning and take that responsibility seriously for my family. We've got plenty of issues in my family that require for extensive planning and I consider that to be a very important responsibility. I'm not saying don't plan. I'm saying that if you can't get the ADRs that you want and you won't be happy with what you can get then the DxDDP is not a good idea as you'll be wasting money. For some people, not getting the ADRs that are vital to the success of their trip (I still think it's a mistake to put that much importance on any one ADR but that's a different discussion) then it's probably a good idea to take a different approach to your vacation so you can eat offsite more (maybe stay in a huge house offsite where you can spread out plus cook food as well as have easy access to all sorts of offsite restaurants). Am I misunderstanding your statement?

As to why it's set up so that some ADRs have to be booked at 180 days out in order to get them, it's the public that's spoken. Us as consumers book those ADRs. Disney tried shortening the timeframe to 90 days and found that it didn't work as well for them so they switched it back.

I never said it's not disappointing to not get your first choice in ADRs. It's very disappointed. It's up to us as individuals to decide how we handle that disappointment. As I said before; I've been in this position and recognized that it's just the way it is and that I had 2 choices; choose something else or let it bother me. I chose to not let it bother me and to choose something else. I guess I'm a glass half full kind of gal. No one meal can make or break my vacations. For something like your CP ADR, I would certainly keep trying to get that ADR since it clearly has specific sentimental history (and I'd likely keep trying even when at WDW) but I wouldn't allow it to take away from my vacation if I didn't get it.

 

[Eponine1]

Hi there. Just wanted to add that I'm surprised they let you check in that early as that adds to the wait time for other people too. You are supposed to check in 15 mins before your reservation. So, you should have checked in at 5:25. Maybe those people that were seated before you actually had reservation times before you? I know I tried to check in 25 mins in advance and was told to come back 15 mins before my ressie. During crowded times, I always have had to wait at least 20 mins past my reservation.

For LC we check in only 15 minutes earlier. That's where the wait was.

For Garden Grill we check in around 5:15 pm. Which they allowed. I even mentioned I was early and she said it was fine. And yes, I'm sure many of the people going in before us had a ADR before us. However I knew my ADR wasn't until 5:40 pm and was prepared to wait. She said about 10 minutes or so. Ok, no problem. I was given a buzzer like everyone else. I waited until 10 minutes AFTER my ADR time 5:50pm and then went up to the podium. That's when it was discovered that they deleted my ADR from the system and that's why we were waiting. The castmember said I should had been seated already. She was surprised to see me back at the podium.

I'm not complaining about the wait at Garden Grill -- I was sharing my story that maybe if you are told X amount of minutes and it's been a while to double check. I would have been sitting there even longer if I didn't check.

Again, not complaining about wait at GG. And I didn't complain or yell at the castmember at the podium.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

A professor I had in college always said never forget the 5 B's in writing.

Be Brief Boy, Be Brief.

I was wondering if I was totally way off base with my assertion that things are available months out so I looked up April ADR availability at DHS on Fantasmic nights. There was availability at prime dinner times (I just searched for "Dinner" as my time) for all 5 TS restaurants on almost every single night where Fantasmic is showing. I did my search based on parties of 4. I checked 4/3, 4/5, 4/7, 4/10, 4/12, 4/14, 4/17, 4/18, 4/19, 4/20, 4/21, 4/22, 4/23, 4/24 (Easter Sunday), 4/26, 4/28, 4/29 and 4/30. This took me only a few minutes to find. Where's the problem finding ADRs?

As I said earlier. I couldn't get a LC when I went looking for the same time frame last month. Yet, yesterday. I got one. Please you tell me where they came from.[/COLOR]

How is telling you my experience with finding a several options for ADRs and explaining that free dining was being offered at that time and that it didn't interfere with my ability to book ADRs a blanket statement?



It was a very specific example. Free dining did not interfere with my ability to have a choice of ADRs for LeCellier, 'Ohana or 1900 Park Fare. It was hard to pass up on Akershus as well but we don't need that many ADRs.

What restaurant required a CC number when it never required that in the past? I'm sure many people would like to know this. It's important for all of us to be prepared for changes like this.

California Grill However, it has been years since I've been there things change, daily.

"Nope it doesn't happen" has not been countered by your experience. Your experience was by your own admission not that there wasn't ANYTHING available. You stated your experience to be that you couldn't get your top choice of ADRs. Again, this is VERY different. Yes it's a blanket statement and I'll admit that it likely does happen on VERY rare special occasions (maybe Christmas Day) but 99% of the time it doesn't happen.

You said it doesn't happen and I said it does.

I'm sorry to hear that you had bad experiences at some restaurants. It really stinks when that happens and IMO WDW needs to do a better job of getting on top of restaurants where this seems to be a regular occurance. That still doesn't mean NOTHING is available.

I'm sure that ALL of the restaurants in ALL of Orlando are not booked. I'm sure that Gaylord Palm's may have an opening but if I don't want to leave the WS to go there.

I really don't understand your statment "I certainly hope you don't work for Disney! They are experts in the art of the upsell. Jeeper's, why vacation at all if your aren't willing to take on all that responsiblity.".

You were very rude in telling me not to buy the DxDDP. Is that unclear?

First, no I don't work for Disney. Second, I do LOTS of planning and take that responsibility seriously for my family. We've got plenty of issues in my family that require for extensive planning and I consider that to be a very important responsibility. I'm not saying don't plan. I'm saying that if you can't get the ADRs that you want and you won't be happy with what you can get then the DxDDP is not a good idea as you'll be wasting money. For some people, not getting the ADRs that are vital to the success of their trip (I still think it's a mistake to put that much importance on any one ADR but that's a different discussion) then it's probably a good idea to take a different approach to your vacation so you can eat offsite more (maybe stay in a huge house offsite where you can spread out plus cook food as well as have easy access to all sorts of offsite restaurants). Am I misunderstanding your statement?

And you did it again? You are telling me that it is "not a good idea" to stay at WDW?! How judgemental can you get?

As to why it's set up so that some ADRs have to be booked at 180 days out in order to get them, it's the public that's spoken. Us as consumers book those ADRs. Disney tried shortening the timeframe to 90 days and found that it didn't work as well for them so they switched it back.

They change all the time

I never said it's not disappointing to not get your first choice in ADRs. It's very disappointed. It's up to us as individuals to decide how we handle that disappointment. As I said before; I've been in this position and recognized that it's just the way it is and that I had 2 choices; choose something else or let it bother me. I chose to not let it bother me and to choose something else. I guess I'm a glass half full kind of gal. No one meal can make or break my vacations. For something like your CP ADR, I would certainly keep trying to get that ADR since it clearly has specific sentimental history (and I'd likely keep trying even when at WDW) but I wouldn't allow it to take away from my vacation if I didn't get it.

And I never said it would make or break my vacation, either.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I'm not sure why you're reading judgement in my posts because I honestly have not once judged you. I'm showing you that you have options. None of these options is better or worse than the other but one the other may work better for you in certain situations. I never told you not to stay at WDW. When I told you the DxDDP may not be best for you I was clear that this is the case if you can't get the ADRs you want and that it would be a waste of money because you wouldn't be able to use your credits. How is that rude or judgemental? I showed you options. Where have I once judged you? I'm responding to your concern that you can't get ADRs. If you end up in that position then it's a good idea to look at all your options. Since when is sharing options judging? I haven't put you down or insulted or judged you at all.

Regarding where your LC ADR came from, somebody cancelled. It happens all the time. This is why I suggested you keep checking for the CP ADR that is so important to you. People cancel all the time meaning you can scoop up that important ADR when it's released back into the system. That still doesn't mean nothing is available at DHS on your Fantasmic night. I suggest you take another look because there are plenty of openings.

California Grill I believe has required a CC hold for a long time though I have no idea when it was actually implemented.

When I keep repeating that not finding something at the specific restaurants you want doesn't mean nothing is available, I'm very clearly talking about restaurants in or near each park. Nothing being available at a specific restaurant is very different from nothing being available anywhere. You know very well that's what I mean. No need to be snippy.

 

[vicki_c]

MaryKatesMom - I don't see anyone saying it's not a good idea to stay at Disney. It was suggested that if you were that unhappy with what you could get for dining, there are other options, and one is staying and eating offsite.

The comment was that it's not a good idea to pay for deluxe dining if you can't get the reservations to use up your credits. I don't see how anyone could argue with that unless you like wasting money.

And to all - a professor I had in college said it's "judgment" and "judgmental" - no "e".
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/judgment

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I'm not sure why you're reading judgement in my posts because I honestly have not once judged you. I'm showing you that you have options. None of these options is better or worse than the other but one the other may work better for you in certain situations. I never told you not to stay at WDW. When I told you the DxDDP may not be best for you I was clear that this is the case if you can't get the ADRs you want and that it would be a waste of money because you wouldn't be able to use your credits. How is that rude or judgemental? I showed you options. Where have I once judged you? I'm responding to your concern that you can't get ADRs. If you end up in that position then it's a good idea to look at all your options. Since when is sharing options judging? I haven't put you down or insulted or judged you at all.

Regarding where your LC ADR came from, somebody cancelled. It happens all the time. This is why I suggested you keep checking for the CP ADR that is so important to you. People cancel all the time meaning you can scoop up that important ADR when it's released back into the system. That still doesn't mean nothing is available at DHS on your Fantasmic night. I suggest you take another look because there are plenty of openings.

California Grill I believe has required a CC hold for a long time though I have no idea when it was actually implemented.

When I keep repeating that not finding something at the specific restaurants you want doesn't mean nothing is available, I'm very clearly talking about restaurants in or near each park. Nothing being available at a specific restaurant is very different from nothing being available anywhere. You know very well that's what I mean. No need to be snippy.

Thank you for your years of experience.

 

[ccgirl]

For LC we check in only 15 minutes earlier. That's where the wait was.

For Garden Grill we check in around 5:15 pm. Which they allowed. I even mentioned I was early and she said it was fine. And yes, I'm sure many of the people going in before us had a ADR before us. However I knew my ADR wasn't until 5:40 pm and was prepared to wait. She said about 10 minutes or so. Ok, no problem. I was given a buzzer like everyone else. I waited until 10 minutes AFTER my ADR time 5:50pm and then went up to the podium. That's when it was discovered that they deleted my ADR from the system and that's why we were waiting. The castmember said I should had been seated already. She was surprised to see me back at the podium.

I'm not complaining about the wait at Garden Grill -- I was sharing my story that maybe if you are told X amount of minutes and it's been a while to double check. I would have been sitting there even longer if I didn't check.

Again, not complaining about wait at GG. And I didn't complain or yell at the castmember at the podium.

Just ate at GG this past week. They allowed us to check in 30 minutes in advance and told us they seat by reservation time not by check in time. Not sure if it was true. The CM was actually rude and was trying to get people to say they didn't want to dine there. Looks like they overbooked. Anyway, we had 8pm ressies and ended up being seated at 8:10pm (after checking in at 7:30pm). This restaurant was the only place we experienced this. Everywhere else we were seated about 10 mins after checking in.

 

[Eponine1]

CCgirl.....glad you got in!!!

That's too bad that she was rude to you! I'm sure they were heavily overbooked with everything going on down there.

So if they say the wait is 10 minutes, I guess we take it as 10 minutes afer original ressie not check in time.

Thanks for the update!!