Online ADR's

[mjperry]

Maybe i'm behind on some things, but does Disney have online booking for ADR?

 

[theweave]

Maybe i'm behind on some things, but does Disney have online booking for ADR?

WOW I am first to answer something!!

Not yet but is mentioned on the boards here that one is coming but keeps getting delayed! I hope they have it before my 90 window opens.. but than again my TA is going to do mine so no worries for me!

 

[M5ward]

I can't imagine what a disaster booking ADRs online would be. Disney's web sites run slow and aren't usually up to date to begin with. The CMs have a hard enough time with the system I just can't fathom how many screw ups there would be if we could do it ourselves.

 

[Condorman]

If you go to disneyworld.disney.go.com and search through the restaurant listings, they currently have a button beneath the latest TS restaurant, Paradiso 37 in DTD, that says "Book a Reservation" for their online system. Although the link leads to an error code, this button will eventually appear beneath all the TS restaurants participating in the system once the online booking engine goes live.

As for whether or not online bookings will work seamlessly or not, I'll argue that it is the lack of training and knowledge on the part of the CMs that makes everything so difficult. Computer systems and their servers will be managed by the IT department. You will log in with your name, onsite rez # or phone #, and either a table will be available at the place and date and time that you want or it won't. No CM's to confuse you, argue with, not know the policies, push the wrong button, read the wrong #, etc. In addition, you'll be able to print a consolidated list of ADRs and modify them as often as you want without having to call up at 7:00 am and sit on hold for 30 minutes. Oh, there will be problems at first, but after a month or two it should be fine. I can't wait.

 

[cascarlet]

If you go to disneyworld.disney.go.com and search through the restaurant listings, they currently have a button beneath the latest TS restaurant, Paradiso 37 in DTD, that says "Book a Reservation" for their online system. Although the link leads to an error code, this button will eventually appear beneath all the TS restaurants participating in the system once the online booking engine goes live.

Just curious as to where you have received this information.

I do know that online reservations will eventually happen. I think that you still will be calling those pesky CM's when you can't find what you want online.

 

[natalielongstaff]

I can't imagine what a disaster booking ADRs online would be. Disney's web sites run slow and aren't usually up to date to begin with. The CMs have a hard enough time with the system I just can't fathom how many screw ups there would be if we could do it ourselves.

i could not agree more !

 

[disnut8]

There is no current online system to book Disney reservations.

There are very conflicting reports on if this will happen in the near future or even in the future.

There are so many variables with booking a Disney dining reservation that an online system will have to have many options available. I see so many times where a family of eight wants a reservation and they are told they will be seated a two tables of four. How will that be incorporated into an online system? That family of eight will want to make a reservation for eight. Currently, Disney doesn't do it that way. I can see way more problems than solutions. If online bookings happen, I will be thrilled (two adults, no kids) but I don't think it's going to be that easy.

 

[Condorman]

Just curious as to where you have received this information.

I do know that online reservations will eventually happen. I think that you still will be calling those pesky CM's when you can't find what you want online.

Not sure what you mean. The button I referred to was on that page. It has a bad link, but that's only because they're currently in the testing phase. The button may be gone now ( for a week a similar button/link appeared beneath California Grill). Buttons like these will ultimately appear beneath all TS restaurants that will utilize the online system. As for having to call CMs, yes, that will always be an option. But over the next few years, as online reservations become commonplace, you can be sure Disney will scale back their call center staff to save on payroll. At that point, wait times will be 45 mins+.

There is no current online system to book Disney reservations.

There are very conflicting reports on if this will happen in the near future or even in the future.

There are so many variables with booking a Disney dining reservation that an online system will have to have many options available. I see so many times where a family of eight wants a reservation and they are told they will be seated a two tables of four. How will that be incorporated into an online system? That family of eight will want to make a reservation for eight. Currently, Disney doesn't do it that way. I can see way more problems than solutions. If online bookings happen, I will be thrilled (two adults, no kids) but I don't think it's going to be that easy.

You answered your own question. You said "Currently, Disney doesn't do it that way." So why would that change when booking online? If you have a party of eight, there are only so many tables for eight at the restaurants. If none are available, the system will book you at two tables. If two tables of four aren't available, then they can't accommodate your party. It's that simple. If Opentable.com could be doing this flawlessly for years, Disney won't be a problem. The problem is their integration of the new system with the old, bringing the CMs up to speed, all the while they continue to take new reservations every day. That's what's slowing the process. Online reservations will happen within the next 3-4 months.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) It is still in Beta test.
2) They haven't found a way to stop abuse.

3) RUMORED way (only a rumor) of halting abuse
. . . non-refundable credit card deposit when you make an on-line ADR
. . . you get it applied to meal
. . . but, you do not get it back if you cancel the ADR

NOTE: No one I have spoken with has even a remote method of stopping abuse - and some of the CM ideas have been really wild. We will see . . .

 

[cascarlet]

As for having to call CMs, yes, that will always be an option. But over the next few years, as online reservations become commonplace, you can be sure Disney will scale back their call center staff to save on payroll. At that point, wait times will be 45 mins+.

It just seems like you know for sure that this will happen in 3-4 months, along with alot of other information as to how this is all going down. That is why I am asking where you got your information, or did you just come to this conclusion on your own?

Thank you RustyScupper as that is exactly what is going on.

I certainly don't want to be out of job so I would be all right without online reservations. But I know even with it guests will still be calling. It's not as "easy" as some seem to think it is.

 

[Condorman]

It just seems like you know for sure that this will happen in 3-4 months, along with alot of other information as to how this is all going down. That is why I am asking where you got your information, or did you just come to this conclusion on your own?

Thank you RustyScupper as that is exactly what is going on.

I certainly don't want to be out of job so I would be all right without online reservations. But I know even with it guests will still be calling. It's not as "easy" as some seem to think it is.

I have an inside management source. That is the most I can tell you, just as I'm sure you would rather not divulge your identity as a CM.

As for RustyScupper's statements, that is true to an extent. It's still being tested, but as for allaying the abuse, that will never be foolproof and isn't the biggest obstacle right now. If you have an onsite rez, your ADRs will be linked to that; you will also be able to find/make them via your phone number with regards to non-onsite guests or locals simply attending a meal -- the same way it is currently done. They are toying with the idea of CC#s being added to certain reservations, particularly signature restaurants, so as to avoid the abuse of no-shows. As far as double-booking, that has already been handled in the beta. Once logged in, you will not be able to make two ADRs within two hours of each other. IOW, one ADR @ 7:30 pm means no other ADRs between 5:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Furthermore, if they go with the CC# application, a party may be charged up to $10 per person who does not show.

Of course all this may change, and probably will, but that is exactly what is going on right now.