Open Table vs. WDW ADR - Any difference?

[J-Dog]

This is more of a curiosity question than anything - but is there any difference in the actual experience in dining at DS restaurants that allow booking via Open Table as well as WDW ADR's?

I realize that Open Table generally allows booking much earlier than Disney, but does that affect anything - i.e. do they generally have designated tables for Open Tables res's and tables for WDW ADR res's?

I'm guessing that it makes no difference, but was just interested if anyone knows...

 

[CarolynFH]

We’ve never experienced any difference in seating or service. I prefer reserving through Open Table due to the more flexible cancellation policy - we’ve had to cancel day-of once or twice, and it’s so nice simply opening the OT app instead of having to call.

 

[J-Dog]

We’ve never experienced any difference in seating or service. I prefer reserving through Open Table due to the more flexible cancellation policy - we’ve had to cancel day-of once or twice, and it’s so nice simply opening the OT app instead of having to call.

Thanks for the expert info. I agree, I don't really see a reason to book those restaurants through Disney, if there's no difference in seating or service.

 

[Sweettears]

Absolutely no difference in seating. Open table is always a better option because they have no cancellation penalty and virtually no penalty for a no sho

 

[OKW Lover]

There is no difference between the two experiences in the restaurant. You are treated the same as anybody else.

The best part about Open Table reservations is that there is no no-show fee.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

No difference at all, in our experience

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Absolutely no difference in seating. Open table is always a better option because they have no cancellation penalty and virtually no penalty for a no sho

No cash penalty for no shows with Open Table, but we have been alerted that you do risk that your account will he suspended if you miss reservations multiple times. We have been contacted by Open Table post-restaurant-visit when the restaurant failed to log our arrival for an Open Table reservation. We had to follow-up with a phone photo of our dining receipt to verify that we had in fact completed the reservation. It made me wonder if Open Table was getting a booking fee of some kind and the restaurant’s failure to log the arrival meant that Open Table was not getting its fee.

In any case, it’s so easy to cancel an Open Table reservation using the app that it makes little sense to no show for a booked reservation.

 

[FCDub]

No cash penalty for no shows with Open Table, but we have been alerted that you do risk that your account will he suspended if you miss reservations multiple times. We have been contacted by Open Table post-restaurant-visit when the restaurant failed to log our arrival for an Open Table reservation. We had to follow-up with a phone photo of our dining receipt to verify that we had in fact completed the reservation. It made me wonder if Open Table was getting a booking fee of some kind and the restaurant’s failure to log the arrival meant that Open Table was not getting its fee.

In any case, it’s so easy to cancel an Open Table reservation using the app that it makes little sense to no show for a booked reservation.

There’s an old Open Table blog post that says this. The numbers are likely outdated but…

For online reservations, we charge a pay-for-performance fee of $1.00 per seated diner booked on OpenTable.com or $0.25 per seated diner booked via the restaurant’s website.

 

[Sweettears]

Been a member since their inception. Unless you abuse it there is no reason to be concerned

 

[Mousetopia]

Open table Cancel fees ARE charged. It is based on the restaurant and the terms they want to use. Raglan Road charges a 10$ fee for example. Its in the fine print

 

[Jillfo]

Another advantage of OpenTable is earning points which will can be redeemed for dining rewards and other things in the U.S.

https://help.opentable.com/s/article/Dining-Points?language=en_US

 

[emilymad]

Open table Cancel fees ARE charged. It is based on the restaurant and the terms they want to use. Raglan Road charges a 10$ fee for example. Its in the fine print

But you can cancel up to 3pm the day of the reservation and not be charged the $10. You do need to call Raglan Road directly but they have given me zero problems in the past. Still better than Disney's day before policy.