penalty for being late to an ADR?

[FairestOfThemAll]

Long time reader, first time poster. I've actually been lurking for at least five years now... but better late to join the party than never, right?

The reason I'm finally posting is because my mom told me that she read somewhere (I don't know where) that the new cancellation policy was charging a $10 per person cancellation fee for being even one minute late to check in for an ADR. Something about the computer system not allowing for any leeway whatsoever, thereby considering any tardiness to be a "no show". Is this true? Has anyone encountered this? Is there another thread where it's already been discussed?

My 180 day mark is coming up and I'd like to know how early I can make breakfast ressies... we're going to be a group of 10 this time with two little beepers. The idea of a $100 penalty is daunting enough to plan to arrive at least an extra 30 minutes early.

... really, really hoping it's just a rumor that someone out there can clear up for me.

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

I have heard about the $10 per person cancellation fee...but I have not heard of being charged b/c you were just a few minutes late. I suppose if you are too late you miss your window of opportunity to be seated....anyone know more on this????

 

[Millie12591]

Long time reader, first time poster. I've actually been lurking for at least five years now... but better late to join the party than never, right?

The reason I'm finally posting is because my mom told me that she read somewhere (I don't know where) that the new cancellation policy was charging a $10 per person cancellation fee for being even one minute late to check in for an ADR. Something about the computer system not allowing for any leeway whatsoever, thereby considering any tardiness to be a "no show". Is this true? Has anyone encountered this? Is there another thread where it's already been discussed?

My 180 day mark is coming up and I'd like to know how early I can make breakfast ressies... we're going to be a group of 10 this time with two little beepers. The idea of a $100 penalty is daunting enough to plan to arrive at least an extra 30 minutes early.

... really, really hoping it's just a rumor that someone out there can clear up for me.

I've never heard of this and doubt that it's true considering ADR's aren't technically reservations (so I've been told by several CM), NOT that they shouldn't be treated as such. It's to give them an idea of how many will be there and about what time they should expect us, I've had many CM's tell us this everytime we've been late to a ADR, which happens a lot due to people not always able to control monorails and or buses, which is another reason I doubt this rumor to be remotely true. We've left an hour and half ahead for an ADR, it shouldn't have taken longer than a half hour from where we were coming from and we were still late. The monorail shut down several times on our way. It happens.
Now, that being said....they have been penalizing for no show's, or at least last I heard. They are doing this because a lot of people are double or even triple booking ADR's and then not canceling which ever one they don't end up using, in advance.
But to be honest, it's always better to call the dining number and talk with a CM to be sure. WDW is in the business of making money, but they are very aware they are dealing the people who spend it there, and they want to make them happy so they will come back and spend money. I doubt they will put a policy in place that isn't flexible and risk that not happening. If you find you've been charged when it's not true, just tell a CM at your resort and I'm sure they will make it okay.

 

[purple figment]

Here's a link to the sticky that explains the penalty if you fail to cancel a reservation and don't show up at the restaurant. It is similar to the penalty that has been in place for quite a while at the dinner shows, Cinderella's Royal Table, Akershus and California Grill. They've expanded it to include character meals and Signature restaurants.

There have been some people who had problems even though they showed up, but while inconvenient and annoying, it seems like Disney has reversered the mistaken charges.

It is not affecting people who are only a few minutes late.

The Link:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2836290

 

[cluvsdisney]

There were a couple of posts where guests who checked in late were charged by mistake. They did get their money back but it took a few days. They also reported that the charge came through a couple of days later so you should keep an eye on your statements and keep your receipts in case you need to provide proof that you were at the restaurant.

 

[chartle]

I think its not a rumor as its a grey area of what is considered late vs a no show.

If you eat at all that day does it count as not being a no show.

Say I have ADR's for 9:00 at CP and get there at 12:00 for no good reason besides I just wanted to sleep in.

They fit me in at 1:00 for lunch. Would this be considered a no show for breakfast and a new "ADR" for lunch.

I think they will still be leeway on what is or isn't a no show, but I doubt there are any true deadlines.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) OK.
2) This can be tricky, and is misunderstood.
3) First, for certain restaurants
. . . there is a credit taken at ADR time
. . . this is to help reduce no-shows (which were really high)
. . . if makes you cancel 24-hrs in advance
. . . if no cancel and no-show, you are charged $10 per person
4) There is no official "late charge" penalty.
5) But, there can be one, when ADR is canceled by eatery.
. . . you are late if not checked-in by ADR time
. . . many eateries allow a 15-min grace period for ADR, many do not
. . . if not checked-in, you may be determined to be no-show
. . . whewn a no-show, the ADR is canceled, and penalty is assessed
. . . some eateries wait for a while claim no-show and cancel ADR
. . . others do it almost immediately after ADR time
. . . depends upon restaurant manager and how busy they are
6) Side note
. . . every senior park eatery manager carries "the list"
. . . the list shows the ADR no-shows for every eatery
. . . since the penalty, the list has shrunk in length
7) So, the answer regarding being charged, even if late
. . . yes, you might be, even for a few minutes
. . . no, you might not be, even for a few minutes or more
. . . maybe, depending how late you are

NOTE: It is just that simple, or complicated. Let's face it, it is a
gray area. If they said no penalty if late, then people would have
no incentive to arrive on time. I personally think it is a good plan.
IMHO, being late (for any appointment) and not canceling is a sign
of being selfish and inconsiderate. With ADR's at least you pay for it.

 

[Crystal824]

I wouldn't think this is the case. Every year we are 10-15 min. late for at least ADR. It just happens. We are usually on time, but sometimes busses are late or crowds are difficult to navigate, etc. I'm sure that is the case for everyone else too. There is a huge difference in being 10-15 min. late and being 4 hours late.

 

[mars315]

It would really bug me to have my ADR cancelled within 15 minutes because almost every single sit down ADR we had last year we waited, and waited, and waited. Sometimes 45 minutes.

Here is a question: If I show up on time for an ADR, and I am made to wait for 15 minutes or longer, may I then cancel my own ADR without a penalty? Otherwise, you could be held captive, unable to walk out because they will charge yopur family $10/head.

 

[JAMIESMITH]

I did read in another thread where someone was charged the no show fee, because s/he was late for a meal, but was able to get his/her money back after a call to disney.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

There is going to be a new procedure in the MK. If you are late for a reservation they will take you to the front of the line of it's a small world and lock you into a boat for the number of cycles equal to the number of minutes you were late. Then they will take you back to the restaurant and seat you immediately.

They are thinking of doing something similar with the boat ride in Mexico for people late for Epcot reservations.

 

[chartle]

There is going to be a new procedure in the MK. If you are late for a reservation they will take you to the front of the line of it's a small world and lock you into a boat for the number of cycles equal to the number of minutes you were late. Then they will take you back to the restaurant and seat you immediately.

They are thinking of doing something similar with the boat ride in Mexico for people late for Epcot reservations.

Really you wouldn't kid a guy would you.

Front of the line just like a Rock Star

 

[mars315]

There is going to be a new procedure in the MK. If you are late for a reservation they will take you to the front of the line of it's a small world and lock you into a boat for the number of cycles equal to the number of minutes you were late. Then they will take you back to the restaurant and seat you immediately.

They are thinking of doing something similar with the boat ride in Mexico for people late for Epcot reservations.

Very funny. I needed that because I definitely take myself way too seriously sometimes!

 

[North of Mouse]

It would really bug me to have my ADR cancelled within 15 minutes because almost every single sit down ADR we had last year we waited, and waited, and waited. Sometimes 45 minutes.

Here is a question: If I show up on time for an ADR, and I am made to wait for 15 minutes or longer, may I then cancel my own ADR without a penalty? Otherwise, you could be held captive, unable to walk out because they will charge yopur family $10/head.

When I just made my CP breakfast ressie, the CM stressed that this was a reservation # unlike the last time I had made a ressie. Depending on how busy they are and if you are late and they can't fit you in you will be charged (according to her). And sorry, but I think this is kind of like checking in at the Dr.'s office and having to wait 30min to an hour. This seems to be their perogative, but not ours so yes, you are liable for your ressie. I know there are exceptions and they can let you off, but they let me know I really should make sure and cancel on time or they CAN charge the $10.00 and no excuses - said to allow plenty of travel time. I really asked a lot of questions about this and seems they can enforce it if they choose.

 

[cigar95]

When I just made my CP breakfast ressie, the CM stressed that this was a reservation # unlike the last time I had made a ressie.

while the rest of what you said is likely true (although rife with the potential for trouble), this part sounds like another case of "uninformed cast member urban legends". A true reservation would imply a table waiting for you with your name on it. I don't see this happening.

It will be interesting to see what this whole system looks like in another six months, when all the opportunities for unintended consequences have manifested themselves.

 

[FairestOfThemAll]

There is going to be a new procedure in the MK. If you are late for a reservation they will take you to the front of the line of it's a small world and lock you into a boat for the number of cycles equal to the number of minutes you were late.

As long as they don't strap us all in at Stitch's Great Escape, we're okay. ... I really think the only reason those restraints are so massive is so that riders don't attempt to gnaw their way out.

Thanks, everybody, for your input. It seems like it'd be a pretty absurd policy, but I'll definitely be keeping an eye on what happens to people who end up in that situation.

 

[TDC Nala]

Actually for awhile in December there were some posts from those who had been charged when they were a few minutes late, and it was apparently a computer glitch. It's suggested that you ALWAYS check your credit card statements after a meal at one of the affected restaurants. And save the receipts, because those who got refunded were apparently asked to prove that they actually attended the restaurant.