Possible dining reservation changes

[Buzz2001]

Read this on the rumor board. I think this would be a great addition and open up more available seatings.

Listening to the WDW Today podcast, they discussed a rumor about possible dining reservation changes.

Rumor is Disney's considering a change where they will give "hard" dining reservations, but will require a credit card number. The card will be charged $20 if there is a no-show.

This is allegedly due to Disney being unhappy with the large number of ADR's which are no shows.

 

[KAYELIZ]

This was the policy when I made my reservation for the California Grill for Aug 26. I had to cancel 24 hrs. prior to my reservation or be charged $20.00 per person.

 

[mom2alix]

This does already seem to be the case at some restaurants, perhaps the ones where Disney has the biggest problem with no shows? CRT is even paid in full, not just a deposit. Although I can't imagine going to the trouble to get that coveted ressie and then just not showing up.

 

[BuzzBelleMom]

I have seen threads with people making 2 ressies per day and then only going to the one that was most convenient that day. It seems rampant.

 

[Flitter]

I think they should have done this a long time ago. All to many times I have tried to add one or two persons to a standing ADR and was told that they restraunt was already overbooked and when you do show up the restraunt is half empty because of unkept ADR's.

 

[BluOrchid2]

I view ADR's as being similar to call-ahead seating. They aren't really holding a table for you till you show up. They have tables becoming available practically every minute or two, and when you arrive, you are put down at the top of the list next in line for a table, only behind others who have already just arrived for their ADR's. You are in front of those people without ADR's, who are just waiting around for a table open and no one with an ADR to claim it. So I don't see how they are losing out on money by people not showing up for their ADR's if tables are not being held open waiting for your arrival.

 

[Laurafoster]

i agree with the chargeb - if you dont intend to eat there, then its only polite to let them know. even as little as 30 mins before your scheduled ADR time will allow another family to take your place.

I do actually have a couple of days where i have 2 ADR's but i will be cancelling 1 of them nearer the time!

 

[tlmdisney]

Maybe I am remebering wrong but in 2002 and 2004, before the dinning plan, you had to secure your reservations with a credit card or be charged. At least for the character meals not sure for other table services at that time though. I like the thoght of being able to cancel the day of the reservation though because things do come up, so I hope they don't change to this.