Priority Seating: It has to change.

[Belle1962]

Let's see:
1) People started "selling"/'trading" PS's for CRT breakfast--thus Disney implemented a new policy requiring credit cards and id at check in
2) People have been using their child's meal credits for adult meals thus there is a RUMOUR--read RUMOUR-on the restaurant board that Disney may be changing this to show the # of adult credits and the # of child credits.
3) People would make multiple room reservations and hold them until AP rates came out and then ask that the discount be applied to the reservation at the hotel they actually decided to go with (based on the discount); thus Disney has changed the AP program to AP holders booking the room without a discount and then Disney will apply the discount if/when it comes out automatically and they now require a one night non-refundable deposit so it does not "pay" to have multiple room reservations waiting for a discount

I think if Disney decides that multiple PS/AR's are an issue they will implement a change.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

But Disney points out that PS's are NOT guaranteed reservations. Why would I put a hold on my CC for something not guaranteed?

Great point...and that would have to change as well. Disney would then be required to guarentee restaurant reservations...I tell you what...I'd prefer that they would!

 

[philaround]

It wasnt due to staffing because the PS's were taken, and I seriously doubt those are allotted due to staffing as the restaurant likely isn't to know how they'll be staffed 90 days out.

I think they COULD stop it by only allowing NO MORE than 2 PS's per day (3 max) and not allowing 2 within 2 hours of one another.

The system is being HEAVILY abused.

Disney will not allow every seat to be taken by those who call ahead for a PS [ADR]. When they tell you that there are no PS's available for a restaurant they DO NOT mean that there are no seats left. They mean that the seats alloted to PS are all used up and only walk up is left.
As you said Mama Melrose is not as popular as other restaurants so it does not surprise me that ther were empty seats when you where there as walk ups are most likely fewer here then at the more popular places. What Disney needs to do is adjust the PS to walk up ratios at their restaurants. Some restaurants need to be 50/50 while others need to be 75/25 and some need to be 25/75. JMHO.

 

[grimley1968]

Great point...and that would have to change as well. Disney would then be required to guarentee restaurant reservations...I tell you what...I'd prefer that they would!

I've been saying this for years. The PS system is virtually worthless for us. We wait the same for restaurants usually whether we have a PS or not. PS's need to be actual held tables for parties. And there has GOT to be a penalty of some sort for people who don't show up without cancelling first.

 

[civileng68]

Disney will not allow every seat to be taken by those who call ahead for a PS [ADR]. When they tell you that there are no PS's available for a restaurant they DO NOT mean that there are no seats left. They mean that the seats alloted to PS are all used up and only walk up is left.
As you said Mama Melrose is not as popular as other restaurants so it does not surprise me that ther were empty seats when you where there as walk ups are most likely fewer here then at the more popular places. What Disney needs to do is adjust the PS to walk up ratios at their restaurants. Some restaurants need to be 50/50 while others need to be 75/25 and some need to be 25/75. JMHO.

Walk-in's? What are they? No......this past week at popular locations, even Mama Melrose, WAlkins were NOT allowed at the same times that tables were sitting empty for over an hour.

All week people were turned away as walk-ins. disney is not allowing walk ins like some unofficial guides are claiming they do.

 

[greenyskp]

I happen to think Priority seating works. As long as you understand what a PSR IS. All theyre doing is holding your spot in line.

Lets just say you decide to go to Disney on Saturday. Would you get up Saturday morning and make your plane reservations? Then call WDW planning and expect to get a room at the Poly for a good price? I dont think so.

Welcome to the real world where people are rewarded for planning ahead. Why are you even complaining when you went on one of the busiest times of the year? I was there on Sunday (july 3) And we had NO problem making priority seating reservations throughout the day. And i was calling on my cell phone to WDW dineing, from the POTC ride.

This is a situation where you must have the 'if you cant beat em, join em' mentality. Are you going in October? Call now and book 3 places in each park. For each day you're there. Youll have so many options when you get there you wont know what to do.

Seriously. Stop complaining about a system that works well when you use it properly. (make the ressie ahead of time, and show up 30-15 min before the ressie)

 

[grimley1968]

This is stupid.

Lets just say you decide to go to Disney on Saturday. Would you get up Saturday morning and make your plane reservations? Then call WDW planning and expect to get a room at the Poly for a good price? I dont think so.

Welcome to the real world where people are rewarded for planning ahead. Why are you even complaining when you went on one of the busiest times of the year? I was there on Sunday (july 3) And we had NO problem making priority seating reservations throughout the day. And i was calling on my cell phone to WDW dineing, from the POTC ride.

This is a situation where you must have the 'if you cant beat em, join em' mentality. Are you going in October? Call now and book 3 places in each park. For each day you're there. Youll have so many options when you get there you wont know what to do.

Seriously. Stop complaining about a system that works well when you use it properly. (make the ressie ahead of time, and show up 30-15 min before the ressie)

The OP has stated several times now that he made PS's well before his trip, so your post doesn't make much sense in this case. His complaint was that the PS system is being abused, especially in light of the situation where he made a PS for MM's, got in, was told there were only 2 PS's left after him, and arrived to find that the place was only half full.

As to the "system working properly" comment, I disagree with that. I made a PS for R&C 60 days out for last September. We arrived there and STILL had to wait 35 minutes for a table. I've been to the R&C other times WITHOUT a PS and waited less. Germany's Biergarten out and out lost our PS completely, but we got in in 10 minutes anyway after they lost our PS. That's not a system that works properly in my book, and believe me, I KNOW how to use it.

Also, let's not call people "stupid" for wanting to make something work better.

 

[greenyskp]

No, I think he was just saying that CC reserving is just becoming status-quo in today's society. There's NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING wrong with no using CC's. TRUST ME THAT MANY OF US ENVY THAT! However, to get many things in today's society you have to have one.

Hotel reservations (in most all cases)
Many Restaurant reservations
Rentals (such as car)
Airline tickets online

Laughs was just saying that CC reserving is just part of society and without it you dont get much these days.

Actually in 'todays world' you dont need a credit card. Especially since most malls, (and other stores) offer gift cards that can be used as credit cards.
Ours is a Simon Mall Card and they are credit cards with VISA symbols on them. Ive used them to pay bills, and I use them primarily for vacations. I save up my money and then go get a card. Book the vacation and keep track of my money. Its nice because when your done with it, you toss it. And if you dont like using your actual credit card online, you can use these and if someone steals your number its useless. There are ways to not have a bank account or a credit card, and still pay your bills, go on vacation, and live a seemingly normal life.

Most people also dont realize that your Debit card IS a credit card. If it has a VISA or Mastercard symbol its accepted EVERYWHERE VISA or MASTERCARD is. So if you have a checking account, you have a credit card.

 

[civileng68]

The OP has stated several times now that he made PS's well before his trip, so your post doesn't make much sense in this case. His complaint was that the PS system is being abused, especially in light of the situation where he made a PS for MM's, got in, was told there were only 2 PS's left after him, and arrived to find that the place was only half full.

As to the "system working properly" comment, I disagree with that. I made a PS for R&C 60 days out for last September. We arrived there and STILL had to wait 35 minutes for a table. I've been to the R&C other times WITHOUT a PS and waited less. Germany's Biergarten out and out lost our PS completely, but we got in in 10 minutes anyway after they lost our PS. That's not a system that works properly in my book, and believe me, I KNOW how to use it.

Also, let's not call people "stupid" for wanting to make something work better.

Thank you. I think he/she COMPLETELY missed the point.

 

[jerbroni]

This is a situation where you must have the 'if you cant beat em, join em' mentality. Are you going in October? Call now and book 3 places in each park. For each day you're there. Youll have so many options when you get there you wont know what to do.

I'm sorry, but I completely disagree with this mentality. Because other people do something to exploit the system, we should exploit the system just to be able to 'compete' for the restaurants where we want to eat? That would make me part of the problem, not part of the solution!

 

[Laurajean1014]

WDW restaurants have a short window of time that they allow for your arrival. If you are not there, a non-PS person gets your table, or some restaurants designate tables or sections of the dining area for non-PS.

So, I do not think that multiple PS's are keeping anyone away from eating at that location. Unless, they are turned away because the restaurant is "booked" or they express an undesirable wait time.

Also, this type of doubling is only a syptom to the problem and charging cc's for pre-dining is not the cure.

 

[greenyskp]

The OP has stated several times now that he made PS's well before his trip, so your post doesn't make much sense in this case. His complaint was that the PS system is being abused, especially in light of the situation where he made a PS for MM's, got in, was told there were only 2 PS's left after him, and arrived to find that the place was only half full.

As to the "system working properly" comment, I disagree with that. I made a PS for R&C 60 days out for last September. We arrived there and STILL had to wait 35 minutes for a table. I've been to the R&C other times WITHOUT a PS and waited less. Germany's Biergarten out and out lost our PS completely, but we got in in 10 minutes anyway after they lost our PS. That's not a system that works properly in my book, and believe me, I KNOW how to use it.

Also, let's not call people "stupid" for wanting to make something work better.

Hi.

I said THIS (as in this thread, the idea) is stupid. Didnt call anyone stupid.

You might take care to remember that a restaurant, even in Disney, is staffed by human beings. Humans who get sick, hate their jobs, call in, etc.

The PS system is set up to be abused. Its PRIORITY SEATING. Not RESERVATION. Its like your telling them - hey, we might stop by for dinner. please make sure there is a seat for us.

Stop and think how it actually works. Not how theyre not catering to your needs. The end of lunch is usually dead, so they have 30 tables open around 2-3 aclock. 26 families come in that time frame. Your PS is at 4. Its takes 1-2 hours for someone to eat. All of the people who had PS ahead of you, will get seated asap. 1 family gets up to leave, they bus the table and seat another family, but another family just walked in and is on the wait list, and your still waiting for your PS, if you times all of that by 27, you can see why it might take 30 min. to seat you WITH a PS. While the family with NO PS probably waited an hour or more.

Sometimes you dont need a PS. Its only there as a just in case. It might be a better idea to not put so much pressure on the PS reservation itself. That is one reason people make more then one PS. The Sci Fi Drive in might have a 30 min wait WITH a PS, but the 50's Prime Time Cafe has only a 5 min wait for a PS at the same time.

I just think its stupid to complain about a system that is already in place, and happens to help 1,000's of people a day. Its not going to change, and if it does, some people will like it, and some wont. Instead of complaining, learn how to manipulate the system for your needs.

You might not agree with that. But i'll be planning my PS's ahead of time, arriving early, and booking 3 places at a time. because i dont know in 3 months time if ill be in the mood for mexican, italian or a steak. But it will be nice to have the option to choose, and know that instead of not getting in or having to wait an hour. I might have to wait a half hour at most.

In essense its not even manipulation, its using it properly. And in 20 years of going to WDW 5 or more times a year, ive NEVER had an issue with a PS reservation.

WDW restaurants have a short window of time that they allow for your arrival. If you are not there, a non-PS person gets your table, or some restaurants designate tables or sections of the dining area for non-PS.

This is true. Your not getting in because of the number of people in the park, at the restaurant. PS's dont limit people getting in. If someone doesnt show up for their 5 oclock, and your a walk-up, your wait time is now shorter, because they dont wait for people.

 

[tlbwriter]

I just think its stupid to complain about a system that is already in place, and happens to help 1,000's of people a day. Its not going to change, and if it does, some people will like it, and some wont. Instead of complaining, learn how to manipulate the system for your needs.

Can we assume, then, that you have never complained about anything, or suggested improvements, on these boards? Or anywhere else, for that matter?

It is not "stupid" to point out that something doesn't work very well. The fact that it's already in place doesn't make it sacred. Nor does it mean it's effective. These boards are for discussing experiences, opinions, and ideas. If you disagree with someone's opinion, by all means, speak up. But please do not say it is "stupid" to even express that opinion. It's completely inappropriate.

 

[greenyskp]

Can we assume, then, that you have never complained about anything, or suggested improvements, on these boards? Or anywhere else, for that matter?

It is not "stupid" to point out that something doesn't work very well. The fact that it's already in place doesn't make it sacred. Nor does it mean it's effective. These boards are for discussing experiences, opinions, and ideas. If you disagree with someone's opinion, by all means, speak up. But please do not say it is "stupid" to even express that opinion. It's completely inappropriate.

You're right. I apoligize, and i fixed my original post.

PS - im actually not much of a complainer. Im a take life as it happens kind of person. Its very difficult to ruin my day. ESPECIALLY when im at Disney.

 

[jerbroni]

You might not agree with that. But i'll be planning my PS's ahead of time, arriving early, and booking 3 places at a time. because i dont know in 3 months time if ill be in the mood for mexican, italian or a steak. But it will be nice to have the option to choose, and know that instead of not getting in or having to wait an hour. I might have to wait a half hour at most.

In essense its not even manipulation, its using it properly. And in 20 years of going to WDW 5 or more times a year, ive NEVER had an issue with a PS reservation.

Gotcha. Part of the problem. Could you at least have the courtesy to cancel one of the three an hour or so before it's time to eat?

It's obvious we're not going to resolve this problem (or lack of a better problem to complain about?) in this thread, but sometimes it's just nice to talk to other people who feel the same way about these types of issues. I've stated my opinion, now it's time to get on the phone and book some ADRs.

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

I don't think what happened in the OP is an indication that tables are empty all over WDW even though people are being turned away for ARs. I'm sure Disney is aware that a certain number of people aren't going to show up...either due to having ten different ARs, just not being hungry even though it sounded good 90 days ago, not being able to get there on Disney transportation or for whatever reason. Just like the airlines, I'm sure they overbook. And just like the airlines, there are times you get to a restaurant and more people than normal don't miss their ARs and you have a longer than normal wait. If they go to needing some kind of deposit to hold the AR, they would have to hire a bunch of new people to work the phones. I'm reading some posts now of people calling first thing in the morning to make sure they get their time for a certain place waiting forever.

 

[greenyskp]

I do cancel. Cell phones are a wonderful use in the parks.

 

[tlbwriter]

You're right. I apoligize, and i fixed my original post.

Hugs all around!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Ya know. I'm not quite sure of where I want to eat for my next ressie. I think I'll make a ton of em and eff everyone else that can't get one because of it. That's what the system was designed for right? It's just using the system to its ultimate right? I mean if 3 are ok what about more.? Say 5, 10, 15. 100. I mean really. I don't know what time I'll be strolling by CP, so I'll just make one every 5 minutes all day. Better yet, I don't know what day I'll be in the MK, so I'll just do this for every day, and I better do it for Le Cellier too. CRT also because well, I just can't decide whether I'm in the mood for Pooh or Cindy. I mean really. Disney just wants me to utilize the system to its fullest potential right?

 

[freakylick]

I find this thread interesting because I am in the midst of my first attempt at planning my own WDW vacation (been there before, but this is the first time as the planner). We are going in October and I am attempting to schedule/make my PS's right now. Of course, I am having a hard time because, although I have a schedule of what parks on what days, I don't really know if I will actually be there since things may change...like park times when the Oct schedule is released. So I am perplexed at trying to schedule my PS's at which parks/resorts. I just have a feeling that my PS's are going to determine my vacation...which is not how it should be. These are the reasons that people abuse the system.

I guess what I am saying is that not only does the "system" not discourage multiple PS's...it almost makes it a necessity. But don't get me wrong...I am not encouraging/recommending that people make multiple PS's, but I can almost understand why they would purposefully overlook common courtesy and make them.