Priority Seating: It has to change.

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

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.

I know you didn't direct this to me but you're right- I don't agree with that. That's incredibly rude to book 3 places at a time for each meal simply because you don't know 3 mths in advance what you'll be in the mood for (like everyone else does? What makes you any different than everyone else? So EVERYONE should book 3 different places for each meal? That will really help matters won't it) and because it would be "nice" to have the option to choose. Meanwhile it's not very nice to those that can't get in there at all and really really want to- because after all.. all that is important is that some people (like yourself) have their options open for whatever they want to eat that meal and them (like yourself) having the option to choose while others have no choice at all because of it. That's so not cool....

 

[greenyskp]

Agreed. but then again, some of us don't look to exploit every loophole in society and call it our "right".

Oh. My. Goodness.

Ill be honest. Im not that clever. Theres no way i could exploit every loophole in society.

If I disgust you because I make 3 priority seating reservations instead of one...thats your right.

I guess im a bad person because of my priority seating choices.

 

[greenyskp]

I know you didn't direct this to me but you're right- I don't agree with that. That's incredibly rude to book 3 places at a time for each meal simply because you don't know 3 mths in advance what you'll be in the mood for (like everyone else does? What makes you any different than everyone else? So EVERYONE should book 3 different places for each meal? That will really help matters won't it) and because it would be "nice" to have the option to choose. Meanwhile it's not very nice to those that can't get in there at all and really really want to- because after all.. all that is important is that some people (like yourself) have their options open for whatever they want to eat that meal and them (like yourself) having the option to choose while others have no choice at all because of it. That's so not cool....

Your acting like the restauarant closes after the PS's are gone. If its booked, you keep calling, if you still have no PSR then you show up, and you wait. You wont wait for 6 hours. But just like your local Outback you might wait for one hour.

And of course, i guess i have to clarify... Im speaking about places that have a turnover. Not CRT or ANY of the other character breakfasts. (those places charge you for the ressie anyway...) Ive never been shut out of a restaurant at WDW but i have waited. You know thats why they have that paging system and those little light up buzzers. You go shop, ride..and check back to see if your table is ready.

Im so sure that most of you saying how horrible I am, have NO IDEA what it means to the cast members to have a PS. Whether you have a PS or you walk up. You're put on a list. And you wait. It basically gives you a 15 min. advantage. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I don't think it is your PS choices. But the perception (not directly at you as I have not read through allllll these pages) would be an attitude that comes across as not caring about anyone else as long as your needs are met.

I can't say that I have really noticed any restaurant issues such as this.

 

[greenyskp]

Good idea!

Unfortunately I see a lot of this "me first, to heck with the rest of the world" attitude lately. It's a huge problem in every facet of our existance. And as a teacher, I wish there were something I could do about it. Lack of compassion and common courtesy is the biggest problem today.

Making 3 PS's and having a lack of compassion are very different things. You dont know what people do for a living, what they do with their lives.

Its almost laughable that you're putting them together in the same category.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Agree with that perception, luv2roam. I'm getting the same vibe also... from her words.

And of course, i guess i have to clarify... Im speaking about places that have a turnover. Not CRT or ANY of the other character breakfasts. (those places charge you for the ressie anyway...) Ive never been shut out of a restaurant at WDW but i have waited. You know thats why they have that paging system and those little light up buzzers. You go shop, ride..and check back to see if your table is ready.

First off- not all character breakfastses charge you for the ressie. We didn't do CRT this last time but did atleast one, if not two, character meals every day including breakfast and not one charged for the ressie.

Secondly- just because you haven't been shut out of a restaurant at WDW doesn't mean no one else has. During our 10 day trip almost every meal we ate at (with PS's) we saw people being turned away told they absolutely could not take any walk ups- all day.. till they close. It happens- it sure does. And how could they say they can't take walk ups the rest of the day BUT FOR having all those PS's filling up the restaurant? Surely they are not turning people away when they are planning on saving part of the restaurant for walkups later on... then they could just tell them to come back later or wait! But they didn't... I saw it time and time again. It happens. May not have happened to you- but it happens to others. It doesn't happen to you because you book 3 ADR's and have your choice of where to go.

I received pagers when I had PS's- not as walk up. I never once saw anyone without a PS get a pager at any of the restaurants we were at during our stay- they gave those to those that had PS's and turned away walk ups. If you think that all, or even MOST, of the restaurants you can always just walk up and get a pager to come back in an hour, or two hours, or even longer- you are seriously wrong about that.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Not really. We all do things for a reason and often they are rather telling -- even the small things. Or things that may seem small to you. What may seem insignificant to you may not be to someone else, and visa versa.
And everyone is entitled to an opinion. You for yours. Theirs for them.
This would be one time that people should agree they disagree, and move on.

If it gets to be a large issue, Disney will take care of it.

 

[greenyskp]

QUOTE=BibbidyBobbidyBoo]Agree with that perception, luv2roam. I'm getting the same vibe also... from her words.


First off- not all character breakfastses charge you for the ressie. We didn't do CRT this last time but did atleast one, if not two, character meals every day including breakfast and not one charged for the ressie.

ok...

Secondly- just because you haven't been shut out of a restaurant at WDW doesn't mean no one else has. During our 10 day trip almost every meal we ate at (with PS's) we saw people being turned away told they absolutely could not take any walk ups- all day.. till they close. It happens- it sure does. And how could they say they can't take walk ups the rest of the day BUT FOR having all those PS's filling up the restaurant? Surely they are not turning people away when they are planning on saving part of the restaurant for walkups later on... then they could just tell them to come back later or wait! But they didn't... I saw it time and time again. It happens. May not have happened to you- but it happens to others. It doesn't happen to you because you book 3 ADR's and have your choice of where to go.

I have been told the old 'sorry we dont have anymore tables' shpchiel. And guess what? I came back an hour later and got a table. Imagine that! Someone didnt show up for their PSR.
2nd. We went July 3rd. One of the busiest days of the year. At 3 oclock we decided we were hungry. And on the way over to epcot, i called WDW Dining. Everything was booked. There were not PS's left. I guess at this point we should have left the park right?
Well we went to Epcot, and went to Alfredos, and they said they were full. We reeeaaaalllly wanted Itialian. So we waited around for a bit, and asked again. Sure enough they had a table. And we had a wonderful meal.

Since it was a spur of the moment I didnt have time to make a priority seatring ressie. So there is an istance, where i was turned away, yet... still got my way. Maybe im just very lucky?

I received pagers when I had PS's- not as walk up. I never once saw anyone without a PS get a pager at any of the restaurants we were at during our stay- they gave those to those that had PS's and turned away walk ups.

Did you ask each and every person? Because we went to the Sci FI, and waited 45 min with a buzzer. They also told us they were very busy and wouldnt be able to accomodate walk ups. And i asked if they could possibly squeeze us onto the wait list. And he gave us a pager and said hed see what he could do. and sure enough we got seated. Its just luck though. Im sure its never happeend to anyone else.[/QUOTE]

 

[jjarman]

Well that sounds right except they don't exactly follow things like that.

If they are COMPLETELY full on PS's they will tell any walk-ups that they are not taking walk-ins instead of having them wait. Also if PS's for a slot are full and nobody shows up, they can't just skip to the next time slot, because those people have not shown up yet, because they are not scheduled yet, and no walk ins are coming in because they were turned away earlier.

I always figured they release those tables where the people don't show up for either walk ups or to move up PS's that are there and waiting. Here is my plan for our next trip. Our last trip we did make PS each day and some days we kept them but mostly we cancelled and/or got another PS somewhere else. This was because our plans changed and we didn’t end up in the park we planned a sit down dinner for. I had no trouble getting a new PS for 7:00 or so when I called around 2:00 the same day. Next trip though I do plan on making multiple PS for probably 2 parks. But before you scream and holler we will know that day by noon where we will be that night and we will cancel the one we aren’t planning on using. That way it can be picked up by someone else or used for a walk up. I might add that the three PS I can remember from this past March Springbreak those restuarants were full to overflowing.

 

[Belle1962]

If you aren't staying onsite, you can create your own ADR list in a word processing or spreadsheet program easily. As plans change, just update the list.

If you are staying offsite you can go to Guest Services at DD or any park and they too will print your ARs for you. I have done this before.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I think that there is a major disconnect with the posters who feel that making multiple PS's for one meal is OK.
Let's say that there is only one PS left for Le Cellier. If I want to go to Le Cellier for dinner, and someone calls right before me and books the final PS for Le Cellier, then fine, they got the last PS, fair and square.
But if that person also has a PS for the Coral Reef and Concourse Steakhouse, and decides to forget them all and just have a turkey leg in the park, because hey, when they made the PS, they really didn't know what they wanted to eat anyway, then it is hugely inconsiderate. We aren't splitting the atom here...it's simple common sense.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

People wouldn't take up three seats on a bus- they'd use one, so they take one. You leave the other two for other tired people with the same needs as yours. Same with AR's - you need one, you should reserve one. Leave the others for other hungry people who are getting up early and calling to get AR's and do not want to be told they're all full.

Someone might not know if they'll be "in the mood" for Mexican or a steak, but that's a very poor, selfish excuse if you ask me. What if everyone did that?

We have to ask ourselves what are our priorities? Is our number one priority what I'm "in the mood for" or what is good for society as a whole. As much as I would like to get all the AR's that I have thought out, is it my biggest priority- no.

I'm sorry to get OT, but I see this attitude as a symptom of a much larger issue- the problem of the *non Disney attitude* in Disney.

When I go to Disney, as a former CM, I feel like it's my dharma, my duty to bring some Disney Magic to others- I've given away little toys to kids who were behaving well, answered people's questions and this year I'm bringing a container of 50 glow bracelets to share when I see Wishes. I guess what I'm saying is we shouldn't always look to what the World can give us but what we have to give to the World.

I really encourage everyone to do things to brighten other people's days- give out smiles, tip well if you can afford it, make cards for Mousekeeping, "thank" a CM, give up a seat on the bus. Truly I have had so many "magical moments" where guests or CM's have made my day with a small kind gesture. Those little things will *make* someone elses's day and your vacation will be better for it- as well as your life!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

show up 30-15 min before the ressie)

show up for 15-30 minutes ahead of time..then wait 15-45 minutes? For a total of 30 minutes to 1h 15 minute wait for a spot held in line?

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Making 3 PS's and having a lack of compassion are very different things. You dont know what people do for a living, what they do with their lives.

Its almost laughable that you're putting them together in the same category.

To a family who didn't get a PS for a certain place because *you* decided to book *three* because you didn't know what you were *in the mood for* it's not laughable.

They are certainly related. Making 3 PS's is an act of selfishness, which is the opposite of compassion.

I certainly do not know what you do for a living or with your life, but I know this one area of selfish behavior which is what I can comment on.

If you are a compassionate, giving person throughout your life, please explain to me why you would not want to be compassionate to the other people trying to get PS's? Think back to when you were a child. Everyone got a turn, right? Fair is fair. I don't know how else to explain to you why it upsets so many other people to see unfairness.

If you feel comfortable taking up 3 PS/AR's then do it. That's all I can say. I know I wouldn't.

 

[freakylick]

Whether you have a PS or you walk up. You're put on a list. And you wait. It basically gives you a 15 min. advantage. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

You seem to be carefree (which I am sure is very easy since you live close by and can basically come and go as you please...as funds allow of course). And if you really feel as this quote suggests, then why the need to make 3 PS's. Make one..if that's not what you feel like, go somewhere else and wait an extra 15 minutes. 15 minutes is apparently not a big deal to you.


You also mentioned about "hanging around" and maybe getting in later after you were told there was nothing left. Well that is something that most visitors won't know to try. Once told nothing will be available, most people assume that they won't be able to get in.

 

[AnninIowa]

Even though I'm a newbie, it seems to be they could limit the PS system to the character and dinner show meals. These seem to be the ones that people are desperate to get into. I certainly didn't have trouble getting reservations for the Yacht Club Galley! LOL

 

[lillygator]

We have to ask ourselves what are our priorities? Is our number one priority what I'm "in the mood for" or what is good for society as a whole. As much as I would like to get all the AR's that I have thought out, is it my biggest priority- no.

I really don't think about what is good for society as a whole when I am making my reservations...



.........NOT that I would make more than one or anything

 

[lillygator]

I really don't think about what is good for society as a whole when I am making my reservations...



.........NOT that I would make more than one or anything

and before anyone gets upset I mean this in a joking way!

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Isn't that how you begin to go about change? Maybe find out if other's have the same problem?

I believe other's have posted threads refering to changes needed to FP and EMH, or at least post their experience with them.

Interesting note of "other's mileage will vary". If you bought a new car and it was getting 5 mpg, would you take it to your dealer to have it looked at or just accept it because your new car sticker indicates that "mileage may vary"?

No, you do more than gather ancedotal evidence of an alleged problem through a relatively anonymous Internet message board. It is ridiculous to think that legimate research can be conducted through a web forum like this. But by all means, feel free to use forums like this to whine about Disney's alleged faults and inconsistencies. Some of us go to Disney to enjoy a vacation, not to find fault with every minor inconvenience.

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

I think that there is a major disconnect with the posters who feel that making multiple PS's for one meal is OK.
Let's say that there is only one PS left for Le Cellier. If I want to go to Le Cellier for dinner, and someone calls right before me and books the final PS for Le Cellier, then fine, they got the last PS, fair and square.
But if that person also has a PS for the Coral Reef and Concourse Steakhouse, and decides to forget them all and just have a turkey leg in the park, because hey, when they made the PS, they really didn't know what they wanted to eat anyway, then it is hugely inconsiderate. We aren't splitting the atom here...it's simple common sense.

On paper. Now I have never in my life made more than one PS, nor would I ever, but like I said in an earlier post, Disney has to be aware it is happening. If they discontinue the process of allowing it, and you were to just miss getting the PS yesterday with people making multi PSs you may just miss getting one today, because for sure Disney would take fewer PSs knowing that the rate of no shows would go down.