PS question

[silmokaren]

I am new to the board and have a question PS. What exactly does it mean? Is it really necessary? Is it basically a reservation? I'm curious because we've been to the Disney parks several times and haven't had a problem getting into restaurants. Is it more helpful in some places than others? Thank you!

 

[danny1649]

I say it is better to have them for your trip than not.If you are going at off peak time or peak time you can eat when and where you want without much hassle.Yes some restaurants you will need them more than others LeCellier,CRT,Shula's,Fulton's,Teppanaki and PTC come to mind that is good to have them Chef Mickey's is a one that it eould help to have a PS for.Welcome to the Dis,glad you found us and hope to see yopu often on the boards.

 

[DisMN]

Welcome to the DIS silmokaren.

We've never made a priority seating reservation before leaving home and we've always gotten into the restaurants we wanted to eat at.
That said, we sometimes DO make a PS on the day we want to eat somewhere, just like we might make a regular dining reservation at a restaurant back home.

Also, I think you can get by with not making PS ressies during different times of the year. We usually go to Disneyworld in Jan, a much less crowded time of year. I THINK if we went when the crowds were bigger I might change my tune......I don't like to fuss alot though so maybe not. LOL

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Originally posted by silmokaren
>I am new to the board and have a question PS.
Welcome!

>What exactly does it mean?
Exactly, that you are guaranteed a table. It does not guarantee a time. Basically, if you have a PS a restaurant will not turn you away, short of a problem ot closing at that restaurant. IF they are extremely busy they may be turning away those without PS.

>Is it really necessary?
Depends on a lot of things, how popular is the restaurant? (California Grill, Chef Mickey's, Breakfast at the Castle all MUST HAVES), How busy is the time of year that you are there? (Holidays, Christmas, Jersey Week), and finally what time do you want to dine? (Dinner peak is between 7:00 and 8:30) If you are very flexible with these issues then you will have no problems, if you are steadfast you better plan ahead.

>Is it basically a reservation?
No, a reservation holds specific tables in anticipation of your arrival. A PS just guarantees your "admission" (I know thats a improper word). You may still have to wait for your table, but depending on your party size, you should wait much less time than those who do not have a PS. Example, with PS, 20 minute wait, without PS 1 hour wait (your mileage may vary).

Bottom line, I almost always make PS, why not? There is no charge and no penalty (except in rare special cases).

 

[MelanieC]

It depends on when you go. I have seen people turned away (especially at peak times-example Thanksgiving week).

For me, I like to know I am going to get to eat where I want. For my family the dining is just as much fun as being at WDW. We enjoy eating out and it's part of the Disney Magic. I have changed PS's on the phone while at the resort or a park and to me, that's wasting park or vacation time waiting on hold to do that. I prefer having it all set before I leave home. It has never been a problem and it gives us a "plan" that we can loosely follow. We do use the early entry days and we go when the parks close earlier, so planning lunches and dinners works well for us.

It really depends on the kind of person you are. Some people like everything planned others don't. I remember the first year we went to WDW. DH was so impressed after the trip how all our meals were planned and how smoothly everything went. He was happy that I had taken care of this and we weren't standing in the park trying to figure out what we wanted to eat. Instead we were sitting down eating and moving on to the next fun adventure.

Have a great time!

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I like having PS because I would rather call and cancel then call to try and get a place to eat at the time I want.