Quick Service Rules in Effect

[Pumbaa_]

time for a gentle reminder from your friendly mods

be respectful to others!

this isn't personal, like it, don't like it whatever

disney only does this during peak times and not in all places. They do it so that the masses can find a seat when they have hot food in their hands.

If you do not care to participate, you have choices, exercise them

Have a magical day

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Maybe the real answer to all of this is that Disney really needs to think about expanding dining, period. Quick Service or TS, there obviously isn't enough capacity for the volume Disney is experiencing. The more I read about this, the more I think that militantly guarding table use is a little ridiculous. The noodle station and El Pirata & el Perico (or whatever its called), sits closed most of the year, not to mention the extra space at the Adventureland Veranda and the Diamond Horseshoe review.

El Pirata was open last week and there was a line way out of the door to get in every time I passed.

 

[kirstenb1]

Maybe the real answer to all of this is that Disney really needs to think about expanding dining, period. Quick Service or TS, there obviously isn't enough capacity for the volume Disney is experiencing. The more I read about this, the more I think that militantly guarding table use is a little ridiculous. The noodle station and El Pirata & el Perico (or whatever its called), sits closed most of the year, not to mention the extra space at the Adventureland Veranda and the Diamond Horseshoe review.

Right---I strongly suspect that the MK capacity per the fire marshall, greatly exceeds their ability to provide food service. I worked at King's Dominion all thorugh high school and college, and there was a big disconnect between the 2.

 

[wcpamotm]

Two thumbs up from me!

I normally go during less busy times, and have still had trouble finding an open table at Sunshine Seasons (pre-renovation), and most recently at Sassagoula Floatworks, thanks to foodless table-holders.

Is it rude? Well, I feel that at the least it is self-centered and inconsiderate.

 

[pampam]

Maybe the real answer to all of this is that Disney really needs to think about expanding dining, period. Quick Service or TS, there obviously isn't enough capacity for the volume Disney is experiencing. The more I read about this, the more I think that militantly guarding table use is a little ridiculous. The noodle station and El Pirata & el Perico (or whatever its called), sits closed most of the year, not to mention the extra space at the Adventureland Veranda and the Diamond Horseshoe review.

I don't want to take this OT but didn't they take away the Adventureland Veranda? I remember after it closed we would sometimes sit there and get away from the crowds for a few minutes, but I think they put walls up and refigured things so it's not there anymore.

 

[robinb]

I don't want to take this OT but didn't they take away the Adventureland Veranda? I remember after it closed we would sometimes sit there and get away from the crowds for a few minutes, but I think they put walls up and refigured things so it's not there anymore.

If the Adventureland Veranda is that outdoor location that it just over the bridge and to the right, that has been used for character greetings for a while. There is an inside location just past that which serves cold sandwiches when it it very, very busy (think the last two weeks of the year). I'm trying to remember if the entrance is to the left or the right of the Dole Whip bar, but I can't.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

It is on the right, I have never seen it open for food, but it is open as a character greeting spot during MNNSHP.

 

[KarBear]

I realize the two "camps" on this issue will never see eye to eye, but I won't be following this "rule" unless I am forced by a CM right in my face. And even then I will politely but firmly object.

I refuse to wander around with a tray of food without the guarantee of a seat. I don't trust a CM working there to find me one. I don't want to carry my full tray for a long time looking for one--I prefer to make a beeline for my preselected table. I do not wish to have to go back for condiments/utensils or have to try to collect them while balancing my tray.

I do not wish to have the ordering/pickup area cluttered with a bunch of extra people and their stuff. One swing of an overloaded dad with a diaper bag would clear my tray no problem. I do not want to try to carry my tray plus my day bag and any shopping bags.

I'm not fronting my money to a restaurant without a seat in hand (or behind, as the case may be).

I hate this "rule" and will use every civil means at my disposal to avoid being subject to it.

Great points - all totally agreeable, except you left out aboutfood getting cold while waiting for a table as you stand in line waiting for people to finish!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Thanks for the information! I had heard that they do this sometimes but I've never encountered it so I must not be going during really busy times. I've actually never experienced a QS that is so busy that there were no available seats. But it wouldn't bother me.

My only question is whether the lines are more congested? If nobody in your party can sit down before you get your food, where do they all stand - in line? By the front door? Just curious if it makes the lines that much more 'congested' (while not necessarily longer).

 

[crostorfer]

Universal did this at their Three Broomsticks CS in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. When times are busy, it is such a life saver and keeps you from doing balancing acts with your food and kept people from hovering over us while we were eating, waiting to pounce on our table as soon as we were done. Much more relaxing this way!

This! Three Broomsticks was the best coordinated and most organized dining area in a counter service place I have ever seen, I would be glad to see Disney adopt this for all CS locations, year round.

 

[crostorfer]

My question is though, do you have to get up and leave as soon as you are done? Like, no food, no parking? That would be kind of nice though, no more people sitting at the Cantina de San Angel for two hours before Illuminations, LOL.

 

[cindermomma]

I wish they would do this at all QS places year round. Our family has eaten on the cement, we have eaten with our trays on trash cans, ect. All while people without food were watching us - and like others said, we were done before they even had their food. We will be happy if they do this everywhere, but if not - we will make due - hey...we are at Disney World!!

 

[Mary T in PA]

I didn't notice this in effect? The only CMs I saw at QS places were the cleaning people who swept and wiped tables in the dining areas. Maybe I wasn't at the "right place at the right time" the past 10 days.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

Maybe someone can answer a question for me and trust me I am not trying to stir a pot, but this is a true question.

Last summer during Free Dining, my family was at Epcot one day, and while we were there we were eating at Electric Umbrella and there was a family of 9 taking up 2 two seater tables, and 1 five seater table, they proceeded to pull out of their bag a loaf of bread, plastic containers of Meat and Cheese, then they helped themselves to the fixings bar, all the condiments they could grab, napkins and such. Then we watched them pull out of their bag used (albeit possibly cleaned) red celebration Disney drink cups and fill them up at the drink station. I swear, my DH and kids and I were just flabergasted by this family. We didn't know what to think, or how to explain to the kids if this was ok or not, they were like, "mom, is all that stuff for free, can they do that?" or "don't they have to pay for their drinks?" So, will the CMs keep this kind of stuff down too?

 

[coopersmom]

So now everyone sitting needs to have food? And if a family of 5 only has meals for two, the other three can't sit? THAT I disagree with.

I also think that if the family of 5 is at a table for 8 and two more of their party show up, what's the harm of the party of two joining them? If it's a table for 5 and there's no extra chairs, different story.

The situation you provide makes it sound like Disney is more interested in making money by selling food (everyone needs to buy food to sit here) than making things easier for guests.

... I loved that a table was found for us, and we were guaranteed a place to sit.

... except you left out about food getting cold while waiting for a table as you stand in line waiting for people to finish!

...Our family has eaten on the cement, we have eaten with our trays on trash cans, ect. ...

But didn't you see how busy it was before you got that food and know that was possible? I mean, I'm not saying it was ideal or something I wish on people, it just shouldn't have been that shocking, right? You went ahead and ordered knowing it was a zoo and super full; the idea that you might not find a table had to have crossed your mind, but you decided to take your chances and eat anyway. It was an informed choice. I mean, if I walk into a restaurant with a line out the door and they say it's gonna' be an hour wait I have the choice to sit down and wait, and hope it's less, knowing it may be more, or just walk out. If I sit down and it's an hour wait, I can't really complain, because I saw for myself how busy it was. (Same would go with any order-at-the-window type restaurant; if everything's full when you get in line, silly to assume there will be something open when you get done ordering.)

My whole point wasn't that I "deserve" a table prior to ordering, it's that if I don't/won't have a table, I don't want to eat there (at least at that time), at all.

If it's so busy how do they "guarantee" you a table (as one poster stated)? Are they kicking people out, or are you just stuck, standing there waiting, holding all your stuff AND food and juggling kids, etc. until someone finishes? They can't magically make a table appear just by leading you to one.

This system MAY make tables turn over faster, but that's also not guaranteed because if I sit a bit before my meal, I'll probably get up and go as soon as I'm done, versus if I've been standing in line (again) to get food and then waiting for a table (standing line again) and therefore collapse into a chair with my food (because, let's face it, Disney is exhausting), probably sitting for the first time all day. In that case, I'll likely eat more slowly and savor my "table time" just as long, if not longer, than if I'd sat down while my husband waited in line for our lunch.

And the idea that if my husband and son have meals, but I don't I can't sit with them? That's an automatic no go for me. People won't be separated from their families for a bus ride or during an attraction but it's OK for a meal? A time when you actually do talk, socialize and regroup. (And, yeah, for the prices I'm paying at Disney I, and everyone else too, do "deserve" a little consideration for our enjoyment of the experience, and not just a place to park our behinds while wolfing down our over-priced calories.)

Going outside while he waits? Sure, because there's nothing to drag my child away from the idea of lunch in Disney World. And call/text when he's ready to sit? Sure, but we have to be with him for any of us to sit down, oh and, whenever there are huge crowds there is massive cell phone failure/lag, so definitely not something to count on. (While at football games texts can take HOURS to go through and that's a small crowd compared to Disney congestion.) And the whole bottleneck at the entrance to the seating area with all these people waiting for parties, waiting for tables and waiting for food, getting condiments, trying to get back in ... It all just seems the polar opposite of consumer friendly to me.

I'm not talking about throwing a fit, just voting with my wallet and taking my eating dollars elsewhere, quite possibly outside the park, if I this is the only option I'm given.

 

[Lehuaann]

My question is though, do you have to get up and leave as soon as you are done? Like, no food, no parking? That would be kind of nice though, no more people sitting at the Cantina de San Angel for two hours before Illuminations, LOL.

Yep, this is SO annoying. We arrived at Cantina 2 hrs prior to Illuminations and there were people stalking/snagging tables with NO food in hand, patrons (finished eating) with no intention of leaving, people eating fish/chips with tortilla chips, UGH! I asked the CM about it and she said there was nothing they could do. We ended up sharing a table with a family (8 at a 4 top), ate our meal, and left.

 

[over50visits]

You went ahead and ordered knowing it was a zoo and super full; the idea that you might not find a table had to have crossed your mind, but you decided to take your chances and eat anyway./QUOTE]

At least we should expect the courtesy of people not holding tables and contributing even more to the general problem. I am so sorry Disney has to intervene with this new program, but it is amazing how selfish customers can get when it becomes crowded. It's easy to be considerate of others and not hold a table without food when it's not crowded, but let tables start to become scarce and there, unfortunately, is the minority who suddenly begin justifying to themselves why it is okay to become self centered. And it is just this attitude that requires Disney to intervene.

This new procedure will have ZERO impact on most guests who reasonably get their food then look for a table (except perhaps the impact will that seating now becomes more available!). The only folks impacted will be those who thought it was okay to tie up tables. I genuinely hope they become offended and stomp off mad

 

[LadyDuchess]

I hardly doubt that Disney implementing this policy will cause table seatage to be "time limited," and I think it's rather silly to think that. Disney is NOT trying to upset guests - telling someone "time is up" would be bad guest service. Showing guests to their table, however, is not. If you would simply like to rest, there are plenty of benches located throughout the park, not to mention a little thing called TTA or It's A Small World. (You expect to be shown to your table at a TS, no?)

Having been to Disney quite the extreme number of times, and witnessed QS locations in their various states of glory, the number of people who wait around after they're done eating seems to be FAR outnumbered by the number of people saving tables (I'm basing this off of general observations, such as a) seeing empty trays, b) many people sitting together, opposed to just a few children/single adults - it's generally fairly obvious if people are hungry and grumpy or full and happy!). During busy times, the wait for your food generally exceeds the time many people take to eat - hence where the problem lies. Get rid of the people saving tables for 30 minutes, increase table turnover.

Like I said, this isn't about pssing guests off. And until this thread, I never knew there were people so passionate and adamant about saving tables. (I've done it many a time - unfortunately, it's generally out of necessity. If everyone else is doing it, it's better to compete & snag a table then risk going without!) But having people say they're going to simply leave the parks if these rules are in place is - quite frankly - ridiculous, and more likely a sign of a bigger problem. You spend a ridiculous amount of money to come to Disney - I hardly doubt it's for the time spent luxuriating over an empty table in a QS restaurant. If that's all it takes, then there are either severe control issues going on, or you're sick of Disney on some level and looking for an excuse to stop coming.

All that being said, do I feel this policy may hit quite the few snags? Yes. Single parents with children, especially if you've got a tiny one and can't bring the stroller. The whole traffic flow of people going in and out of the fixin's line, the lack of space in the lines to order, etc. But in general, this is likely to make tables more available. If it weren't working, it's easier to tell people to fend for themselves, and take the responsibility of finding tables off of the cast. So most likely, it's working fairly well at this early stage. Time will tell.

Anyway. I don't think this is so much an issue of principle as some would make it seem ("I deserve the right to pick wherever I want to sit, whenever I want to sit, for as long..."), more so just what we've become accustomed to and feeling the change is less in some peoples favor.

So clearly there is a problem at Disney with number of tables/limited space. They are trying to solve it. If you have a BETTER suggestion, let's hear it. And let Disney hear it too!

(Personally, I say throw on a second floor to these QS locations - problem solved?)

 

[robinb]

But didn't you see how busy it was before you got that food and know that was possible? I mean, I'm not saying it was ideal or something I wish on people, it just shouldn't have been that shocking, right? You went ahead and ordered knowing it was a zoo and super full; the idea that you might not find a table had to have crossed your mind, but you decided to take your chances and eat anyway. It was an informed choice. I mean, if I walk into a restaurant with a line out the door and they say it's gonna' be an hour wait I have the choice to sit down and wait, and hope it's less, knowing it may be more, or just walk out. If I sit down and it's an hour wait, I can't really complain, because I saw for myself how busy it was. (Same would go with any order-at-the-window type restaurant; if everything's full when you get in line, silly to assume there will be something open when you get done ordering.)

My whole point wasn't that I "deserve" a table prior to ordering, it's that if I don't/won't have a table, I don't want to eat there (at least at that time), at all.

If it's so busy how do they "guarantee" you a table (as one poster stated)? Are they kicking people out, or are you just stuck, standing there waiting, holding all your stuff AND food and juggling kids, etc. until someone finishes? They can't magically make a table appear just by leading you to one.

This system MAY make tables turn over faster, but that's also not guaranteed because if I sit a bit before my meal, I'll probably get up and go as soon as I'm done, versus if I've been standing in line (again) to get food and then waiting for a table (standing line again) and therefore collapse into a chair with my food (because, let's face it, Disney is exhausting), probably sitting for the first time all day. In that case, I'll likely eat more slowly and savor my "table time" just as long, if not longer, than if I'd sat down while my husband waited in line for our lunch.

And the idea that if my husband and son have meals, but I don't I can't sit with them? That's an automatic no go for me. People won't be separated from their families for a bus ride or during an attraction but it's OK for a meal? A time when you actually do talk, socialize and regroup. (And, yeah, for the prices I'm paying at Disney I, and everyone else too, do "deserve" a little consideration for our enjoyment of the experience, and not just a place to park our behinds while wolfing down our over-priced calories.)

Going outside while he waits? Sure, because there's nothing to drag my child away from the idea of lunch in Disney World. And call/text when he's ready to sit? Sure, but we have to be with him for any of us to sit down, oh and, whenever there are huge crowds there is massive cell phone failure/lag, so definitely not something to count on. (While at football games texts can take HOURS to go through and that's a small crowd compared to Disney congestion.) And the whole bottleneck at the entrance to the seating area with all these people waiting for parties, waiting for tables and waiting for food, getting condiments, trying to get back in ... It all just seems the polar opposite of consumer friendly to me.

I'm not talking about throwing a fit, just voting with my wallet and taking my eating dollars elsewhere, quite possibly outside the park, if I this is the only option I'm given.

By your own account on other thread, you have never been to WDW before. Which is why I was so confused about some of your previous posts. You seemed to talk from a position of experience ordering and eating at WDW CS restaurants, as you do in this post. But there is something always a little *off* in your post like your question if the PP noticed if the restaurant was busy before they came in for their food. The restaurants ALWAYS look busy at lunch and dinner time!

You'll be fine on your first trip! Don't worry. Be happy.

 

[Art 1]

This is a wonderful idea. I hope that it's properly enforced.