Saving Tables....A Complaint

[RACHELSMOM1]

As long as they're going to eat there, as far as I am concerned I would rather they save a table than have the entire family wait in line up front.

And I am usually there on my own, and don't have someone else to go save a table.

When I get a table, people usually don't like that one person is taking up a table for two or four. But I have to eat somewhere.

I'm not in favor of allowing persons who brought the food from elsewhere to occupy a table at a CS restaurant though.

We will gladly pull up a chair for you also.

 

[SILLYANDI]

Clearly, I'm in the minority on this topic. But let me ask you this....what do you do as you look around and see folks with food struggling to find somewhere to sit down and there's table after table occupied by folks such as yourself...with no food. Do you feel sorry for them? Ignore them? Do you just not care? Or do you feel guilty because you know that you're sitting at a table that they could be using to eat their lunch? Seriously. I couldn't help but wonder what all of those people were thinking as they watched folks walk around with their trays of food in search of a vacant table. If it were me, I would give it up. I just couldn't sit there and ignore them. Clearly, their need is greater than my comfort.

I think "I wonder why they didn't send a designated table saver? Their food is gonna be cold!"

 

[SILLYANDI]

Personally I agree with the OP. The tables are meant for those eating not for those who will be eating in half an hour. The OP said the line for food was half an hour long. Assuming that everyone saved a table and that eating the counter food normally takes half an hour each party occupied a table for an hour. If you waited until you had your food to find a table the tables would be occupied for half an hour per party. By saving tables you're using the table for twice the needed time and the restaurant would need twice as many tables. If you just sat at the table for the time you were eating it would be the equivilent of Disney doubling the seating at counter service places.

I totally disagree. Using the same logic, if EVERYONE split up and saved a seat than theoretically it would run as smoothly (or faster) as it would if people waited until they had their food to find a seat. The people walking away from the counter with their food would go directly to the table being saved, they would eat and leave and another party would come to save the seat, eat & leave. No one would be walking away from the counter with food and no place to sit because someone would be saving their seat for them, right?

 

[njchris]

So when we finally saw some folks leaving a table we walked over only to find another couple standing there (WITHOUT food) waiting to grab it for themselves. My husband had a very unpleasant standoff with these folks who didn't speak English apparently.

Hey, I didn't respond because I didn't recognize those curse words.

 

[jcpuppy.com]

Clearly, I'm in the minority on this topic. But let me ask you this....what do you do as you look around and see folks with food struggling to find somewhere to sit down and there's table after table occupied by folks such as yourself...with no food. Do you feel sorry for them? Ignore them? Do you just not care? Or do you feel guilty because you know that you're sitting at a table that they could be using to eat their lunch? Seriously. I couldn't help but wonder what all of those people were thinking as they watched folks walk around with their trays of food in search of a vacant table. If it were me, I would give it up. I just couldn't sit there and ignore them. Clearly, their need is greater than my comfort.

Lack of preparation on your part, does not constitute an emergency on my part.

Obviously, the poll here shows what most folks are doing. If you want to win this game I suggest you change how you play. Otherwise, like the one person said

I think "I wonder why they didn't send a designated table saver? Their food is gonna be cold!"

If a place is that busy, we won't linger over food and will try and get done asap, so another can have our table. With 5 or more people in our group, we are not going to be wandering around with at least 2 trays of food, we are going to divide and conquer. It makes the most sense.
I wish more people would have just one person order. Then, we don't have to stand there why folks decide what little Johnny wants(asking him and waiting for some big reply). Nothing like waiting for a family in front of you to figure out what they want.

 

[Mkrop]

Maybe a suggestion to those that do solo trips to WDW maybe write a suggestion to WDW taht they have one table for single guests only like they have the single rider lines!!!! Just a thought!

 

[Princess Amy]

I just sat here and started reading this thread. It amazes me the things people come up with to complain about. When I am eating at a counter service location, I admit, one person stakes out a table, while another jumps in line. What is wrong with that? Please, don't explain, I have read it enough. My opinion and your opinion are two different things and quite frankly I have had enough of people thinking I am beneath them for my actions. Whether it be saving tables at a counter service, or a family member actually smoking in a DSA. When are people going to realize that not everyone thinks like them? I can understand if this thread was just a question in hopes of some quick yes/no responses, but when people start getting bashed for their opinions, I think that is when it crosses the line.

I'm not trying to come on here and point fingers but when I am on vacation the only thing I am worried about is my family and if they are having a good time. If someone would want to join us at the table if seats are available, be my guest. But I have never once saw anyone give dirty looks or give a comment for saving tables. And if I did I would think...how sad.

Okay I'm done ranting....

 

[rolshuk]

I really really cant see the problem....maybe its a british thing but I wouldnt think twice about splitting up and saving a table.How big would the que be other wise
I wouldnt have a problem sharing a tale with a solo dinner just as long as there where enough seats for my party(or what would be the point of splitting up!
I think the survey results say it all ...next time the poster needs to follow the majority

 

[KYMickey]

Again, I'm in the minority here but I feel it's totally rude to be hogging a table when others with food are walking around looking for a place to eat.

One of the early posters stated that they had a showdown with another couple who didn't have food (and they did) over an open table. They went on to state that the table holder of this group was still waiting for the other person to arrive with food by the time they finished eating. On this basis the restaurant needs more than twice as many tables as required for people to eat! No matter how you look at it this is a very efficient.

Once a food order has been placed at the counter, I see no problem was a member of the party leaving to find a table that way you will have to walk around with your food looking for a table. Of course you also wouldn't have to spend time looking for a table if rude people weren't saving tables for extended periods of time.

I know I'm in the minority here (or maybe the silent majority, since rude people also are louder) but I think those that are in favor of saving tables are ignoring common courtesy.

 

[all4disney98]

Clearly, I'm in the minority on this topic. But let me ask you this....what do you do as you look around and see folks with food struggling to find somewhere to sit down and there's table after table occupied by folks such as yourself...with no food. Do you feel sorry for them? Ignore them? Do you just not care? Or do you feel guilty because you know that you're sitting at a table that they could be using to eat their lunch? Seriously. I couldn't help but wonder what all of those people were thinking as they watched folks walk around with their trays of food in search of a vacant table. If it were me, I would give it up. I just couldn't sit there and ignore them. Clearly, their need is greater than my comfort.

That does stink and we would also be in that situation if we didn't think ahead and grab a table. I would rather search for a table with my 2 young children without food in my hand than...try to have my husband and I hold each of their hands, along with two trays of food and drinks, while walking around trying not to get bumped (or bump someone else) in search of a table.

Sorry, I feel very strongly on this one

 

[Mkrop]

I know I'm in the minority here (or maybe the silent majority, since rude people also are louder) but I think those that are in favor of saving tables are ignoring common courtesy.

No I heard you LOUD and CLEAR! And I think your comment is rude.

We can all disagree without being rude to one another!

Just because it is not something that you agree with does not make the practice rude, you are entitled to your opinion as I am mine. But I also think you would probably be the person starting the thread about my kids, or someone's ECV, stroller etc clogging up the ordering line.

 

[mabenoab]

This seems to be a situation in which I think: I can either solve my problem myself or complain about people not solving it for me. It is my own responsibility to ensure that I have a table to sit at when I want to eat my hot food, therefore, my family also does the split..2 order, 2 prepare the seating. However, we only take enough chairs or a table big enough for ourselves, and we don't linger after we've eaten.

On the rare occasion when we have not chosen a table first but stood around with hot food waiting for a place to sit, (and it has happened), it never occured to me to be upset with the people holding tables. Instead, I kicked myself for not doing the same!

 

[lagunaseca]

Again, I'm in the minority here but I feel it's totally rude to be hogging a table when others with food are walking around looking for a place to eat.

One of the early posters stated that they had a showdown with another couple who didn't have food (and they did) over an open table. They went on to state that the table holder of this group was still waiting for the other person to arrive with food by the time they finished eating. On this basis the restaurant needs more than twice as many tables as required for people to eat! No matter how you look at it this is a very efficient.

Once a food order has been placed at the counter, I see no problem was a member of the party leaving to find a table that way you will have to walk around with your food looking for a table. Of course you also wouldn't have to spend time looking for a table if rude people weren't saving tables for extended periods of time.

I know I'm in the minority here (or maybe the silent majority, since rude people also are louder) but I think those that are in favor of saving tables are ignoring common courtesy.

What you are saying is that anyone that doesn't agree with you is rude. The catch is the other 5 or 6 people that you call the silent majority don't agree with you. You are not supposed to sit until you HAVE your food. (According to what they have posted). I do agree with you on one point. Rude people tend to be loud and you proved that. You are the only one in this thread to use bold print which is shouting just like using all caps.

 

[LauraAnn630]

We find a table, decide what to order, DH gets in line to order and usually calls us on his cell to offer up things he sees on the menu we might want.

Then once his order is in my oldest son goes up to help carry the food back.

We only need 4 chair and offer up any around us we are not going to use.

If we are almost done and see people looking for a place we tell them,
"Hey we are almost done and you can have this table."


Im not going to wonder around with a stroller, 2 kids and and 2 flimsy trays of food and drinks looking for a table like theres reserved seating.
That does not make sense to me. Its common sense.
Why make things harder than they have to be?

We all have to look for a spot to eat. I dont feel bad for anyone.

 

[Epcotgal]

Again, I'm in the minority here but I feel it's totally rude to be hogging a table when others with food are walking around looking for a place to eat.

One of the early posters stated that they had a showdown with another couple who didn't have food (and they did) over an open table. They went on to state that the table holder of this group was still waiting for the other person to arrive with food by the time they finished eating. On this basis the restaurant needs more than twice as many tables as required for people to eat! No matter how you look at it this is a very efficient.

Once a food order has been placed at the counter, I see no problem was a member of the party leaving to find a table that way you will have to walk around with your food looking for a table. Of course you also wouldn't have to spend time looking for a table if rude people weren't saving tables for extended periods of time.

I know I'm in the minority here (or maybe the silent majority, since rude people also are louder) but I think those that are in favor of saving tables are ignoring common courtesy.

I know that they have McDonalds and Burger King in Kentucky. Perhaps not where you live, but when you do go to one do all the families stay at the counter and order together before finding a table? After all you said that table savers are ignoring common courtesy. It's not common in the areas of the country in which I have lived.

 

[Goofyzgurl]

I haven't read all the posts but I seem to be in with the majority. It just seems like smart strategic planning, you go order, I got get the table with the kids. I don't see what's wrong with that. I don't see how it's rude to be prepared. Seeing as many people waiting at the tables and with all the people in line, why wouldn't someone grab a table while the other person stood in line?

 

[Tartan Tigger]

I know I'm in the minority here (or maybe the silent majority, since rude people also are louder) but I think those that are in favor of saving tables are ignoring common courtesy.[/COLOR][/B]

I agree with you 100%

No I heard you LOUD and CLEAR! And I think your comment is rude.

We can all disagree without being rude to one another!

Just because it is not something that you agree with does not make the practice rude, you are entitled to your opinion as I am mine. But I also think you would probably be the person starting the thread about my kids, or someone's ECV, stroller etc clogging up the ordering line.

Granted I haven't read this whole thread so I may be wrong here but I don't think Mkrop complained about EVC's, strollers, clogging up the line etc...

 

[kaytieeldr]

One of the early posters stated that they had a showdown with another couple who didn't have food (and they did) over an open table. They went on to state that the table holder of this group was still waiting for the other person to arrive with food by the time they finished eating. On this basis the restaurant needs more than twice as many tables as required for people to eat! No matter how you look at it this is a very efficient.

But where do you propose they PUT those tables?

Maybe a suggestion to those that do solo trips to WDW maybe write a suggestion to WDW taht they have one table for single guests only like they have the single rider lines!!!! Just a thought!

And a reasonable one... BUT how do you propose to regulate who sits at that table? With all the table-savers, how do you prevent groups from grabbing that table? Can't use the honor system, you'd need a CM to pretty much stand guard over it and prevent anyone without food from sitting there, or any party consisting of more than one person. The table service restaurant at the old Disney Institute had a Community Table; seating was offered by the Host/ess to parties of one or two. What works at a sit-down restaurant probably won't at a counter service place.

 

[Mkrop]

I agree with you 100%




Granted I haven't read this whole thread so I may be wrong here but I don't think Mkrop complained about ECV's, strollers, clogging up the line etc...

I am MKrop and I didnt complain about anything excpet that one rude person who typed in purple.

My point was she(purple typer) thinks it is rude to save tables but she would also be the first to complain if the lines got clogged by doing it the way she proposes!

 

[ihearttink]

I can't believe I'm actually still reading this thread. Couple things I want to say & then stick a fork in me I'm done.

1. No one has answered the question "If I give someone with food my table and mine comes before they are done eating, are they going to let me have my table back to eat my meal?; and

2. You cannot assume everyone's wait in line, 30 minutes for sake of argument, is the same, i.e. there are two families of four each in front of DH & I. They order a meal, hamburger, fries & drink each, DH & I order a hamburger & drink each. Even though there was two groups in front of us, DH & I get our order first, because it was smaller. This happens more often then not for us. Therefore, our wait in line is shorter than the people who ordered before us.