Seating Policy at CS

[theww228]

Has anyone experienced the new seating system at CS restaurants. We are heading down to WDW this Sunday and I am wondering how the system is working and/or if it is still going on. This is our 1st time traveling with a baby and I don't like the idea of the whole family waiting for the food.

 

[DisneyGrampa]

I think that most moms with young children will give the new scheme a thumbs down. They want to get the kids seated and the littlest ones eating whatever, while dad gets the food for the adults and older kids.

 

[bellazachmom]

I'm afraid to ask .... I fear that I know where this is going, but

What new seating policy?!?!?!

Where and when was it put in place? Is it at all CS, or just some?

Is there a thread about this that I missed?

Thanks!

 

[Tricia1972]

So long as this remains a discussion of actual experience of those who have been seated under the new system this thread will remain open.

If it turns into another debate/discussion of the pros and cons of the system, it'll have to be closed due to the other thread(s) that were closed for that same discussion.

Thank you in advance for your understanding.

 

[TDC Nala]

The story was that in the Magic Kingdom CS (and the Magic Kingdom only - and only in high traffic periods) that guests would not be seated until after they received their food - once they get their food they will be shown to a table by a cast member.

The OP is looking for opinions from guests who have actually encountered this procedure.

 

[theww228]

Yes, I don't want to get into a debate about the program, simply how it works from people who have experienced it. Also, does "high traffic periods" mean "11am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm" or "Weekends, holidays, special events, etc.".

 

[jaysmom4285]

From what I understand, the times and/or days aren't carved in stone or scheduled. The policy will be implemented at those times when the CS restaurants are extremely crowded and seating is hard to come by - probably only at the very busiest times like Christmas, Easter/spring break, and mid-summer. If you aren't visiting at a peak period like that, I wouldn't worry much about it.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) I cannot vouch for this year.
2) But, we DID experience it last year during its test at Electric Umbrella.
3) Last year's tests were the basis for this year's policy.
. . . people without food were not let into the seating area
. . . the CM's let folks in after buying food from the Electric Umbrella
. . . there seemed to be less people waiting for tables than at other peak times
. . . the throughput seemed to be a lot better
. . . there were some people upset they couldn't grab a table before getting food
. . . but, there were no fisticuffs during the time we were eating
. . . one CM that I know taking surveys said people liked it (but, it was her opinion)

 

[Dawson's Mom]

Just wondering if anyone has encountered the new way that disney plans on changing the way counter service is done. I read on the twitter blog that disney plans on having a hostess at the door, and one who will seat you after you order-yuck! (this will first take place at the MK), I really like to pick my own seat at places like this, just wondering if anyone else feels the same way? Maybe its just me, thanks for all opinions!

 

[PatsMom]

We've experienced it at Pecos Bill's at the MK and the system worked for us. But we are a party of three and my daughter is old enough at the wait isn't an issue for her. We got our food, walked toward the seating area and a CM directed us to our table. We did see some people upset at not being able to choose a table prior to getting food but if you just didn't want to sit where the CM was pointing you toward, you could just ask if you could sit at a different table. The goal was to have people sitting and eating instead of sitting and waiting for their food. They really didn't seem to care where we sat as long as we already had our tray of food. This was over President's Week and they were pretty busy.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

We experienced it a few times and it seemed to work pretty well. The area where you order was def. more crowded, and difficult to navigate with a full tray of food and drinks (I was scared I was going to spill more than a few times). I will say it was nice, not having to scrounge for a table.

However, my mom uses a scooter, but doesn't take it into the restaurant, so she had to stand and wait for me, while I got the food. She didn't mind, but if she had been in a lot of pain we would have asked if she could sit while DD and I got the food.

So the system has it's good points and not so good points. Overall I didn't find it horrible.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I've visited several times this year and last and haven't encountered it nor heard of it, but we usually eat at off peak times. Maybe it will make things easier, let's hope!

 

[mikewdw]

any info on the new policy at some MK counter service (Cosmic Ray's, etc) where they won't let you save a table until you get your food? we have 3 small children and are wondering how this would work for us?

 

[summerlady]

We were there last week and had lunch at Columbia Harbour House and dinner at Cosmic Ray's, the new seating policy wasn't being used either time. We ate at CHH at peak lunch time (found a table upstairs easily on Sunday afternoon), but were at Cosmic Ray's around 9 p.m. and it was very empty.

 

[MyBubbles]

I kind of like the sound of this for most circumstances but would be interested to see who this plays out all of the time. I'm sure time will tell.

 

[RMulieri]

any info on the new policy at some MK counter service (Cosmic Ray's, etc) where they won't let you save a table until you get your food? we have 3 small children and are wondering how this would work for us?

If they are enforcing it while you are there, it is simple.You and the family need to either wait in line together, or while one waits in line the other stands off to the side with the kids..I was not happy about this either since we too have a small child, but I have been told that it works quite well

 

[Luv2Roam]

Last weekend we ate at Pecos Bill's and were met at the entrance door by a CM handing out menus. But that was the only difference we saw. However the place was nearly empty too. (Late dinner.)

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

Thank you for asking about this. I hadn't heard about it!

I'm hoping not to see it in action when we go again next Sept but if it is at least I know what's going on!

 

[Planogirl]

It sounds like it might work well if the serving areas keep up with the crowds. We normally eat at offtimes so we might never see it but just in case I'm very interested in how this works out for everyone.