Terrible New Reservation Policy at California Grill

[Peter Pirate]

WWL, I'm OK with that (that there are some rules...but they will have to be WDW's rules). But WDW does not specifically state a dress code and enforcement is so lax that it's not really a code at all. If they state a code (in writing) and stick to it I'll follow it. Just like the $20.00 non cancellation fee, I think it's a good idea and will help solve some of their CG problems but really it may end up being a nightmare for them especially if they become so-so about enforcing it (and 24 hours is too much - have I said that???

We dres very casual even at the best of restaraunts. I don't own dress shoes, a tie or a jacket and I have some casual khaki pants that may or may not fit me, so casual is all I've got and I don't want to get shut out of these restaraunts that I love. But I want even less to dress like mook in a zoot suit.

As for what others think is appropriate I could care less. I will do as I think is appropriate, trying to stay within WDW guidlines as I understand them. If the time comes that Disney makes it clear my ways aren't acceptable, I'll change or eat elsewhere, but it won't be because some other diner thinks their comfort or perception of ambiance is more important than mine.

 

[raidermatt]

According to the dress code, jeans, bare midriffs, and exposed thongs are allowed. So, Pete, feel free to do it all.

Just don't go in there with thongs on your feet... (could be interesting, depending on how that's interpreted.)

..that is the problem...YOU may think it is ok to see bare midriffs or flip flops, but you DO NOT think it is ok to see thongs or buttocks. Well, maybe other's think thongs and buttocks are an expression of their freedom and is is acceptable, KWIM?

That will always be a problem, as we will never all agree. All Pete is saying is that the generally accepted "code" for the region, and for WDW specifically, is more casual than just about any other area of the country, save perhaps Hawaii.

That's what makes even the new code objectionable to some. True, its still far less restrictive than in most other places, but then, this isn't most other places. And even at that, many on these boards say its not enough.

Then there's the issue of inconsistent communication of the code, and inconsistent enforcement.

We all know that if Disney REALLY considered the attire of its guests to be a problem, they would REALLY do something about it. Instead, they added a still fairly relaxed code with various vagaries, like "t-shirts" and "thongs". The only real purposes of which are to keep the most severe offenders (beach wear) out, satisfy the "slaves to fashion" that Disney is trying to do something, and not alienate the vast majority of the guests. Guests who don't dress offensively to most people, but don't want to dress up much at WDW, and don't really care what anybody else is wearing anyway.

Well, and maybe there are those at Disney that get their kicks from watching Internet Fan Nerds like us argue over what "t-shirt" means. Sort of like a sick prison guard who likes to stage inmate fights for his own amusement.

 

[raidermatt]

Just like the $20.00 non cancellation fee, I think it's a good idea and will help solve some of their CG problems but really it may end up being a nightmare for them especially if they become so-so about enforcing it (and 24 hours is too much - have I said that???

But like I said, they don't really have any choice but to be so-so about enforcement, do they? We know that sometimes ADRs get "lost", so it follows that cancellations can get "lost". Since the guest is not given a cancellation number, all a guest has to say is they DID call and cancel.

Plus, there's the cases we've seen mentioned already, about people being stuck when a ride or transportation breaks down, or one of the Pirate clan falls ill after a spin on M:S.

No, I'd actually be very surprised if enforcement is even so-so. At the very least they will likely reverse the charge for anybody who asks.

 

[brerrabbit]

Wow nine pages, but I did look to make sure this had not been mentioned. I agree with the majority here that the ADR situation has got out of hand and I have no problem with the $20 fee. I think it is important to notice that the OP lives in Orlando and from her comments I think that she is viewing this from a different situation. Most of the posters who have commented in these 9 pages would be dining at the CG while on vacation while the original poster says she lives only thirty minutes from the mouse in her sig. She is comparing this to me making a reservation in my hometown of Pearland and being told I had to guareentee with a credit card and get charged $20 for cancellation. Now admit it if you make reservations in your own hometown are you ever asked for your credit card? I am not trying to defend the original poster but merely say to her she has to realize that CG at WDW is not the same as the Olive Garden two miles from your house. It is a major tourist attraction and people come from all over the world to WDW and want the opportunity to eat at some of the nicer places and Disney is just trying to be fair about it.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Plus which--they've gone and done it!! So we'll all have to wait and see if it is "enforced" when folks don't show up.
Same with the dress code (which I still don't believe really played into the ADR credit card decision). It's "out there" (tho I still can't find it on the official WDW site) and (my own opinions aside) as someone has aready said, pretty relaxed as dress codes go. Jeans pants, dress shorts, tennis shoes still all OK, enforcement still hit or miss (mostly miss from all I am reading).

 

[ducklite]

I have no problem with a dress code OR a cancellation fee. They are obviously showing that they have no desire to compete with teh run of the mill crap found in this area, but are trying to regain status as a world-class restaurant, and simply following suit.

I also live close to WDW, and have no problem with a 24 cancellation period. I"m sure in extreme cases like an emergency room visit or auto accident they would refund the deposit, but really, how many people (locals) make plans to dine at a really nice restaurnt and then have something "come up" less than 24 hours in advance? Highly unlikely.

If you don't like the policy, there are many other restaurants you can choose, Citrico, Jiko, Emerils, etc., although I strongly suspect they will all follow the leader over time.

And BTW--Dux requires a credit card deposit and they enforce their dress code, so the policy is in force at other high end restaurants in the area.

Anne

 

[snowbunny]

Now admit it if you make reservations in your own hometown are you ever asked for your credit card?

Yes; Arrows Restaurant in Ogunquit. And they will charge you if you are a no show or cancel the day of the reservation.

 

[Peter Pirate]

Well I guess this will go round and round with some agreement from us, some disagreement, some total agreement and some total disagreement.

As I've said regarding the dress code is that it's their business but it must be enforced to work (accomplish whatever it is they're trying to accomplish) and I just can't see that happening.

The $20.00 deposit, again, no problem from me except for the 24 hours. ducklite, you're a different kind of person from me and I suspect many other locals as well. We have kids, we make plans, plans go awry and I don't think forcing someone to keep a reservation when they've developed a migrane or got too tired working in the yard, visiting a theme park or playing golf makes sense, especially when most of us can agree that Disney could re book these times with only a mere few hours notice.

As raidermatt points out, the big brouhaha may come when Disney actually tries to charge someone...Which brings us back to the point of making threats to keep some people in line without really publically announcing the changes, when others will keep testing the policy until it's enforced. Is this fair to anyone?

 

[tlbwriter]

ducklite, you're a different kind of person from me and I suspect many other locals as well. We have kids, we make plans, plans go awry and I don't think forcing someone to keep a reservation when they've developed a migrane or got too tired working in the yard, visiting a theme park or playing golf makes sense, especially when most of us can agree that Disney could re book these times with only a mere few hours notice.

Well, I think the problem is that WDW is apparently not interested in catering to the locals. None of us, I'm sure, would relish the idea of having to make reservations at our local restaurants so far in advance. But those who live in the Orlando area can't expect WDW restaurants to behave like the Olive Garden in Dallas. These restaurants happen to be local to you, but the big picture is that they are part of a theme park - a theme park that expects people to be able to make reservations for a year in advance for some things, and apparently has some kind of incentive for doing so.

 

[Peter Pirate]

I beleive you may be right which is why many locals prefer City Walk and USF because they do have very strong offers for locals but of course it's like comparing apples and oranges.

My objection is that the locals have saved WDW's butt during quite a few slow times over the past few years and I'm sure will be called upon again in the future (locals were the sole reason the DDE was offered, but of course they've taken the advantage away). After 9/11, WDW would have been a total ghost town if not for locals. I think it's a little short sighted to turn away (I won't say turn their back because that would not be totally correct) when the group is always here and at the ready...But of course my point of view is that of a local.

 

[tlbwriter]

My objection is that the locals have saved WDW's butt during quite a few slow times over the past few years and I'm sure will be called upon again in the future (locals were the sole reason the DDE was offered, but of course they've taken the advantage away). After 9/11, WDW would have been a total ghost town if not for locals. I think it's a little short sighted to turn away (I won't say turn their back because that would not be totally correct) when the group is always here and at the ready...But of course my point of view is that of a local.

Yeah, they suck up to you when they need you, and then when they're done they toss you away like a spurned lover!

 

[BCV23]

Peter Pirate, I've seen that argument about the locals saving WDW after 9/11 but do you have any facts to back it up? We were back at WDW a month after 9/11, again that January and for Spring break. It was very quiet in Oct and Jan but I have no way of telling the breakdown between locals and tourists.Do you? The parking lots weren't very full at all so I don't think the locals were coming in droves either.

 

[Peter Pirate]

Facts, no. But the Florida Resident Resort rates were everywhere and got harder and harder to get as time went by. During our visits during this time frame the people we ran into were invariably Floridians (so much so that I actually remember this) whereas now we're more apt to run into Europeans over any other group (yea for the Euro, huh?). So no I don't have facts only my perception.

 

[BCV23]

AP rates were pretty good then too.

 

[ducklite]

Well I guess this will go round and round with some agreement from us, some disagreement, some total agreement and some total disagreement.

As I've said regarding the dress code is that it's their business but it must be enforced to work (accomplish whatever it is they're trying to accomplish) and I just can't see that happening.

The $20.00 deposit, again, no problem from me except for the 24 hours. ducklite, you're a different kind of person from me and I suspect many other locals as well. We have kids, we make plans, plans go awry and I don't think forcing someone to keep a reservation when they've developed a migrane or got too tired working in the yard, visiting a theme park or playing golf makes sense, especially when most of us can agree that Disney could re book these times with only a mere few hours notice.

Uh, if I knew I had a dinner reservation I wouldn't spend my whole day doing something that would utterly exhaust me. A little common sense here. I also feel that they are not always able to fill those seats with a few hours notice, I've been to the CG during slower times when there were many empty tables. At least this way they'll ahve "something" to show for it.

And the dress cde is beginning to be enforced. I saw people turned away from the CG and Citrico's in the past few months. And it doesn't break my heart. If you dont have the common decency to take a shower and change out of your cutoff's and wife beater before going to a higher end restaurant, then you're probably too ignorant to read the menu as well.

Anne

Anne

 

[Peter Pirate]

OK Anne, I see we come from totally different places that I previously thought.

Why in the world would anyone quit living their life because they have a dinner reservation? If I golf and play well, heck I'll want to go out and live it up a little. If I struggle, it's hot I lose a little money maybe I don't feel like going out to dinner. I think it's silly to expect people to live their lives around a dinner reservation especially (and here's the main point) when Disney can still EASILY fill the time slot with 2-3 hours notice.

As for the dress code, you're the only person I've read that has seen it enforced so it can't be running full force and it's still not in writing anywhere. As for the 'ignorant' comment, well ...

Now let's discuss the 'higher end' comment, shall we? You see that's again where we part ways. CG is a nice restaurant but higher end? Meaning what? I'm not filthy rich but I eat in a restaurant of this calibur every week...I can only imagine what our DIS'ers from SF or NY would think of the CG being considered 'higher end'. It's fine cuisine from respected chef's at a healthy price...But it's at a Resort that all started with a MOUSE, for the love of Pete's aunt! Certainly not the Ritz-Carlton or 4Seasons.

OK...That was fun. Did you the one about the Priest, the Rabbi and Mickey Mouse???

 

[tlbwriter]

I think it's silly to expect people to live their lives around a dinner reservation especially (and here's the main point) when Disney can still EASILY fill the time slot with 2-3 hours notice.

PP, you're working from the assumption that Disney can and should work around your schedule, or lack thereof. And while I don't doubt that they can, there is no reason, from their perspective, that they should. They do not need cater to someone who wants the ability to cancel at the last minute when they have, literally, thousands of customers who are willing to make a reservation 180 days in advance and stick to it. Remember, for many visitors this is not just a "dinner reservation." It is a planned part of their trip. These aren't people who woke up one day and said "Hmmm, I feel like a steak tonight." These are people who, when they decided to go to WDW, said "And we'll go to LeCellier too!" And it's not silly at all that Disney wants to encourage and reward that mindset if it better suits their own needs.

 

[Lewisc]

There are numerous restaurants that will allow you to cancel at the last minute. For that matter you could call Disney and find out what restaurants are available for a last minute reservation. I understand Jiko is frequently available.

As you know, CG is very popular with guests. MK and Wishes view are popular. Disney is looking for guests making reservations because they plan to eat there. They no longer want people making reservations because they might want to eat there and want to wait until a few hours before the reservation to make a final decision.

I'd be shocked if you couldn't negotiate a last minute cancellation with either a refund or at least a credit toward another date if you had a reasonable reason. Making a reservation hoping you'd win enough at golf to pay for the meal doesn't really sound like reasonable planning.

Book CG for set occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. Use other restaurants for "spec" reservations. Disney doesn't want to hold a table because a guest "might" feel like going out after golf, depending on how tired you are.

OK Anne, I see we come from totally different places that I previously thought.

Why in the world would anyone quit living their life because they have a dinner reservation? If I golf and play well, heck I'll want to go out and live it up a little. If I struggle, it's hot I lose a little money maybe I don't feel like going out to dinner. I think it's silly to expect people to live their lives around a dinner reservation especially (and here's the main point) when Disney can still EASILY fill the time slot with 2-3 hours notice.

As for the dress code, you're the only person I've read that has seen it enforced so it can't be running full force and it's still not in writing anywhere. As for the 'ignorant' comment, well ...

Now let's discuss the 'higher end' comment, shall we? You see that's again where we part ways. CG is a nice restaurant but higher end? Meaning what? I'm not filthy rich but I eat in a restaurant of this calibur every week...I can only imagine what our DIS'ers from SF or NY would think of the CG being considered 'higher end'. It's fine cuisine from respected chef's at a healthy price...But it's at a Resort that all started with a MOUSE, for the love of Pete's aunt! Certainly not the Ritz-Carlton or 4Seasons.

OK...That was fun. Did you the one about the Priest, the Rabbi and Mickey Mouse???

 

[Peter Pirate]

No tibwriter, no just my schedule but anyone. There are lots of vacationers who feel the same way. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being sanctimonious here. Disney can and will do whatever they feel is in their best interest and like it or not I will have to live within their rules...The way it should be. But I still have the right to say I think they're making a mistake don't I?

Yes Lewis, you are correct and truth be know I frequent AP, Jiko & FF far more frequently than CG despite my personal relationship with many of the staff because the CG experience is (IMO) a pain in the neck under what I consider good conditions nearly impossible these days.

 

[tlbwriter]

No tibwriter, no just my schedule but anyone. There are lots of vacationers who feel the same way. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being sanctimonious here. Disney can and will do whatever they feel is in their best interest and like it or not I will have to live within their rules...The way it should be. But I still have the right to say I think they're making a mistake don't I?

If it turns out to be a mistake I'm sure they'll undo it. Wouldn't be the first time and it won't be the last.