Wait your turn!! New seating rules for CS restaurants at WDW...

[Laugh O. Grams]

We did experience this at Pecos Bills this past Friday around the 1:00pm - 2:00pm time slot (I posted on page 17, I think.) Who knows if they will change it permanently or not---But last Friday during lunch, this was happening.

We ate CS a lot during our 7 days at WDW. Pecos Bills was the only place we experienced this.


kim

OP here:

Hi Kim: Glad there are 3 of us now and I'm happy that you had a positive experience as well. After seeing how well it works, I only hope they continue it!! For the record, Pecos Bill's was the only CS restaurant that we experienced the new seating system at as well.

To alleviate the concerns of some of the wheelchair users here, I'd like to point out again that the entire party is not required to go through the line. There are plenty of waiting areas set up for everyone.

I'd also like to speak to some of the posters here to doubt the validity of my original post, or that I've manufactured this new system out of thin air to piss people off here in the DIS is honestly beyond the pale. Anyone who would deliberately consider starting some sort of inflammatory thread about CS seating systems (of all things) is in desperate need of a hug and a hobby. I mean, who knew that some of the people here would take this trial system as a personal affront to their vacation plans? Not this kid, that's for sure! I simply wanted to report something new being tried at the parks that I though a few DISers might like to hear about.

I'm glad to see more reports rolling in that sugest that the new system is, indeed, pretty darn effective.

 

[Cindy B]

I picture seeing many restless crying whining children tugging and waiting at the aisles. Strollers (especially the wide ones) will be a problem.

I actually don't mind the seat savers. I only have a party of four, so it usually isn't bad to find a seat. I usually send DH and DS for the food while me and DD wait.

We have minimal bags and older children (teen and preteen). I like the fact that I have a seat saved.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I picture seeing many restless crying whining children tugging and waiting at the aisles. Strollers (especially the wide ones) will be a problem.

I actually don't mind the seat savers. I only have a party of four, so it usually isn't bad to find a seat. I usually send DH and DS for the food while me and DD wait.

We have minimal bags and older children (teen and preteen). I like the fact that I have a seat saved.

We have a double wide stroller and there wasn't any issues with there being enough room at all. As a matter of fact, we were there on one of the busiest days of the year during the lunch rush, and to be honest, the lines moved so efficiently, there were hardly any people waiting around long enough to get frustrated/upset. Why they moved so quickly, I haven't the foggiest. Perhaps with the new seating system, they were also trying out so new back of the house procedures. I only know that we flew through the line. To add, if you like having a seat saved, you'll love the new system...the CMs will save one for you...heck, they'll save 10-15 of them for you! You can take your pick!

I'm thinking no amount of anything I say is going to win over any of the hard core status quo CS guests here on the DIS, and to be frank, that's really not my intention anyways. I can promise that if they consider using the system regularly, you'll just have to experience it for yourselves to see if it works or not...

 

[southernbohemian]

I read the entire thread, and so therefore won't address any of the questions surfacing about being made to stand in line, not bending the rules for the disabled/those with children, and whether or not you will be allowed to sit at your table for as long as you want after you eat. Because if you read all of the thread these have been addressed clearly by people who have been there.

In response to the question about how does a seating plan post-food order/pick-up make any difference whatsoever in how fast you get your food. Before people experienced waiting in line for their food for 15-20 minutes, but during the test run they reported 3-5 minutes before their food was ready.

My guess is that if they are running the front-of-house of a CS restaurant so efficiently, they may have also implemented some efficient new steps behind the counter as well. It might involve extra CMs at the registers as well as cooking. That is probably why this is something only for extremely busy days - because of the manpower needed.

My guess is that this change will mostly impact those who sat at CS restaurant tables without buying any food (whether or not they brought it from home). Those people will now be forced to buy something or to move along, freeing up space. I know this is a big problem at some CS restaurants (never ate at PB before). Therefore it does create extra revenue for the mouse. For example, a family could buy drinks at PB, then sit down with their picnic (unless this is being banned as well).

I'm sorry if people think this is going to ruin their Disney trip. It sounds like it will hardly ever be in place, but if you feel like it is a make-it-or-break-it situation for you, I would suggest changing up your touring plans a bit. If you can do TS no problem, then maybe you should plan on TS in the parks. If you have trouble standing for a long time or don't like being in a wheelchair amidst a lot of people, maybe you could wait outside the restaurant and just come in when the food is ready.

 

[Cindy B]

My other problem is being told in a counter service restuarant which table is "yours". What if it is a configuration you don't like/need? What if the table is in a less than desirable location --near restrooms/fixing bars with lots of traffic and there are "better" tables elsewhere? Would others feel slighted that this is your assigned table and family over there gets the "nicer" table and you are stick with the table right in the footpath of the bathroom or a glare from outside?

My DH likes to sit where he wants. In table service restaurants you expect to be sat in a section according to the hostess. In counter service situations, it is always been first come, first serve.

 

[ransom]

Person A: "I just got back from a trip to the store. It's pretty nice outside."
Person B: "I'm not so sure... They predicted rain for today and I think I just heard thunder."
Person A: "No, really. I was just outside and the sun is shining."
Person B: "Well, it sounds like it's really windy outside too."
Person A: "It's calm. You can trust me. I didn't see any rain or wind. It's fine out! Check it out for yourself and see!"
Person B: "Look, I read the weather report last night and I heard something. I don't need to go outside myself to know it's raining and windy! I can just tell that I'll get wet and have my hat blown away if I step outside."

Eeyore, is that you?

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

My other problem is being told in a counter service restuarant which table is "yours". What if it is a configuration you don't like/need? What if the table is in a less than desirable location --near restrooms/fixing bars with lots of traffic and there are "better" tables elsewhere? Would others feel slighted that this is your assigned table and family over there gets the "nicer" table and you are stick with the table right in the footpath of the bathroom or a glare from outside?

My DH likes to sit where he wants. In table service restaurants you expect to be sat in a section according to the hostess. In counter service situations, it is always been first come, first serve.

The CMs direct you to a group of open tables and you take your pick. After you have your food, the CM will suggest "There are a number of open tables on the back right, or around the corner on the left", or something of that nature. This isn't a TS hostess-type situation where they seat you at a specific table. You are free to choose any of the many available tables in the restaurant.

 

[Chuck S]

The CMs direct you to a group of open tables and you take your pick. After you have your food, the CM will suggest "There are a number of open tables on the back right, or around the corner on the left", or something of that nature. This isn't a TS hostess-type situation where they seat you at a specific table. You are free to choose any of the many available tables in the restaurant.

And again, this is OK except...they would almost have to have some accessible tables reserved exclusively for wheelchairs and their parties, or we STILL may wind up waiting while our food gets cold. And so then the drill becomes, find an unoccupied accessible table, place the tray with your food down, unattended, then return to the waiting area to retrieve the person in the wheelchair, then get the necessary napkins, straws condiments, etc.

They could just as easily escort W/C parties to an accessible table when they first enter the restaurant...the amulatory person could then get the condiments and supplies, get the food, and return to the table and they could both enjoy their meals rather than having the ambulatory person run a bunch af errands AFTER they have been served.

 

[madduck]

I love the idea. My question is what happened to the 85% of the people in the saving seat thread 2 weeks ago that said saving seats was ok?Many of them also said that it was poor planning on our part for not saving seats. Looks like Disney agrees with the 15% that it is rude to save seats when other people have their food.

 

[darrose]

I still think saving tables is ok and will just have the kids and I go through the food line with hubby on those few restaurants that have Cms policing the joint. LOL
I agree with those that said that more besides stopping table savers is going on in the test restaurant.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

And again, this is OK except...they would almost have to have some accessible tables reserved exclusively for wheelchairs and their parties, or we STILL may wind up waiting while our food gets cold. And so then the drill becomes, find an unoccupied accessible table, place the tray with your food down, unattended, then return to the waiting area to retrieve the person in the wheelchair, then get the necessary napkins, straws condiments, etc.

They could just as easily escort W/C parties to an accessible table when they first enter the restaurant...the amulatory person could then get the condiments and supplies, get the food, and return to the table and they could both enjoy their meals rather than having the ambulatory person run a bunch af errands AFTER they have been served.

Yeah, I'm in the dark on that one. Although I did see a couple guests in wheelchairs eating in the dining room at PB's, I really don't have a clue as far as how the system works regarding wheelchair accessible tables. As we all know, Disney has a fairly impressive reputation as far as dealing with guests with special needs. I'm guessing that they have something set up to accommodate everyone. I can't imagine that Disney would put a plan into motion without considering the needs of all of their guests, or would force guests in wheelchairs to be treated like second class citizens. Hopefully someone with an actual experience similar to what you are suggesting can chime in an give us a report.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would still like to know does Peco Bills have a limit for how long guests can stay at their table? What if some people are still hungry once they finish their meal and want to purchase something else? Also what if they spend a few minutes talking about where they want to go once their done eating, or their kids have to use the bathrom and one parent stays at the table. Is a Cast Member gonna go up to them and say they need leave, if the location is becoming very busy?

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

I love the idea. My question is what happened to the 85% of the people in the saving seat thread 2 weeks ago that said saving seats was ok?Many of them also said that it was poor planning on our part for not saving seats. Looks like Disney agrees with the 15% that it is rude to save seats when other people have their food.

This does not necessarily mean that Disney agrees with the 15% - it is not necessarily true that it ever happened. You have 1 or 2 posters saying this, therefore it is still heresay, until Disney announces it is true or it is practiced all the time in every CS restaurant. Some people have obviously bought into this because they want it to be true. I say - Prove it to me, that CMs are actually picking out the tables and telling you where to sit (CMs are hosts and hostesses now?) Prove it to me and I will believe it also, but nobody can - it is only the word of a few who claim to have experienced this first hand. The 85% are probably sitting back reading all the threads and laughing at all the posters who are upset, or who are even gleeful about something so trivial - even though it has not been made a policy of Disney. The ones who are smart enough to plan ahead and get the table while the other party member gets the food are also smart enough to know what is heresay and rumour and what is not. There is really no need for them to join the conversation here.

 

[kaytieeldr]

My other problem is being told in a counter service restuarant which table is "yours". What if it is a configuration you don't like/need? What if the table is in a less than desirable location --near restrooms/fixing bars with lots of traffic and there are "better" tables elsewhere?

With the ten or fifteen EMPTY tables noted by Laugh and the others, it appears the Cast Members are recommending where each entering party should/could sit - based, most likely, on party size + table size. Nobody appears to be telling any Guest they MUST sit at the table pointed out by the CM. On the other hand, a party of two choosing a table with eight chairs likely would be directed to a more appropriately-sized table.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I would still like to know does Peco Bills have a limit for how long guests can stay at their table? What if some people are still hungry once they finish their meal and want to purchase something else? Also what if they spend a few minutes talking about where they want to go once their done eating, or their kids have to use the bathrom and one parent stays at the table. Is a Cast Member gonna go up to them and say they need leave, if the location is becoming very busy?

No, no time limits.

I made mention earlier in this very thread that although the majority of guests are more interested in getting right back out into the park after eating, after my wife and I finished our meal and I took our trays to the garbage, we took about 10 minutes feeding our infant daughter before we left. As far as I could tell, there is absolutely no pressure at all to get out once you've purchased your meal...

 

[Chuck S]

This does not necessarily mean that Disney agrees with the 15% - it is not necessarily true that it ever happened. You have 1 or 2 posters saying this, therefore it is still heresay, until Disney announces it is true or it is practiced all the time in every CS restaurant. Some people have obviously bought into this because they want it to be true. I say - Prove it to me, that CMs are actually picking out the tables and telling you where to sit (CMs are hosts and hostesses now?) Prove it to me and I will believe it also, but nobody can - it is only the word of a few who claim to have experienced this first hand. The 85% are probably sitting back reading all the threads and laughing at all the posters who are upset, or who are even gleeful about something so trivial - even though it has not been made a policy of Disney. The ones who are smart enough to plan ahead and get the table while the other party member gets the food are also smart enough to know what is heresay and rumour and what is not. There is really no need for them to join the conversation here.

I certainly have no doubt that they are, at the very least, experimenting with this sort of thing, as reported. I believe those posters that are reporting this. As to whether it will be implemented everywhere all the time, I think there are some very real "bugs" that need to be worked out and addressed for those with special needs.

 

[honeymo78]

Heresay and rumor? I'm confused now. Actual first hand reports of a TEST are not heresay and rumor. When and where it will be implemented as more than a test is still up in the air.

Oh and apparently I must not be smart. For various reasons, my party does not have the privilege of securing seats prior to ordering. I think it's extremely rude to imply that people who choice not to save a seat, for whatever reason, are stupid. However I DO know the difference b/w a first hand observation and heresay - they are not the same thing and this clearly is not heresay - but I guess I'm still not smart.

 

[kparc]

What's wrong with it is that you would taking a table out of commission that could be used by someone else who is line before you or already has their food. Who possibly could eat and free up the table before you ever got your food. It's happened to us! And it a viscious circle that can only be corrected by management stepping in. So I hope they are doing it when we go in August.
NO ONE wants to be walking around with their food unable to find a table!! And by saving a table to prevent that happening to you, you may be dooming someone else who is unable to save a table to that fate.

Wasn't this thread started about a new policy about PB table seating? It seems to have gotten OT.

Anyway, I don't see anything wrong with saving a table if you plan on eating a meal there and someone is currently in the line getting the food. What is the difference between that and waiting in that corral area? 5 or 10 minutes? The OP claims that the time the food was prepared was much quicker so what is the difference if a table is saved?

You shouldn't have to whip out a GAC to get a table. It's not fair to those kids to go thru life with that stigma that they are "special".

Does PB have CM guards at all the doors so no one can get in any of the entrances where the seating is?

I hope this policy doesn't happen at all CS restaurants. At least I can avoid PB's.

 

[SueM in MN]

Maybe I'm missing something, but I'm trying to understand how having CMs police access to the tables is making a big change in available tables.

As I see it, the problem wasn't that people were saving tables while waiting for their food at tables.
The problem was that people were saving tables while waiting for their food at tables for the (sometimes) 15-20 minutes it took for the person who was doing the ordering to get the food back to the table.

If the wait in the line was only 3-5 minutes before, as some of the people who have been at Pecos Bill reported it is now, I doubt that the 'saved' tables would be much of an issue. And if the wait in line was still 15-20 minutes, there would be a real bottleneck of people waiting at the front for the person getting the food. So, it doesn't appear that limiting access to the tables is the key.

So, what was it they did to make the wait in line shorter?

From what I could figure from this thread, it sounds like the biggest change for the lines was a 'director CM' sending people to the shortest line. This may sound kind of silly, but I think it probably is a big deal. I've been in so many lines where people don't realize that one CM/register is handling lines on both sides. That makes the whole process inefficient and makes the line stretch twice as far as if people would be on both sides. The CM at the cash register doesn't have time to direct people (plus once they are up to the register, it's a bit too late). I can see that just having a CM direct people to line 'empty' side of the register would halp a lot.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

This does not necessarily mean that Disney agrees with the 15% - it is not necessarily true that it ever happened. You have 1 or 2 posters saying this, therefore it is still heresay, until Disney announces it is true or it is practiced all the time in every CS restaurant. Some people have obviously bought into this because they want it to be true. I say - Prove it to me, that CMs are actually picking out the tables and telling you where to sit (CMs are hosts and hostesses now?) Prove it to me and I will believe it also, but nobody can - it is only the word of a few who claim to have experienced this first hand. The 85% are probably sitting back reading all the threads and laughing at all the posters who are upset, or who are even gleeful about something so trivial - even though it has not been made a policy of Disney. The ones who are smart enough to plan ahead and get the table while the other party member gets the food are also smart enough to know what is heresay and rumour and what is not. There is really no need for them to join the conversation here.

I really don't get your angle...

If you reread even just the last 2 pages, you can see that I have addressed the CM hostess misconception that you have raised. Of course, this is an open discussion board, and you are free to voice your opinions, even the ones that paint me, a long-time participant of these discussion boards and a DISboards sponsor, as a liar. No big deal here...no skin off my nose...that I can assure you.