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

[kaytieeldr]

Maybe it's just me but I don't understand why almost every post that says something against the new policy is being flamed for whatever reason.

Flame? What flame? Alternating points - with, generally the existing TEST practice being defended against some, frankly, pretty negative posts - indicates a discussion, not flaming. Interesting interpretation, though.

This is an experimental idea and probably won't work. As asianway said, why would Disney pay people to guard tables when there is no greater potential profit? The concept sounds good in a perfect world but I don't see this ever happening on a permanent basis.

It's an experimental actual procedure, currently being tested in a single location (not merely an experimental idea) at peak travel times. As both Geoff M and RustyScupper pointed out in separate threads, it absolutely does have the potential to increase revenue. Let me know if you'd like me to post the links to those posts again.

I do think this will be a nice concept I don't see it lasting for an extended period of time due to

I don't see why it won't last. 100% of the reporting DISers who experienced it have only positive reactions. In addition, again, it is being done at peak travel times. A Guest who goes to Pecos Bill's on a drizzly morning in January is likely not to encounter it - not because it didn't work, not because it's been terminated, but because that's not a time of year DISNEY feels it's necessary.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Whether I get a table before my food comes, as I am the table provider, others in the group provide the food, I am going to be at the table the same length of time, so not sure how this is going to improve table turnover.

How do you figure?
Sit at 12:00
Food arrives at 12:15
Finish eating at 12:45
Jump right up and leave, opening table for next diners
or
Sit with food at 12:15
Finish eating at 12:45
Sit for fifteen minutes (because you didn't get to sit before lunch?)

Okay, yeah, in that case you will be occupying the table for the same amount of time. I'm not sure on the likelihood of someone who would sit for fifteen minutes after the meal, to jump up and leave immediately on finishing lunch.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Hi Bellecat22,

Sometimes we will enter thru the back/side door area. This time we had to walk around to the front of the building and come in. We exited on the front side too. Didn't notice anyone coming in or going out in that direction. ???

kim

We exited out the side door, on the Pirates/train tracks side, when we left. There was a CM, manning the door, apparently advising park guests on the new system and telling them where they needed to go. This is also where we met the restaurant manager and told him how much we appreciated the new program.

 

[lynnebla]

I will be going to Disney the first week of August & hope this is in effect then. I admit that my group usually sends someone to save a seat while another is getting the food, but just out of fear that we won't be able to find a table once we have food. This will be our 4th year in a row going during the summer & I dread trying to find somewhere to sit when we stop for lunch. I'll be traveling with my mom & 3 kids (7, 2 & baby). It will be difficult at least for one of us to try to corral all the kids around the dining area looking for a table, then wait for the food to arrive. For me, it would be much nicer if we can be assured a table once we actually have the food, even if it means my mom & kids will have to stand to the side or in line with me while we wait for the food. The searching and hovering part is the part I don't like, not the wait. And, in general, doing TS instead just doesn't work for us. It is rare when my 2 yo can actually sit still long enough to order, eat & pay. So, we do almost all CS.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

How do you figure?
Sit at 12:00
Food arrives at 12:15
Finish eating at 12:45
Jump right up and leave, opening table for next diners
or
Sit with food at 12:15
Finish eating at 12:45
Sit for fifteen minutes (because you didn't get to sit before lunch?)

Okay, yeah, in that case you will be occupying the table for the same amount of time. I'm not sure on the likelihood of someone who would sit for fifteen minutes after the meal, to jump up and leave immediately on finishing lunch.

That's right. I mentioned that we sat for 10 minutes after our meal to feed our infant daughter to prove that no one is given the bum's rush once their meal is finished, but that is hardly the norm. I think it can be safely assumed that the overwhelming majority of guests finish eating and immediately want to get back out to enjoy the attractions.

 

[mickeymedic]

...about the primary thing driving most people (self included) towards table squatting; we live in a "me first" society and "getting my table before them" (be honest, who has seen a whole family in line and thought 'quick, grab that table and I'll get the food') is the CS mantra that rules WDW. I am guilty of this very thing and I am sure many of you are too.

This policy makes us all behave like we should and cuts out the chaos of the beast which is WDW CS dining. Yes, the policy is only in limited test runs right now and may never be wide-spread, but I think it could cut down on frustrations associated with CS venues.

I agree 100%! Well said.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

This sounds like an absolute nightmare to me. I don't believe any guests would enjoy standing in line with my 3 children or (worse) tired/grouchy in-laws.

Also, I no longer have very small children, but I feel sorry for those who do. Does this mean you have to wake sleeping children so you can leave their strollers outside. Personally, I'd rather weave around strollers and sleeping babies than listen to a sleepy, squawking baby. This policy really doesn't sound very friendly to young children!

I'll have to check this out next week.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

This sounds like an absolute nightmare to me. I don't believe any guests would enjoy standing in line with my 3 children or (worse) tired/grouchy in-laws.

Also, I no longer have very small children, but I feel sorry for those who do. Does this mean you have to wake sleeping children so you can leave their strollers outside. Personally, I'd rather weave around strollers and sleeping babies than listen to a sleepy, squawking baby. This policy really doesn't sound very friendly to young children!

I'll have to check this out next week.

They allowed us to bring in our double stroller without a hint of a problem. Now that it's so well organized, without all the guests milling around hunting for open tables, there is plenty of room for strollers, wheelchairs, etc.

 

[kaytieeldr]

If next week (or the first week in August, or whenever many of us will be there) isn't a peak travel time as determined by Disney, chances are it will NOT be in effect and you/we WON'T get to experience it. That doesn't mean it isn't working - apparently it is, according to every DISer who's encountered it - it merely means Disney considers your/our vacation to be at a time when this procedure isn't necessary.

 

[kim]

There was a toddler fast asleep in a stroller at the table next to us Friday.

 

[DisneyBee]

I didn't read all of the pages in this thread, but having just returned yesterday and having had lunch at PB twice during our trip, I'll add what I know.

The first day we were there we had lunch there and they were stopping people at the door and allowing only a certain number in at a time to control the ordering lines. One group was held outside until their entire party (it was like 10) showed up. We groaned when we were stopped (3 of us) and allowed in. We went in immediately after them and didn't wait at all to walk up and place our order. While my son and I waited on our food, my husband went to secure a table for us. The CM's allowed him to do so when he told them we had ordered and were waiting on our food. It was all handled nicely.

The second time we ate there - our last day (yesterday) the park was crazy crowded and there was no one at the door monitoring the incoming groups. However, the line inside moved quickly and this time I went to hold a table for us. It was quite easy both times, I didn't see anyone wandering around in frustration at not getting a table.

We always dine there as it's my son's favorite, and it's always consistently good.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I didn't read all of the pages in this thread, but having just returned yesterday and having had lunch at PB twice during our trip, I'll add what I know.

The first day we were there we had lunch there and they were stopping people at the door and allowing only a certain number in at a time to control the ordering lines. One group was held outside until their entire party (it was like 10) showed up. We groaned when we were stopped (3 of us) and allowed in. We went in immediately after them and didn't wait at all to walk up and place our order. While my son and I waited on our food, my husband went to secure a table for us. The CM's allowed him to do so when he told them we had ordered and were waiting on our food. It was all handled nicely.

The second time we ate there - our last day (yesterday) the park was crazy crowded and there was no one at the door monitoring the incoming groups. However, the line inside moved quickly and this time I went to hold a table for us. It was quite easy both times, I didn't see anyone wandering around in frustration at not getting a table.

We always dine there as it's my son's favorite, and it's always consistently good.

Interesting. Sounds like on your first visit, they were trying out an alternate plan to the one we experienced, as we weren't stopped at the door, and on your second visit, they were simply running "business as usual". Thanks for sharing!!

 

[Geoff_M]

We exited out the side door, on the Pirates/train tracks side, when we left. There was a CM, manning the door, apparently advising park guests on the new system and telling them where they needed to go. This is also where we met the restaurant manager and told him how much we appreciated the new program.

Funny, now that you mention this I think they must have been using the system at Columbia HH when we ate there a couple of weeks ago. However, I think they must have started using it after we ate there that day. When we ate there it wasn't too crowded and we were allowed to save a table. We ate, left (I remember that CHH was a lot busier when we left) and went to Fantasyland to use a FP. After the ride, our youngest had to go to the bathroom. The closest restroom I thought of was at CHH. He and I walked a short way back there and I tried to go into the CHH side door by Fantasyland. We were met by a CM that asked us to please enter by the main entrance. I said we just needed to use the restroom. She then pointed me to the restrooms right behind us between CHH and the Peter Pan attraction that I'd forgotten was there. I took him to the restroom and the two of us then rejoined the others at HOP. As I walked back past CHH I noticed (realizing that it was unusual) that they had CMs stationed outside all of the doors.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I think that many people do tend to think of themselves first, that is human nature and especially when you are hot and tired and trying to cope with other members of your party and their needs HOWEVER I have faith in the goodness of people and have often seen folks help each other even at the detriment of their own wants and needs.

I have some problems but mine are not as bad as some other people's. I might grab a bench to rest on but if I see someone in worse shape I will move on as I can move.

I think the stinkers stick out cause there are so few of them.

Slightly Goofy

 

[Talking Hands]

I'm curious which door that was at CHH as I know that at least one is not wheelchair accessible. I have always had to go through a side door when I have eaten there.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Then, frankly, I can't see Disney NOT letting you enter through an accessible door even if it's not generally being used (for crowd control).

 

[canwegosoon]

My next trip is at the end of August and I am a little apprehensive about this new system. We get in, get a table while I order and get out ASAP. Usually 15-20 minutes tops...but on every trip all table around us take much longer than us. We do not dally, taking an extra long break, but if I have to have my sons and DH wait ...well so be it. I do feel sorry for larger famlies and those with young kids/babies...it will be a nightmare at Christmas and Easter. I am also going at Easter with 9 people including my sister with Down's...I am hoping it will not be an issue for her.

 

[DizzyKitten]

On the other hand, you/we probably won't need to experience it. For the most part, there would likely be tables available during Value season. On the other hand, if this process works as well as it's been described, maybe we will get to see it in action, who knows?

True, hopefully it won't be so busy in Sept that they deem it necessary and from what I've read it won't be. I am just a little nervous now about whether we should or shouldn't hold a table when we go. This being my first time going I don't want everyone stuck at the counter but on the other hand, I'm not selfish enough to hold a table for 15+ minutes after we eat.
I'm just so confused right now. I'll have to wait and see what happens when we go.

 

[DizzyKitten]

I think that many people do tend to think of themselves first, that is human nature and especially when you are hot and tired and trying to cope with other members of your party and their needs HOWEVER I have faith in the goodness of people and have often seen folks help each other even at the detriment of their own wants and needs.

I have some problems but mine are not as bad as some other people's. I might grab a bench to rest on but if I see someone in worse shape I will move on as I can move.

I think the stinkers stick out cause there are so few of them.

Slightly Goofy

ITA with you here. People are inherently selfish and that's not always a bad thing. I think that maybe it is magnified because of the location. I have always been that person who will give my seat to a pregnant woman, a woman with a child or children younger than mine, and an older woman or man who needs to sit more than I do. This is why I'm a little nervous about our upcoming trip.
Has it really gotten as bad as some ppl say that they have to walk around with trays and ppl who are not eating won't get up? Say it ain't so.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

My experience and I have been to DW more than many, less than a few, is that folks often offer to share tables and such at DW where they might not out in the 'real world'.

I have shared a table with a delightful family from England during a sudden outburst. They invited me.

I cannot count the times that folks have given me a seat when it was evident that I sorely needed it. I now tend to wait for uncrowded bus as it bothered me to have people give up their seats for me. Thanks to Disney for having benches near the buses. I have passed many a pleasant time there with other Disney lovers.

I only know about Pinocchio's as that is where we see the most of these kinds of problems but I have seldom seen folks linger when it is busy and cannot remember ever seeing anyone eating their own food in a crowded restaurant. The few occasions when I see people picnicking they are either eating outside or at a non busy time. That being said we do tend to go during less busy times so our mileage may vary.

Many of the counter restaurants have outside seating either connected or nearby that can be utilized also.

Whatever happens, and I am sure that there will be many changes even from our latest trip in Sept '06, we will deal. Some we will like, some we will not and if Disney sees that more folks do not like something they will change it back or to something different.

If you look for bad you will find it and otherwise. I prefer to see the good cause it is so much easier to see and understand.

Slightly Goofy