This policy is looking more and more like a big ol' money grab to me.
Unless something changes, January is the end of signature and character dining for my family and that's a shame... Dining is a big part of our Disney vacation experience and when you take that away other destinations start looking better and better. But no meal is worth having to keep an eye on my CC for fraudulent charges or paying $50+ for nothing if one of my kids happens to get sick on our trip.
I agree! As an AP holder, I go to WDW 4-5 times a year and since I don't care for most CS, I do most TS (including a Signature restaurant most nights). I'm taking my GS down there in Feb and will be doing alot of character meals (like 1-2 a day). Thankfully I made those ADRs just prior to the policy change. Feb will be the end of signature and character dining for me too. For my May trip I purposely made ADRs for restaurants that did not require the cc guarantee. Since I have the TiW card I also made a point of making ADRs at places like Bistro de Paris and the Swan/Dolphin restaurants. Once I get down there I'll try for walkups at my favorite Signatures and then cancel my other ADR if I get in.