WDW Eateries Test Seating Program

[fireflymedic]

Because mom and the two kids will be occupying a table that someone else needs for the 10 minutes or so it will take you to order and receive your food. In theory, by the time you have your food and are ready to dine, another table will have opened-up and you will be immediately seated.

It's all about giving priority to those who are ready to dine rather than letting guests take up space long before they even have their meals.

they need to make a standing and waitning for dad (or whoever) spot, while he/they get the food and drinks.

To make little guys stand in line is most inconvent for me, its hard to order food, pay for food, pick up food and not louse your todler/preschooler's in the congested area. One chold maybe but if you have 2 or 3...

 

[katmittens]

We were at Peco's on Tues. Oct 13 and when we walked in they handed us a menu, but no one directed us to sit down. You could save a table and have someone get the food. So maybe it is only at certain times.

 

[seashoreCM]

You gotta love those bus drivers
Now, can this be done with stools?

OT: Old time trolley cars have a stool (or nothing at all) for the driver to sit on.

... threw out the food ... stone cold ...

Wasteful. Thank God for microwave ovens.

... priority to those ready to dine ...

This will work well once it becomes known that the CM doing step #2 (guiding you to a table) always succeeds expeditiously.

 

[schmitty]

they need to make a standing and waitning for dad (or whoever) spot, while he/they get the food and drinks.

To make little guys stand in line is most inconvent for me, its hard to order food, pay for food, pick up food and not louse your todler/preschooler's in the congested area. One chold maybe but if you have 2 or 3...

You arent the only one at Disney with 2 toddlers. No special treatment just because you want it.

 

[heatherbabydoll1]

I understand both fews. I think there is some strong feelings on this. Here is the only thing I have a problem with. For my family of three standing in line is not a problem but some of my family members that have to be in a wheel chair and have to transfer out to go eat, alot of these people cannot stand for long periods at time. I would gladly offer a grandmother who is having a hard time standing a seat by me until her family can get her food. Yes haveing toddlers stand in line screaming and carring on will just make the lines move slower. Being a mother, aunt, and preschool teacher. Getting children to a table with another adult to get wiped up before a meal will be the best stradagy. Stuggling with hungry tired children and worring if your mother is going to pass out while standing in line, does not sound like she is asking for special treatment. I would try my best to get my 70+ year old in laws somewhere to sit also!
On the flip side it does annoy me when every table is taken up in the Land and I have a heavy tray to put down. I do tend to ask people if we can sit with them and most are understanding!
I think both have valued points!

 

[fireflymedic]

You arent the only one at Disney with 2 toddlers. No special treatment just because you want it.

WOW how un-understanding,

I had a real nasty response to this one but I deleted it and am now un-subscribed to this thread.

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

You arent the only one at Disney with 2 toddlers. No special treatment just because you want it.

and she's not suggesting she be the only one to get this 'special treatment', just pointing out that having the entire family stand in line for food could be difficult, not to mention how much longer it is going to make the lines! What about families with babies/toddlers in strollers? That would take up a tremendous amount of room, or if they don't allow strollers in (I think we always parked ours, can't recall if they are absolutely not allowed in) explain to me how Mom, Dad, and their 3 kids ages 3, 22 months, and 8 months are going to get to the table with their kids and with all their food? That's 3 very young children, maybe not the norm, but a family I know with kids those exact ages just got back from the World. It would be a nightmare if that whole family had to stand in line for counter service food, with or without a stroller.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

What I have started to do recently is pull up next to a table where there are people wiuth no food and park there and start to eat. If they say anything to me I have suggested they get a CM or manager, but that the table is for people to eat at, not to relax at.

1) I do this at Disney a lot.
2) I started doing this in airport eateries years ago.
3) People likely to pile luggage on chairs.
4) This greatly reduces the seating.
5) I go up and ask if the chair was taken, and look behind me.
6) They think I just want to take it and move their luggage.
7) Then, I sit at their table and eat.
8) Works well, and none have ever told me to leave.
9) I think they were too surprised.
10) But, in a busy airport, a chair is a chair.

 

[m_kasch]

You arent the only one at Disney with 2 toddlers. No special treatment just because you want it.

I don't have kids, so I can't say I know how she feels...but, I have stood in those lines and CAN imagine what it would be like with a bunch of 2 & 3 year old up there -- people will trip on them, spill their food, make a huge mess...i'm not sure how that solves anything. Plus, as other people have mentioned, it will make the line much longer if you have 6 people waiting in your group instead of 2. And I don't think she was suggesting that she get special treatment, only giving her opinion.

I understand the need to not have people taking up tables when it is super crowded...but there has to be a better way than just having everyone go stand in line like that. Maybe a waiting area, like other have suggested...although that takes up space too. I don't think there is really a great solution to the problem though.

 

[scuba]

You arent the only one at Disney with 2 toddlers. No special treatment just because you want it.

No, I don't think that anyone is asking for special treatment...I do however predict a thread in about...lets say just after the holidays, about folks complaining about tripping over toddlers standing around waiting on tables to come open while dad is in line...and don't even get me started on the scooter folks that cannot get by "because" I had to park a stroller "because" I cannot save a table and plop my family out of the way while I go after food. Seriously of all the folks that supports this, what are you implying we do with toddlers and strollers and whole families there while we change the whole process for Princess and Prince "YOU"? Special waiting rooms would cost thousands, maybe even decrease capacity if existing areas are used. Sounds like we are months away from needing resevations to CS areas as well. I certainly hope that no one here is implying I take a whole family in to the Q lines are we? . For this to be real improvement change, the change has to be better than what we have now, and since I work in a very Busy ER that at times has ideas that...well are kinda stupid on managing congestion, I have a real feeling that the folks that are for this process are going to be complaining harder once the plan is in place about folks just standing around.

 

[scuba]

No, I don't think that anyone is asking for special treatment...I do however predict a thread in about...lets say just after the holidays, about folks complaining about tripping over toddlers standing around waiting on tables to come open while dad is in line...and don't even get me started on the scooter folks that cannot get by "because" I had to park a stroller "because" I cannot save a table and plop my family out of the way while I go after food. Seriously of all the folks that supports this, what are you implying we do with toddlers and strollers and whole families there while we change the whole process for Princess and Prince "YOU"? Special waiting rooms would cost thousands, maybe even decrease capacity if existing areas are used. Sounds like we are months away from needing resevations to CS areas as well. I certainly hope that no one here is implying I take a whole family in to the Q lines are we? . For this to be real improvement change, the change has to be better than what we have now, and since I work in a very Busy ER that at times has ideas that...well are kinda stupid on managing congestion, I have a real feeling that the folks that are for this process are going to be complaining harder once the plan is in place about folks just standing around.

And for the folks that actually advocate taking kids in line, we already read thousands of post about misbehaving kids, suppose kids start messing with other folks foods while waiting in line........and then there is the hap-hazard way that some CM even enforce or follow the policies, we have adressed that fact over and over as well.

 

[arizonacolbys]

CRSC was trying to implement this (or testing it out) when we were there in August with our 11 month old. After such a horrible experience there, we are in no hurry to return.

It was hot out & my baby girl was fussing for her food & milk. Hubby went to get our food & I "tried" to get a high chair, get to a table & start feeding her & the CM's wouldn't allow me past without food. After trying to hold a heavy 11 month old (no strollers are allowed inside) for 10 minutes while hubby got his food, we finally all got to sit down, but not before my little one had a complete meltdown. I then ate cold food, since I wasnt' able to feed her before hubby arrived with my hot food. No other restaurant was doing this at the time & it was one of the most unmagical parts of our 14 night stay at WDW in August.

I have said in the past that it can be a pain when people are "holding" tables while someone else gets food, so I can understand what WDW is trying to do with this method. I just think it really doesn't work for everyone - whether it's someone with young children, elderly, someone in an ECV/wheelchair, etc. I don't think anyone is looking for "special treatment" - I do see both sides of this one now that I have a young child. I was just very disheartened by the lack of courtesy displayed by the CMs at CRSC when I was trying to get my crying 11 month old fed.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Once upon a time Disney pixies would compile exhaustive research about crowd control issues. Remember the stories we were told on the Keys to the Kingdom tour about researching how far someone would walk with ice cream wrapper in their hands before they dropped it. That's how they decided how far apart to place trash cans.

These restaurants were created, designed and built before this new absurd rule. The area with the lines will probably not be suitable for families waiting, children running around AND people carrying heavy trays of food.

If they do not have enough places for people to sit - than BUILD MORE. Hey, if they build more.....they will sell more.....and make more $$$ --- the Disney way!


I don't even want to think about whay my NYC husband will say to someone who restricts me from entering a seating area. Our next trip I'll be in a scooter or using crutches - recent knee surgery. I don't think they want to tussle with my Jim.

 

[tjkraz]

Once upon a time Disney pixies would compile exhaustive research about crowd control issues. Remember the stories we were told on the Keys to the Kingdom tour about researching how far someone would walk with ice cream wrapper in their hands before they dropped it. That's how they decided how far apart to place trash cans.

These restaurants were created, designed and built before this new absurd rule. The area with the lines will probably not be suitable for families waiting, children running around AND people carrying heavy trays of food.

If they do not have enough places for people to sit - than BUILD MORE. Hey, if they build more.....they will sell more.....and make more $$$ --- the Disney way!

That's really not practical since this is just a seasonal problem. Disney isn't going to spend millions building and operating additional restaurants simply to alleviate over-crowding which occurs for a few hours per day on the busiest park days of the year.

I am curious about your objections, though. How is being personally escorted to a vacant table any more taxing than hobbling around the restaurant in search of an empty table (or more likely, waiting to pounce after someone vacates a table?)

Every single Disney vacation involves standing in lines, be it attraction lines or restaurant lines. As a father to two small children, I really don't see how this is any different than standing in line for Test Track, Peter Pan or Haunted Mansion. I've seen more incidents over the years from a single parent who tries to balance too many items on a tray than I have from small children colliding with other diners.

I don't even want to think about whay my NYC husband will say to someone who restricts me from entering a seating area. Our next trip I'll be in a scooter or using crutches - recent knee surgery. I don't think they want to tussle with my Jim.

With as much as Disney vacations cost, make sure you get your pound of flesh before you leave. Bonus points for making the Cast Member--who is simply performing his/her assigned duties--openly cry during the altercation.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

That's really not practical since this is just a seasonal problem. Disney isn't going to spend millions building and operating additional restaurants simply to alleviate over-crowding which occurs for a few hours per day on the busiest park days of the year.

I am curious about your objections, though. How is being personally escorted to a vacant table any more taxing than hobbling around the restaurant in search of an empty table (or more likely, waiting to pounce after someone vacates a table?)


Obviously you have not tried to travel with pain. This is the second time I will travel to a Disney park following surgery (surgeries following an accident in June of 2008). For me to stand is painful - and I have little chance of even walking from the lobby to the room without a rest. Yes, the surgery was not convenient and yes, we have had our reservations for 10 months and yes, an ECV is the solution.

Now, take a minute and imagine standing around while my DH is in line getting food. Have you noticed, those lines move slowly and it will be a great deal of standing - FOR NO REASON - for me.

Personally, to make me stand while I could be seated and comfortable is a GREAT DEAL different than just entering the restaurant and limping to the table to wait. You try it.




Every single Disney vacation involves standing in lines, be it attraction lines or restaurant lines. As a father to two small children, I really don't see how this is any different than standing in line for Test Track, Peter Pan or Haunted Mansion. I've seen more incidents over the years from a single parent who tries to balance too many items on a tray than I have from small children colliding with other diners.


My comment is - if there is a problem with no place to sit - perhaps Disney should employ those Pixies of years past to find a solution.

There is limited optional seating around the park. Most of the big seating areas are connected to restaurants. Perhaps they could create small, shaded areas with tables and chairs for those of us who need to take a break during the day.


With as much as Disney vacations cost, make sure you get your pound of flesh before you leave. Bonus points for making the Cast Member--who is simply performing his/her assigned duties--openly cry during the altercation.

Cheep shot. DH IS a castmember. He is subject to plenty of Disney's stupid rules and staff cuts. The CM won't be crying....but I WILL be sitting.

 

[bgohre]

With as much as Disney vacations cost, make sure you get your pound of flesh before you leave. Bonus points for making the Cast Member--who is simply performing his/her assigned duties--openly cry during the altercation.

Dude...that is so NOT what she is trying to say. I'm not sure what point you were trying to make, but you didn't make it.

 

[tjkraz]

Now, take a minute and imagine standing around while my DH is in line getting food. Have you noticed, those lines move slowly and it will be a great deal of standing - FOR NO REASON - for me.

Personally, to make me stand while I could be seated and comfortable is a GREAT DEAL different than just entering the restaurant and limping to the table to wait. You try it.

Obviously having a table is an ideal situation. And if the number of tables exceed demand, they won't even be using this system and you can be seated immediately.

But if the trip falls during one of the peak periods when demand exceeds supply, frankly I do not agree that you are more entitled to a table over someone who already has their food and is otherwise forced to wander aimlessly until something opens up. You aren't being asked to wait "for no reason", you're waiting because someone else obtained their food sooner and has a greater right to a table than you do.

Building additional seating is apparently not a valid solution. However you want to slice it, TWDC is still a company that's in the business of making money. This is an issue which arises only during limited times of the year and they are looking at creative solutions rather than just throwing money at the problem. This isn't exactly a new phenomenon either. Even in the 50s and 60s Walt's park was known for lengthy lines at attractions and restaurants.

If you're using an ECV, why not just wait (comfortably) outside until your husband has been directed to a table? If on crutches, how is standing for a few minutes any different than waiting in line for any number of attractions throughout the day?

Dude...that is so NOT what she is trying to say. I'm not sure what point you were trying to make, but you didn't make it.

Oh, I think the message was pretty clear: We don't like the rule and don't think it should apply to us. Therefore we have no intention of following it, no matter the cost ("I don't even want to think about whay my NYC husband will say to someone who restricts me from entering a seating area.", "...I WILL be sitting.")

Whether one agrees with this rule--or ANY rule at Walt Disney World--is irrelevant. When we walk through those gates, we all collectively agree to play by Disney's rules. I'm actually quite disappointed that others would even defend this logic. Argue against it all you wish. Send complaint letters and emails do Disney if you feel so inclined. But OP has no right to disregard CM instructions any more than I can push my way to the front of the line at Soarin' or hop out of the boat and dance with Johnny Depp on PotC.

Rules exist to aid everyone's enjoyment of the parks. We don't get to pick and choose which rules we wish to follow.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Whether one agrees with this rule--or ANY rule at Walt Disney World--is irrelevant. When we walk through those gates, we all collectively agree to play by Disney's rules. I'm actually quite disappointed that others would even defend this logic. Argue against it all you wish. Send complaint letters and emails do Disney if you feel so inclined. But OP has no right to disregard CM instructions any more than I can push my way to the front of the line at Soarin' or hop out of the boat and dance with Johnny Depp on PotC.

Rules exist to aid everyone's enjoyment of the parks. We don't get to pick and choose which rules we wish to follow.

These are points that are extremely well put!!!!

Would you mind too much if I were to borrow them from you for use in some other posts?

 

[tjkraz]

These are points that are extremely well put!!!!

Would you mind too much if I were to borrow them from you for use in some other posts?

Be my guest!

 

[gobo2]

I too will be on crutches or in wheelchair during our upcoming trip due to recent knee surgery. I think if my family encountered this problem we would eat somewhere else.