What if Disney went to a no-ADR policy?

[Cynt]

I don't know if this has been mentioned but I have a brilliant idea ...FASTPATH ADR's. 65% can be ressies and the other 35% 1st come 1st serve(FCFS) but use a FASTPATH system. This way you're not waiting and you can enjoy the park until it's your time to dine.

I have a question. How long do you think they should hold table for reservation holders? I think after 15 minutes you lose your table. What do you think?

 

[aviva5675]

thanks, I had a feeling-- and thatll be great too, thought Id have to call several days in a row...

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I love making ADR's. I have at least one a day, and I get up bright and early to do them on the first day I can. I would book them a year in advance if I could. If you wait until the last minute, you have to expect that some things won't be available. You don't wait until Dec. 24 to shop, right?
Besides, with so many restaurants on property, there's always some place to eat! And if choice is that important to you, then you should probably set your alarm clock like the rest of us.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I have a question. How long do you think they should hold table for reservation holders? I think after 15 minutes you lose your table. What do you think?

They don't hold a table at all, actually. That's why they called it priority seating. You get the NEXT table that becomes available AFTER you arrive. They whole idea was to not let an empty table sit there if there's a no show- which unfortunately there are quite often. Also, if they are busy, they won't honor your ADR at all if you arrive more than 15 minutes after your ADR time. If they're not busy, then they ***might*** extend it as a courtesy. I think it's a good policy.

 

[Becky2005]

They don't hold a table at all, actually. That's why they called it priority seating. You get the NEXT table that becomes available AFTER you arrive. They whole idea was to not let an empty table sit there if there's a no show- which unfortunately there are quite often. Also, if they are busy, they won't honor your ADR at all if you arrive more than 15 minutes after your ADR time. If they're not busy, then they ***might*** extend it as a courtesy. I think it's a good policy.

Yes, we got *extremely* lucky on our trip in July - we kept being late to our ADR's - we were over 30 minutes late to our Yachtsman Steakhouse one (due to having to make an unexpected shopping trip visit to MK for extra clothes - the joys of traveling with young children! LOL!), they still got us in (I think they just took pity on me because I'm sure I looked MORE than a little frazzled at that point - or the fact that we were on the Premium plan). We ended up being late to almost ADR - The Yachtsman one was the latest though. We were even late to CRT

 

[budbeerlady]

Part of the nice thing about WDW was I knew where we were eating and what timeish to be there! I think if people want to get into some of the more popular places they should be willing to make a ressie. I wouldnt wait outside to eat at WDW, I paid alot for park tickets and not to wait and hope I get seated. (Who am I kidding, we would still go to WDW again but packing lunches or something)

 

[bunnysmum]

Some of us (like me) are just planning people (or planning machines, if you prefer). But I know lots of folks out there are spontaneous types.

As a planner who has all ADR's made for our upcoming January trip, I am glad that we are able to plan ahead like this, under the current ADR system. (And, yes, I confess, it is tempting to launch a triumphant "nanny-nanny-boo-boo" in the direction of the poor spontaneous types who are turned away from TS restaurants. We planners often take a lot of guff from those free-spirits who call us geeks... and worse.)

I don't know what the solution is. But as others have pointed out, there IS always counter service, and it certainly needn't be a constant diet of chicken tenders and fries. Look at the menus from Tangierine Cafe, Tusker House, the ABC Commisary, just to name a few. People who don't make ADR's aren't going to starve. And there are grocery stores and off-propery restaurants as well, for those who prefer to go that route.

If WDW did hold a small percentage of tables for walk-ups, do you think it would solve the problem? Or would scores of people still walk away w/out being able to be seated?

Having said all that, I have to agree that 180 days out seems a bit far in advance.