What is the longest time You waited to get into a Rest. without PS?

[Collette]

Two hour wait at 'Ohana on a Saturday night October 2005. We had an ADR for Kona and decided on 'Ohana instead. Checked in at 6:30 pm, went to Magic Kingdome, and returned at 8:30 pm.

 

[bicker]

It is kind of crazy that we have to make ADRS so many months in advance?

I think it is a reflection of the times. For many years, the luxury of full-service dining (for either every meal or even just one meal per day) has been something only the rich and the foodie would pay for. Now, everyone has taken to the idea that the eating as a big part of the whole experience. We have folks with photo galleries dedicated to photos of the food -- that was considered kind of "strange" when I did it in 2000. (Gosh -- Is it time I reposted those photos, as a sort-of homage to nostalgic food porn?)

Two things work against building more restaurant capacity anytime soon. First, the American consumer is utterly unpredictable. Given the focus on low prices, it is only a matter of time before the bubble bursts, and people stop paying for table service meal-after-meal. Therefore, it isn't safe to expend a good bit of capital on building capacity that may only end up sitting empty as soon as it is built. Second, the lack of capacity and the consequent difficulty in getting ADRs itself may raise the value of the offering in the eyes of guests.

 

[Lewisc]

The fast booking problem is really limited to a small group of restaurants. Le Cellier got popular even before the dining plan and has limited capacity. Restaurants like Le Cellier, CRT, CM and the like book early but there are many restaurants that guests can get last minute and even walk up table assignments. Restaurants like Spoodles, Yacht Club Gallery and even Kona can frequently handle walk ups. CG can only seat so many diners during Wishes.

Also try closer to your vacation. Mama Melrose frequently opens up later reservation time, depending on bookings. I was able to get a same day reservation for CG, I suspect they hold back some reservations for VIPs which get released the same day.

I think it is a reflection of the times. For many years, the luxury of full-service dining (for either every meal or even just one meal per day) has been something only the rich and the foodie would pay for. Now, everyone has taken to the idea that the eating as a big part of the whole experience. We have folks with photo galleries dedicated to photos of the food -- that was considered kind of "strange" when I did it in 2000. (Gosh -- Is it time I reposted those photos, as a sort-of homage to nostalgic food porn?)

Two things work against building more restaurant capacity anytime soon. First, the American consumer is utterly unpredictable. Given the focus on low prices, it is only a matter of time before the bubble bursts, and people stop paying for table service meal-after-meal. Therefore, it isn't safe to expend a good bit of capital on building capacity that may only end up sitting empty as soon as it is built. Second, the lack of capacity and the consequent difficulty in getting ADRs itself may raise the value of the offering in the eyes of guests.