What is the policy on double booked ADRs?

[DisDreaminMom]

I thought I read something in a forum about Disney "punishing" people for making more than one ressie at a particular time and date? Is that true? I think I read something like they will cancel all the rest of your ADRs, but there is no official policy that WDW mentions that I am aware of. I can't possibly see how the system could cross check that kind of thing anyway, since the ADR's are in 5 minute increments and that seems like a massive amount of data to sort. Plus, people just use different names, etc. to bypass detection. I am sure it would tick off Disney, too, if these ADR's don't show up, but why are the Dining CM's telling me not to try a walk-up? (The one I talked to just now did...)

The reason I am asking is because it seems highly unlikely that some of the WDW restaurants are ALL completely booked the week we are going (Dec. 14-20). Yeah, I know it's free dining, but don't you think people overbook just for their own convenience? Do you think things will "open up" as soon as the 45 day window shuts and people cancel hotel ressies? Also, when you cancel a hotel ressie, do they ask you if you need to cancel your ADRs? I didn't think they touched the ressies until the customer actually contacted them to do so, just because I had a CM accidentally cancel my hotel ressie (nice) and my ADRs were all still there.

P.S. I already got 1900 Park Fare, CP for dinner, Akershus, Biergarten, 50's PT, Hollywood & Vine Fantasmic, Yak & Yeti, Boma for dinner, CP, and CRT- so I did do my homework and made multiple calls and tweaked things until I got what I wanted. I tried to cancel on la ess desirable ADR when I was able to get the one I really wanted, but I'd give my eye teeth for a LTT for dinner on Dec. 15th (and not at 8:55pm- yeah that one's still open- but my kids can't stay awake that long!). I know this wouldn't necessarily be any of the Dis'ers, just because we seem to have a code of Disney ethics so to speak, but what about the Average Newbie- the same one that yells at their kids in the Happiest Place on Earth, hits me in the legs with a stroller, or elbows my kid out of line at the bus stop? Why can't we all just get along????http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/hippie.gif

 

[Tricia1972]

There is no official policy. On rare occasions a person has had all of their ADR's canceled who was overbooked. However I have only heard the story that it happened 'to a close friend' or 'close relative' I've never seen a report that it's happened to someone directly.

However, this is a very sensitive subject and it sounds like you agree with most of the other posters here, it is just not sporting to do it (double book). It sounds like your question is - Where am I going to eat?

To answer your question (and hopefully keep this thread from turning into an ugly debate that gets closed)

Try the December Wanted Canceled ADR thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1802378

You should also continue calling and even call once you get there. People do cancel all the time.

 

[itchin2go]

If I understood OP correctly, I think she was asking if there's a possibility that the restaurants are overbooked with people who are not going to show. So, if there's no official Disney policy about double-booking, maybe there are folks who are double-booked and will not show for at least one of the reservations. If so, then she would have a sporting chance at walking up somewhere without an ADR and being seated.

I have wondered this myself. I just hate to chance walking up and then ultimately being turned away.... From what I have read, some folks have had luck with walking up, whereas some people have been shut out.

 

[bangzoom6877]

I am neurotic about these types of things so I would have an ADR for each TS meal we want to have. Personally I would be too nervous the whole time if I was taking the chance at walking in without an ADR. However many people have had luck with walk-ins. We do go during peak season (summer) so it is a time when it's important to have an ADR. Saw many people turned away as early as 5PM at some TS places when we were there in July and we were more than grateful for planning out our meals!

 

[LISMYLIFE]

I am sure many people are carrying double reservations. I would imagine Disney handles this much like airlines. They overbook reservations knowing that some people are not going to show, based on some "magic" formula.
I do suggest you try walk-ups, as they are sometimes successful, as well as keep calling. GOOD LUCK!!!!

 

[fla4fun]

Also, try calling same day. I've called an hour or so before I wanted to dine and been lucky, when they were telling people no walk ins. Just be prepared with a backup plan.

 

[onelilspark]

Ok. I might get attacked for this one, but I do "double book" using different names of the people of my party. However I also cancel as soon as I know which one I'm not going to use. The problem is that people don't cancel the one's they don't use. Also, I don't do it all the time. Usually only one day per trip where we're really not sure where we're going to be or if we're not sure on times, I might make one at 5:30 and one at 7:30.

 

[disney0210]

Ok. I might get attacked for this one, but I do "double book" using different names of the people of my party. However I also cancel as soon as I know which one I'm not going to use. The problem is that people don't cancel the one's they don't use. Also, I don't do it all the time. Usually only one day per trip where we're really not sure where we're going to be or if we're not sure on times, I might make one at 5:30 and one at 7:30.

And usually how soon do you know which one you're not going to use?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Ok. I might get attacked for this one, but I do "double book" using different names of the people of my party. However I also cancel as soon as I know which one I'm not going to use. The problem is that people don't cancel the one's they don't use. Also, I don't do it all the time. Usually only one day per trip where we're really not sure where we're going to be or if we're not sure on times, I might make one at 5:30 and one at 7:30.

Even though you do cancel "as soon as you know which one you're not going to use", it's kind of selfish. Some people only call once or twice to make their reservations and if they don't get them, figure that they don't have a chance. They don't know that you are going to cancel your's in a week or month from now.

I wish you couldn't make ADRs until 30 days out. It might resolve this kind of problem.

 

[onelilspark]

I wish you couldn't make ADRs until 30 days out. It might resolve this kind of problem.

And usually how soon do you know which one you're not going to use?

Usually by noon, I'm on the phone with WDW-DINE. I know it's a little selfish, but at least I cancel it. Agreed that not making ADR's until 30 days out would probably help the over all problem of reservations at WDW. Not many people know what they want 180 days out. That's my current problem for the next trip. On that one, we'll decide a good week or so before.

 

[dzorn]

I think having 40 days out would be great. I think a lot of people who cancel right before the 45 day mark forget to cancel the ADRs.

Also it seems that the WDW calendar is often out after the 180 day mark not before. If you don't know how late a park is open or when EMH is it makes it more likely that some will change them after the calendar is out. They want us to know what we are doing 180 days ahead of time when they don't even know what they are doing.

If we are on the dining plan I usually book 1-2 extra credits. These may be for a breakfast and dinner the same day. If we cannot make a reservation for some reason (I would call to cancel) we would still be able to use all our credits. We cancel what we are not using but usually we just OOP for the last meals if we go over our credits.

Denise in MI

 

[Condorman]

I don't blame someone who double-books as much as I blame Disney for allowing them to do so. Hopefully with the new reservation system coming in December (**crosses his fingers**) they will address this issue by making people lay down CC#s and having a 72-hour cancellation policy. People will still find ways to double-book, but they'll have to release the duplicates well prior to the day in question or be penalized for it. I would have no problem with this because I would never be guilty of tricking the system, and I think anyone who does have a problem with it is up to no good.

If we can all agree that making ADRs and getting our restaurants of choice is of great concern to us, then putting a few rules and restrictions in place, which do not currently exist in any form, would be highly welcomed. I truly hope Disney gets it right with this new system.

 

[DisDreaminMom]

I guess that answers my question about if Disney punishes double bookers (no). My paranoia about getting all my ressies cancelled is completely unfounded! Maybe I'm too much of a rule stickler, but I'd feel bad if my wanting to have the option of eating wherever I want to on a particular day at WDW would make some other family have a bad WDW experience because they couldn't get in to eat at a TS meal because tables were held for double bookers. The ADR situation especially affects the last minute visitors, because while we may be OCD planners who pride ourselves on the work we put into the Perfect Vacation, without the last minute WDW attendees, there might be dark days ahead for Disney, if you know what I mean.

But that still leaves the question about people who cancel hotel ressies. I'm guessing these ADR's stay in the system. For December, I really wonder how much the restaurants will open up. I see so many people canceling vacations on this board alone. I am a DS CM, and people come in the store who had to cancel, too.

P.S. I am glad to hear that I am not the only one who tries be considerate when planning my vacation. I hope we are standing in line next to each other or have to be cheek to cheek on the bus sometime. I'm guessing you'll be the ones who are fun to chat with and reinforce my faith in humanity!

 

[GhostLady]

Hopefully with the new reservation system coming in December (**crosses his fingers**) they will address this issue by making people lay down CC#s and having a 72-hour cancellation policy. People will still find ways to double-book, but they'll have to release the duplicates well prior to the day in question or be penalized for it. I would have no problem with this because I would never be guilty of tricking the system, and I think anyone who does have a problem with it is up to no good.

I have no problem with Disney putting some sort of plan in place to prevent double bookings as I would never do it myself anyway but I think a CC hold with a 72 hour cancellation policy is a little excessive.

There are times when a family might have to cancel a ressie at the last minute but that doesn't mean they are "tricking the system" or "up to no good". Yes, your idea might help prevent those who are "up to no good" but it would also punish those who might have a legit reason for canceling.

For example, I have not been to WDW for over 20 years and I cannot even remember ever eating in a Disney restaurant. I have no idea how long each meal will take or how long it might take me to travel from the park I am in that day to my ADR at a resort. It is possible that my plans are all wrong and when I arrive I will find that it might not be possible to make one of my ADR's so I will have to cancel at the last minute.

Another example might be if a member of the party gets sick. During our last family vacation (non Disney) 3 of my 4 children got sick shortly after we arrived. They all took turns vomiting and running a fever throughout the trip. Luckily we didn't have any set plans or places to be or we could not have made it.

I do think it would be great if Disney could do something to prevent double bookings and I hope they do but if they ever switch to a CC hold with a 72 hour cancellation policy, my family will be eating a lot of CS. With 4 kids it's impossible to make plans so far in advance without something going wrong.

 

[GhostLady]

The ADR situation especially affects the last minute visitors, because while we may be OCD planners who pride ourselves on the work we put into the Perfect Vacation, without the last minute WDW attendees, there might be dark days ahead for Disney, if you know what I mean.

This is especially true since Disney seems to be trying to attract those last minute visitors (last minute free dining offer).

I am also an OCD planner even though with my family it is impossible for me to plan very far in advance. I'd love to be able to but with Dh's and the kid's schedules, 6 months out is nearly impossible. I did plan this trip about 4 months out and was able to get the ADR's that I wanted (only 2) but after I planned and booked our trip for Oct., Disney was kind enough to send me the free dining pin code. I got it mid-September. We weren't able to use it for the Oct. dates we wanted so we switched to Nov. We are staying 6 nights so I have had a really hard time with ADR's. I do have 6 of them but it wasn't easy and still not what we really wanted. I'm sure this has been a problem for a lot of those who booked a trip after getting the last minute code. Not that I'm complaining. Thrilled to get the code, even at the last minute.

But that still leaves the question about people who cancel hotel ressies. I'm guessing these ADR's stay in the system.

Finally a question that I can answer. Yes, they do stay in the system. We canceled our Oct. hotel ressie and booked the Nov. one. I called a few days later to book the new Adr's but didn't even think to ask about the old ones. A couple of weeks later I called to change something and asked if we still had the 2 ADR's in Oct. and we did so I canceled. When we called to switch the hotel ressie, the CM who took our booking didn't ask us if we had ADR's to cancel too so we didn't even think about it.

 

[CathrynRose]

I have no problem with Disney putting some sort of plan in place to prevent double bookings as I would never do it myself anyway but I think a CC hold with a 72 hour cancellation policy is a little excessive.

I dont think it's excessive. It's 3 days before youre supposed to be there. You should know by then, if you will be or not.

I'd have no problem securing each ADR with a CC. I think it's ridiculous I have to plan what restaurant I'm going to eat at, months in advance, knowing if I wait Ill be out of luck, eating chicken strips at a CS, because people double, triple, quadruple book at many restaurants.

 

[Condorman]

There are times when a family might have to cancel a ressie at the last minute but that doesn't mean they are "tricking the system" or "up to no good". Yes, your idea might help prevent those who are "up to no good" but it would also punish those who might have a legit reason for canceling.

Another example might be if a member of the party gets sick. During our last family vacation (non Disney) 3 of my 4 children got sick shortly after we arrived. They all took turns vomiting and running a fever throughout the trip. Luckily we didn't have any set plans or places to be or we could not have made it.

I used to think this way, but these examples are still invalid. What would you say to an airline if you couldn't make the flight? Sure, they'd let you reschedule, but it would cost you. It's not the airline's fault you got sick or showed up late to the airport. Also, what about waiving the penalty for people who can't fly in bad weather, but upholding it for people who are local, who can easily drive in? It's a double-standard. For the sake of every guest securing a rez and making them stick to it, as well as giving Disney an excuse to make extra revenue (something they would lovingly embrace) such a policy would be a much-needed evolution.

Having said that, I don't think they will do it. I've always said the new system should resemble Opentable.com, but I don't think it will.

 

[onelilspark]

With how many children get sick or get too tired for the reservations, having a 72-hour cancellation policy is ridiculous. I know I do double-book and have admitted to it (and I do cancel them, but not always 72-hours out.) But, that will cause many families problems if they do it this way. Yes, it'll prevent me from double-booking, and yeah, I'll get over it. But I couldn't imagine worrying about a sick toddler AND being charged because I'll miss my reservation because I can only cancel 6 hours in advance and not 72.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

The official word is at this time Disney does not have an official policy on double booked reservations.. If you book with a credit card and do not show up, your credit card will be charged.

I have heard stories about Disney going in and deleting reservations that are held in the same name for the same night at the same time. Since I do not double book, I have no firsthand experience with this phenomenon.

 

[GhostLady]

I dont think it's excessive. It's 3 days before youre supposed to be there. You should know by then, if you will be or not.

I'd have no problem securing each ADR with a CC. I think it's ridiculous I have to plan what restaurant I'm going to eat at, months in advance, knowing if I wait Ill be out of luck, eating chicken strips at a CS, because people double, triple, quadruple book at many restaurants.

I'm sorry but I do not KNOW 3 days in advance if I will be anywhere. I hope to be but things always happen that are beyond our control, especially when you have children. What happens if me or my child gets injured or becomes sick an hour before our ADR? Are we supposed to go anyway or risk being charged for the meal?

Trust me, If I had known 3 days in advance that 3 of my kids would be vomiting during our last vacation, I would have rescheduled it for another time. If there is a way to predit these things though, I would LOVE to hear it.

What about those who book ADR's for their arrival date but have a delayed flight? Should they be charged if they call as soon as they know they will be arriving to late?

And as I said before, some of us are not familier with WDW and the transportation. I have a couple of ADR's booked at resorts for a dinner after a park day. I am hoping that I have allowed enough time to get there based on the info I have gotten from ppl on the DIS but I am not positive. I will be arriving at WDW on a Sunday and I have an ADR for Tuesday evening. When I get there Sun. I might notice that the resort is further than I think so I will either have to give up some of my park time or cancel the ressie on Sunday. The park is already closing early that day for MVMCP so I am not going to leave earlier than I have to.

I am not arguing that anyone should double book for these reasons or any other reason. As I said before, I do not double book and don't think anyone should. I too wish something could be done to prevent it. I have been calling everyday for weeks to try to get the ADR's that I want after we switched our trip dates and I still don't have what I really want. I'm sure that it could be due to some who have double booked. It's been a pain to keep calling only to be told everything's booked each time but I still don't think a CC hold with 72 hours is the answer. Maybe just a CC hold. Then ppl would at least have to cancel so their spot would be open for walk-ups. I'm sure this would also help at least some of the double bookings because ppl would be to afraid that they would forget to cancel and be charged.

Not even sure that would be the best idea either because some do not have CC's. My grandmother for example will not have a CC. She believes that if you don't have cash for something, you shouldn't be buying it. Should she be excluded from ever eating a TS meal because after living through the depression, she believes that this is the only responsible way to spend?