Why can't we make ADR's online?

[debster812]

I didn't even think of the "snatched up" issue: Now that's some software I'd be interested in writing: An application that you program your desired ADRs into, and it uses automation to poke the WDW server the specific second that the ADRs are released into the system, doing 14 HTTP transactions all at once, to secure all the ADRs before a regular person even has the chance to log in to the system to put in their first ADR request.

Now now, we 'geeks' are supposed to use our powers for good, not evil. Sounds intriguing though......I do QA, Testing and implementation of new programs and software at my company. I can help test!

 

[Cheer4Disney]

I think booking ADR's online would be extremely helpful for many Disney guests. As a preventative for overbooking, Disney could have you register or use the same registration from their website in order to access the ADR's therefore keeping track of double booking and not allowing it. Either that or track by having guest enter their name and zipcode in order to make a reservation, and validating with ID at the podium. Just an idea

 

[Anewman]

As a preventative for overbooking, Disney could have you register or use the same registration from their website in order to access the ADR's therefore keeping track of double booking

And anyone can register onto the Disney Website to create multiple accounts, and in turn make multiple ressies if they really wanted to.

or track by having guest enter their name and zipcode in order to make a reservation, and validating with ID at the podium. Just an idea

Well even then, there are 7 persons in my party(AUG trip) that I can Book ADRS under. I can make 7 sets of reservations with multiple ADRS per day under each name, I mean 3 meals(breakfast, lunch and dinner) minimum would be allowed, but what If I could also book tweeners...

I understand that if persons really wanted to go crazy they could do so with the current system, but IMO the internet makes things so much easier that persons may get carried away. Since it would be on the internet persons would book "just in case" meals for trips they are just considering and if that trip falls through they will not take the time to cancel.

Only way I can see it working would be to actually charge a deposit on every ADR.

 

[Cheer4Disney]

I suppose the answer would be any system could be abused if someone chose a way around it, the current ADR system as well as an internet system. This issue could be debated both ways, I see excellent points presented on both sides that I can agree with. IMO for my lifestyle, an internet system would just be convinient, I would be able to do ADR's late at night when I have the time Either way I am perfectly fine calling a CM and won't be upset if an internet system is never ever implemented, but a girl can wish for the perfect world can't she?? lol

 

[bicker]

Only way I can see it working would be to actually charge a deposit on every ADR.

That's a very good approach.

any system could be abused

The point, here, though, is that some systems (web-based systems) are more prone to abuse than others (systems that rely on talking person-to-person over the telephone).

 

[kathyg]

Maybe I'm missing something here about the safeguards that need to be put in place. When someone calls in for an ADR, doesn't the CM ask them for their reservation number? Isn't the reservation linked to the number of people in the party and the length of stay? If this is the case, what would be different about making online ADR's? Explain to me, please, what a CM could do that a software program cannot? And, my apoligies to all the CM's out there....I am not advocating you losing your jobs.....

 

[bicker]

Maybe I'm missing something here about the safeguards that need to be put in place. When someone calls in for an ADR, doesn't the CM ask them for their reservation number?

Remember that anyone can call in for ADRs, whether they're staying at a Disney resort or not. There is no requirement to provide a Disney hotel reservation number to make an ADR.

Isn't the reservation linked to the number of people in the party and the length of stay?

There is no such linkage, no.

Explain to me, please, what a CM could do that a software program cannot?

It's a matter of social dynamics. As I indicated earlier, many people will do "things" online that they would never consider doing over the telephone.

 

[majortom]

You would think that Disney was progressive enough to figure that online ADR's would be less expensive for them and easier for us.

Among other reasons, they cannot upsell you as well or as easily as they can if you talk to a person.

/carmi

 

[MyGoofy26]

Only way I can see it working would be to actually charge a deposit on every ADR.

It'd have to be a hefty deposit. . . I think a lot of people wouldn't think twice about losing $5 they "paid" months before.

It'd have to be a combination of things - on top of deposit, perhaps only resort guests can access the online ADRs with their reservation number, only allowed to book one restaurant per meal period (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and only for all members of the party. Anything that deviated from that (splitting up the group, etc) would have to be done by a CM using the regular dining line.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Among other reasons, they cannot upsell you as well or as easily as they can if you talk to a person.

I have never had a CM try to upsell me on making a meal res. If anything they wanted me to give a specific restaurant for a certain time frame and date.
I did have one CM recently offer to search by meal type on a certain date and time frame. Which I declined, as I know the restaurants pretty well and just chose one.
But I have never had an ADR CM try to sell me anything, or encourage one place over another. I am sure if I asked, they might ask what my preferences were, etc.

 

[bicker]

I think a lot of people wouldn't think twice about losing $5 they "paid" months before.

I disagree: I think a $5 deposit would be enough to foster substantial whining and moaning on the part of many recurring guests, and for sure if they did put down a deposit they'd definitely think more than twice about just letting that $5 go down the tubes.

 

[kcrew]

Unfortunately, far too many people "feel" competent, even when they're not!

Ummm...we are trusted (even encouraged to) to make our room reservations, book the dining plan, and select our park tickets and PAY for all of these on line but ADR's are way too complex? If you say so....Could it be that we are too incompetent to use the internet only when we are not providing our credit card numbers?

 

[MyGoofy26]

I disagree: I think a $5 deposit would be enough to foster substantial whining and moaning on the part of many recurring guests, and for sure if they did put down a deposit they'd definitely think more than twice about just letting that $5 go down the tubes.

I don't know. . I just can't picture a family having a blast in the Magic Kingdom, the kids don't want to leave and have a list of things they still want to do, but they have an ADR across property in an hour. I think a lot of people would take the loss when caught up in the "magic."

 

[crisi]

Its also really hard to do "real time" in a web interface. The delay between "pick it" and "book it" for something like CRT with the phone system is seconds - a slow link and you are looking at availability one minute and pressing the book it button to be told "sorry - not available." Real time web inventory works best when there is lots of the same inventory to sell and it isn't time sensitive.

 

[bicker]

Could it be that we are too incompetent to use the internet only when we are not providing our credit card numbers?

I think that's really it. People suddenly get responsible when their own financial information is on the line.

 

[Nancyg56]

Preaching to the choir Mr. Bicker, as someone who works in an IT Help Desk environment can attest.

Now I am hearing my DD! She has unfortunate adjectives describing her coworkers capabilities ever since she was the IT infrastructure coordinator for a global company. It is her opinion that "people who can't shouldn't".

 

[Nancyg56]

I don't have a problem calling for my ADR's and like the system the way it is. I would like the ability to check them online and then print them up before my trip. I still don't understand why this can't be done.

 

[boomhauer]

I've thought about this many times myself. Surprising to me, after thinking about it, I don't think it would be a good idea.

I think people would be far too likely to make reservations they really had no intentions of keeping if it was that easy.

Whenever I cancel or change a reservation I have, I always give the CM the old reservation number and have them cancel it so it's open for another guest. Far too many people don't do this, and many more wouldn't if reservation were done online.

 

[zulaya]

While I am not working in IT, I see too many disadvantages to online ADRs. Believe me, I would LOVE it if we could, but it's more from the position that I am a major do-it-yourselfer.

Looking at the big picture, Disney could really care less that you do all your shopping online. You probably aren't the vast majority of the population ~ no offense, just thinking about what they are thinking.

I think this also may be a little bit of Disney customer service that is being preserved. Disney has a reputation for good customer service. Calling, while frustrating with the prompts you have to go through, you get a Cast Member who helps you with your personal reservation requests. Most of the time, that person is pretty pleasant about it. So you not only have a nice person on the other end, but all your ADRs are taken care of and you feel happy.

That's what Disney wants us to feel. Not frustrated because the web application has too many users at once, is too slow and by the time you get through to make your reservations, the ones that were really important were gone.

One other thing to consider with regard to ADRs online. Keep in mind that not everyone has high speed connections. Anyone on dialup would be at a distinct disadvantage with an online system. I have 2 friends who live in areas where neither cable nor DSL is available ~ they have no other option but dialup.

At least with calling, everyone has the same chances of getting in.