Why I hate "free dining" in a hundred words or less. (vent)

[mom2rtk]

But it seems to be having the opposite effect. While there is an ADR made for for every seat, there are too many times when there isn't an asz in every seat.

And if that is true, and is a problem repeatedly, I"m sure they will address it. I wouldn't be surprised if they already overbook certain venues with this in mind.

I AM surprised they don't require a CC hold in more places.

Honestly, if this system doesn't work for Disney, I think we can all rest assured they will do something that does. Unfortunately, a patron's ability to stroll up last minute and get in is sadly enough probably not on their priority list.

And BTW...... if there really are a lot of no shows, then why is everyone complaining that they can't walk up and get a seat? If tables are empty, woudln't they take a walk-up????

 

[dlove28]

Thanks to all for the advice and Pixie Dust! I'll let you know how I do. I have all the details memorized for our trip, so I just sit down and plug it all into the reservation system. I didn't know about the 45 day rule, so I will try extra hard now. Again, thanks!

AJKMOM, I too recommend you try Akershus. At CRT you are greeted by Cindy and get the professional photo but you only get a few seconds to chat with her as there are other families waiting for their picture. That is the extent of your visit (with her). At Akershus, Cindy is almost always there walking around the tables and is able to spend more time engaging with you. I also felt that my 2.5 year old daughter was much more at ease with her coming to our table and enjoyed this meeting more. I think she was a little intimidated at CRT by the crowd of people on line behind us, the posing for a photo, etc.

As far as your son is concerned, look for a breakfast reservation as the food at Akershus is your typical breakfast fare.

So while I recomment you do CRT for the whole experience, it's not the be all end all. Try Akershush for brekafast, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

JD

 

[AJKMOM]

Thanks for the Pixie Dust! Got lunch for 7 at 1:25 at Akershus on Thursday, October 7. We have never been at this restaurant, can I pay adult price for my son and have him eat kid food? Guess I'm asking if it's a buffet or family style?

Thanks again!

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks for the Pixie Dust! Got lunch for 7 at 1:25 at Akershus on Thursday, October 7. We have never been at this restaurant, can I pay adult price for my son and have him eat kid food? Guess I'm asking if it's a buffet or family style?

Thanks again!

My son was in the adult category last time and didn't want anything off the adult menu. They made him up a nice adult looking plate with larger portions of the chicken from the kids' menu.

 

[Huff]

Problem: I think a lot of people getting free dining would normally not eat table service restaurants, so then they get free dining, go to a character meal and sit there for 2 hours enjoying every moment of it, creating long waits for others.

Not sure I follow this! Why would it make any difference if the meal was free or OOP? I mean, why would I want to rush through a meal either way? I'm there to enjoy myself no matter how its paid for. I have no desire to be treated like cattle and rushed through a meal. If that were the case I'd just use CS restaurants. I like to relax and have some fun down time free or OOP.

 

[Coach81]

Not sure I follow this! Why would it make any difference if the meal was free or OOP? I mean, why would I want to rush through a meal either way? I'm there to enjoy myself no matter how its paid for. I have no desire to be treated like cattle and rushed through a meal. If that were the case I'd just use CS restaurants. I like to relax and have some fun down time free or OOP.

 

[DisneyWorldMania]

I am exactly the opposite. I LOVE free dining at Disney. Sure its tough to get a Reservation if you are last minute but that is a good time to try a new restaurant.

When I go places there are 2 things I enjoy/Why I go there

1: The Sports (I am a huge sports fan so I usually plan my trips around when a local sports team is playing. Nothings better than checking our a new ballpark or arena)

2: THE FOOD

Food is AWESOME. It connects cultures. While you may not speak the same language, everyone eats. Disney is no exception. The food there is amazing. When I went last year I went down with $500 spending money for the 4 days I was in the parks. I spent close to $400 on food just for me. (There was a few times where Ipaid for other people's food when I paid for my Sister's b-day dinner and my nephew and I went on our food excursions)

Free Dining saves me money this time. I now will have all my spending money for other things as I will only need to cover alcohol/tip/appetizer food wise.

 

[Huff]

Back in the days before the Disney Dining Plan, free or paid there was not a big problem with being able to eat where you wanted when you wanted. Being able to walk up and get a table was the norm not the exception, being able to call the day of and getting a reservation was usually possible, back in the day the only place I ever made advance ADR's for was HDDR, Aloha, CRT and you did not have to pay 180 in advance either, you paid at guest services when you picked up your tickets.

Bring back the old days and get rid of the Disney Dining Plan

Thats true but theres a reason why you were able to do that. People weren't dining as much. Restaurants had tons of empty tables on many days. The DDP is a way to get those tables filled. Filling tables is the only way to keep that many restaurants going.

At Disneyland there are far fewer restaurant choices, no DDP, no free dining etc. It's very easy to get an ADR the same day but lack of tables being filled is reason enough to not create more choices.

Honestly, I do not go to WDW and expect a top notch dining experience. Not going to happen in a massive tourist area anywhere.

 

[clc053103]

As a side note, does anyone else hate the words "free dining"?

I don't see why people need to mention "during free dining" or "here's my free dining ADR's" or even captioning their vacations as "free dining 2010". Is it REALLY all about getting something for free? your trip is all about free food? Really??

 

[Huff]

'Free Dining' as well as DDP is certainly relavent when discussing best use of credits such as when to pay OOP, weeks with higher or lower crowds, obtaining ADR's for favorate places and more.

 

[mistysue]

your trip is all about free food? Really??

um... actually, mostly, yes.

 

[mickey2000]

DOUBLE BOOKING & NO SHOW !!

People comlain they can't get a reservation ! Wonder Why !!
Take a look at these pictures from last October 3rd at 5:30 PM Canada

Notice the crowded tables that are on top of one another and all the full tables
An hour and 30 minutes after eating it still looked this way, while outside they turned away walk ups at the door !
Who's to blame..... In my eyes the Double bookers and no shows who have no respect for others
Don't blame the system for this, its inconsiderate and rude IMO

 

[Huff]

Don't blame the system for this, its inconsiderate and rude IMO

Actually it is the system to blame. The system is precisely why people double book or no show. Because of 'the system' people have to make ADR's 6 months in advance even if they may not know their exact party size nor how many kids or adults may be there on any given night as well as Disney not having accurate park hours and show times, party nights etc.

When I booked my Sept. trip in May, Disney's website showed MK closing at 7pm mid week. Most guessed this would be for MNSSHP. I planned my ADR's around that. A few months later the MK's closing times for those dates changed and MNSSHP was not scheduled for our week. Glad I double booked so I still could get the ADR's I wanted. Yes, I cancelled the extras when Disney finalized their park schedules but 'the system' was to blame for me doing what I needed.

 

[mcd2745]

Actually it is the system to blame. The system is precisely why people double book or no show. Because of 'the system' people have to make ADR's 6 months in advance even if they may not know their exact party size nor how many kids or adults may be there on any given night as well as Disney not having accurate park hours and show times, party nights etc.

When I booked my Sept. trip in May, Disney's website showed MK closing at 7pm mid week. Most guessed this would be for MNSSHP. I planned my ADR's around that. A few months later the MK's closing times for those dates changed and MNSSHP was not scheduled for our week. Glad I double booked so I still could get the ADR's I wanted. Yes, I cancelled the extras when Disney finalized their park schedules but 'the system' was to blame for me doing what I needed.

Certainly, as long as they are going to allow ADRs to made 180 days in advance, Disney should pretty much have their park schedules (closing times, show/parade/party times, etc.) set in stone by that time. If they can't do that, then they should go back to 90 days or even less for ADRs.

There's no singular factor to point blame at. The system inadequacies plus people's selfishness (and each makes the other worse) both contribute pretty muuch equally.

 

[Tricia1972]

You've posted these photos quite often and I don't think that this is an accurate snapshot of how empty LeCellier was that night due to double booking.

True, there are 6 empty tables shown.

Two are clean with glasses, plates, etc and look like they're ready to be seated.
Two have debris left on them from previous diners (one has the cups on it and one has crumbs all over it)
One is clean but hasn't been set
One may be clean, but isn't set

Many restaurants that are filled to capacity will look like this at a moment in time.

 

[Pumbaa_]

time to end this one too. My advice? Let it go, you can't change it, you can't control it, and this isn't the debate board
Closing thread - double booking issues