Wishes Dessert Party - No more assigned seating

[MickeyMinnieMom]

My plan is to hang onto my ADRs for this for now. If they haven't changed the policy by the time our trips roll around, I'll cancel. Guess we'll see...

 

[Jadyreen1282]

1. Beer is good
2. Liquor is quicker
3. Dessert will still be there
4. So will Fireworks
5. People will book anyway
6. Enjoy

We are upgrading to the cruise this year.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

We are upgrading to the cruise this year.

That's what I'll do as well if it's running in April and August...

 

[Tink415]

There is a post on the Dining Reservations board saying someone couldn't get a reservation for 2 for the dessert party but reservations are available for larger party sizes. The Op says he/she was told (?on the phone?) they could make a reservation for 3 and pay the extra amount to get a reservation. That contradicts the the shared seating at tables that has been mentioned and indicates that reservations are per table. Confusing!

 

[Snookies]

My plan is to hang onto my ADRs for this for now. If they haven't changed the policy by the time our trips roll around, I'll cancel. Guess we'll see...

My plan is the same as yours. I've been to this at least 7 times in the previous, less expensive version. I understand the firm is profit driven and my decisions are unlikely to affect their policies, but I won't pay double for a lesser experience which I think is what one is receiving without assigned seating and with more tables crammed into the same space. It's their prerogative to make these changes to increase profit. It's mine to decide - no thanks. I'd probably go at least 3 times this year if seats were still assigned. Without assigned seats, I'll book the ferry boat instead or better yet, enjoy non-assigned seating at the Top of the World lounge. Like you, I won't cancel until I see whether this change sticks, but if it does I'll happily spend that money elsewhere and hope those attending have a good time.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

My plan is the same as yours. I've been to this at least 7 times in the previous, less expensive version. I understand the firm is profit driven and my decisions are unlikely to affect their policies, but I won't pay double for a lesser experience which I think is what one is receiving without assigned seating and with more tables crammed into the same space. It's their prerogative to make these changes to increase profit. It's mine to decide - no thanks. I'd probably go at least 3 times this year if seats were still assigned. Without assigned seats, I'll book the ferry boat instead or better yet, enjoy non-assigned seating at the Top of the World lounge. Like you, I won't cancel until I see whether this change sticks, but if it does I'll happily spend that money elsewhere and hope those attending have a good time.

Exactly my feeling. I currently have this booked for an Apr trip and an Aug trip. In fact, since we're DVC owners at BLT, we may just watch them from the balcony that night in Apr; and the cruise if they extend to Aug. I guess in at least one of those scenarios, Disney still gets our $$!

 

[♡ Mimi ♡]

There is a post on the Dining Reservations board saying someone couldn't get a reservation for 2 for the dessert party but reservations are available for larger party sizes. The Op says he/she was told (?on the phone?) they could make a reservation for 3 and pay the extra amount to get a reservation. That contradicts the the shared seating at tables that has been mentioned and indicates that reservations are per table. Confusing!

You can always book for three & say the third person is a baby.

 

[kungaloosh22]

1) OK.
2) Let's give other examples at WDW.
. . . kids crowd against the fish tank at Coral Reef, even when the table if full
. . . kids and adults crowd between tables at Ohana to view fireworks
. . . kids and adults crowd between tables at Narcoossee's, instead of going onto the patio, to view fireworks
3) In these instances, the "visitors" do interfere with the seated guests.
4) Sometimes to the point of leaning against, OR ON, the table with others.
5) The CM's will do nothing to prevent or halt this.
6) Like parade viewing in the park, empty space can be taken.

Been there, and it's not okay. Last time we ate at 'Ohana, we had 2 strangers leaning on and OVER our table and over our food, right in between my husband and I while we were eating our main course, to get pictures (plural) of their child push a broom. One guy's shirt got stained by our food as he leaned over it. No one asked us if it was okay, or addressed us or acknowledged our presence in any way. We were quite taken aback.

I'm all for sharing tables at airports and crowded quick service places. I do this regularly, and am quick to suggest someone shares my table when the need arises. But this crossed a line for us. Just because it happens doesn't mean it's okay.

Lesson learned though. Maybe this was a fluke, but if we ever return to 'Ohana, we won't accept a table along the coconut path.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

My plan is to hang onto my ADRs for this for now. If they haven't changed the policy by the time our trips roll around, I'll cancel. Guess we'll see...

That is our plan also. I'm grateful the OP posted because I would have been LIVID if I showed up we had to split 4 adults and 7 teens all over the place at bad seats. They changed the rules without notifications. It is on my MDE that they spent millions of dollars on, could have used to to email us the change.

Part of the the diminished guest experience WDW has been providing in the last several years.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

That is our plan also. I'm grateful the OP posted because I would have been LIVID if I showed up we had to split 4 adults and 7 teens all over the place at bad seats. They changed the rules without notifications.

I am 200% in agreement with this!! We would have been SO cranky!! Many thanks to OP for sure!!!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Anything new?

 

[NSKnight]

Anyone attended in the past few days?

 

[MrsHammer]

Yes, please more input from anyone who has attended lately! We go in early April.

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

I can't believe they did this (well I can...) but I hate it. I have done 7 dessert parties and it looks like Christmas Day was my last. I loved these for high crowd nights like 4th of July. What a bummer that now this ends up being a race too.

 

[TheSpooph]

I'm interested to see what happens as spring break picks up. I wonder if it's going to cause any changes... Or adjustments.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

I show nothing available to book in September during our stay.

 

[Aunt Peg]

I'm grateful I took the time to read all of this. My daughter, who has Down syndrome, is not crazy about fireworks. I told her about this 'experience'---and she actually seemed excited about it.
I was going to call to see if we could book in July while we were out from California....but I will pass now.
If we have to wait in a line....fight for a space just to see a table, after I PAID for a space...forget it.
I can see the fireworks at Disneyland....for my Annual Pass price. ugh.

And....for what it is worth...I agree with Regan. You are seated at a table....it's your table. If you INVITE them to share...than that is fine. It is rude for people to assume they can just be part of your table. At QS eateries, people normally ask if they can share your space, right?? But, you haven't paid $49 beforehand to sit there....
(my .02)
Happy Sunday.

 

[sallytigger]

Ugggh. We actually loved it the past two trips and were going to just bite the bullet with the price increase, but this sounds like they've taken the best feature away. What's the point if you have to get there early to get a good spot and still possibly not have a great view?

 

[LovePug]

I've been trying and trying to get an ADR for this for our trip, hoping someone would cancel. Not going to bother after reading this. Thanks for the heads-up!

 

[AquaDame]

Yeah no.... sounds like this is off the table for us unless they revert back to assigned seating. That was 80% of the draw for us - not having to go early and jostle for a good spot.