Should Disney get rid of ADR'S?

[matt and beth]

You already have 100 replies, but my vote is no but heck no. Leave my ADR alone.

 

[jenrose66]

NO NO NO NO NO

I do wish it was 60 days/30 days though -- it's impossible to plan a last minute trip and get all the dining ADRS you want (or nearly impossible anyway)

What I would like however is a certain "leeway" for guests staying in Disney hotels -- where they can call the front desk or somewhere and be able to get a last minute ADR.

I remember the excitement of getting to the hotel, dropping the bags and calling on the house phone for all my reservations for that week.

I agree with the above post. I shouldn't have said get rid of ADR's all together, I just mean that I preferred 30/60 also...so they should get rid of 180 days. Also maybe make some accountability with making your reservations like giving a credit card and that card getting charged $15 or $20 if you are a no show and don't cancel within 24 hours. People would be more likely to cancel ADR's so other people could use them if they were penalized for doing so.

 

[wcpamotm]

Disney's a business... of course they're not going to encourage you to go to see Ol' Harry or Shamu. But the whole "imprisoned" thing, I don't agree with. It's implying that no one has a choice. Mickey's not holding a gun to anyone's head or wallet.

If you want to go off site, rent a car at the airport. Disney's not MAKING anyone take advantage of DME. It's there should you CHOOSE to participate.

and so on.

Lighten up a bit! Couldn't you tell from some of my more over-the-top wording ("devious") and the word imprisoned in quotes that I trying to be a bit good-humored about it? Of course I know that nobody is forced to do any of those things, although for some it is financially difficult not to.

And yes, I've been known to visit some of the Mouse's competition at times, even though I have an AP and as such an extra Disney Day costs me nothing.

 

[kaligal]

They don't hold any tables.

It isn't like they just started doing this last week. They know how it works.

They know that X number of people will not show up and they figure that number into how many reservations they take.

They have a really good idea of exactly how many peeps will be in the restaurant each meal, day, week and month. They use it for budgeting, ordering, reservations, etc.

If I get the flu and skip my meal at Le Cellier without calling, it won't shock Disney. And no table will sit empty because of me.

I think the ADR system works fine for Disney. It works fine for customers who know how to work it. I do think that it would be more fair to the guests of 2 to get a 4-top if it were available, but I understand why Disney wants more money. It would be nice for parties of 4 to get an available 6-top, but, again, less profitable. It does suck for those who don't understand Disney's system (or are philosophically opposed to any lie, even if it is to beat Disney's lie) who don't get tables, but other than that, it works fine.

 

[Zeppelin]

get rid of ADR's- no, but they should ABSOLUTELY hold back some reservations for the most popular restaurants for the guests staying at WDW resorts- its' kind of ridiculous that if you plan a WDW vacation four months in advance and you pay top $$$ for an on site resort it is sometimes impossible to get a reservation at some of the restaurants at a decent hour...i made my reservations in April, paid in full a month later and have been trying two, sometimes three times a day to get a few reservations for our vacation in two weeks...

 

[Colleen27]

There is no way to create a perfectly fair system, and that includes a "walk ups only" system which would be heavily biased in favor of parties without young children who can be more flexible about what times they choose to eat and how long they are able to wait. There are simply too many people at Disney on any given day for a walk-ups only system to be practical. There is far too much demand to far too little supply for that to work.

I don't especially care for the 180 window. We don't generally firm up our travel plans until about 3-4 months in advance to work with the uncertainties of our income and schedule with DH's business, and I much preferred the 90 day window. 45 would be even better, to avoid the whole mess of people canceling trips that they booked on a "maybe we can afford it". But some form of advance reservations are a must.

 

[Wadecool]

A major problem is people who book 2 or 3 places for the same meal on the same day, They are the problem with ADR's.

Many people just grab as many openings as they can just because they can. If your going to plan then plan, don't plan and then book 3 different places just in case you change your mind.

Totally agree with this!

 

[Wadecool]

If you use a different email address when you book an ADR, you can make multiple reservations under the same name and phone number for different restaurants at the same time.

......don't ask me how I know that........

You're still able to book multiple ADR's for the same time by figuring out how to circumvent the new system meant to stop people from booking multiple ADR's for the same time. How nice for you. What is even nicer is that you've chosen to advertise <brag about> it here to everyone.

 

[goofy4tink]

Personally my family and I are not the type that knows where we will want to be eating 180 days before we arrive at Walt Disney World. In fact sometimes at the last minute we might change our minds and eat somewhere else, so we don't like to be tied down to a schedule. That's basically why we have never purchased the Disney Dining Plan or Free Dining if it was available for our dates. Now because we stay Club Level we can get by with the food offerings available in the lounge, plus since we always have a car we can go to any restaurant in Orlando without making reservations 180 days in advance or Quick Service locations like Earl of Sandwich. So we never go hungry and that has always worked for us.

As for the question should WDW get rid of ADR's I say no because it's obvious that a lot of people on Disboards like to make them and just because we don't what others do doesn't effect us.

It's always wonderful to see families enjoying club level or even concierge level. But the vast majority of people in WDW don't have families that can afford that...so they do the dining plan...especially free dining if they can get it. Me?? I don't care for club level or concierge...been there, done that. Not my favorite thing to do. But, others enjoy it. I actually have a friend who not only stayed club level but also booked the dining plan for her family. Thought that was a bit excessive.

The way your doing it is fine IMO. It's the people who don't cancel that are the abusers of the system. I was reading on here a long time ago about the abuses of travel groups mass booking reservations for CRT and places, I understand that problem has been fixed, right?

Yes, that has been stopped. That was a big motivator behind having to give a cc when booking CRT. And, if you do book CRT, the ADR has to be in the name of the person eating. I had a friend book it for me as a birthday gift. But, after she booked it, I found out that since it was her cc info, and her name on the ADR, I wouldn't be able to use it!! She had to call Disney back and rebook it, with my name.


In those way back years, back in the late 90's, getting PSs (now known as ADRs) wasn't so bad. The one that you had to call for way in advance, was CRT. But that was about it. But...Disney then brought out the ddp. That brought out a ton of people using the restaurants. And it has gotten progressively worse.
I have been to WDW about 30 times since '99. I have seen the crowds at the restaurants grow and grow. I have seen the cost of the ddp go up and up, but the perks go down and down. I have seen posts from people saying that they can't go to WDW unless they get free dining. So, of course there have to be ADRs. If there are going to be dining plans, then you have to have a system in place to level the playing field a bit.

When I go to WDW in Oct., my dh and I will be traveling with another couple. We have booked the deluxe dining plan. The other woman and I love all that WDW has to offer..attractions, shows, food, people watching. The dh's? Not so much. They like to eat. So, we will include a ton of eating to make them happy. Since I've been so often, I know full well where we will want to eat. So, it's not an issue booking 180 days out.

 

[DisneyOHFan]

Granted, I don't necessarily like to plan that far out, but to us, it is worth it since there are a few restaurants that we like to eat at each time we are there. Waiting to get seated when you are hungry and have a lot you want to do in the park is not worth it to us. So I would be very disappointed if they got rid of the ADR.

 

[Hooked On The Mouse]

I have no issues with ADRs 6 months out from my trip. Heck, it gives me something to do while I pass the time. I am constantly tweaking my ADRs.
I do tend to feel sorry for anyone who books at WDW, and pays for the dining plan and doesn't bother with ADRs. Someone needs to tell these people that they need to book ahead of time...especially character meals and more popular restaurants.

I always feel horrible when I read about somebody with DP who is a month away from their vacation and doesn't have ADRs yet. It gives me visions of disappointed little children without any character meals and makes me angry at their travel agent. And no, I don't think things would be better at all if Disney got rid of ADRs. Then I think there would just be tons of screaming hungry little children waiting 2 hours to get into Chef Mickeys.

 

[Disneyadore]

I love love my ADR"s I always feel sorry for the wait staff that has to listen to very angry,shouting and cursing people.

I WANT TO EAT HERE,I PAYED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS,I JUST WALK IN AND GET ME A TABLE MYSELF, MY KIDS ARE ENTITLED TO EAT WHIT CINDERELLA, HOW DO YOU MEAN NO TABLE? CAN'T YOU SEE I'M DISABLED ,DAMN YOU.
Boy are we glad we took the time to make a reservation 180 days before or stay.

 

[goofy4tink]

I always feel horrible when I read about somebody with DP who is a month away from their vacation and doesn't have ADRs yet. It gives me visions of disappointed little children without any character meals and makes me angry at their travel agent. And no, I don't think things would be better at all if Disney got rid of ADRs. Then I think there would just be tons of screaming hungry little children waiting 2 hours to get into Chef Mickeys.

An example of a 'regular' TA messing it up. It was our first trip to WDW. I knew a fair amount about WDW (nothing compared to now!!!), so I knew that I had to book my dd's birthday breakfast at CRT about 60 days prior...that was the time frame back then. Her birthday was Oct 25, so we figured our TA would make the call on Aug 25. I got a phone call from the TA, on Sept 25, telling me that she had been unable to get us that meal...she had had no idea it had to be booked so early. Man, was I peeved. We did eat lunch there, but there were no princesses at lunch back then.
Now??? I always recommend using a TA who is trained in all things Disney. It really irks me to see people here who have been told by their TAs that, they don't need to make reservations for DME, they can just show up, or they will be able to just walk in at any restaurant and get seated, no need for ADRs.

When traveling with kids, and they want to see characters, make a few ADRs for character meals. If you decide not to use them, go to Guest Services and cancel them.

 

[pooch]

as a confirmed "free Diner" let me personally apologize for all the ills of Disney Dining because, apparently, I've created them. I've dumbed down the food, taken valuable table space from the "paying" customers and created a frenzy to get ADRs the likes of which has never been seen before. You all have my most sincere apologies. (ok this is meant half in jest, half in sarcasm)

Look out because I'm doing it again in 2 weeks!!!

 

[inkedupmomma]

I have not read anything on here, and not looking for a fight! With that said, I like the adr's, and I also like the thrill of the chase! Even as of today, 26 days before our trip I am still changing things and perfecting our schedule. It's been fun snagging ressies that people dropped last minute!

and to me NBD, it's just food, if I don't get in I dont get in. It's not like I have NO meals and nothing is available. Something is always available for people, not everyone is a diser who knows what is most sought after

 

[sydneysmom]

Lighten up a bit! Couldn't you tell from some of my more over-the-top wording ("devious") and the word imprisoned in quotes that I trying to be a bit good-humored about it? Of course I know that nobody is forced to do any of those things, although for some it is financially difficult not to.

And yes, I've been known to visit some of the Mouse's competition at times, even though I have an AP and as such an extra Disney Day costs me nothing.

Believe me, it was not my intention to come across as harsh towards you, and I apologize if it was. But you have to admit, on the boards there is ALOT of complaining about what Disney doesn't do right. And that's all fine and good, but why keep going then ? Or why keep participating in the things you (not necessarily YOU) find to be the "trappings" of Disney? That's my question.

And I agree, it is financially difficult not to take advantage of what Disney's offering..... when deciding to do free ME or pay $50 for a cab, I'm going to take ME. But for us, having a car isn't an important factor. We've never gone when free dining is offered, but it just makes me curious why everyone seems to come down on the people that take the free dining offer ? We got a 40% off pin code....should I give that back because it's not fair ? ( I'm not giving it back and no one's going to make me! )

Sometimes people, and again, not you specifically, like to complain just to complain.

 

[AlohaAnnie]

Love ADR's and the fact I don't have to wait 1 hour or 1 1/2 hours for a seat to eat somewhere.

I love to plan Disney Vacations, so I do not mind planning ADR's that far in advance.

If we don't feel like going to ADR while we are at the world we contact Disney Dining and see if there is anything available. Also ESPN, Beaches & Cream, and Brew factory or Whatever it is called on the Boardwalk you can do walk up and get a seat. The brew place has a good steak.

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

Ok so let's be fair is it truly a fair system?
Does it really benefit anyone or does it in fact cause more problems?

When I go on non- Disney vacations I don't pick my dining choices 90 days out? I go to the restaurant I just saw in the local area magazine with a great review. If i have to wait I wait. If I don't like the wait time I go somewhere else. Why is it so horrible to wait a few minutes. To take it easy and relax with the family on a bench or stroll around a gift-shop while you wait for you table to be ready?

I'm not quite sure why it is so difficult to do at Disney. I mean does no one else find it insane that you can't walk up to Le Cellier?

Now granted there are some places I think ADR's are a necessity, like Character Dining or dining with shows like Hoop De Do.

What do you think? Would Disney be a better place dining wise if there were no ADRS?

If no ADR's then it would be a nightmare. If you can't make a ADR at 6 months out, well with all of the "free" dinning, it will continue to only get worse food and ressie wise.

WDW would do better if they limited the # of ADR's per disney ressie. There is no reason for anyone to have 4-5 ADR's all at the same time (or close to it) at the same park.

This is why you can't get a ADR at Le Cellier. Now that Le Cellier is a 2 TS restaurant, It easier to get one. I just got off the phone and booked a ADR for 2 weeks from now. Now it was lunch.

 

[NJOGRE]

Not sure how I feel, but I do know this with it being so far out and not being able to tell what my family is going to want to do when they wake up in the morning at WDW I always make sure I have more then one option for lunch and dinner FLAME ON!!!!

I believe the system as it is now makes me do this, now if I was able to make an ADR in the morning and get a time and restaurant that I want then I would not have to book a lunch at each park and more then 1 dinner per day.. In the age of cell phones and smart phones why cant they just make it so you wake up and either get on the web or call for an ADR. OR EVEN BETTER

Have areas in the park where you can talk to a CS and make your lunch and dinner right there. Would make life easier in my honest opinion.

It would also stop those weird looks I get on the bus in the morning when I cancel that Crystal Palace DR for 12:30 cause I am going to Ak, instead of MK

 

[phyllis1966]

Not sure how I feel, but I do know this with it being so far out and not being able to tell what my family is going to want to do when they wake up in the morning at WDW I always make sure I have more then one option for lunch and dinner FLAME ON!!!!

[snip]

Maybe my DH and DD are unusual, but every night before bed while at WDW, they ask, "Where is breakfast tomorrow?" Then I tell them and they say "Yum!" or something like that. The next afternoon, they'll say, "Where's dinner tonight?" I'll tell them and they'll say something like "Oh, goody!"

That's why I never understand why it seems like a big deal to lots of people to wait and figure out at the last minute what food everyone's in the mood for - we know our favorites, and we know that there are always 1 or 2 new places we'd like to try. Neither my DH nor DD give me a hard time because we discuss and plan ahead where we want to eat before each visit to WDW. No need for double bookings or arguments.