Space 220 Cancels Reservation?

[schalliol]

Last time we went to Disney we couldn’t get a Space 220 reservation at all, even though we stayed at a resort. Now a few years later we were able to because we had a longer stay (literally our first reservation). Now I get an email from Patina Restaurant Group that they’re going to be closed for our visit in one week. I called Disney and they said that indeed someone did a buy-out of the reservation one week out, even though we booked 70 days out and have a credit card guarantee.

This is pretty frustrating since of course there absolutely are zero reservations available and it was already full on every day and we have dining and rides reserved as well. Disney dining people couldn’t do anything to accommodate for it.

Is this common, and is there anything I can do? It absolutely seems wild that Disney would allow all of us to be kicked out for another buyer.

 

[mom2rtk]

That's really pretty crappy.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Such a big disappointment! Sorry this happened!

 

[mickey916]

That really stinks. I would suggest putting in an alert through Stakeout. Maybe something will pop up that fits your schedule.

 

[dreamer17555]

Historically, when reservations were canceled by Disney like that, they gave some sort of small gift card as a restitution like 10 or $15.

 

[VGCgroupie]

How is this even a thing? Not cool Disney.

 

[Dug720]

Historically, when reservations were canceled by Disney like that, they gave some sort of small gift card as a restitution like 10 or $15.

It sounds like it was cancelled by the Patina Group which owns the restaurant. Not by Disney.

I am one who thinks that once reservations open to the public - or for Disney restaurants at like 75 days out to cover any long stays - the ability to buyout/charter closes. I haven't had it happen to me yet, but I know people who have had cruises (not Disney - usually Royal or Celebrity) chartered after booking opened to the public. I know businesses want to make money - but once the general public has been able to book reservations, that private window should close.

 

[dreamer17555]

It sounds like it was cancelled by the Patina Group which owns the restaurant. Not by Disney.

I am one who thinks that once reservations open to the public - or for Disney restaurants at like 75 days out to cover any long stays - the ability to buyout/charter closes. I haven't had it happen to me yet, but I know people who have had cruises (not Disney - usually Royal or Celebrity) chartered after booking opened to the public. I know businesses want to make money - but once the general public has been able to book reservations, that private window should close.

I understand that but I would not expect a common WDW going guest to know which restaurants inside the parks are owned by Disney or an outside group. Disney should step up and do something to fix this and in the future put in place restrictions allowing spaces to be bought out after the reservation window has opened with Patina Group. This is a prime property location and an average guest should not be expected to do research on what in park restaurants are owned and operated by outside groups when they are primarily owned and operated by Disney.

 

[Dug720]

I understand that but I would not expect a common WDW going guest to know which restaurants inside the parks are owned by Disney or an outside group. Disney should step up and do something to fix this and in the future put in place restrictions allowing spaces to be bought out after the reservation window has opened with Patina Group. This is a prime property location and an average guest should not be expected to do research on what in park restaurants are owned and operated by outside groups when they are primarily owned and operated by Disney.

So maybe Disney should add a "Restaurant is NOT owned and operated by Walt Disney World" caveat to the restaurants they don't own and operate as well.

I am not saying it's right, but to ask Disney to financially compensate guests for something they had no control over iMHO isn't fair to Disney. Especially when at least in the OPs case the notice came in an email from Patina Group and NOT Disney.

 

[Lewisc]

Keep the email. Show up at the restaurant at opening. See if they can fit you in.

 

[lowlight]

Forget Thunderdome, Disney is MoneyDome.

 

[imbelle]

Forget Thunderdome, Disney is MoneyDome.

Di$ney Hunger Game$

 

[VGCgroupie]

I had no idea any restaurants inside the parks were not Disney owned.

 

[lowlight]

I had no idea any restaurants inside the parks were not Disney owned.

I imagine most don’t. I’m surprised Disney doesn’t have a contract to prevent this from happening since they will ultimately bear the bad PR.

 

[HopperFan]

I had no idea any restaurants inside the parks were not Disney owned.

Many of the Epcot restaurants are third party, Y&Y in AK and probably all of Disney Springs.

 

[schalliol]

Thanks everyone. It seems pretty ridiculous. I reached out to the person that emailed me and she may have some times that aren't available to be booked on Disney but they may not work since of course we have to book things so far out for each park, etc.

 

[David Gardner]

I imagine most don’t. I’m surprised Disney doesn’t have a contract to prevent this from happening since they will ultimately bear the bad PR.

I don't think they're that concerned with PR at ths point. As far as I can tell, regardless of how bad something looks, people keep going, and keep spending increasing amounts of money.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Many of the Epcot restaurants are third party, Y&Y in AK and probably all of Disney Springs.

I would've guessed most in Disney Springs, but not inside the park. This is good to know.

 

[Pyxie]

It definitely sucks and I'm sorry to hear it, but this is a 3rd party restaurant and out of Disney's control. On top of that, I'm sure there is something in the terms that allows this sort of thing. I've known people who book a cruise only to have the entire ship chartered out from under them and there was no recourse for them.

 

[Pens Fan]

That sinks, and I'm sorry to hear that. If you will be in Epcot another day, Space 220 does take a very limited number of walk ups for the lounge. From what I've read, you need to get in line prior to opening and you might get lucky. We've never tried it, though we did manage to get an ADR for the lounge once. The people trying to get the walk-up spaces were lined up right across from us. They were letting people in from that line, albeit very slowly. In the lounge you can order off of the a la carte lounge menu or the prix fixed menu from the restaurant.

For what it's worth - we were extremely underwhelmed. The mediocre food and drinks, high prices and slow service just didn't do it for us. Everyone talks about going for the "experience", but we were underwhelmed with that as well. It was definitely a one and done for us as there is so much better food at Epcot. Still, I understand your frustration. Good luck!