New credit card guarantees. Restaurant list, policy & common questions in 1st post

[Snurk71]

or what happens if a guest wants to SWITCH an ADR within the day and a half/ two day required cancellation window.

I had read/heard somewhere along the line that you could change your ADR within the window, but only to a different time (if available) and not change restaurants. so if you have a 5:00 Chef Mickey's and by some miracle there was a 7:00 open - you could change your ADR from 5:00 to 7:00.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Here's an interesting tidbit...I just saw an ad for Disney Mobile Magic App - and the top adline reads, "With Mobile Magic, even meals are a time for enchantment. The official Disney Parks App that lets you find a quick snack or reserve a spot at a royal table."

So clearly the idea is that you can get MM for free, and use it to find available dining while you are in the parks. It's only useful if you can actually GET a reservation.

I have said long ago, that the only poosible redeeming quality of this new policy would be if it allowed guests a reasonable opportunity to get "walk up" tables. I'll slightly amend that to include last minute MM phone reservations - instead of the current 180 day frenzy.

However....again I say I usually go with a large group, so it would have to be possible to book large parties at the las tmintue too!

 

[Colleen27]

Here's an interesting tidbit...I just saw an ad for Disney Mobile Magic App - and the top adline reads, "With Mobile Magic, even meals are a time for enchantment. The official Disney Parks App that lets you find a quick snack or reserve a spot at a royal table."

So clearly the idea is that you can get MM for free, and use it to find available dining while you are in the parks. It's only useful if you can actually GET a reservation.

I have said long ago, that the only poosible redeeming quality of this new policy would be if it allowed guests a reasonable opportunity to get "walk up" tables. I'll slightly amend that to include last minute MM phone reservations - instead of the current 180 day frenzy.

However....again I say I usually go with a large group, so it would have to be possible to book large parties at the las tmintue too!

Isn't MM still Verizon-exclusive and unavailable for the iPhone, though? Hardly a solution that works for most guests, between the carrier and platform exclusivity and the fact that more than half of Americans don't even have a smartphone!

For those of us who have web enabled but non-Android or non-Verizon phones, the mobile ADR booking site is a train wreck that hasn't worked on any phone I've attempted to access it from. But at least they've added free wi-fi at most of the resorts so we can check that way if we're staying mod or deluxe, I guess.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Isn't MM still Verizon-exclusive and unavailable for the iPhone, though? Hardly a solution that works for most guests, between the carrier and platform exclusivity and the fact that more than half of Americans don't even have a smartphone!

For those of us who have web enabled but non-Android or non-Verizon phones, the mobile ADR booking site is a train wreck that hasn't worked on any phone I've attempted to access it from. But at least they've added free wi-fi at most of the resorts so we can check that way if we're staying mod or deluxe, I guess.

I never said MM was a solution for most/all guests.

I was merely offering the ad as insight into the WDW perspective. MM - as a means to get reservations - doesn't work at all if there are no dining reservations available. If they are advertising MM as a means to get ADR's while you are in the parks - then having tables available is key to it's performance.

It might be helpful to think of MM as a beta version of a larger program Disney intends for the future. Introducing a new service in a limited platform is a strategy many companies use to avoid a crash.

Disney partnering up with one company so as to offer guests who work with THAT company get an extra perk at WDW (think Kodak, McD's) is nothing new. Way back in the early 70's, WDW sold only Kodak photo products. Disney once enforced the 'no photos on rides' rule - if you wanted ride 'photos' your ONLY option was to buy Kodak slides. (quite pricey) To use the slides - you effectively HAD to own a Kodak slide projector. Way back then, Kodak was more or less the only company making slide projectors. If they weren't the ONLY brand - they were certainly the majority brand by a wide margin. That's a big part of what a sponorship is.

Indeed, the tag line at the bottom of the ad says that exactly, "[MM] is the only OFFICIAL mobile app...and it's only from Verizon."

I'm judging the good or bad of MM. Merely trying to provide insight. What I said might be good - is more table availability. Disney has long offered guests the ability to book dining via (cell) phone call using any provider.

 

[Mkrop]

here is a good scenario if I was the customer that would irk me...say I am a first timer, or a veteran but first time taking kids...you schedule character meals for each day of your stay, only to find out your two year old is scared to death of them...so you can cancel some, but you could be charged for others if you dont cancelin the proper WDW timeframs, you had the intention of keeping them, but who knew your kid would freak out...so they call and cancel but WDW still charges them $10pp! NOT very family friendly!

 

[CandleontheWater]

here is a good scenario if I was the customer that would irk me...say I am a first timer, or a veteran but first time taking kids...you schedule character meals for each day of your stay, only to find out your two year old is scared to death of them...so you can cancel some, but you could be charged for others if you dont cancelin the proper WDW timeframs, you had the intention of keeping them, but who knew your kid would freak out...so they call and cancel but WDW still charges them $10pp! NOT very family friendly!

It doesn't even have to be a first timer that falls into this trap. DS has been to the parks 5 times during his 25 month stint on this earth, and I *thought* he loved the characters based on interactions on the four previous trips.

I booked three character meals for our four day Dec trip, fully expecting him to get into the character experience, but you know what, we showed up and he was less than enthusiastic about meeting them. He didn't scream or cry, but he didn't want to get too close, and was really hesitant. It ended up working out OK, because we just let the characters know and they kept their distance, but if he had been more afraid, enough to cause a scene in the restaurant, I would have been in trouble.

I wouldn't have wanted to subject him to a scary experience, and I wouldn't have wanted to negative effect other diners, but I wouldn't have been pleased to be out $60 for the two meals I would have had to cancel.

I am no WDW newbie, but especially when it comes to character meals, it is hard to predict how a child is going to react, even one that has been there fairly often.

 

[miprender]

Well I had to call for my reservations this morning since the computer was not recognizing my 180 +10 days.

On the ones that need the credit card hold I asked about the cancellation policy and the CM stated it is a day. I asked is that 24 hours and she said YES

 

[rentayenta]

None of my TS choices on page 1 are on the list. I cancel though when we won't be able to make an ADR but I like the idea of less headache all around.

 

[Cookie Princess]

I really hate this new policy. Children get overtired, people become ill at the last minute, transportation doesn't work out as planned. To be charged when you call and cancel that same day isn't fair. I think if you are a "no show" who never arrives that is different. I am wondering if less people will purchase the dining plan - especially the DXDDP.

 

[aubriee]

I really hate this new policy. Children get overtired, people become ill at the last minute, transportation doesn't work out as planned. To be charged when you call and cancel that same day isn't fair. I think if you are a "no show" who never arrives that is different. I am wondering if less people will purchase the dining plan - especially the DXDDP.

I agree! I'd have no problem with them charging for true ' no shows', but if you cancel on the day of, don't think you should be charged. Unexpected things happen. I prefer the Signature restaurants down there, but am not willing to take the chance that I may wake up sick that morning, cancel by 8:00am, and still be charged for a 7:45pm dinner I can't make. I remember a trip a couple of years ago, where I felt fine when I got on the plane in Dallas, but was running a temp and felt achy with a sore throat by the time I landed in pouring down rain in Orlando. I had an ADR at California Grill that I probably would have canceled if it wasn't for their cc guarantee. I went, but by the time I got back to my room at CSR, walking in the still pouring down rain, I knew I was really ill. Even though I went straight in, took a hot bath, and went straight to bed, I had a pretty bad URI by the next morning. I spent most of that trip in bed. Since I do mainly Signature restaurants and had a lunch ADR at the Brown Derby the next day, under this new policy I would have been charged as a no show at three different restaurants (California Grill the day I checked in, Brown Derby the next day at lunch, and Yachtsman the next night for dinner), even though I would have called them by about 10:00am that first day. I had every intention of keeping all my ADRs that trip, but didn't feel like even leaving my room for most of the trip.

As far as fewer people purchasing the DxDDP, I think fewer will. I have the TiW card, but am taking my 3 y/o GS down there in Feb. Thankfully I made our ADRs before the Oct 26th cut off dead line, so the new policy won't affect us this trip. However, we made ALOT of ADRs for character meals this trip and also plan on doing a couple of Signature meals. After running the prices the DxDDP round up being a better deal than using my TiW card, so we went with the DxDDP. No way would we have planned the meals the way we did if that cc guarantee policy had been in effect. My GS is a very laid back easy going kid, who has always done in well in restaurants, but who knows how a 3 y/o is going to act at any given time especially with the extra stimulus of WDW. We plan on keeping every ADR (and again we have made a bunch), but no way would I be willing to take the chance of being charged if we have to miss some due to illness, transportation problems, or an overstimulated 3 y/o.

I'm going back to WDW in May and also have ADRs made for that trip. Unfortunately my 180 day mark fell after the cc guarantee deadline. On solo trips, I pretty much always dine at a Signature restaurant every night. With this new policy, that will change. I made a point of scheduling every one of my ADRs at restaurants that do not require the cc guarantee for around 7:30pm. If I decide I want to dine at one of my favorite Signatures then I'll just try as a walk up as soon as they open around 5:00pm and if I get in, will then cancel my existing ADR. If I can't get in, then I'll keep my existing ADR. I'll be back at WDW in early Sept and late Oct/early Nov and will be doing the same thing for those trips. I will of course, no longer be using the DxDDP and probably not even the basic DDP. With the number of credits you get, I don't think I could use the DxDDP without booking a few restaurants that would require the cc guarantee. After our Feb trip, I'll just use the TiW card and not have to worry about having to hustle to use all the meal credits on the DxDDP.

 

[SLJ6974]

I really hate this new policy. Children get overtired, people become ill at the last minute, transportation doesn't work out as planned. To be charged when you call and cancel that same day isn't fair. I think if you are a "no show" who never arrives that is different. I am wondering if less people will purchase the dining plan - especially the DXDDP.

Disney's cup of care is completely empty. This is more about making a buck. And yes, I do think that they may be trying to deter people from buying the DXDDP because they do have a chance at losing money on that plan.

 

[AWHOFAN]

Here is how we handle ADR’s, we only schedule one reservation per day and plan our day around that time! Sounds like many people do not know why you need to schedule a reservation, this goes for local restaurants and Disney, and it is for staffing so you can have a perfect meal. Ever been to restaurant and had slow service or badly prepared food, guess what those no shows help make your meal terrible. Do not give me ‘I’m on vacation” you’re not taken in consideration other Disney vacationers nor the employees who rely on paychecks. If you really can’t go because you’re sick than contact Disney and tell the truth if you made 12 reservations for one day you are why Disney had to set in place this reservation policy and why your local restaurant went out of business. Yes I work within the restaurants industry.

 

[angelmav]

Here is how we handle ADR’s, we only schedule one reservation per day and plan our day around that time! Sounds like many people do not know why you need to schedule a reservation, this goes for local restaurants and Disney, and it is for staffing so you can have a perfect meal. Ever been to restaurant and had slow service or badly prepared food, guess what those no shows help make your meal terrible. Do not give me ‘I’m on vacation” you’re not taken in consideration other Disney vacationers nor the employees who rely on paychecks. If you really can’t go because you’re sick than contact Disney and tell the truth if you made 12 reservations for one day you are why Disney had to set in place this reservation policy and why your local restaurant went out of business. Yes I work within the restaurants industry.

Ummmm Disney is selling the DXDDP promoting 2-3 meals per day. That is a far cry from the ridiculous 12 ADR's a day example people keep pulling out of their you know whats.

How many local restaurants charge a penalty for cancelling a REAL reservation for 24-48 hours out? I cant think of any I deal with, and I just changed a reservation for a place that has an actual Michelin star.

Few restaurants that go out of business even take reservations, its a tough business to survive in, high operating/overhead costs with complete reliance on attracting and keeping new clientel in a crowded field. If you were really in the restaurant business you wouldnt make such a ridiculous claim!

 

[Cookie Princess]

Ummmm Disney is selling the DXDDP promoting 2-3 meals per day. That is a far cry from the ridiculous 12 ADR's a day example people keep pulling out of their you know whats.

How many local restaurants charge a penalty for cancelling a REAL reservation for 24-48 hours out? I cant think of any I deal with, and I just changed a reservation for a place that has an actual Michelin star.

Few restaurants that go out of business even take reservations, its a tough business to survive in, high operating/overhead costs with complete reliance on attracting and keeping new clientel in a crowded field. If you were really in the restaurant business you wouldnt make such a ridiculous claim!

In the past we have done the DXDDP, but I don't think we will this year. We like character and signature dining, but to have to risk the fee is not worth it in the event something goes awry on a certain day. I agree that my local restaurants would certainly allow me to cancel a reservation if something goes wrong.

 

[xrobx]

Only bailed on 1 reservation ever, and that was a couple years ago on my first visit to Hollywood Studios. We had reservations at Hollywood & Vine, when we showed up there were 20 people in line at the doors, we couldn't even tell them that we had reservations and were there. While waiting in a non moving line for 30 minutes we looked inside and it didn't even look like a nice place to eat, so we left and ate some quick service burgers instead and were happy. And wouldn't you know it, they are one of the restaurants with a credit card guarantee. I feel sorry for anyone who falls into that trap.

 

[buckeev]

Canceling an ADR while at WDW can be a BIG hassle, even with "decent" internet options!
I gave up after about three days on this past trip, and just let some of ours turn into "no-shows".
Placing a call to Disney while on a bus or in a park is a hit-or-miss endeavor, mostly miss.
They can't hear you, and of course, you can't hear them either.
I waited 10-15 minutes on hold numerous times, only to forwarded to a wrong area, or cut off.
I LOVE the dining plan, especially when "FREE", but we are already talking about doing the next trip with no dining plan..."free" or otherwise, unless Disney can come up with a better way for us to be able to change or cancel reservations.

 

[xrobx]

Canceling an ADR while at WDW can be a BIG hassle, even with "decent" internet options!
I gave up after about three days on this past trip, and just let some of ours turn into "no-shows".
Placing a call to Disney while on a bus or in a park is a hit-or-miss endeavor, mostly miss.
They can't hear you, and of course, you can't hear them either.
I waited 10-15 minutes on hold numerous times, only to forwarded to a wrong area, or cut off.
I LOVE the dining plan, especially when "FREE", but we are already talking about doing the next trip with no dining plan..."free" or otherwise, unless Disney can come up with a better way for us to be able to change or cancel reservations.

Even if you don't do the dining plan, without making reservations it's a huge hassle to get into a table service restaurant of any kind.

 

[mcd2745]

Canceling an ADR while at WDW can be a BIG hassle, even with "decent" internet options!
I gave up after about three days on this past trip, and just let some of ours turn into "no-shows".
Placing a call to Disney while on a bus or in a park is a hit-or-miss endeavor, mostly miss.
They can't hear you, and of course, you can't hear them either.
I waited 10-15 minutes on hold numerous times, only to forwarded to a wrong area, or cut off.
I LOVE the dining plan, especially when "FREE", but we are already talking about doing the next trip with no dining plan..."free" or otherwise, unless Disney can come up with a better way for us to be able to change or cancel reservations.

Completely disagree. You can go to Guest Services at any park or even DTD. If staying at a WDW resort, you can go to your concierge desk, front desk, or their is a button on your room phone that will connect directly to Disney Dining. Plus, I was able to cancel an ADR in mere moments on my smartphone (I believe through Mobile Magic - but I don't remember 100%).

 

[maxiesmom]

I LOVE the dining plan, especially when "FREE", but we are already talking about doing the next trip with no dining plan..."free" or otherwise, unless Disney can come up with a better way for us to be able to change or cancel reservations.

Not all restaurants require a credit card hold. Most still don't. So if you really like the dining plan there is no reason to stop using it, even if you stress about cancelling and the fees.

 

[mousefan1972]

Canceling an ADR while at WDW can be a BIG hassle, even with "decent" internet options!
I gave up after about three days on this past trip, and just let some of ours turn into "no-shows".
Placing a call to Disney while on a bus or in a park is a hit-or-miss endeavor, mostly miss.
They can't hear you, and of course, you can't hear them either.
I waited 10-15 minutes on hold numerous times, only to forwarded to a wrong area, or cut off.
I LOVE the dining plan, especially when "FREE", but we are already talking about doing the next trip with no dining plan..."free" or otherwise, unless Disney can come up with a better way for us to be able to change or cancel reservations.

I cancelled an ADR in about 20 seconds Christmas Eve morning at BLT. Pulled out our iPad, connected the free WiFi, retrieved our reservations, and hit cancel. No hassle whatsoever.