Wait listing for dining reservations?

[KAKI1115]

So, I know that a month out can be tricky, but I was just trying to make a reservation for the Dine with an Animal Specialist and there is nothing available the week we are going to be there...no problem. What I don't understand is why they would not want to put you on a wait list or something in case there is a cancellation? OR why the Disney Reservation Specialist did not suggest another option. Just seems like something Disney would have as a backup plan.

 

[HarleenQ]

They didn't suggest it because they don't offer that service.

I get it. It's not economical for them. Inventory changes by the minute. Calling people all day long who may have cancelled their trip, scheduled something different, changed their mind, etc wouldn't be feasible. They don't need a wait list to fill the spot.

Keep checking for cancellations as it gets closer.

 

[purple figment]

So, I know that a month out can be tricky, but I was just trying to make a reservation for the Dine with an Animal Specialist and there is nothing available the week we are going to be there...no problem.
1. What I don't understand is why they would not want to put you on a wait list or something in case there is a cancellation?
2. OR why the Disney Reservation Specialist did not suggest another option. Just seems like something Disney would have as a backup plan.

1. Disney doesn't need wait lists to fill the restaurants. They know there is such a high demand for dining reservations that cancellations for the popular venues and events will be snapped up quickly by people who are checking online or calling when an opening appears. I believe Dine With an Animal Specialist is limited to 12 people so it fills quickly and there are more who want to participate than seats available.

2. The reservation castmembers don't have a list of alternative options because their job is to make, modify or cancel dining reservations that the caller is requesting. It is the caller who has to find alternatives if their first choice isn't available.

Keep checking online to see if a cancellation comes up. You can also subscribe to the cancellation thread for your month at the top of this board, but be sure to read the rules in the first post. Others have had luck with the reservation finder on the Touring Plans site.

 

[brentthomas]

Not to mention that the wait list would be so long that it would be a bad guest experience for most guests. If a wait list is 1000 parties deep and only the 1st 10 get in due to cancellations, then 990 parties are just disappointed.