Stupid Guest Tricks

I just found out that my trip in October is going to be during free DDP time. :( :(

I've envisioned thousands of entitled SGs mucking up the parks and restaurants with dumb questions demanding attitudes. Tell me I'm wrong!!! Fortunately our planner is a Disney nut and we've had our reservations for ages.

Can anyone give me some tips on making it easier for us? How about tips to make it easier for you guys?

Trust me...it's bad. i posted a thread on the Free DDP pains.

For us, it was horrible, but we had no problem getting into the Brown Derby with Zazu & SWMBO, and Big Wallaby. It was pretty empty, go figure

I went to GR at Epcot to appeal for a place to eat that wasn't counter service. The CM found us a spot in China. It was like we had nothing but counter service for two days when we got our food.

Oh wait, we had nothing but counter service for two days...

ktulu wrote:For us, it was horrible, but we had no problem getting into the Brown Derby with Zazu & SWMBO, and Big Wallaby. It was pretty empty, go figure

I went to GR at Epcot to appeal for a place to eat that wasn't counter service. The CM found us a spot in China. It was like we had nothing but counter service for two days when we got our food.

Oh wait, we had nothing but counter service for two days...

Didja try the fish and chips, with a pint?

MMmmmmmm!!!

If you'd like to eat at a table service restaurant, I recommend you start making your calls NOW. And even then, you'll probably have a hard time getting into some of the more popular choices or at any regular eating times.

Apparently there are many people who set calendar reminders exactly at the 6 month park of their trip and make all of their reservations then. It's crazy. I do not understand how you can enjoy a vacation when all you do is follow some rigid schedule.

It also makes it about impossible for us locals to eat anywhere decent while free dining is going on, even if we are going to pay full price (or close to it.)

just don't scare them or they might stampede.

Worst is that they set the calendar for exactly 180 days and call for all reservations on that day. They will try to book 2 to 5 restaurants at the same time. They are not sure if they will want mexican, french, or maybe they will be at a hotel or over at MK instead of Epcot. I have heard of people trying to book different tee times also on different courses.

David R wrote:If you'd like to eat at a table service restaurant, I recommend you start making your calls NOW. And even then, you'll probably have a hard time getting into some of the more popular choices or at any regular eating times.

Apparently there are many people who set calendar reminders exactly at the 6 month park of their trip and make all of their reservations then. It's crazy. I do not understand how you can enjoy a vacation when all you do is follow some rigid schedule.

It also makes it about impossible for us locals to eat anywhere decent while free dining is going on, even if we are going to pay full price (or close to it.)

I didn't set my calendar. but I DID get an e-mail from reservations about 190 days out asking/reminding me to make dining reservations!

Since we started going to WDW, that was the second time they did that. I also got a notice for our 2007 trip!

I make the assumption that since they are giving out free dining to some guests, that they want to ensure that you have a chance to make the dining reservations you would want.

Its pretty easy, as I figure out what parks we are going to visit on which days, and then look at where we would like to try.

I was not able to get reservations one time, but that was a last minute change. a couple other times we cancelled several hours prior, as we had a heavy snack and realized we would not want to eat dinner.

I remember last year, reading on (board x) that several different people in the party make reservations at different places, and I assume different names (yes, an SG move if ever I heard of one) then decide which one they want. The justification is that they cancel before the reservation time.

The CM helping me this year was really helpful and got us the few places we wanted to dine.

I think that there should be some sort of deposit made, that way people couldn't "cheat", I wouldn't mind making a deposit, then it could just be deducted from the bill, after the meal!

(Burrrpppp!!)

Maybe they should just go with a Reservations only based on verifiable event (such as Wedding anniversary, Birthday, etc) except for "Grand Gatherings" where there are a large group. Then just make it first come first served.

Or for those that have Prix Fix menus (ie, buffets or the higher end restaurants) have the reservations pre-paid on a credit card at time of booking.

This is done at a number of "In Demand" places around Toronto.. Want a reservation.. pay up front.

But i guess that doesn't help with DDP peoples.. cause they are already pre paid aren't they?

Canuikstan wrote:Maybe they should just go with a Reservations only based on verifiable event (such as Wedding anniversary, Birthday, etc) except for "Grand Gatherings" where there are a large group. Then just make it first come first served.

Or for those that have Prix Fix menus (ie, buffets or the higher end restaurants) have the reservations pre-paid on a credit card at time of booking.

This is done at a number of "In Demand" places around Toronto.. Want a reservation.. pay up front.

But i guess that doesn't help with DDP peoples.. cause they are already pre paid aren't they?

True, but you could still put a charge deposit on a Credit card, to hold it. If you show up, the charge is reversed, if not, thanks for the deposit!! (and give some of that to the serving CM's!!)