Priority Seating and Stupid Guests

[BRWombat]

Do many guests have trouble understanding the concept of Priority Seating? It seems to me to be simple enough that even guests with a "checked brain" can grasp it, but on my few visits I've heard enough dumb comments to wonder. Case in point: in the Studios last month, my group had a Noon PS for Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. There was a line to check in, as anyone would expect at a busy mealtime. After a short wait, I was almost to the front of the line, when a man actually pushed his way up to the front and started giving his name and party info:

CM Mary: Sir, I believe this man was next.
Idiot (belligerently): I need to check in!
Mary (patiently): So do these people. You need to wait in line, sir.
Idiot: But I have Priority Seating!!!
Guests in line, including me (not so patiently): We all do! Get back in line!

I've also heard things like "Why is there a ten-minute wait? I have priority seating!" Is there really this much confusion out there, or did I just run into an unusually high number of idiots?

[Stduck]

My boyfriend and I had already checked in at the Blue Bayou at Disneyland. Everytime we want to eat there we always call for priotity seating. So anyway we were sitting and talking and we over hear this lady say kind of rudely "We Have PRIOTITY Seating" I didn't hear the rest of the converstation at this point my boyfriend asks "what's the difference?" I had called what we had a "reservation" (that's what Priotity seating is). I said that's what we have. Needless to say this was the rudest group of people ever. There were no more seats in the little waiting loby so they sat on the stairs leading into the restaurant. The CMs asked them to move a few times so they could use the stairs! The kids moved but the adults didn't and they were abnoxious.

Needless to say they were called in before us (they had a party of like 8 or something large) and lucky for us were seated on the other side of the restaurant from us. My boyfriend seemed a little irked that the rude party was called in before us as we had checked in sooner. I said "Look at it this way we don't have to deal with them anymore"

[Freak]

Do many guests have trouble understanding the concept of Priority Seating?

That would be a yes.

[mamapajama]

I can see how annoying it must be to hear people make the same complaints about their "reservations" day in & day out. I work in retail and hear plenty of stupid and obnoxious comments! I don't see how, though, this name change I've heard about to "Advance Dining Reservations" is going to help clear up confusion for the many already clueless guests. What are they thinking putting the actual word "reservation" in the name?

I was in a place similar to Outback here a few weeks back & a large and obviously very hungry woman waas raising holy hell that she had to wait when she "called ahead" which is pretty much the same thing as PS. She sat down at the next table over & didn't shut up about it! So annoying! I used to think I wanted to work at WDW but I am way too much of a NY'er to stay employed there very long with all the nonsense you guys have to put up with and smile. Your patience is to be admired!

MPJ

[leftcoaster]

I guess when the wackos call for a PS, they become hearing impaired when CRO says "this is NOT a reservation."

However, I have heard that Disney is changing the name of PS to "Advanced Reservations" or something like that. Great. Confuse the idiots even more. :oweye:

[BRWombat]

However, I have heard that Disney is changing the name of PS to "Advanced Reservations" or something like that. Great. Confuse the idiots even more. :oweye:
"Advanced Reservations"? Typical... they solve one problem and create a bunch of new ones.

[TinkerBelleRoo]

I'm waiting for eating fast passes. You have a set time, you go, you eat, you leave. :D

[murf]

People are impatient everywhere! At the trams the front car is for diasbled guests of course we load strollers there when we dont have wheelchairs, but, they do have to wait because FEDERAL LAW says that disabled people have priority (and we wouldn't have it any other way!) needless to say we get loads of complaints because the people with strollers have to wait. just because they were in line first etc. of course we point out that it is a wheelchair section and that they have the option to sit elsewhere, fold there stroller etc. but its always our fault because they have to wait!

I think that people somehow think that they are better than everyone else becuase they're "special" we get more guests that come thru as a guest of a Club 33 member or a CM guest (someone whos getting signed in) who thinks that they deserve special treatment. Of course its a rude awakening when they come to find out that they are no more important than the other guests!
:(

[leftcoaster]

"Advanced Reservations"? Typical... they solve one problem and create a bunch of new ones.

Sorry, I should have been more specific... "Advanced Reservations" is just the new name for PS. Should be real fun for the restaurant greeters.

[Main Streeter]

I'm waiting for eating fast passes. You have a set time, you go, you eat, you leave. :DYou just may be on to something :D: Sure sounds like something Disney would try & for the 50th too! As for the future...I predict fast passes to psych wards & care homes for all retired CMs. ;)

[BRWombat]

Sorry, I should have been more specific... "Advanced Reservations" is just the new name for PS. Should be real fun for the restaurant greeters.
I understood. I think the new name (officially "Advanced Dining Arrangements" from now until June 1; after that "Advanced Dining Reservations") will create more confusion, since it will still function as a PS does. The word "reservations" means a table is held for you most everywhere else. Now you'll get stupid guests saying, "What do you mean our table isn't ready? We have reservations!"

[Stduck]

I always thought when a reservation was made for a restaurant that when you got there the first available table was given to you. It's also held for some time even if you don't show up. Eh I don't think Priority seating is that confusing now. The one that does get people in a knot is the Fantasmic Priority Seating at Disneyland, people see these empty chairs and want to know if they sit there. You Tell them they are unable to and you tell them why. Most are cool with it, others are not.

[kimpossible33]

Hahaha, I believe they just started using the term "reservation" instead of "priority seating." That ought to do it. :p:

[1team1dream]

I'm waiting for eating fast passes. You have a set time, you go, you eat, you leave. :D

I found this kinda funny. I work in Disney Dining so I deal with this every day and trust me, when the guests actually ask I do slowly explain the difference between a Priority Seating Arrangement and an actual "Reservation". When you think about it though, a PSA is Fast Pass. Guests are able to walk up to restaurant locations however those with a PSA are given the first available table for their party size for the time they booked. ;)

p.s. I highly doubt we will change the name to Advanced Reservations for as you've noted would only cause more confusion.

[Ho-say]

Or even more fun - when guests book the Candlelight Processional dinner package during the holidays. (I know that the Processional is originally from DLR...but not sure if you all offer dinner packages for it. At WDW, guests can book a Candlelight package and dine at any of the Epcot full-service restaurants...choosing from 3 different price tiers, depending on the restaurant. Then this guarantees the guest a seat at the American Gardens Theatre for the performance)

No matter how times I have spieled it when booking the package, some guests seem to think that since they bought a dinner package, that it's not a Priority Seating time for their meal and rather a "real" dining reservation. Sorry - still is a PS....you've just paid for dinner in advance and have guaranteed seating for the Processional.

Moreover, some folks assume they're going to have very special reserved seating for the show. Unfortunately, not so. While the reserved seating is a roped off area in the front of the theatre....it's still on a first come, first serve basis as far as what row, if your party will all fit on the same row together, etc. Get there early if you want your entire party to sit together or if you want to be in one of the rows that are closest to the stage :)

Hmm...maybe it's just that not everyone that is booking the package is spieling everything that they should be......or some guests aren't listening - or a fun-time combination of both scenarios ;)

[Celerystalker]

So how does priority seating actually work? When I made my dining reservations, I was told the times I could sign up for - but when I got to Cinderella's Royal table, it seemed like they had seriously overbooked. I think the walk in time was 2 hours and even with priority seating, we waited over 45 minutes (we were 9 minutes late for our PS time, but we waited an additional 45 minutes after that).
Is it possible to overbook the priority seating? I was under the impression that it was like a fast pass - there were only so many slots a day, and then you are out of luck.
We were there the week of September 20th, so I was really surprised that it was so packed at this one restaurant. Everywhere else moved pretty quickly.
The CMs were extra polite though - I asked about 40 minutes into it if they knew when we would be seated and they moved me up - I didn't ask for that - I was worried I'd said it like a rude guest. :(
I overheard at a couple of other restaurants how they have 15 to 20 minutes? Is that guidelines for priority seating?

Another question - what does CP stand for? I see Indy using it the most. Just curious.

[Ho-say]

So how does priority seating actually work? When I made my dining reservations, I was told the times I could sign up for - but when I got to Cinderella's Royal table, it seemed like they had seriously overbooked. I think the walk in time was 2 hours and even with priority seating, we waited over 45 minutes (we were 9 minutes late for our PS time, but we waited an additional 45 minutes after that).
Is it possible to overbook the priority seating? I was under the impression that it was like a fast pass - there were only so many slots a day, and then you are out of luck.
We were there the week of September 20th, so I was really surprised that it was so packed at this one restaurant. Everywhere else moved pretty quickly.
The CMs were extra polite though - I asked about 40 minutes into it if they knew when we would be seated and they moved me up - I didn't ask for that - I was worried I'd said it like a rude guest. :(
I overheard at a couple of other restaurants how they have 15 to 20 minutes? Is that guidelines for priority seating?

Another question - what does CP stand for? I see Indy using it the most. Just curious.

As far as how we book the Priority Seating, yes..that's how the system works. When the CM checks on availability for your preferred restaurant and party size, they can only see what time slots are available for all available party sizes (or actually, table top sizes that will accomodate said party sizes).

CRT, as you probably know, is one of the busiest and popular restaurants on property - I don't know if there is a way to technically "overbook" the restaurant. I do imagine that what I call the "princess factor" must slow down the entire dining process and getting guests in and out of the restaurant. Granted, this should taken into account in DRS (Dining Reservation System)....well, in theory anyway. I'm sure that someone who works in full service F & B could help us answer this better than I can.

CP stands for College Program - that is, the college internship known as the Walt Disney World College Program.

Those students accepted to the CP come down and live in furnished Disney-owned apartments (which the CM pays for) with other CP Cast Members, and typically work 4.5 - 8 months (depending on whether they are placed in the standard Spring or Fall program or the longer Spring/Fall "advantage" program). Some students can earn college credit for their internship, often by also having to take Disney-run courses in business, communication and the like.

[jlima]

We were a party of four with a 7:30pm PS for the Rose & Crown. Waited in line behind 5 - 6 families to check in; and told wait would be approx 20 minutes.

30 mins later pager had not gone off. Returned to podium to inquire. Hostess asked us to wait by her podium. Waited another 10 minutes before we were seated.

Why tell me 20 mins when I check in, when the reality was twice as long? Is it normal to wait 45 mins for a PS? Why not just tell me 8:15 is available when I ask for 7:30? I have never understood the wait times involved with Disney Dining, in both Orlando and Anaheim.

Other than getting in the door, the food and service was excellent (this was in June of 04).

[hhsrat]

A good number of the seaters have little or no sit down restaurant experience before working at WDW (or DLR), and as a result, are not good at estimating wait times. It's one of those skills that is aquired with practice ... some people are much better at it than others.

[TalkingHands]

Or even more fun - when guests book the Candlelight Processional dinner package during the holidays. (I know that the Processional is originally from DLR... but not sure if you all offer dinner packages for it. At WDW, guests can book a Candlelight package and dine at any of the Epcot full-service restaurants... choosing from 3 different price tiers, depending on the restaurant. Then this guarantees the guest a seat at the American Gardens Theatre for the performance)

Moreover, some folks assume they're going to have very special reserved seating for the show. Unfortunately, not so. While the reserved seating is a roped off area in the front of the theatre... it's still on a first come, first serve basis as far as what row, if your party will all fit on the same row together, etc. Get there early if you want your entire party to sit together or if you want to be in one of the rows that are closest to the stage :)Also remember on the right hand side there are a few rows reserved for guests who are deaf or heard of hearing and need to have a clear view of the interpreters.

[mickeysgal]

In December, my husband and I took our kids to the Sci-fi Dine in...we took the latest ADR we could and planned on only having dessert (the kids like the restaurant). After seeing Fantasmic, we walked around until it was about 15-20min til our ADR and headed over to check in. 30 minutes after our ADR time, we approached the CM and he was not very nice...my husband was a little miffed, but I told him that it looked like the same people were still sitting in the waiting area, that were waiting when I checked us in, so I was sure we were the 100th person to ask about the "reservation". So I kindly asked to remove our name from the list and took the kids to get ice cream from the cart. As we walked out someone said to me "I can't believe you let them win" I turned to him and said "it's only dessert, no need to get bent out of shape about it, besides it's a vacation" We waited some on all our ADR's the rest of the week, but as long as we relaxed and remembered it was a vacation and to take our time...we had a blast waiting. The kids watched movies in waiting areas, my husband and I took turns exploring the hotels and restaurants with the kids. I wish others took our advice...we saw so many cranky people...how can you be cranky at Disney World....it's like Valentine's day with no chocolate...it's unnatural!

[AirForceFoLife]

well i happen to be one of the ones that most of u seem to pitty....i work at sci-fi dine in, at the front of the house, ususally a greeter or seater. well needless to say people really dont get the concept of what a PS is, they dont understand that the only good a PS does u, is it gives u a roughly estimated time to be there, because we ANTICIPATE people leaving shortly before u arive, and the only people u get priority over are the walk ins. and if a PX comes in, hahaha, PS's have nothing lol.

[darph nader]

OK. I can see making ressies , but I also wait turn.People who sceam "WE made ressies 3 years ago " are what i've heard called MF,MF's which translates to ME FIRST MOTHERF***ERS.Sad part is it applies to resturants ,hotels and traffic as well. Nothing more exciting than an idiot cutting you off in a little car when you're driving a semi just so they can get to 7-11 2 seconds faster. :badmood:

[TalkingHands]

the thing I don't like with the PS system is that I am unable to guage when to take my insulin. Theoretically I should take it 30 minutes prior to eating but with PS this is impossible. Really messes with my blood sugars. For that reason we have walked out when waits are to long. If I am crashing we're leaving and finding a place where I can eat immediately.

[Zazu]

the thing I don't like with the PS system is that I am unable to guage when to take my insulin. Theoretically I should take it 30 minutes prior to eating but with PS this is impossible. Really messes with my blood sugars. For that reason we have walked out when waits are to long. If I am crashing we're leaving and finding a place where I can eat immediately.Two suggestions, from someone who's spouse is diabetic:

1. If you can wait, hold off on the injection until you are seated. Explain to the server why there's a delay in ordering and there shouldn't be a problem. (You wouldn't exactly be the first to do this. ;) )

2. When SWMBO starts to feel a low, I ask for a roll or some such. I've never had this request denied. This is usually enough to get her through. :eat:

[CBeilby]

Two suggestions, from someone who's spouse is diabetic:

1. If you can wait, hold off on the injection until you are seated. Explain to the server why there's a delay in ordering and there shouldn't be a problem. (You wouldn't exactly be the first to do this. ;) )

2. When SWMBO starts to feel a low, I ask for a roll or some such. I've never had this request denied. This is usually enough to get her through. :eat:

Another suggestion is to also make sure to have either a supply of hard candy or glucose tablets with you. That's what I try to do.

[Mecha Figment]

CP stands for College Program - that is, the college internship known as the Walt Disney World College Program.

Those students accepted to the CP come down and live in furnished Disney-owned apartments (which the CM pays for) with other CP Cast Members, and typically work 4.5 - 8 months (depending on whether they are placed in the standard Spring or Fall program or the longer Spring/Fall "advantage" program). Some students can earn college credit for their internship, often by also having to take Disney-run courses in business, communication and the like.

actualy the appartments are not owned by the company just leased through some buisness deal. Although the price managment has been kind of lacking in quality lately.