Disney World tests new quick service dining reservation system at the Magic Kingdom.
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Disney World is testing a new reservation system at its quick service restaurants with the dual goal of seating guests at a faster pace and increasing profits. As a result, the practice of sending a family member to save a table while another family member orders food and beverages is no longer allowed when Disney's theme park restaurants experience peak traffic.
Under the new reservation system, Disney World cast members seat groups at tables, much like they would do at a traditional table service restaurant (minus the server). According to the Orlando Sentinel, select Magic Kingdom restaurants now restrict guest access to tables during peak dining periods while guaranteeing seating for diners.
Although this new approach to quick service dining will help maximize profits for Disney World during the recession, it will inconvenience families with babies and young children, who will be required to stand in long lines instead of waiting at their table. Before this new system was implemented, one family member was free to feed a baby, park diaper bags and cumbersome packages, and allow young children and the elderly to rest at a table while another member of the party ordered food. It would appear that disabled guests will also be prevented from waiting at a table, although few lines accommodate disabled guests at the pick-up station.
Currently the quick service dining reservation system remains in the testing phase. Disney has not decided if it will implement the new system at all of its quick service locations at the Walt Disney World resort.
Read Jason Garcia's Orlando Sentinel article in its entirety here.
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Comments
I think this is great! Let those spending their money in the parks use the tables instead of those eating food they brought in from Wal Mart!
Thanks Disney!
Disabled are accommodated extremely well at the 4 eateries being tested so far.
I am glad to hear that managers are considering the special needs of the disabled. What accommodations are being made to meet their needs? I often travel to Disney World with a family member who has trouble walking or standing for long periods of time. What about the elderly and families with young children?
And what if there are no tables when you get your food? Would be nice if your wife has a table. It would be nice first come, first sit for those buying food. As long as D cast clean the bloody tables it could be a plus. Make profits- What about cost for the added D cast to bring you to your table? This plan stinks. I love Disney but Universal is less liberal minded.
When I went to WDW in 2007, I can agree that if you went to the quick service restaurants during typical meal times, the lines could be long and tables could be in short supply. The alternative? Choose non-typical meal times, but then what if everyone else does too? The problems just shift time.
The best option would be to offer more tables. This isn't an option at many locations because they are totally built up around the location. Putting tables in walking areas is not an option. Expanding service areas might be a viable but expensive option.
Disney's option of seating guests should streamline the process a bit, but also encouraging guests who are done eating to please vacate their table and return to enjoying the parks so to allow other hungry families a place to sit and eat would help with availability and traffc flow. Another option might be a box or bag service option so that guests may find their own place to sit and eat, such as a bench or an allowed grassy area.
Chris, these are good ideas. Another reason the quick service restaurants are so crowded is that Disney rarely opens its "reserve" restaurants such as El Pirata y el Perico, which would require increasing operating and labor costs. The Magic Kingdom's existing quick service restaurants are too small to accommodate the number of guests who visit the parks in the 21st century. Let's hope the Fantasyland expansion will include additional eateries.
Disney needs to make the Dining Plan to only work at Table Service locations. Counter Service should remain as quick service, no reservations. Why give away free dining then complain about profits?
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