MK Restaurants testing new seating program About This Page:

[stubekis]

What I would like to know is, can they implement this system at Cantina de San Angel? We wanted to eat dinner there one evening and I'd say 80% of the people sitting there were no longer eating or never had been, they were just staking out tables for Illuminations. We had to circle like vultures and finally got a two-person table for the four of us, after some rude woman nearly ran us over with her stroller getting to a table I'd just pointed out to dh (she heard us and made a bee-line). We decided to take it as we were hungry and tired. A couple sitting at a four-seater table took pity and offered to switch with us (so nice!) We honestly weren't even trying to see Illuminations there. I think they ought to oust the ones who are done eating there unless they continue to purchase drinks or something - it's ridiculous!
As for the new system, I agree with those who say it's much easier to order and wait for the food with dh and kids NOT in line with me. Just wait until someone's kid runs in front of another guest with a full tray and causes them to drop it or something!

[Sue M.]

I hope this keeps things more sane, not really fair for people who sit for 10 min holding a table if lines are long, a family could be eatting and outa there by the time the rest of the party comes with the trays. And keeps people from just using the table for a rest station.
At Blizzard beach last Aug, we were heading to a shaded table with our trays ladden, and just before we got to the table 2 youngish boys maybe 10 or 12 yrs, ran and grabed the table before we got it. We had to take the only other table there in the hot sun. Hopefully it will cut down on this rude behavior.

[BlueCinderellaEyes]

Sounds like a good plan!

[Nova]

I get what everyone wants before I get in line. If everyone has to wait around we will probably avoid thoes places it is just to hard when we have the Grandkids 5 kids 4 adults much easier getting the kids settled into a seat while we get food. If it is just hubby and I then that is not a big deal. Sometimes the kids are sleeping in the stroller talk about a jam up, even if they have to stand somewhere else to wait you are still creating more lines to stand in.

[Caldercup]

Any recent reviews from people who were in the parks?

Does it seem to be working there?

[waycoolmom]

Like many others, I'm torn about this. I just can't imagine being in line with large groups. I personally understand the "camping out" because I'm looking for my own "campsite" in the restaurant. Sure, it's frustrating when someone has claimed the better table, but you just have to deal with it. That's part of that "Disney Magic." Like others, I like to get the table wiped down and DD gets the napkins and plasticware. DS helps DH and we all get a break from one another for a moment. I'm eager to give it a try to see how I like it. I'm sure it will be fine.

[scarlettsmom]

I think I'll greatly appreciate it. Since I travel alone with a 5 yo, I think it will be much better to have someone seat us after we get our meal. Ususally at pinno we walk around like homeless people

[Eeyore Tattoo]

We ate at Cosmic Ray's last month, & it was a pain to find a table wandering around with a tray.. DH was in search of a table & I dealt with the tray & trying to get through the "ketchup line" We did finely find a table but our group of 6 had to sit at different tables due to all the "table savers" people..

[Julian]

Are there any updates on this new policy? Does anyone have any recent experience of whether it's working or not?

[Mystic]

From what I read on another board it's only rolled out at peak times, like when it is super busy.

[jimmymac]

I personally like the idea, but I'd hate it if we wre traveling with kids. I can't quite figure out where all these people will be waiting but it should be interesting. The seats with no backs are not for room either - Disney did a survey and it turns out that people spend less time in a chair with no back than a chair with a back (eaasier to relax)

[disneygramma]

Originally Posted by PamelaK

Oh, good point. I had not thought of this. DD will be using her wheelchair at WDW for the first time next month. (That feels REALLY good to say...."Next month".) She can wheel herself or DBF or I can push her while the other carries the food. However, for those that don't have the luxury of an extra person to help carry and/or push, it could be difficult. I imagine that Disney would have thought of this (and the single parents that take their young kids) and would have someone there to help out.

Grand daughter and I were there in Oct. and experienced a problem at EPCOT french pavilion (patissiere) when she was in the wheelchair and I pushed her through and tried to push her and our tray of food (which she had to try and balance across the chair arms) and then go to find there was absolutely NO seating inside or out. Finally a good samaritan got up, found us a small table hidden away from the main seating areas and found a chair for me and helped me move it to a place where DGD and I could sit and eat not one cm came to our rescue!
I hope they do find this new system will be better and will implement it at all QS eateries throughout the world! We had so much better luck when dining at Cosmic Rays...a CM carried the tray and helped me find an open table with enough space to push the wheelchair up to it, while I pushed DGD to the table and she waited and helped me get her settled before walking away. This was so helpful and appreciated!

[disneygramma]

Originally Posted by jblondie1999

I think if we do CS then we'll eat at off times because I have no intention of standing in line with 2 little ones for a long period of time. Then trying to hold their hands and balance the tray....no way. Maybe they should just seat you after ordering with a number or pager so you can get settled while waiting for the food. What I noticed on our last trip was people just chillin in the AC and not eating at all. This one group were using the tables as a main camp while others came and went to rides or shops.

Hmm pagers, what a good idea! They use these at the Contempo Cafe' QS and it works greats, and we can get a table and fetch drinks, condiments and so forth until food is ready, then off I go to pick it up and take right to the table. Who knows, I'll just watch and see.......

[mommadjones]

When we went to WDW for Christmas 2007 this is what they did at Cosmic Rays. It was a good way to handle the crowds (it was crazy busy). We as a family got our food and then went to a cast member who waited for another CM with a buzz hand to indicate an open table. We only waited a few moments for an open table and I never noticed a long line for a table. We usually eat around 12:30 which is peck time so the system worked well. With that said I think with a large family and small children it may be difficult especially seeing as you are not allowed to bring in even the smallest of strollers during peek times. I just assumed this was a normal practice during busy times.