News Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

[joe80x86]

Orlando Sentinel Story

A rather interesting development. I actually kinda like the idea. And yes we have gone inside looked around or hunted for an empty table and then left because we couldn't find any, and yes there have been many times I have felt eating had been very stress full.

Also I should note the article states it is being done on an as needed basis currently only at lunch time depending on park attendance.

[tinkerb]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

I think this is an interesting development as well. Seems the biggest challenge right now is funneling crowds through the various doors to one central entrance.......

[yoyoflamingo]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

I just saw this today. I am intrigued by it, but I am worried that it will fall by the wayside and will only be done partially.

I guess time will tell, but it is definitely an idea that has promise.

[SnorkletsMom]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

Seems like a good idea, really. Time will tell how it really works out.

[BC_DisneyGeek]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

[aimster]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

I actually like this idea. January last year, my folks & I were at the MK and when we stopped for lunch at Pinocchio Village Haus, it was beyond packed. There were no tables at all. It was freezing cold outside, so we ended up standing by the condiment/silverware stand and ate our lunch that way. I'd say at least 1/3 of the people in there weren't even eating. They were just sitting at the tables with no food in front of them. During peak times, the restaurant tables should be for paying restaurant customers only.

[LucyintheSky]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

I like this idea!
When my son was younger, and still in a stroller, I used to get SO annoyed when we'd try to eat when it was crowded. It was only me and him, so I'd have no choice but to get our food then look for a table...

Only to find that all of the tables would be full, and it seemed like most of them were occupied by people who were saving tables and didn't have food yet, while I'm standing there with a stroller, a two year old, and a full tray. It was so frustrating.

[GraceysGirl]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

I think this is an amazing idea. I was there in June and we had problems finding a table multiple times. After we eat I always make sure our group gets right up so someone can have our table. I hate people who linger over the table forever.

On a side note during the really hot summer months, sitting in a restaurant is the only place to sit down (without being in a show) and relax in the air conditioning. They really need a place inside where people can sit guilt free and relax for a bit.

[SpaceDad]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

Great idea. This "table saving" problem led us years ago to stop eating at the quick service locations all together. If they implement this at DLR as well. we may try those places again.

[lazyboy97O]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

I would prefer to see the existing counter service locations fully utilized as a first means of addressing the crowding.

[disneymom2jhe]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

As a mom of three little ones, I can say I am looking forward to this. There is nothing like getting your food and carrying it with three little ones in tow through a large crowd of people to find a table!

[Stitchy]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

GREAT idea!

[NeverNeverland]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

I think it's a good idea during busy times. I hate wandering around trying to luck out in finding a table.

[mikelieman]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

They make these things called 'Restaurants' if you don't want to deal with the hassles of Counter Service.

[KISSman]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

That's brilliant -- I love the idea!

Whether I'm with others or solo at WDW, I can't see a downside to this concept at quick service restaurants. You can have someone back waiting at a table for like 15-20 minutes while someone else could have sat and finished during that time. And when you are solo, good luck finding a table after you just got your hot food and hoping to eat it hot. Half the tables you could have sat down and eaten at are taken by seat-holders.

I really hope this pilot program takes off and becomes a regular thing.

[Mouse princess]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

It sounds good in theory, but I would like to see it work first. The article says it gaurantees seating, but how? Say everyone hits the counter service at 12 PM for lunch, 70 people are on line, there is 40 tables, you still have to stand there waiting to be seated, holding your tray. It is a matter of supply and demand. Yes, the people on the beginning of the line will get their food first and be seated first, but who is to say that by the time the 70th person gets their food that first person is done with their meal. If the service is quick, there will still be a backlog. So instead of standing around the tables looking for someone to be done with their meal, you are standing at a podium waiting for someone to be done with their meal. I guess I am a bit skeptical. Again, sounds good in theory & I hope it works.

[flynnibus]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

It sounds good in theory, but I would like to see it work first. The article says it gaurantees seating, but how? Say everyone hits the counter service at 12 PM for lunch, 70 people are on line, there is 40 tables, you still have to stand there waiting to be seated, holding your tray. It is a matter of supply and demand. Yes, the people on the beginning of the line will get their food first and be seated first, but who is to say that by the time the 70th person gets their food that first person is done with their meal.

That is why there is control of placing your order.. not just sitting down. They guide you to order AND sit, not just sit. They throttle the people coming 'into the system'. It's all averages in the end... but by reducing the non-eaters, and campers, the frequency of not having a seat will be reduced dramatically one would think.

[Phonedave]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

I think it's a great idea.

It ensures first come first seated.

And I don't go to table service locations for a table, I go for someone to serve me real food, on a real plate.

CS still is get your own food, carry it yourself, and eat off the paper plate under this plan.

-dave

[mainejeff]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

I HATE this idea!

I don't feel like being herded to a table that is next to screaming/crying kids and obnoxious parents. I guess like everything else at Disney, those of us who like autonomy and peaceful enjoyment of the parks are at the mercy of the stroller brigades and food Nazis.

[lazyboy97O]

Re: Restricted Fast Food Seating Trial

I HATE this idea!

I don't feel like being herded to a table that is next to screaming/crying kids and obnoxious parents. I guess like everything else at Disney, those of us who like autonomy and peaceful enjoyment of the parks are at the mercy of the stroller brigades and food Nazis.

Such options are not really all that available when this system goes into play.