donaldsgal
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2004
Our first-ever trip to Disneyland is coming up in less than 60 days. We've been to WDW nearly 2 dozen times, and the restaurant booking process is pretty different at DL. I have been booking our reservations daily since we're 60 days out because I have been told on many occasions how very busy the time of year that our visit falls in is. I hadn't had any issues until tonight. At 60 days out, I tried to book reservations for Tortilla Jo's online, but it showed no availability. I called Disneyland's Dining number and was transferred directly to Tortilla Jo's by the cast member who answered the phone, who told me that TJ's makes their own reservations. This CM was very pleasant. The person who answered the phone, however, was not. When I asked if I could make a reservation for July 18th, she sounded incredulous. "For JULY?!?!" I was caught off guard and, frankly, embarrassed by her reaction. I answered yes. She then asked for the date, which I had just given, but I gave it again. She asked for my name, desired reservation time, and my phone number. At this point, she said, "Okay," as if to end the call. I asked, "Do I need a confirmation number?" and she said, "You'll get a call the day of." I said thanks, and she said nothing else; this was the end of the call.
I have absolutely zero evidence of this, of course, but it was very much the type of exchange where I imagine she mocked me to her coworkers after the call ended. Perhaps not, and even if she did, okay. I'm an adult and can deal with that. I did feel pretty dumb. I guess I didn't need to call so soon, but with no reservations showing up online and being told it will be busy (though of course also hearing and reading that reservations are available at Disneyland days up to or including the day of), I thought I wouldn't get to eat there unless I called. I guess WDW has trained me to be neurotic. The system there (literally NEEDING to call 180 days in advance at 7 AM EST to get a desired reservation) is certainly rather ridiculous.
I'm posting this here for some reassurance, I guess. Are many CMs at Disneyland like this? I have read on the DIS that DL CMs tend to have less of the "Disney" attitude that WDW counterparts do, and I know it's a job for them, and that the culture there is different, and everyone can have a bad day.... I just would like to know if I should plan for more curt interactions with CMs on our trip so I can have that expectation going in and not be disappointed when I get there.
Thanks!
I have absolutely zero evidence of this, of course, but it was very much the type of exchange where I imagine she mocked me to her coworkers after the call ended. Perhaps not, and even if she did, okay. I'm an adult and can deal with that. I did feel pretty dumb. I guess I didn't need to call so soon, but with no reservations showing up online and being told it will be busy (though of course also hearing and reading that reservations are available at Disneyland days up to or including the day of), I thought I wouldn't get to eat there unless I called. I guess WDW has trained me to be neurotic. The system there (literally NEEDING to call 180 days in advance at 7 AM EST to get a desired reservation) is certainly rather ridiculous.
I'm posting this here for some reassurance, I guess. Are many CMs at Disneyland like this? I have read on the DIS that DL CMs tend to have less of the "Disney" attitude that WDW counterparts do, and I know it's a job for them, and that the culture there is different, and everyone can have a bad day.... I just would like to know if I should plan for more curt interactions with CMs on our trip so I can have that expectation going in and not be disappointed when I get there.
Thanks!