Were We In the Wrong?

[coconutprincess]

I think you were okay. I had a situation once where someone yelled at me due to a miscommunication like that. It stinks, but it happens.

 

[Maniacmous]

I don't know why Cosmic Rays doesn't institute the same policy Columbia Harbor House has. You can't sit until you have your meals in hand. It can be a pain when you have a big party with kids, but it does away with people just getting out of the rain/sun/etc. It sounds like this is a reoccurring issue at CR. I'm sorry op, I think you all handled it as best you could given the behavior of the person you were dealing with.

When my wife and I went 2 years ago, this was exactly what they did. I was going to have my wife find a table and hold it while I got the food (she needed a rest anyway), and they had CMs stationed at the entrance to the seating area and wouldn't let people past without a tray. Made it more complicated at that exact moment, but I couldn't argue with the policy, and as a result, we did end up getting a table, so I was in the end thankful for it.

 

[luvsJack]

Thanks, all. I just felt a little "guilty' at having to ask for security at WDW!!

It didn't damper the trip at all. We had a blast! I do wonder how much of a damper all that anger put on THEIR trip though, and hate that for the kids.

We have always, always, always, planned our meals at off times, even our ADR's unless we are trying to get an early morning breakfast in the parks. So, I really have never dealt with it being so crowded there. I didn't plan this trip and traveling with other people made it hard to suggest some things.

 

[cmwade77]

If someone is in line to get food, the rest of their party should not be saving a table (although, I do think those in Wheelchairs should be an exemption to this rule for the reason stated by one of the previous posters, it is hard to maneuver through a crowd of people with a wheelchair and also, because in some locations there are only a certain number of tables that a wheelchair can be seated at).

Now, those that do not have food in front of them should be asked to leave if it is busy; however, if it isn't, by all means, stay and enjoy, but be prepared to give up your table to those that are eating.

Another reasonable approach is if someone has extra room at their table, ask if you might be able to share the table with them if there are no tables available, who knows you might meet some nice people that way. I certainly have, in some cases they invited us to sit with them when they saw us looking for a table and none to be found and we have done the same as well. I think it is just common courtesy to do so, but everyone's different.

 

[Ktharee]

Why on earth would anyone think it is wrong for someone to sit at a table while someone else in the party gets food? Do you know how crowded the ordering window would be if EVERYONE went on line? Give me a break. The OP's situation is ridiculous. The kid wasn't clear and his mother had no class. Unfortunate situation and I know it would irritate me all day. Sorry that happened to you! But to say it's bad etiquette at a counter service location to secure seating then order, is absurd. That's the nature of counter service. First come, first served. And I wholeheartedly agree that tables should be for paying customers only.

 

[connorlevismom]

We were there two weeks ago during a very busy time and this is what we encountered. The area where the singer guy is was blocked by CM's. One was an in door and one was an out door. You could not get in the door to get a table unless you had a try of food in your hands. I saw several people try and get past the CM to go and save a table and they were not allowing it. Once you got past the CM, they had other CM's directing you towards a table that was empty. Maybe this was after you came but there were certainly more than a couple of tables in that area for people to sit who were actually eating.

 

[delmar411]

when it's busy, the OP's situation wouldn't of happened. You aren't allowed to even go into the eating area without a tray of food and your party needs to stay together. The CM's tell you where an open table is for your party size. It's actually a good system when it's busy.

I've only seen it in place when it's really busy.

 

[Muddypaws]

Regardless of any other aspect of the situation, as soon as one guest becomes abusive and/or swearing at another guest or CM, security should have been escorting the offending party out. That is generally not tolerated in any place of business, but it should be doubly so at a location that is filled with children.

 

[DisneyFanJon]

Can't say that I see anything wrong in saving a table for people who are in line BUT I've only been off peak season so I have no idea how busy it gets at peak season, but guessing pretty horrendous. I don't have a problem with "dont sit until you have been served" IF it's being supervised, if its just a sign then sorry, I'll ignore it because you can bet others will.

When we went to Harry Potter at Universal in 2010 we didn't even bother trying the pub there because they wouldnt let you save a seat whilst being served, so instead we just got a snack and did something later at Disney. I don't think people should be using seating who are not customers, and to be honest, if it were us, we would go into a shop and have a look at stuff, not sit in a restaurant as that's just boring

Weirdly, I love the rain There's nothing like it in the UK (obviously we get rain but rarely when its so warm and humid) and one of my favourite memories from last trip was during EMH we went back to the haunted mansion, the rain was pretty heavy but it was so warm it was just all misty and the mansion looked awesome, it really added to the whole experience and was awesome.

 

[WDSearcher]

I can't see that you were wrong.

They same thing happened to us one evening at CR. We went to the MK to eat and watch the fireworks. It started raining very hard as we were walking in. By the time we ordered our food all the tables were taken, mostly by people just sitting the rain out. The CM told us the same as you. I told her fine, if we don't get a seat within a few minutes that we will return our meals.

It's a tough situation really. The only thing one can hope for is that some polite person with some manners will give up the table when they see someone standing there with no where to eat.

THIS to me, is an over-reaction. Neither Disney nor the CM made it rain. It's not their fault that the tables are full because people want to stay dry. And really ... how is the CM going to choose who they ask to get up and leave so that you can sit down? Chances are they didn't keep track of who came in first or last.

I don't understand why you (not necessarily you, personally, but the general "you") can't just walk up to someone on your own and ask them politely if you can sit there to eat. If they say no, then you can keep asking or you can stand and eat or you can leave with or without your food. But threatening a CM with "I'm going to return this food and I'll get my money back and it will be your fault" -- how does that solve anything?

 

[nicki.momof3]

1. I think the family saving seats has a right to save seats - they paid to get in also. Bowver, they should have had an adult save them.

2. Once you realized the problem, I personally would have moved. Argueing about it was not needed. Just move adn go on with your day.

3. I think the refund was way over the top. Really.

4. I think you did what was right - the others no so much.

 

[cmwade77]

Why on earth would anyone think it is wrong for someone to sit at a table while someone else in the party gets food?

I am not saying that they need to be in line, but when it is busy, they should wait to get a table until they have their food. The reason is actually very simple, during the busiest times, it can take up to 45 minutes in line to get food. Many people can start and finish eating within that time frame, which means, if you are holding a table for someone that is in line, you are preventing someone that currently has food from sitting down, eating a leaving before you ever get your food.

It's honestly, just common sense to let them enjoy their food while you are waiting to get your food.

 

[pandora174]

I don't think you were wrong at all. When you went to sit down the boy should of said he was holding the tables & he didn't. Something similar happened to us at the CBR.

We were in the pool area, the small pool by the rooms. Just DS, DH & myself. There were about 4 tables. I noticed a small group about 3 adults & they had their stuff spread out over 3 tables & chairs. I sat in the farthest empty table & put my stuff & secured 3 chairs for us while DH & DS swam.

As I get my Nook out one of the ladies comes over & asks if we are staying long, am i going to use the table I am sitting at ? and they were planning to use my table for their party I looked at her & said yes I was using the table I was sitting at, had no idea how long & sorry but the table was empty & I wasn't moving.

I was polite & she just stood there looking at me like "how dare you not move" Lucky for her DS & DH lasted about 45 min & then wanted to go to the main pool area. Well we left and the rest of her party still hadn't arrived yet ! Yes now a total of 4 tables & chairs reserved & 3 people sitting. Some people can be so inconsiderate

 

[Mrsjvb]

I am not saying that they need to be in line, but when it is busy, they should wait to get a table until they have their food. The reason is actually very simple, during the busiest times, it can take up to 45 minutes in line to get food. Many people can start and finish eating within that time frame, which means, if you are holding a table for someone that is in line, you are preventing someone that currently has food from sitting down, eating a leaving before you ever get your food.

It's honestly, just common sense to let them enjoy their food while you are waiting to get your food.

concur. more than once we have sat down and finished long before the guy at the next table over had his companions arrive with noshies. all while having him tell 3 or 4 other families cruising for a seat that he's saving the table for others in line.

tha beings aid I think if the OP jadn;t been stuck during a rainy bit it would not have been as big of an issue.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Why on earth would anyone think it is wrong for someone to sit at a table while someone else in the party gets food? Do you know how crowded the ordering window would be if EVERYONE went on line? Give me a break. The OP's situation is ridiculous. The kid wasn't clear and his mother had no class. Unfortunate situation and I know it would irritate me all day. Sorry that happened to you! But to say it's bad etiquette at a counter service location to secure seating then order, is absurd. That's the nature of counter service. First come, first served. And I wholeheartedly agree that tables should be for paying customers only.

Glad you this way! The OP's party was served first - as evidenced by them having their trays of food and wandering around fruitlessly looking for a table.

 

[larryz]

OP, your only big mistake was trying to eat at Cosmic Ray's at lunch time. DIS rule number 3,249 -- always eat before or after regular meal times.

It's not their fault that the tables are full because people want to stay dry.

Sorry, but I have to disagree. If the tables are full of non-eaters, then CMs should announce that tables are for people who are purchasing food. If they don't, then it IS their fault, for not reserving tables for people with food. That's what managers are for -- to manage issues.

And really ... how is the CM going to choose who they ask to get up and leave so that you can sit down? Chances are they didn't keep track of who came in first or last.

Ah, but it's pretty obvious who's eating and who isn't. Five people at a table -- two adults and three kids. No food. "Sorry, folks. These tables are for guests purchasing food at the counter. If you need to wait out the rain, there's a wonderful gift shop just around the corner, or may I suggest the queue for Stitch's Great Escape? It's completely covered."

 

[amyr1]

I think as soon as the CM told you she would not ask a non-eating guest to leave so you have a place to sit and eat the food YOU BOUGHT from the CS place, you should have immediately asked for a manager and handed him your tray and receipt and asked for your money back.

I bet a manager would have found you a table.

Amy

 

[k3chantal]

No you were not wrong; you were abused. That other family was being a bully. The only thing that you did 'wrong' was stand up and let the other family have seats before the CM or security got there.

The sad part is that this woman thought she 'won' so now she will continue to bully other people.

 

[kaytieeldr]

1. I think the family saving seats has a right to save seats - they paid to get in also. However, they should have had an adult save them.

There isn't a "right" to save seats, either written or implied, anywhere. Pretty much everyone paid to get in - to the park. Absolutely nobody then paid to get into the/any restaurant. The person/party who already paid for and obtained CS food should have seating priority.

2. Once you realized the problem, I personally would have moved. Arguing about it was not needed. Just move and go on with your day.

Moved where? All the tables were taken - in this case, it appears one teen was assigned to save two or three tables? Where would you have eaten the (expensive) food you already bought?

3. I think the refund was way over the top. Really.

It wasn't requested. It was offered. It's great that so many posters are adept at adapting. I forget now what I bought, but after a half hour of being beaten to table after table at the Main Street Bakery, I ended up returning whatever it was. I kept the drink, but I couldn't juggle a tray, a drink, cutlery, the food...

4. I think you did what was right - the others no so much.

 

[Ktharee]

I still disagree. If I am on line buying food, I expect to be able to sit and eat it. In a place like Disney World, where obviously finding seating can be an issue AFTER you have purchased your food, it is wise to secure seating FIRST, so you will know you will be able to enjoy it. Not wander around aimlessly while it gets cold or melty looking for a place to sit down- all the while getting increasingly frustrated. Especially when the policy is that anyone, paying customer or not, can occupy the seats. And if you have a large party and will need more than one table together, all the more reason to just send a few scouts to order and return with the food while everyone else stays put in one location.