Walt Disney World is now expanding their cancellation policy for dining and will require a credit card hold for all table service restaurants beginning on Oct. 31, 2013.
There was already a cancellation policy in place for signature restaurants where guests would have to cancel at least 24 hours in advance or pay a $10 per person penalty. Now, that same policy will soon be in place for all table-service restaurants throughout Walt Disney World.
This cancellation policy will also apply to non-Disney operated restaurants as well.
When calling to make dining reservations, guests will need to provide a credit card for all table service restaurants.
For pre-paid locations such as the Luau at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, the full amount will be retained by Disney if a cancellation is not given at least one day in advance.
To avoid a $10 per person penalty, cancellations will need to be made by 11:59 p.m. on the day before the reservation is made for.
In order to cancel a dining reservation, call 407-WDW-CNCL or go to guest relations, the front desk of the restaurant, or use the Disney Dining website.
I do understand BUT there needs to be exceptions. If a person comes down with an illness, I DO NOT want them sitting next to me or waiting in line so that I get the illness. This happened to us last year. My wife came down with a stomach virus. We even went to the local walk-in clinic. We called to cancel the reservation about 6-8 hours before but were told there would be a $50 charge. “Discussed” it with the reservationist for a few minutes then said “Fine, we will come on and infect the cast members and others as she throws up at the table.” She cancelled with no charge.
They tried this before, charging $25. If you contact your credit card company, this will ALWAYS credit your account. Disney cannot enforce this.