Disney has long stated that the preferred method for booking an advanced dining reservation was calling the Disney Reservation Center. However, snuck into a Disney Parks Blog post today, they stated that the preferred method is now the My Disney Experience App and DisneyWorld.com.
From the Disney:
With hundreds of amazing dining locations to choose from, finding the perfect place to eat at Walt Disney World Resort is easier than ever before. From mobile ordering meals through the My Disney Experience app, to searching for favorite menu items online, guests are able to save time so that they can enjoy all there is to see and do across our parks. Beginning today, due to their overwhelming popularity, the My Disney Experience app and DisneyWorld.com will become the preferred home for booking and modifying table service dining reservations.
Guests can conveniently manage their table service dining reservations right at their fingertips, whenever they choose, alongside other plans they make with family and friends for their visit. Rest assured, as always, cast members at the Disney Reservation Center will continue to be available to help with reservations for groups of eight or more, same-day cancelations, in addition to other assistance guests may need, including Disney Resort hotel reservations, special offers, general questions and more.
Dining reservations could always be done on the website and the app, but Disney is pushing guests to the digital formats to reduce the strain on staffing at the reservation center. Guests can still call for “help with reservations for groups of eight or more, same-day cancelations, in addition to other assistance guests may need”.
Disney staffed their own reservation line with their own cast members. But what many don’t know, is overflow was handled by a third party company with agents who are not Disney employees and who work out of their home.
I know this because I’m very close to someone who works the Disney reservation line part time to supplement their income. For years they have required specific talking points be mentioned on the call, and the “My Disney experience” app was heavily pushed.
Everyone I know who works the “Disney dining line” has a blast going it. I wonder how this change will effect them.
I work in a call center. The “strain” is really Disney not wanting to PAY staffing. The more ppl self manage online, the less reps they have to pay to answer questions and do stuff.