[Dopey]

Originally Posted by MerlinMatt

I think that's exactly what they're hoping.

The $20 isn't meant to be a punishment. It's meant to be a deterrent for people making reservations "just in case."

I have twice had reservations at California Grille with every intention of going, but both times I cancelled, once about 3 days prior and one that morning.

I've never not shown up for a reservation at Disney, but I have called to cancel the same day a number of time, deciding instead to eat somewhere else. It's often a result of weather or crowds that interfere with plans.

More likely than not, this is an experiment that they're trying to help make the business at CG a little more predictable.

Calling and cancelling like you did is the right thing to do and no one is going to fault any one for that.
They are dealing with a whole bunch of ill mannered people whose bad manners make this sort of thing necessary, that's all -- I think.