It sounds to me like management really needs to get it together. Is it a quick service or is it not? Does it matter if you order from the table or the window or does it not? Where are people allowed to sit? It sounds like there is no clear, consistent answer to any of these questions.
Geyser Point was on our list of restaurants for an upcoming vacation, and toward the top of the list as well. But, these reports have me wanting to scrap it altogether. I have read that those who order from the QS window CAN eat in GP, but on sort of the outer seating, not the dedicated lounge seating. But, on this thread, I am seeing that if you order at QS window, but want to eat at GP, it counts as TS ORRRR that if you get QS, you are directed to leave and eat outside the premises. This bothers me.
And, we probably would have done the full-service dine-in anyway. But, still, the principle of it...it definitely bugs me.
I've been saying the same thing for quite awhile now. When it first opened, anyone could sit anywhere at GP. My wife and I said then that pool goers would overwhelm the system, and that's what happened. This new system is better in that regard, I suppose. However, our last two trips there have not been great experiences. Both times, getting a table has been vexing. Here's the latest episode.
1) There aren't many seats which reinforces the notion that GP is a glorified pool bar (but you can't just come in and sit down like at most pool bars). Parties of 2 or 3 can tie up spaces intended for perhaps 6 people.
2) Even though you can't make a reservation, when we were there last week, we walked up and saw at least three empty tables, one right in front of us. The CM said it was "reserved." When we pointed out that one couldn't make reservations, she attempted to explain it again but still using the word "reserved." A manager walked up and explained that while no reservations are given, you could put your name on a wait list for a table. Thus, the tables we saw apparently were intended for others on the wait list. Sure enough, a group of 6 soon took those seats and tables. We opted to take a seat at the bar to await a table.
3) As we have noticed before, people linger at tables (the view is lovely) and sprawl out. A couple of areas that had two 2-tops pushed together (thus four chairs) were occupied by only two people, further reducing seating.
4) After waiting 10 minutes, and seeing no one getting ready to leave, we ordered food at the bar along with a couple of drinks. We had our food less than 10 minutes later and decided we'd just stay there even if a table opened up. And one set of tables did open up as a few people left.
5) Almost on cue, the manager came up and said the party that had taken the six seats earlier wanted to switch tables (they didn't like their location, apparently), so she would be giving them the tables that had just cleared behind us. So-o-o, we wouldn't still get a table even though the party of 6 already had food and beverage? Fairly poor customer service there.
6) All that to say, while the food is good, especially those darn waffle fries, it may not be worth the hassle of finding a table unless you enjoy sitting at a bar or waiting for a table for an undetermined length of time. We are VWL owners, and the suits at Disney had a chance to do something special with GP. Instead, they've created a place with a limited menu, limited seating, and uncertainty as to what sort of eatery it is: Bar? QS? Modified TS? QS/TS? They could have done a much better job with more planning.