MK all booked up

[wen-tom]

Just called dining to book my ADR's for my trip sep/oct and couldn't get half of them. The worst thing is MK is all booked up for Sep23rd!:sad1:

Nothing available for diner at all :confused:

looks like we'll be going hungry on that day. i have planned my itinery out now and its taken me so much work that i couln't bare to change it all for the sake of 1 dinner ressie. :sad1:

[jcemom]

What about lunch? Crystal Palace and Liberty Tree both serve great lunches. Tony's and the Plaza are also possibilities. Did you ask about lunch? Or only dinner? ;)

[DisneyTeacher]

No need to go hungry, try a MK resort restaurant. Trails End is a hidden gem, you may be able to score an ADR there and it's just a quick boat ride from MK. We also like 'Ohana, Kona Cafe, and Whispering Canyon Cafe.

[canwegosoon]

Curse ofthe free dining...people stay on.;) They usually put in a "new" dining -last year it was at noodle station, because they can not accomidate all the requests for free dining ARD's

[KMZOB]

We couldn't get some dinner reservations, but instead changed to late lunch. And keep calling...sometimes there are cancellations. :goodvibes Good Luck!!

[foxfire]

How about trying for the last lunch seating which is, I believe, at 2:30. That way you could have a light breakfast and wouldn't really be hungry again for a big dinner. You can always grab a snack anywhere at MK that night if you want a little something.

[wen-tom]

thanks for all your suggestions.. i hadn't thought of eating at a mk resort restaurant so i will definatley look into that.

does anyone know what time the latest lunch might be - i only asked about dinner but she did say there was nothing for MK that day :confused3

[foxfire]

Not sure about the other TS restaurants but the latest lunch seating at CP is 2:30. I just made an ADR for that time a couple of days ago for our next trip.

Someone suggested Trail's End...you can probably count on getting in there if you don't mind taking a little break from MK. As they said, it's a nice boat ride from MK over to FW.

Also, the GF Cafe is just a monorail ride away....and a very short ride back to MK. We have enjoyed dinner there before. It's a lovely place and the waitstaff was super nice.

[wen-tom]

i just spoke with dining again and they checked all TS restaurants in the MK area and there is nothing available for dinner at all. the only option was Kona at 8:50 which is too late for us and would probably mean missing the fireworks at MK - not such an issue for me and DH but we are taking family who have never been t Disney before and will probably never return. I think our last option might be to do a late lunch.... i cant believe its so busy :confused3

[jcemom]

Some of the resort restaurants are just as tough to get into as the park restaurants... 'Ohana, Chef Mickey's, Whispering Canyon. I think I read that Concourse Steakhouse was booked pretty solid.

Kona Cafe is a great option, Trail's End is good but not a great 'value' on the DDP as far as cost goes. The GF Cafe is hosting Cinderella's Gala Feast dinner during the 1900 PF refurb. They still had plenty of availability the last time I checked, a week or so ago.

[jcemom]

i just spoke with dining again and they checked all TS restaurants in the MK area and there is nothing available for dinner at all. the only option was Kona at 8:50 which is too late for us and would probably mean missing the fireworks at MK - not such an issue for me and DH but we are taking family who have never been t Disney before and will probably never return. I think our last option might be to do a late lunch.... i cant believe its so busy :confused3Did you ask for specific restaurants? I wonder if the CM really checked them all. I made an ADR for Cinderella's at the GF a week ago and had my pick of times. I then cancelled it the next day and moved it to later in the week, again had my pick of times. :confused3

[dqpowell]

Here's what I would do in your situation -- try for a Table Service lunch (whatever time is available) and then use the Counter Service credit for dinner. If you can't do that inside the MK, then do the exact same thing at one of the MK resorts. It should be a lot easier to get a lunch res at one of the resort restaurants that serve lunch because lots of people are in the parks midday. The Concourse Steakhouse, Kona Cafe, Whispering Canyon Cafe and others I'm not thinking of right now serve lunch.

David

[wen-tom]

Did you ask for specific restaurants? I wonder if the CM really checked them all. I made an ADR for Cinderella's at the GF a week ago and had my pick of times. I then cancelled it the next day and moved it to later in the week, again had my pick of times. :confused3

I asked for Kona and when this wasn't available the CM said she would check all restaurants in the MK area and nothing was available. i can only take her word for it. i am going to call back to see if i can get a late lunch so maybe i will check again with a different CM

[jcemom]

If there is somewhere, anywhere, specifically that you want to eat, I'd ask them to check it. Or at least say something like "there wasn't anything available at X?" just to be sure. We all know that some CMs think they know everything but don't, or might know but have just forgotten to check one. ;)

Good luck! I hope you get something acceptable!

[DonaldTDuck]

Here's what I would do in your situation -- try for a Table Service lunch (whatever time is available) and then use the Counter Service credit for dinner. If you can't do that inside the MK, then do the exact same thing at one of the MK resorts. It should be a lot easier to get a lunch res at one of the resort restaurants that serve lunch because lots of people are in the parks midday. The Concourse Steakhouse, Kona Cafe, Whispering Canyon Cafe and others I'm not thinking of right now serve lunch.

David

And if you like to eat a large meal in the evening, Cosmic Rays(cs) has a chicken/rib combo that's the size of wyoming. I ate more there than at a couple of buffets.

[GreatLakes5]

At the very least, if you have time, I'd ask specifically about Trail's End at Fort Wilderness....that one being completely full is shocking...especially since campground sites were not included in the dining so it's not necessarily because of so many campers being there. (And you could see fireworks from there on the beach if necessary).

We really like doing TS for lunch....means we still have time to walk off our largest meal.

[Colleen27]

i just spoke with dining again and they checked all TS restaurants in the MK area and there is nothing available for dinner at all. the only option was Kona at 8:50 which is too late for us and would probably mean missing the fireworks at MK - not such an issue for me and DH but we are taking family who have never been t Disney before and will probably never return. I think our last option might be to do a late lunch.... i cant believe its so busy :confused3

I agree with the posters who recommended asking about specific restaurants, because the CM might not have checked everything. When I called to see what we could get for August (before free dining), I was told that the MK restaurants were booked. I then asked about the Cinderella dinner at GF, also booked. When I asked the CM to look at the other MK area restaurants, she said nothing was available for a time that would work for us, but when I asked specifically about Kona, she was able to find a time.

Also, I don't know about how your CM defined MK area, but the one I spoke with only checked the monorail resorts. So the CM you spoke with might not have even checked Trail's End because while FW & WL are MK area, they aren't on the monorail and she might have assumed you weren't interested in taking the boat over.

[wen-tom]

Just spoke with dining again and finally opted for a late lunch (2:45) at Kona Cafe @ Poly.

I got them to double check availability for dinner again for me for whispering canyon, kona cafe, concourse SH, & GF Cafe and there was nothing that would allow me to see the MK fireworks and parade as they were all for 8pm - 8:30pm.

I have never eaten at Kona before - can anyone tell me what to expect? I chose it because it is a buffet - we have some awkward eaters in our party so variety is the key :)

[becka]

Kona Cafe is not a buffet - it a table service with a menu. Check the menu out on allearsnet.com. 'Ohana is the other table service at the Polynesian and it is more of a buffet in that it is all you can eat but it is served family style and the food is brought to your table rather than you going up to a buffet table.

[JimMIA]

And if you like to eat a large meal in the evening, Cosmic Rays(cs) has a chicken/rib combo that's the size of wyoming. I ate more there than at a couple of buffets.
Good suggestion, although I'm not quite sure the platter is the size of Wyoming...Kansas maybe. Certainly plenty of food.

If you decide to eat CS that day, you can use that saved TS credit to use for a signature dining on another day. We did that last trip and really enjoyed both Cosmic Ray's and California Grill.

[wen-tom]

Kona Cafe is not a buffet - it a table service with a menu. Check the menu out on allearsnet.com. 'Ohana is the other table service at the Polynesian and it is more of a buffet in that it is all you can eat but it is served family style and the food is brought to your table rather than you going up to a buffet table.

Ah.yes, sorry.thanks for the correction - i'm getting mself mixed up with Trails end i think - been looking at these restaurants for so long now thta i think i am actually going crazy! :rotfl:

[TDC Nala]

Just spoke with dining again and finally opted for a late lunch (2:45) at Kona Cafe @ Poly.

I got them to double check availability for dinner again for me for whispering canyon, kona cafe, concourse SH, & GF Cafe and there was nothing that would allow me to see the MK fireworks and parade as they were all for 8pm - 8:30pm.

I have never eaten at Kona before - can anyone tell me what to expect? I chose it because it is a buffet - we have some awkward eaters in our party so variety is the key :)

Kona is not a buffet.

You may be confusing it with Ohana which, technically, is not a buffet either, but is all you can eat.

[DonaldTDuck]

Good suggestion, although I'm not quite sure the platter is the size of Wyoming...Kansas maybe. Certainly plenty of food.

If you decide to eat CS that day, you can use that saved TS credit to use for a signature dining on another day. We did that last trip and really enjoyed both Cosmic Ray's and California Grill.

OT: Had to check the facts and found some interesting things. First, Wyoming is 15000 square miles bigger than Kansas, so I'll give it to you. Then, Alaska is the sparsest at 1 person psm, and (no surprise:lmao: ) New Jersey is the densest at 965.4 psm.

[wen-tom]

Kona is not a buffet.

You may be confusing it with Ohana which, technically, is not a buffet either, but is all you can eat.

i am definatley confusing myself with all the choices out there :confused3 i'm just relieved to finally have all my ADR's booked :yay:

can anyone give me any feedback on Kona cafe?

[becka]

We have not been yet but we have a dinner ADR for our November trip. It seems to get really good reviews and the pics I have seen of the food look amazing. I am sure everyone will have a good meal there. :)

[jcemom]

I'm trying Kona for the first time in September. It gets very good reviews. :goodvibes

[pooch]

and we all loved it. Of course that may be due to the Lapu Lapus we drank before dinner!!! :rotfl2: Seriously, the Kona chowder is to die for!! You'll have a great meal.

[jcemom]

Here's a link to the reviews on AllEars... http://allearsnet.com/reviewpost/showcat.php?cat=48&stype=1&si=&perpage=24&sort=4&stype=&limit=&cat=48&ppuser=. It has a 9.04 average, pretty good!!

[abeyst]

... you can use that saved TS credit to use for a signature dining on another day. We did that last trip and really enjoyed both Cosmic Ray's and California Grill.

This is what I was going to say - and just eat 2 CS that day, but Kona is a great choice as well!

I've only eaten Kona for b-fast, but am trying find time in my itinerary to add a lunch/dinner. Kona seems to get consistently good reviews here on the boards.

I'm glad you found something, and I'm sure you'll have a great meal.

[faindrops27]

I don't understand. If you all will be there for a couple of days. Why not take the Kona for dinner, and watch the parades/fireworks another day. Or is that the only day that you will be there, that you all can see the fireworks? By the way Kona is a good choice. The food I had both breakfast/dinner. Was very good. There is something for everyone.

[ReneeA]

Kona is my absolute, without a doubt favorite restaurant in all of WDW.


Because you are traveling during the free dining time, you are going to have issues with booking ADR's this late. You may find that you may have to eat many off the beaten trail restaurants and/or breakfast or lunch TS instead of dinner.

[wen-tom]

I don't understand. If you all will be there for a couple of days. Why not take the Kona for dinner, and watch the parades/fireworks another day. Or is that the only day that you will be there, that you all can see the fireworks? By the way Kona is a good choice. The food I had both breakfast/dinner. Was very good. There is something for everyone.

We are there for 14 days altogether but we are taking family who have never been before and will probably not have the opportunity to go back for quite a while. we have a busy scedule as we are also taking in universal, seaworls, busch gardens etc so i have carefully planned all our days.

I am sorted now but it was a bit challenging :banana: :banana: :banana: i'm just glad i didn't leave it any later..:laughing:

[Bevzvet]

On the day I am going to MK, I booked the Concourse steakhouse in the Contemporary. This way you can just take the monorail to dinner and then take it back if you want to see the fireworks. If not, it should be easy to get back to your room from there...

[skater]

Does anyone think it might be worth a shot to try again on ADR's after the final payment due dates? We got all the restaurants we wanted, but with a few off times (like a very early dinner at CP). I was thinking of trying for a better time for CP and one or two other meals after that 45 day out mark. Any thoughts?

[wen-tom]

Well it can't hurt to try. I have managed to get mine sorted but i am going to call a few times more to see if i can get any better times or a ressie at MK :cloud9: at any decent time.

People are always cancelling - we just have to be the lucky one that grabs the slot :thumbsup2

[LizinSTL]

Well it can't hurt to try. I have managed to get mine sorted but i am going to call a few times more to see if i can get any better times or a ressie at MK :cloud9: at any decent time.

People are always cancelling - we just have to be the lucky one that grabs the slot :thumbsup2

You won't starve if you don't get a TS reservation on your MK day. Just do 2 CS meals and pick up another TS reservation another day (a breakfast on a day you have a late dinner maybe.)

We didn't have a TS meal on our MK day(s) at all. None of the MK area restaurants were on our "must-do" list so we just had CS those days.

[wen-tom]

You won't starve if you don't get a TS reservation on your MK day. Just do 2 CS meals and pick up another TS reservation another day (a breakfast on a day you have a late dinner maybe.)

We didn't have a TS meal on our MK day(s) at all. None of the MK area restaurants were on our "must-do" list so we just had CS those days.


I have a TS for my MK day. Kona for a late lunch. :) and we'll pick up a CS later in the evening from wherever we happen to be.

we're not big breakfast people so never do a TS for breakfast.

[PrincessMinnie28]

i just spoke with dining again and they checked all TS restaurants in the MK area and there is nothing available for dinner at all. the only option was Kona at 8:50 which is too late for us and would probably mean missing the fireworks at MK - not such an issue for me and DH but we are taking family who have never been t Disney before and will probably never return. I think our last option might be to do a late lunch.... i cant believe its so busy :confused3

Maybe you could try something at Epcot? You could take the monorail from MK to Epcot and have dinner and then get back to MK for the fireworks. I think MK might be all booked up because it's free dining and evening EMH, so I'm sure most people just plan on staying there for the evening. Epcot has a ton of great restaurants, it's easily accessible from MK by the monorail, and it might be a welcome relief to get out of the MK crowds for a bit. I hope you find something! :wizard:

[LMarge]

Maybe you could try something at Epcot? You could take the monorail from MK to Epcot and have dinner and then get back to MK for the fireworks. I think MK might be all booked up because it's free dining and evening EMH, so I'm sure most people just plan on staying there for the evening. Epcot has a ton of great restaurants, it's easily accessible from MK by the monorail, and it might be a welcome relief to get out of the MK crowds for a bit. I hope you find something! :wizard:



This is exactly what we're doing!!!:thumbsup2 My thought is that it is full due to the late hours that day. I've been trying for Ohanas or Kona's or Chef Mickeys - all with no luck - for over a month. We're taking the monorail to Epcot and having an early 4:00 dinner at Nine Dragons. We've never eaten there and the kids thought is sounded cool. I figure we'll be finished and back around 7ish, in time to stake out a spot for the fireworks with a dole whip in hand!!!:cool1: Any opinions on this plan? - or Nine Dragons - should I opt for someplace else in Epcot? We are giving Coral Reef a try on another night - hope that's not a bust!:rolleyes: I've seen so many mixed reviews of late.

[Lewanc]

i just spoke with dining again and they checked all TS restaurants in the MK area and there is nothing available for dinner at all. the only option was Kona at 8:50 which is too late for us and would probably mean missing the fireworks at MK - not such an issue for me and DH but we are taking family who have never been t Disney before and will probably never return. I think our last option might be to do a late lunch.... i cant believe its so busy :confused3


Hi There -- Been reading your posts re trying to get dining resevations, and back to the MK for the parade and fireworks to no avail.
I realizer the closer you dine to the MK the better, but sometimes we have to take an alternate plan of action, which seems to be your situation at this point.

I didn't notice anyone responding to your post mentioning Boma's buffet at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, or the Cape May Cafe buffet at the Beach Club resort. We have dined at these restaurants, and found them to have good food, with a preference of Boma's. Both have a varied menu which should satisfy any picky eaters in the group. As both resorts are off the monorail line, your chances of getting a reservation might be much better. Just thought I'd present a few more options.

Happy Disney Dining!!!

[jcemom]

If you're spending an entire day at MK then heading elsewhere for dinner might actually make for a nice break. AKL has direct bus service, no other stops, so Boma would probably get my vote.

[wen-tom]

Hi There -- Been reading your posts re trying to get dining resevations, and back to the MK for the parade and fireworks to no avail.
I realizer the closer you dine to the MK the better, but sometimes we have to take an alternate plan of action, which seems to be your situation at this point.

I didn't notice anyone responding to your post mentioning Boma's buffet at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, or the Cape May Cafe buffet at the Beach Club resort. We have dined at these restaurants, and found them to have good food, with a preference of Boma's. Both have a varied menu which should satisfy any picky eaters in the group. As both resorts are off the monorail line, your chances of getting a reservation might be much better. Just thought I'd present a few more options.

Happy Disney Dining!!!

Thanks for the suggestions.. i really appreciate all your help. We are staying at AKL so have Boma Ressie for another day - actually i'm hoping to squeeze in a lunch at boma aswell - i really love the food at Boma :goodvibes

[LizinSTL]

Thanks for the suggestions.. i really appreciate all your help. We are staying at AKL so have Boma Ressie for another day - actually i'm hoping to squeeze in a lunch at boma aswell - i really love the food at Boma :goodvibes

Boma serves breakfast (7:30-11am) and dinner (5-10pm) only. Though I've heard they start earlier dinner service during very busy times.