Are ADR's already filling up for Free Dining?

[mommapea]

I have a friend who is going in Sept during free dining...keep in mind they haven't booked, yet. I have warned her that they need to book by the 24th in order to get the free dining. I am also wondering, how easy it will be for them to get ADR's at many popular places...such as Ohana's, Chef Mickey, and Storybook Princess Breakfast, for a party of 10!

Last night she asked me if I would help her plan their trip, which I don't mind, but I just want to have an idea what I'm getting into. Thanks!:thumbsup2

[Snow_White]

I think it would be nearly impossible to get a party of 10 into those restaurants, this late in the game (except for MAYBE Ohana, but I doubt it). You will have to be very flexible with your restaurants and your times at this point. I made all of my ressies at 180 days out and I still had problems getting good times for Le Cellier and Coral Reef.

[REL1203]

I agree, you will have NO luck getting ressies at the big restuarants this late in the game, doubtful to even get ADR for parties of 2, I think i read OHana is already completely booked, as is LeCelliar and Coral Reef

[marianleah]

I made my ADR's for our September trip back in April and still had trouble getting everything we wanted. Flexibility is going to be the key, eating lunches instead of dinners or eating really late.

[PA Princess]

We made our reservations for free dining near the 160 day area and we had no trouble getting the restaurants and times we wanted...including Chef Mickey, Coral Reef, and LeCellier.

Just yesterday we decided to change things a bit and I was able to get reservations at two places for a party of 7 with little difficulty. We added Mama Melrose and we also booked Donald's Breakfast (I was able to book an
8 am first seating and that surprised me).

So they may need to be flexible and may not get all they want at the exact times, but they will be able to reserve meal times.

With a party that size, can they get help from grand gatherings?

[tinaluis]

I'm not sure what her dates are but they've recently changed the dates available for free dining. I think it's down to 9/2 to 9/10 now. Someone posted on the Disney Resorts board about the change of dates. Just an FYI!

[Pumbaa_]

Getting into the less popular places would be easier than the 'major attractions'.

Before she books, you might want to have her call (or call yourself) and see what is available during her times. But she does only have a few more days to make those ressies.

[Disney's Fab 4]

I was just speaking to a co-worker and he told me that himself, wife and 2 small children are going to WDW in Sept 3rd.... And have not made 1 ADR..... I stressed to him that he should get one the phone in the morning and hope that there are some ressies still available!!!! He said, they were gonna just go as they pleased and make them when they get there!!!:scared1:

Now I know, everyone is not a fanatic like myself... And if I never met "Disboards" I would I'm sure be in the dark as well..... But I am dying for this guy..... I told him how packed the restuarants are gonna be!!!!:sad2:

I am horrified by this guy!:scared: .....

[Barbers2005]

A party of ten is pretty big. Maybe they could split it up into more manageable groups, like 6 and 4, or 4,4 and 2. I bet it would be a lot easier to get ressies this way. I agree with others that some of the more popular places are sure to be booked solid by this point. Heck, I called for my ADR's for December a few weeks ago and some places had only one or two ADR times left- at the 180 day mark!

[PrincessMinnie28]

Never mind the ADRs, if they haven't even booked their trip yet they might have a problem. I will not be there during free dining :sad2: but I have been following the boards relating to it and it seems that people were having trouble even booking their rooms. If they are lucky and they get a room they'd better call dining and take any ADRs they can.

[Mom of 3]

:rotfl2:

[JimMIA]

With a party of 10, the key to her success will be flexibility -- in restaurants, meals using TSs (possibly breakfasts instead of dinners), splitting the group into smaller parties, and dining times.

You calling ahead to test the availability is a waste of your time, and can only result in her getting bad info. The only availability that counts is what's available when she is on the phone with Disney Dining making ADRs.

I'd encourage her to get busy right away. It's going to be tough, but not impossible, so the thing to do is to get on the phone.

Hopefully, she doesn't have to conduct a marketing study with all 10 of the guests to get consensus on where they want to eat. If so, she's in for a nightmare!

[ruzer28]

Never mind the ADRs, if they haven't even booked their trip yet they might have a problem. I will not be there during free dining :sad2: but I have been following the boards relating to it and it seems that people were having trouble even booking their rooms. If they are lucky and they get a room they'd better call dining and take any ADRs they can.

I'm with you, there's so little availability even for hotel packages at this point, the dining is the least of her worries. If they can still book something in the way of a room, they're going to have to go with lunches at unpopular places, especially with a crowd that size. Sometimes I cringe hearing about people's plans, knowing what they're in for!

[JimMIA]

Sometimes I cringe hearing about people's plans, knowing what they're in for!::yes::

[Brygida]

I have a friend who is going in Sept during free dining...keep in mind they haven't booked, yet. I have warned her that they need to book by the 24th in order to get the free dining. I am also wondering, how easy it will be for them to get ADR's at many popular places...such as Ohana's, Chef Mickey, and Storybook Princess Breakfast, for a party of 10!

Last night she asked me if I would help her plan their trip, which I don't mind, but I just want to have an idea what I'm getting into. Thanks!:thumbsup2

I made my ADR's last night. I was NOT able to get Le Cellier for any day, any time during my stay. Everything else I got, except I had to split up my party of 5 into 2 tables at Boma.

A party of 10 is impossible. They WILL have to break up. They WILL have to stick to opening times or last meal of the day times.

[disprincessatheart]

There are definitely still rooms avaialable, just depends on when they're trying to go. I booked 3 rooms yesterday - 2 at WL and 1 at CBR for the week of Sept 9th. I will be calling today to see what's left in ADR's, knowing that we've missed the boat on a lot of things, but we've been to WDW many times and are happy to try new places that we might not have done before, and we'll be happy with what we get since it is free.

BTW - that limit of free dining to sept 2 - 10 is not accurate. They've changed the wording on the WDW website to say that the $455 ppn rate (value resort) for 5 nights is only available certain weeks, but there are rooms available at mods and deluxes weeks that the values are sold out. So, the dates for free dining are the same, just getting more limited on the availability of different resorts.

[canwegosoon]

Sorry this is one case where I would not help them and recommend them to a travel agent like DU...your name will be mud when you can't get her anything she wants...nothing like watiting until the last day.

[Lewisc]

They should look at less popular restaurant and not look to "max out the plan". Dinner at Chef Mickey's might not be possible but breakfast at Cape May might be.

This year, like last year, Disney is adding a lunch seating to some of the resort restaurants. Many posters want to "max out the plan" and not "waste" credits on lunch. Lunch ADRs might be available.

Large parties, even without free dining, can be a problem. Try to get a lunch ADR when the restaurant opens and get there a few minutes early.

edited to agree with the previous poster. I'd be releuctant to give too much help, and wouldn't book the ADRs for them. They'll come back and ask why you didn't get them ADRs at Le Cellier, Chef Mickey's etc.

[mommapea]

Sorry this is one case where I would not help them and recommend them to a travel agent like DU...your name will be mud when you can't get her anything she wants...nothing like watiting until the last day.

Well, that is one of the reasons I'm posting here, first, before I sit down with her. I'm the person who started planning our trip over a year in advance, and booked most ADR's at day 180...had no problems. I shook my head when she called to ask some "Disney questions" and told me that they hadn't reserved the room, yet. She was trying to decide whether to get the airfare first, or book the package first. I told her to call and see what dates are available.

I don't mind helping her...as I know her better than a travel agency, although I might still recommend the TA idea. I am just being very upfront with her...Might or might not be able to get free dining...might or might not get several ADR's where you want and/or party might be split. I guess this is better than her original idea of wanting to get down there and wing it!:rolleyes: I told her that based on our recent trip, I wouldn't recommend doing this...but it was up to her. I also explained that during free dining, many people have the dining plan, and all of them are trying to get TS's...figure it out. So, if it were me...I'd have been someone who would have already had the room booked before they announced free dining...but hey, that's just me. DH and I are tossing around the idea of taking our girls to MNSSHP next year, and I'm already looking at resorts/plans. Oh, well...

Thanks for everyone's input. This completely answers my questions...and is exactly what I thought. Thanks!!!! :flower3:

[Nikki_Mouse]

I have a party of 10 traveling Sept 3-9. I originally made ADRs for a party of 9 at the 180 day. Ohana, coral Reef, Chef Mickey's and Hoop-Dee-Doo. Called today to made them a party of 10. I was NOT successful at Coral Reef- and we already had 2 tables (a party of 4 and a party of 5). So, good luck with no ADRs.
BTW- I was in the world last week for DD6 birthday- we had ADR for Princess dinner in Norway (delicious!!!) and saw 5 people walk up and get turned away within 15 minutes while we waited. Do they just not know to plan ahead?

[JimMIA]

Do they just not know to plan ahead?No, they don't. Many, many people don't know. And most of the time they don't believe you when you try to tell them!

Planning a Disney vacation is WAY more complex that most people realize. Most people are expecting sort of a Six Flags...but bigger, and with cute characters. Many, many first time visitors don't realize there is anything beyond MK. Or, if they know there is more, they have heard about this Epcot place, which is like a shopping mall of different countries.

There are a ton of people who really don't understand what they're getting in for, and Disney does a pretty miserable job of telling them. That's why site like the DIS are so valuable for those who go beyond the basic air, hotel, and rental car reservations.

[mrzrich]

No, they don't. Many, many people don't know. And most of the time they don't believe you when you try to tell them!

Planning a Disney vacation is WAY more complex that most people realize. Most people are expecting sort of a Six Flags...but bigger, and with cute characters. Many, many first time visitors don't realize there is anything beyond MK. Or, if they know there is more, they have heard about this Epcot place, which is like a shopping mall of different countries.

There are a ton of people who really don't understand what they're getting in for, and Disney does a pretty miserable job of telling them. That's why site like the DIS are so valuable for those who go beyond the basic air, hotel, and rental car reservations.

Another thing is people who HAVE been to WDW, but it was years ago. You really could "wing it" meal wise a few years ago. The meal plan has changed that.

So there are these people who think they know how to tour WDW who really don't

[mrzrich]

BTW she make have luck with lunch at CM. Its a limited time thing they are doing during free dining.

[jamaka66]

I made ADR's just last week for my Sept trip. At Ohana's it was either 4:20 or 8:20 left for dinner so I would say that if they are flexible with eating times they may be able to get in at some places. But like most everyone else has said the most popular place will be near impossible. I find it fun to help plan someone's vacation but just let them know that this is considered last minute at Disney.

[KeithC]

My wife and I are going around Labor Day for the free dining. This is our first time for the free dining. We are excited!!!! We made reservations for Cape May, Le Cellier and Wispering Canyon. We called back to try to change times but either they were booked up or the times available was around 9:30pm. We just kept what had already.

We travel to Disney every year. We have read that during the free dining dates that we may be asked to book a Disney trip for 2008 at a discounted rate. Has anyone been offered this before?

[helloirishkitty]

I couldn't get ADR's at Chef Mickey's, The Princess Breakfast, or Le Cellier for a party of two during free dining when I called at the beginning of May.

I was kind of upset, but it made me appreciate getting all of my December ADR's that much more! :goodvibes

[MsStinkerBelle]

For a party of 10, it's virtually impossible to get into 'Ohana unless they break up your party and that's only if they have room. I was on my cell phone this morning trying to modify a reservation I have for dinner at 'Ohana in late August. We have two family members who are locals that want to join us for dinner. I couldn't even change my party of 6 reservation to a party of 8 one because the restaurant was 'completely booked' according to the CM. So I just decided to put two kids into the Neverland Club that night to make room for the adult relatives. Plus, they'd prefer hanging out at the Neverland Club instead of listening to boring adults eat and talk. :thumbsup2

[RACHELSMOM1]

I was just speaking to a co-worker and he told me that himself, wife and 2 small children are going to WDW in Sept 3rd.... And have not made 1 ADR..... I stressed to him that he should get one the phone in the morning and hope that there are some ressies still available!!!! He said, they were gonna just go as they pleased and make them when they get there!!!:scared1:

Now I know, everyone is not a fanatic like myself... And if I never met "Disboards" I would I'm sure be in the dark as well..... But I am dying for this guy..... I told him how packed the restuarants are gonna be!!!!:sad2:

I am horrified by this guy!:scared: .....

Some people just don't listen :confused3 and it is too bad for this family. They will probably have a really frustrating trip and blame it all on Disney, and claim they spent all that money for nothing. :confused:

[Brygida]

I couldn't get ADR's at Chef Mickey's, The Princess Breakfast, or Le Cellier for a party of two during free dining when I called at the beginning of May.

I was kind of upset, but it made me appreciate getting all of my December ADR's that much more! :goodvibes

ADRs at Chef Mickey's are available NOW! If you are still interested, call back and ask for the character lunch they just started offerring.

Which princess breakfast were you looking for? reservations are still available at GF Cafe for dinner with Cinderella, et al. and for other meals too.

[Tink3Belle]

Oh my?????:idea: :sad1:

[momimouse27]

I have a friend who is going in Sept during free dining...keep in mind they haven't booked, yet. I have warned her that they need to book by the 24th in order to get the free dining. I am also wondering, how easy it will be for them to get ADR's at many popular places...such as Ohana's, Chef Mickey, and Storybook Princess Breakfast, for a party of 10!

Last night she asked me if I would help her plan their trip, which I don't mind, but I just want to have an idea what I'm getting into. Thanks!:thumbsup2

I'm not sure about a party of 10, but I just booked the two ADR's I was most concerned about getting, Chef Mickeys and Garden Grill, and I got both and got the times I wanted. We have a party of 8, and haven't booked the trip-will do it tommorrow because I am waiting on my $$deposit to go into my checking.

I am Mrs. plan-it as far as Disney is concerned, but unfortunately my dh is not. I have been begging since this came out to go ahead and book and he decides, like...yesterday(!) to let me do it. Fortunately, for the days we are going (9/9-9/15) we got availability on all the Moderates! Hope this will make your friend feel better. HOWEVER-please tell her not to wing it! The thought just makes me cringe!:sad1:

[Tanya90210]

If you can be flexible as far as restaurants you should be ok, I have been working w/ a party of 9 for 1/2 of our trip so it's not easy to find tables for a group that large... but it is workable...

We have family joining us and asked me the same as you... if I didn't mind to plan for them as well...

[Deb & Bill]

One word of advice - Marrakesh is not that bad. I had a very nice lunch there earlier this month and had the Shish-ka-bob. My son had the chicken-ka-bob and he thought it was pretty good. MY husband had the lamb and he loved it. Plus the entertainment was rather interesting.