Why was it so easy to get reservations for Cinderella's breakfast in the Castle???

[Disney1fan2002]

I know this used to be so very hard to get. You would need to wake up early, start dialing at 6:58am, and hope you got through before 5 past 7 or it would be booked solid.

The other day, I called at 9AM, and granted, it was 180 days out, but the morning we wanted was wide open.

Is it because they changed it from 90 days to 180 days? or is it because they have added lunch and dinner?

Just curious.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Who knows....maybe it was your lucky day, maybe you are going at a time when it is not as busy, or maybe because they now have more princess options people are going to other princess meals. But, hey, I am so happy for you...I remember the days of getting up and starting the calling at 6:58am and talking so fast just to get the booking before they were all gone.

 

[DVCajun]

I know this used to be so very hard to get. You would need to wake up early, start dialing at 6:58am, and hope you got through before 5 past 7 or it would be booked solid.

The other day, I called at 9AM, and granted, it was 180 days out, but the morning we wanted was wide open.

Is it because they changed it from 90 days to 180 days? or is it because they have added lunch and dinner?

Just curious.

I think you just got lucky! Congrats!

 

[Checkers]

We had the same experience. We are going in April and my daughter called well after the 180 day and was shocked she had her choice of times for breakfast on a Sat.! But I do think we are just lucky as most people do have a harder time. But, hey, congratulations!

 

[fivefordisney]

I had the same experience...I imagine that the Norway princess breakfast and the big increase in price have something to do with it. Have fun!

 

[ElizabethB]

I think many people don't consider CRT is worth the high price or 2TS. It's all supply and demand and basic economics!

 

[NCDisneyMom]

I think many people don't consider CRT is worth the high price or 2TS. It's all supply and demand and basic economics!

I think it is a combination of everything, but I think the biggest factor is the high price (or 2TS credits if on the DDP). I think a lot of people would rather spend less money on a character meal, and are instead booking the Princess meal in Norway, or the Cinderella dinner at 1900 Park Fare. That, and the fact that both Norway and the Castle now have multiple princess meals, it really helps spread the people out.

 

[lauritagoddess]

I was very happily surprised too when I was able to get the ADR yesterday for CRT. The first day I asked for I was told there were no times available, but got for the second day I asked about. I think it probably does have to do with the increase in price and it being 2 TS on the dining plan. Although being on the dining plan is the only reason I really considered doing CRT, if I had to pay for it, I probably would haven't have tried for the ADR even though I've always wanted to eat in the castle.

 

[PAdisMOM]

I had the same experience. I called about 5 days past my 180 day mark and was surprised to get CRT with my choiceof times. I changed my itinerary about a week later and was bummed because I would have to lose CRT. I tried to change it and again- No problem!!! I was shocked. Maybe I was lucky, but I do think this may be easier to get than it used to be.

 

[Tam1067]

I had the same experience--called about 170 days out, had my choice of times on the first day I asked about, so I'm assuming I could have had other days, too. I think a big part of it is that you also have to prepay if you're not using the DDP credits. My card has already been charged, and we're not eating there until July 10! I think that could deter a lot of folks.

 

[ksoehrlein]

I agree with the PPs that the high cost and/or fact that it's 2TS rather than 1 has a great deal to do with it. I called on a lark, in the afternoon about 110 days out, and was surprised to have my choice of times -- during Spring Break, no less!

At any case, after I found out it was available, I ended up declining. They had an 8:10 available at Crystal Palace (MK opens at 9 that morning), and I just couldn't refuse. I love getting into the parks before they open! Plus I'll admit, the cost of Cindy's made me think twice. We've eaten breakfast there on 3 prior trips (and I felt like I'd won the lottery each time I managed to get a PS/ADR), but I've told my DD we probably won't do it again now that it's so cost-prohibitive. We've got some nice memories and photos, though!

 

[The Sweetness]

I agree with the others. I also think that CRT is a *one time* must-do kind of thing. Once you do it, the other princess meals are perfectly adequate

In addition, I am not about to cough up that kind of dinero for breakfast foods When dd2 is a little older, if she is a big princess fan, I will *probably*do a CRT lunch or dinner.

Congrats on getting the ADR you wanted

 

[mama2ella]

I agree with the PP--I called and expected to be told no way but I got in for the day and time I wanted

 

[jcemom]

Add me to the list of those who feel the 2TS credits have made it less popular. I'm sure it still fills up, but not at 7:00 am on the dot of the first reservation day.

Really, at 31.99 per adult for breakfast, it's only a few dollars more than character dinners, yet it's two credits vs one. Most 'menu' dinners will have a much higher value for only one credit.

 

[latexscooter]

I booked my CRT breakfast about 160 days out and was shocked to find that I had my pick of days and times for my week. I asked the operator about it and she said there had been a noticeable decline on her end since moving to 180 days out. She thought it might be just too far out for people to get their arms around what they are doing when. I also think cost (whether on the dining plan or not) is certainly a factor.

I'm now about 75 days out and decided to monkey with my ADRs. I called reservations yesterday and asked about possible open times for breakfast during my week and there were reservations open every single day of my week. I was shocked.

 

[SharonLowe]

Expensive, not very good food, and better options in Norway. We did lunch with Cindy but won't do it again. My DD isn't a princess fan so she's very happy not to ever go again. On the other hand, she loves the one in Norway and it is a good way to get into the park early.

 

[donald&daisy]

I had the same thing happen to me yesterday. I called to make ADRs for our July 15-20 trip and had no problem getting into CRT for breakfast. We ate there the first time over X-mas and I remember being so elated to get a coveted spot for breakfast. This time I had my pick of times so it wasn't as exciting. I know it is expensive, but I really enjoyed it last time. Contrary to what others think, my dbf and I really love the food. Plus since there were only two of us we got to sit by the windows last time. It was magical for us enough so that I decided to pay OOP for it this time. I am hoping for different princesses this time, but I will be happy no matter what.

 

[FlashScout]

I agree that the cost and increased princess opportunities helped. I called at 150 days out for June after I panicked the night before while reading about the 7 AM ordeal. No problems and a choice of times available.

Here's how I'm working the DDP for this. It's worth 2 TS for the kids, costwise, but not as good a value for adults. We will pay OOP for the 2 adults, saving those 2 TS for a date night at AP while the kids are entertained at WL.

Skip CRT for my "medium-sized Sleeping Beauty Princess" DD?? Perish the thought!!

 

[beattyfamily]

IMHO,

Price increase and 2 TS credits
Pre-paid for those paying OOP
Now has princesses breakfast and lunch (and Norway has princesses for breakfast, lunch, and dinner too)
Change from 90 to 180 days.

For most folks its now just not worth it or only worth experiencing it ONCE. Those folks who used to go every trip, probably don't feel the need to do that anymore.

 

[WeLuvDaMouse]

I have always heard it is hard to get reservations.....but this post makes me hopeful to get breakfast with Cindy booked for our Dec 07 trip.