Chit Chat Thread - November ADRs...

[go oilers go]

Thanks to the DIS boards and Icasa, I was able to get the BOG reservation that I needed. Love the DIS

 

[midnightlouise]

Hey guys, how is everyone doing? I finally got my BOG reservations sorted as of this afternoon (thank you, scout!), now just looking to rearrange a couple of easy(ish) ones and I should be set. Famous last words, right? Especially since I haven't booked Fast Passes yet lol.

 

[toweristops]

I have gotten I think 4 texts in the last few weeks for openings at Ohana for that week but my phone has always been on vibrate so I saw the text too late. I hate to tell you but I think using a scout or buddy might be your only way of getting one unless you can search 24/7 on your own. So many people are using those sites and I've missed my Ohana texts only by a few minutes a couple of times and it's gone already.

Thanks for the input. It looks like I will need to take the plunge for scout or buddy.

 

[ldauksch]

Thanks for the input. It looks like I will need to take the plunge for scout or buddy.

I recommend scout over buddy only because it's cheaper. I've had a lot of luck with scout as well. Good luck, I hope you get your Ohana ADR!

 

[froggy_0930]

who do you think has a better turnaround time for getting the ADR that you need? Scout or Buddy? We are hoping to get one for Be Our Guest in November. I know someone who used buddy and got what she wanted. Are they pretty much one in the same and scout is just cheaper?

 

[Rinda]

who do you think has a better turnaround time for getting the ADR that you need? Scout or Buddy? We are hoping to get one for Be Our Guest in November. I know someone who used buddy and got what she wanted. Are they pretty much one in the same and scout is just cheaper?

I've used both (paid for Buddy before realizing Scout was so much cheaper) and been able to book ADRs with both.

 

[ldauksch]

who do you think has a better turnaround time for getting the ADR that you need? Scout or Buddy? We are hoping to get one for Be Our Guest in November. I know someone who used buddy and got what she wanted. Are they pretty much one in the same and scout is just cheaper?

I know someone before has said that one was better than another but I really don't think that is true. They all do the same thing search for ADRs every so often. I guess if one searches more often it could be considered better but even still if Buddy is searching every 10 and Scout is searching every 15 that doesn't necessarily mean that Scout won't catch something that Buddy didn't because something could have become available in the five minutes between Buddy's last search and Scout's upcoming search that is there when Scout searches but is gone before Buddy's next search (hopefully that makes sense.) I did the same thing as Rinda signed up for Buddy and then found Scout. I've been really happy with Scout, I only had Buddy searching for BOG and they did notify me back in July when they released a bunch more tables. However, if you decide to go with Scout don't sign up for the free searches because they will not text/email when there actually is an opening they only email at the end of the day with all the openings they found as a way to try and get you to sign up for a paid subscription.

 

[Disneyliscious]

I haven't buckled yet but Im tempted to try Scout for a particular ADR. I am personally fond of DDA as its more personalized service and you aren't competing with thousands of others who are getting texts about the same slot as you. The problem with them is finding a date they have listed that will fit your plans and that hasn't happened for me yet. Really want one of the Minnies Holiday Dines they have but none of them fit my dates. I use to hate these services and feel dirty even considering them now.

 

[Dustifer]

I use to hate these services and feel dirty even considering them now.

I agree! I'm still searching for one coveted reservation and almost feel like those services are my only option. The openings that do come up are taken right away because there are so many signed up for notifications. I'm torn between using (and therefore supporting) those sites or standing my ground and potentially not getting that coveted reservation. Still crossing my fingers and hoping for some pixie dust (or a friendly DIS-er on the cancellation board )! Who knew dining reservations could ever be so complicated or competitive?

P.S. From a business perspective, I totally give the sites props. They found a niche market and there's obviously demand as people want their vacations as magical as possible. Plus the profit margin must be amazing! I just don't agree with it in principle.

 

[Tfgreig]

Need your opinions re: breakfast planning...
I have reserved Cape May and 1900 park fare for my family on two different MK days. My mother and sister have room for us to join them at BOG both mornings. My kids are almost 7 and 9 and seem indifferent about the character meals. So, out of the 3 above where would you choose to dine? Choosing is the hardest part bc I want to do and see everything!! TIA.

 

[ErinsMommy]

Need your opinions re: breakfast planning...
I have reserved Cape May and 1900 park fare for my family on two different MK days. My mother and sister have room for us to join them at BOG both mornings. My kids are almost 7 and 9 and seem indifferent about the character meals. So, out of the 3 above where would you choose to dine? Choosing is the hardest part bc I want to do and see everything!! TIA.

Is BOG a pre-park opening reservation? If so, I would personally go with that just to be there already. If its not a pre-park opening ressie, I LOVE 1900 Park Fare, even if you skip the characters. Unless your staying in the Epcot area, Cape May is more of a pain to get to.

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

Need your opinions re: breakfast planning...
I have reserved Cape May and 1900 park fare for my family on two different MK days. My mother and sister have room for us to join them at BOG both mornings. My kids are almost 7 and 9 and seem indifferent about the character meals. So, out of the 3 above where would you choose to dine? Choosing is the hardest part bc I want to do and see everything!! TIA.

Have you seen the BOG menu, looks pretty underwhelming to me. Unless your plan is to get to mine train or a&e I'd go with the other 2. Make sure you get to see the MK opening at least once though if your far away for breakfast you my miss it. I've not done Cape May or 1900 so I can't speak to those meals in particular but I will say we went last year and did 2 big breakfasts (H&V and Tusker). I wouldn't do any more than that again. I got sick of breakfast buffets and the food is overall just standard. I'd pick 1900 because it's closer to MK.

 

[froggy_0930]

I know someone before has said that one was better than another but I really don't think that is true. They all do the same thing search for ADRs every so often. I guess if one searches more often it could be considered better but even still if Buddy is searching every 10 and Scout is searching every 15 that doesn't necessarily mean that Scout won't catch something that Buddy didn't because something could have become available in the five minutes between Buddy's last search and Scout's upcoming search that is there when Scout searches but is gone before Buddy's next search (hopefully that makes sense.) I did the same thing as Rinda signed up for Buddy and then found Scout. I've been really happy with Scout, I only had Buddy searching for BOG and they did notify me back in July when they released a bunch more tables. However, if you decide to go with Scout don't sign up for the free searches because they will not text/email when there actually is an opening they only email at the end of the day with all the openings they found as a way to try and get you to sign up for a paid subscription.

thanks for the input. this is really helpful for me. and good to know about the free searched on Scout not notifying b/c that was the way i was headed.

 

[froggy_0930]

Other than Cape May and Chef Mickey's what are some other outstanding places to go for a breakfast buffet. Looking to have at least one in November.

 

[tomatecerise]

I just snag a Ohana ressie at 8pm!

 

[DisMom829]

Other than Cape May and Chef Mickey's what are some other outstanding places to go for a breakfast buffet. Looking to have at least one in November.

We love to eat at Boma for breakfast, there aren't any characters. But you can stroll outside and catch a glimpse of animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Our second favorite is Ohana's.

 

[ldauksch]

thanks for the input. this is really helpful for me. and good to know about the free searched on Scout not notifying b/c that was the way i was headed.

I just wanted to let you know because I know several people have signed up for the free searches and then wondered why they weren't getting alerts. It must not be very clear on the website.

 

[froggy_0930]

We love to eat at Boma for breakfast, there aren't any characters. But you can stroll outside and catch a glimpse of animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Our second favorite is Ohana's.[/

Thanks. No characters isn't a bad thing . Have to check those two places out. Would love to visit the Poly

 

[loveshak22]

Other than Cape May and Chef Mickey's what are some other outstanding places to go for a breakfast buffet. Looking to have at least one in November.

I think it depends on where you are going to be and what is convenient to where you are. I really like Crystal Palace for breakfast (Winnie the Pooh characters). I think someone else mentioned Boma. It has a lot of variety but isn't really close to much, so if it fits into your schedule then it has a lot of good variety and AKL is beautiful. Plus, if you have time before or after breakfast you can sit and watch some giraffes and other animals out on the "savannah."

I've not tried 1900 Park Fare (I think at breakfast the characters are Alice and Mad Hatter?) but I have an ADR for breakfast there in November...it's gotten pretty good reviews, at least for the character interaction. I imagine most breakfast buffets offer mostly the same food so it depends on if there's certain characters that are more appealing to you or a location that's most convenient. Boma probably has the most variety from my limited experiences with breakfast buffets!

 

[loveshak22]

I haven't buckled yet but Im tempted to try Scout for a particular ADR. I am personally fond of DDA as its more personalized service and you aren't competing with thousands of others who are getting texts about the same slot as you. The problem with them is finding a date they have listed that will fit your plans and that hasn't happened for me yet. Really want one of the Minnies Holiday Dines they have but none of them fit my dates. I use to hate these services and feel dirty even considering them now.

I agree! I'm still searching for one coveted reservation and almost feel like those services are my only option. The openings that do come up are taken right away because there are so many signed up for notifications. I'm torn between using (and therefore supporting) those sites or standing my ground and potentially not getting that coveted reservation. Still crossing my fingers and hoping for some pixie dust (or a friendly DIS-er on the cancellation board )! Who knew dining reservations could ever be so complicated or competitive?

P.S. From a business perspective, I totally give the sites props. They found a niche market and there's obviously demand as people want their vacations as magical as possible. Plus the profit margin must be amazing! I just don't agree with it in principle.

I buckled

I agree with @Dustifer that I really hate these sites, as I think it encourages hoarding and shouldn't be needed to plan a friggin' vacation. I am also usually the one saying, "just keep looking, you'll find something." But lately I've searched 10 times a day for 4 different restaurants (and not even super popular ones) over like 10 days and zero comes up. So I broke down and paid $3.99 and set up the 4 searches. I got sucked in and, honestly, part of my feels guilty and wants to go cancel my searches, but for $3.99 it has saved me a lot of time and gotten me at least on of my reservations.