Booked last minute trip help~

[DaisyD]

Hi, I just booked the Poly for Dec 3rd-7th. I have never booked so last minute and have no idea or time to find out things going on. I did see the Christmas party is on then so I booked that. Is this free dining or a crowded time? I dread if its free dining as I see I won't be getting into any of the popular restaurants that I may like. What are the chances for walk ups if needed? Anything else I need to know? Thanks!

[Sue M]

Sorry, I have no idea of what promos were offered for this time frame but you can look on the wdw web site or Mousesavers.com to find out.
I would book any restaurants in advance if there is any room left. And not count on getting in by walking up.
I don't think it will be a terribly crowded time, cause most kids are in school, but I'd still book any dining in advance.

[pixiemeg]

Originally Posted by DaisyD

Hi, I just booked the Poly for Dec 3rd-7th. I have never booked so last minute and have no idea or time to find out things going on. I did see the Christmas party is on then so I booked that. Is this free dining or a crowded time? I dread if its free dining as I see I won't be getting into any of the popular restaurants that I may like. What are the chances for walk ups if needed? Anything else I need to know? Thanks!

I don't think you are running into free dining you are there for Pop Warner tournament and taping of the Christmas day parade. Biggest factors will probably be the official opening of new fantasy land and re-open of new test track both on 12/6. No worries just use rope drop and fast passes. Pick your restaurants and make as many ADRs as you can and keep checking daily for openings. A couple of weeks ago, I booked a last minutes trip for 1-2 to 1/7/13 and have gotten all of my ADRs but one and I will keep trying for that last one even when we are there.

Good Luck!

[MikeRx]

I’d suggest going to www.easywdw.com for more information regarding your actual days and strategies. While crowds are lower this week you still need a plan and get as many ADRs as you can (as others have suggested). I hope you booked with a discount as there is a general public discount available through Disney.

If you can’t get your favorites be adventurous and try something new! Heck you booked late which was against your norm, so why not try a restaurant that isn’t on your regular list? www.touringplans.com and allears.net have great menu reviews in addition to Josh’s reviews on easyWDW.

Good luck and have a great time. We will be there just after you leave!


Mike DW DS (4) DMIL

First visit 1976, WDW 2/2010 BC CL, Disneyland GC 12/2010, WDW 4/2012 POLY TPV, WDW 7/2012 (off site meeting), WDW 12/12 POP and 4/2013 POLY with Disney Dream cruise!


and

[DaisyD]

Thanks all! The only discount I got was a AAA rate which is better then nothing. I didn't go for dining plan as I hate encouraging it and I don't think I'd use it all anyway with the lack of last minute restaurants. I will try to walk up to Ohana. Even during free dining they were taking walk ups so I have hope. We are only there 4 nights so it won't be too bad. Wow this is shortest trip to WDW that I've ever been on. Its a last minute anniversary trip and can't wait.

[mickeynut1]

Originally Posted by DaisyD

Thanks all! The only discount I got was a AAA rate which is better then nothing. I didn't go for dining plan as I hate encouraging it and I don't think I'd use it all anyway with the lack of last minute restaurants. I will try to walk up to Ohana. Even during free dining they were taking walk ups so I have hope. We are only there 4 nights so it won't be too bad. Wow this is shortest trip to WDW that I've ever been on. Its a last minute anniversary trip and can't wait.

I agree about the discount....anything is better than nothing . For ADRs, I would keep checking for Ohana (and any other restaurant you want) right up until the time you leave, as well as while you are there. People cancel all the time and you never know when something might become available (especially with alot of places requiring a cc guarantee with cancellations having to be done at least 24 hours prior). For things to do, we always love touring the resorts, especially at Christmas time . Have a great trip.

[minnie mum]

Originally Posted by DaisyD

Thanks all! The only discount I got was a AAA rate which is better then nothing. I didn't go for dining plan as I hate encouraging it and I don't think I'd use it all anyway with the lack of last minute restaurants. I will try to walk up to Ohana. Even during free dining they were taking walk ups so I have hope. We are only there 4 nights so it won't be too bad. Wow this is shortest trip to WDW that I've ever been on. Its a last minute anniversary trip and can't wait.

Being on the dining plan is irrelevant as far as making ADRs goes. If you want to eat at a particular restaurant, you really should be making an ADR and not hoping to get a walk up. Especially at Ohana. That place will frequently turn away walkups unless you are standing in line at 4:30. You still have time to make ADRs, and hopefully will get into Ohana with a cancellation. OTOH, if you are happy with the idea of not getting into a restaurant, and just doing CS on some nights, then you can try to just wing it.

[DaisyD]

Originally Posted by minnie mum

Being on the dining plan is irrelevant as far as making ADRs goes. If you want to eat at a particular restaurant, you really should be making an ADR and not hoping to get a walk up. Especially at Ohana. That place will frequently turn away walkups unless you are standing in line at 4:30. You still have time to make ADRs, and hopefully will get into Ohana with a cancellation. OTOH, if you are happy with the idea of not getting into a restaurant, and just doing CS on some nights, then you can try to just wing it.

The dining plan is relevant in terms of high bookings. I have gotten the dining plan once during free dining and it was impossible getting the restaurants I wanted and felt guilty that I didn't use all the credits. I won't be using that again if this was indeed a free dining time. Actually I didn't get it at all as I'm not a fan of it. I have every intention of trying to get my ADRS but will still have the option of walk up if needed. Ohana is booked all hours for entire trip so far. I don't see myself getting an ADR for it but will get one on walk up. Chances are better for walk up at this point then for an actual ADR there. I have signatures for rest of nights but really want Ohana once. There will be no CS for dinner in my future.

[nefritz]

Originally Posted by DaisyD

Hi, I just booked the Poly for Dec 3rd-7th. I have never booked so last minute and have no idea or time to find out things going on. I did see the Christmas party is on then so I booked that. Is this free dining or a crowded time? I dread if its free dining as I see I won't be getting into any of the popular restaurants that I may like. What are the chances for walk ups if needed? Anything else I need to know? Thanks!

I'm not sure by the replies if this is your question or not, but if so, this time was a free dining period, people booked in the fall. You should be able to pick up some good Adr's still if wanted. I've also been watching the December stickie for cancelations and there are some good ones coming up everyday for those dates!

[sammielynn]

Try for an ADR at the Grand Floridian Cafe, we love that place and it generally has plenty of spots.