180 Day Dining Reservations Unsuccessful at Epcot December 4 to 13, 2012 for L & D.

[RaySharpton]

180 Day Dining Reservations Unsuccessful at Epcot December 4 to 13, 2012 for L & D.

Today, I was trying to make 180 day dining reservations at Epcot for any days, and for any time, for lunch or dinner.

I was unsuccessful online and on the phone with the regular Dining Reservations phone number, and I was unsuccessful with Disney Vacation Club reservation phone number.

I was unable to make Epcot dining reservations on the park days that I planned for my vacation.

Then I tried any and all days; and all times for lunch or dinner at the following Epcot restaurants online and by phone without success.

I tried for days from December 4, 2012 through December 13, 2012.

Le Cellier Steakhouse
Lunch:11:30AM-2:30PM(does not include Characters)
Dinner:3:30PM-9:00PM(does not include Characters)

Rose & Crown Pub & Dining
Lunch:12:00PM-2:30PM(does not include Characters)
Dinner:3:30PM-8:30PM(does not include Characters)

The Garden Grill Restaurant
Dinner:3:00PM-8:00PM(Includes Characters- Chip and Dale, Mickey Mouse, Pluto)

Coral Reef Restaurant
Lunch:11:30AM-3:00PM(does not include Characters)
Dinner:3:30PM-9:30PM

Tutto Italia
Lunch:11:30AM-2:30PM(does not include Characters)
Dinner:3:30PM-9:30PM(does not include Characters)

All of the Disney Castmembers and their Leaders told me that it may take days or weeks before these restaurants to be loaded into the computer for reservations.

This is the first year that I can ever recall in over a decade of going in December and making Dining Reservations of not being able to make a reservation because they said that they were not available because they were not loaded in the computer system because of the Candlelight Processional or for other reasons by various Diney Castmembers.

Maybe there is a new group of Disney people in charge of loading dining reservations into the computer ?

I sure am glad that I am not buying the Dining Plan, and paying for not being able to make these dining reservations.

I guess that I will be using more counter service this year or trying other sit down restaurants.

It is always good to try new things.

If it does take several weeks or months to load all of these Epcot Restaurants, then there might be a lot of people calling when they do load them into the computer because no one was able to make previous 180 day reservations for weeks or even a month or more.

I am just curious...? How many people have already tried to make Epcot Dining Reservations in the first two weeks of December and was unsuccessful or successful?

What date, day was your 180th date that you called and tried to make reservations?

What Restaurants did you try to make and was unsuccessful?

What Restaurants did you make and was successful?

Sorry for the poll mistake and the word "yea" after the "no" unsuccessful dining reservation. I was unable to edit the poll. I was trying to "copy and paste" the poll questions. And I didn't have enough space to add Tutto Italia.

I did set the poll so that you can chose multiple answers for each restaurant. If you did or did not get any of the restaurants and if you made phone and or online reservations or attempts.

If you were able to get another restaurant, maybe you could post a reply of the restaurant, date made and date you plan to dine.

 

[KatieUPJ]

I was told the same thing by cast members, that it was because of the Candlelight Processional and they didn't know when the reservations would be available, and to keep checking back....annoying....

 

[RaySharpton]

If it is true, what some of the Disney Castmembers told me, that certain rstaurants might not be available until the Epcot Candlelight Processional packages will be available. Then it may not be until the "possible date" of July 24, 2012 based on "last year's date ot July 26, 2011" information.

I found some information about "last year's" Epcot Candlelight Processional packages at http://allears.net/tp/h_cpfaq.htm near the middle of the page.

"Last year", July 26, 2011, Disney started listing the Epcot Candlelight Processional packages with dining reservations.

So if I started today, June 7, 2012, to make my first 180th day Epcot restaurant dining reservation for December 4 2012, I
may have to wait until December 4, 2012.

I wonder how many people will be going online or calling to make their dining reservations when that happens?

For me that will be 50 more days if they start on July 24th, which I don't know if they will start then or not.

Each of those 50 days, another person might be trying to call at their 180th day or recall for their 180th day just to get that one restaurant or more that they really want for their vacation.

For me, it is Le Cellier Steakhouse; and Rose & Crown Pub &Dining; and The Garden Grill Restaurant and the Coral Reef Restaurant in that order.

I will still try and go online and call each day if I can remember.

 

[momto2inKC]

No one can make ADR's at those restaurants from Nov 23 on. According to cast members they are being held while details for CP are worked out. The exception to your poll would be Tutto Italia, it has been released for the dates I'm going.

 

[RaySharpton]

No one can make ADR's at those restaurants from Nov 23 on. According to cast members they are being held while details for CP are worked out. The exception to your poll would be Tutto Italia, it has been released for the dates I'm going.

That is the information that I was told, too, by most of the Disney Castmembers.

I put down Tutto Italia, because I only saw three days available during my vacation. I was just curious who got Tutto Italia ADR's.

Thank you everyone for your comments and poll.

 

[momto2inKC]

I'm quite anxious for them to release them already myself I need Le Cellier for a lunch, Coral Reef and Garden Grill for dinners.

 

[RaySharpton]

I'm quite anxious for them to release them already myself I need Le Cellier for a lunch, Coral Reef and Garden Grill for dinners.

Me, too. Last year, I wasn't able to get any walkup dining reservations at Le Cellier Steakhouse and that is why I really want to get at least one or two lunches.

I started making some ADR's outside Epcot online.

Well...while waiting for the Epcot Candlelight Processional Packages to come out...

Here is last year's lineup and when sales started for the "2011" Epcot Candlelight Processional Package below from http://allears.net/tp/h_cpfaq.htm :

Lunch and dinner packages, which include a meal, reserved seating at the show and pre-arranged fireworks viewing, will go on sale "July 26, 2011". (Packages not available on Sunday, December 4, at 5 p.m. -- Community Relations Showing.)

Last year for "2011"
November 25-27: Mira Sorvino ("Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion")
November 28-December 1: Michael W. Smith (Christian singer)
December 2-3: Geena Davis ("Thelma & Louise")
December 4-6: Edward James Olmos (6:45 p.m. & 8:15 p.m. shows only on December 4)
December 7-9: Isabella Rossellini ("Alias")
December 10-12: Neil Patrick Harris ("How I Met Your Mother")
December 13-15: Lorraine Bracco ("The Sopranos," "Goodfellas")
December 16-18: Chita Rivera (singer/dancer)
December 19-21: Trace Adkins (country singer)
December 22-24: Susan Lucci ("All My Children")
December 25-27: Blair Underwood ("The Event")
December 28-30: Marlee Matlin ("Celebrity Apprentice") (Jack Jason)

Last year and almost every year, I really enjoy Edward James Olmos from all of his movies and shows, but I really like his science fiction TV series, I think it was called Battleship Gallactica.

And I saw Neil Patrick Harris a couple of times. Once outside at the fence. I have never heard so many screeming women in my life. He was very good and very funny. It was really raining hard outside and a little delayed. He walked out and pulled out of his pocket a paper towel joking if anyone needed their seat wiped dry.

I wonder who will be here this year. I hope that some of my old favorites showup.

 

[RaySharpton]

The last time I called Disney Vacation Club this afternoon to check for Dining Reservations, I asked to speak to a Leader Cast Member about why this is the first year that I have not been able to make a Dining Reservation at Epcot's Le Cellier Steakhouse for Lunch nor Dinner during my vacation.

She said she was reading her memo that Walt Disney World was not going to book any of the four Epcot popular restaurants until the Epcot Candlelight Processional Package is organized with times and narrators.

She said maybe that Walt Disney World did not want regular dining reservations made before they decided what times should be made available for Lunch or Dinner for the Candlelight Processional Package.

Especially at Le Cellier Steakhouse and the others in case they might want to allow more times for the Candlelight Processional Package and less for regular dining reservations.

And that regular Epcot Dining Reservations might probably be made with the Epcot Candlelight Processional Packages are announced for sale.

I guess this is the first time that they are trying this.

I got the impression that maybe Le Cellier Steakhouse sold out of reservations so fast that they might add more Candlelight Processional Packages than the other restaurants. But, that is just conjecture on my part.

I wonder if the Cast Members really know the real truth behind all of this.

Last year sales for the Epcot Candlelight Processional Package started on July 26, 2011.

What ever day that they start the sales, I guess I should be on the phone to make a Candlelight Processional Le Cellier Steakhouse reservation and regular dining reserations for other days at any of the four Epcot restaurants.

And online computer at the same time to make regular dining reservations at any of the four dining reservations.

It would be interesting if anyone else could report the same thing that I have heard.

I have been on the phone five different times today and online alot.

Whatever happens, good luck and best wishes to everyone to get their favorite restaurant for their vacation for at least one day.

 

[RaySharpton]

Any new news or information?

 

[Phatoomch]

My 180 day window opened this morning.

I want to book the CP Package for Fri 7th Dec but the package is not available online yet. I am going to phone about this instead.

I was not able to book dinner at Rose & Crown Mon 9 Dec

However, I was able to book lunch at Biergarten for that day.

 

[osu2k1]

My window opens tonight/tomorrow morning. We are not trying any of "the big 4" at Epcot. But I do want to do the CP package. I just don't know where we want to go. With 2 small boys, I am not sure I want to plan for Le Cellier or if we just keep it simpler. But it looks like I'll book for what I can, and then worry about the rest in a few weeks.

 

[Phatoomch]

My window opens tonight/tomorrow morning. We are not trying any of "the big 4" at Epcot. But I do want to do the CP package. I just don't know where we want to go. With 2 small boys, I am not sure I want to plan for Le Cellier or if we just keep it simpler. But it looks like I'll book for what I can, and then worry about the rest in a few weeks.

The CP package opens for booking on 26th June (just got off the phone with Disney Dining). I am hoping to book Via Napoli in Italy - that might be a good option for you as they do pasta & pizza so something for adults & kids

 

[MeRSiamese]

Our 180-day window also opened this morning (got up to be online at 3am our time gah! LOL)
and I was not able to book either Garden Grill or Coral Reef...
But oddly enough, DID get reservations in for the Biergarten (evening of the 7th), Bistro De Paris (evening of the 11th), and one for the Princess breakfast in Norway (on the 10th)!?
You would think this reservation coordination with the CP would be worked out prior to the 180-days... :-(

Also am not able to make any Hoop-Dee-Doo reservations either and just found out they may be renovating during the holidays??!! /CRY!!! :-(
This has ALWAYS been a "must do" for our trips down... What oh WHAT will we do instead?

 

[Masonmj84]

Our 180-day window also opened this morning (got up to be online at 3am our time gah! LOL)
and I was not able to book either Garden Grill or Coral Reef...
But oddly enough, DID get reservations in for the Biergarten (evening of the 7th), Bistro De Paris (evening of the 11th), and one for the Princess breakfast in Norway (on the 10th)!?
You would think this reservation coordination with the CP would be worked out prior to the 180-days... :-(

Also am not able to make any Hoop-Dee-Doo reservations either and just found out they may be renovating during the holidays??!! /CRY!!! :-(
This has ALWAYS been a "must do" for our trips down... What oh WHAT will we do instead?

The latest on the Hoop-Dee-Doo is that the refurb is being postponed until after 2012 and that they might start taking Oct.-Dec. reservations for it beginning tomorrow, June 12.

As far as CP dinner packages go, it has been confirmed that these will be released on June 26. The CM I spoke to today on the phone indicated that the 4 restaurants with tables being held (Coral Reef, Le Cellier, Garden Grill, and Rose & Crown) will open for general booking for Nov. 23 and beyond, at the latest, on that same date.

 

[KMcCP]

Hi! I'm fairly new to all this... but,

We were able to get the Princess Lunch at Norway for Tuesday 12/4 at noontime.

Also we booked Teppan Edo for Friday night at 5. We had initally hoped for Coral Reef, but like everyone else it seems, we were blocked out too - this way we'll at least have something booked for that night. My travel agent told me the same thing, that many restaurants are blocked out for now due to the Candlelight Processional. I'm still looking online myself everyday, hoping that something may come up since we've never been there before.

Good luck to all!

 

[ses1230]

Today I booked Biergaten lunch on Dec. 10 and Via Napoli lunch on Dec. 13. Hoping for Candlelight Processional on the 13th when the reservations are released.

 

[MeRSiamese]

Just found out it was actually a change of showtimes instead of renovations!
Supposedly they have been changed to:
4:00pm
6:15pm
8:30pm

I hope they open tomorrow, I'll have to be online first thing to get our spot for December 10th!! Woohoo!!

 

[Phatoomch]

Today I booked Biergaten lunch on Dec. 10 and Via Napoli lunch on Dec. 13. Hoping for Candlelight Processional on the 13th when the reservations are released.

Ha! Us too .... see you there

 

[RaySharpton]

Good afternoon everyone.

Thanks for posting over the weekend.

I see that y'all posted that the CP packages may come out a month earlier this year on June 26th. Well that is better than July, I guess.

CP is getting expensive. I don't mind waiting in the standby line or watching from the outside fence, but I would just like one sitdown meal at one of these restaurants.

I work weekend nights and it was very busy this weekend for me.

I was up from 5pm Sunday until 1130am Monday for a very long night/day for me and I am just now recovering from all that.

I am getting to old for this.

But, I thank my lucky stars that I have a job.

I just got offline trying to make reservations for Le Cellier for lunch and dinner for every single day of vacation.

I also tried by phone which is very trying to check for availability, but I was persistent and had them check every single day for me.

I do like the online reservation better.

What does everyone think the reason is for not allowing regular dining reservations around the CP schedule?

I just posted the following on Facebook if you want to see it and comment.

[QUOTE
What does everyone think about Walt Disney World Dining holding back "all" 180 day advance regular dining Lunch/Dinner reservations since November 23th until CP Package release for at least four of the the Epcot {Le Cellier Steakhouse, Rose and Crown, Coral Reef, and Garden Grill} Restaurants. Did Disney management drop the ball? I see a lot of folks on unofficial Disney forums discussing th...eir disappointment in Disney management. There seems to be no explanation, nor consistent answers from Disney Cast Members. I suppose there might be a lot folks calling on the same day that the CP package sales come out. All those that have been calling on their paid resort reservation 180 date since November 23th until the CP package comes out. I just don't understand Disney management sometimes.][/QUOTE]

You may not be able to find it since Facebook posts are so fast moving. It may be many, many pages in the back if you are reading this now.

Don't for get to answer the poll on the thread.

You can chose multiple answers for the restaurants and online/phone choices.

I was just hoping for one lunch at Le Cellier, since I couldn't get a walkup last year.

 

[RaySharpton]

I am just curious.

What do you think about all of this?

What do you think that Disney Management is planning?

Do you think that Disney Management just doesn't know what they did?

Do you think that Disney Management planned this to allow more Candlelight Processional Package times to be expanded if they need to in case regular 180 day reservations take to many time slots?

But couldn't Disney Management just block out more time slots for the popular Epcot CL package restaurants instead of closing out all time slots.

Has Disney Management made this kind of mistake before?

Shouldn't Disney Management plan ahead and see how this might affect Guests?

Shouldn't Disney Management train Disney Cast Members for consistent answers to avoid this type of situation?

I can't believe that Disney doesn't care about this.

What do you think?