180 vs 180+10?

[Fantasmic303]

Question:

If the policy to book ADRs is 180 days plus ten, is it possible to get those tough ADRs if you're checking in closer to the date?

For example, we really wanted to eat at Le Cellier on NYE this year. We're getting to WDW on 12/27, and when I called at our 180+10, it was already completely booked up. I called again today, at the 180 mark, with the hope that they reserved some spaces for off-site guests or people, like me, who are checking in later than 12/21 (the first date of 180+10 to book 12/31).

I'm disappointed right now because it's totally sold out (and I got through IMMEDIATELY at 7:00 am and asked for anything that night), but I'm also just curious about other people's experience during busy times. We usually prefer lunch menus and this isn't an issue, but now I understand why ADRs stress people out so much.

How can you stand a chance during busy times if you're making short trips or arriving "late"?

 

[CharacterFan]

I check in on 12/28 and had no problem getting all the ADRs that I wanted. I'm going to be at DHS for nye though, so they may have been easier, but we're going to be eating at Princess Storybook on the 29th.

But yes, they do hold a certain number for the 180 day mark. I wanted CRT last year and they were sold out on my 180+10 mark, but I was able to get a seat at the 180 mark.

There are always cancelations so keep calling back and watch for the December trade thread.

 

[Fantasmic303]

Well, they were able to give me reservations at other Epcot restaurants, so I imagine it's just a problem with the "E-ticket" places like Le Cellier. I did post on the December thread and intend to keep calling back, hoping that people made "just in case" reservations that they cancel at some point.

I'm glad to hear that they DO hold some spots though...I guess I was just unlucky this morning!

 

[mickeysgirl17]

Yes, basically people now know about the 180 day plus 10 rule and they are using it wisely.

If you call 180 days from check in, you can make all your ADR's that day for the rest of your trip (or up to 10 days). Since this is possible, people are doing it for Le Cellier, CRT, Chef Mickeys, and the ones that are hard to get.

Therefore, some people calling 180 days out from the actual date that they want to dine are not getting anything they want because they didn't make the ADR's 180 days from their check in date.

 

[Fantasmic303]

Yes, I understand that - unfortunately, however, even at 180+10 it's difficult if a holiday falls within your vacation and you're checking in close to the holiday. In my case, we're checking in on the 27th, so anyone who is there during the really busy Christmas week (checking in for Christmas) had a jump on me for New Year's...on the bright side (I guess?) I also had a head start on people checking in LATER than me or staying offsite. Which is probably why I was able to get the ADRs that I did!

Like I said, I'm just happy we usually go for lunch reservations, which I can usually get within a week of our trip!