4 days until our 180 and getting nervous

[dparksfan]

4 days until I can book and after reading everyone's experiences, I'm getting worried that I will have roadblocks. First, getting up in the 2 o'clock hour Pacific time (yuck) and then online not working, then having to wait until 4am to call, and then free dining and people checking in before us taking all of our ADR's. I'm already reading people are booking our entire week already. We are a party of 12, never booked a party that big before, so I'm worried that will count against us. Trying to figure out if I should book alternatives that morning if I can't get what I want (not what I want to do), or waiting and checking until I get my original choices. Worried that is a longshot with party of 12. Any suggestions?

 

[jezebel73]

Because of the free dining, I would recommend booking some alternatives. Things will continue to book up for that period and at least you will be ensured a place to eat! I can't imagine a walk up is possible with a party that size...

That being said, people make changes all the time. Online did not work for me at the 180 mark and I missed out on a couple of ADRs, but within the week, got one I missed and changed to a better time on another. You have six months to make changes, so keep checking online every day and you'll likely get some or all of what you originally wanted eventually. And if you don't, you might just find a new favorite

 

[dparksfan]

Thank you. I think you are right, I will book alternatives and then keep looking for my originals. I played around with the site today, and put in 12 ppl for a date the week before we are going, and it gave me options. I think that's what I will do.

 

[jmail048]

Quick question figured may get answer here instead of starting a new thread. I have heard different things but am I able to book BOG at 180+10? For dinner? Oh and any idea why chef Mickey breakfast never has anything when I look?

 

[jezebel73]

Quick question figured may get answer here instead of starting a new thread. I have heard different things but am I able to book BOG at 180+10? For dinner? Oh and any idea why chef Mickey breakfast never has anything when I look?

If you have a resort reservation, you can attempt to book anything at 180 days out for the length of your stay (up to 10 days). If not, you have to book each day at the 180 day mark. With the 180+ 10 window, it's best to try things like BOG and other tough ADRs for days later in your trip if you can. The chances are better.

Chef Mickey's breakfast does go faster than the dinner. But I just saw available times on 11/22 and later. Dinner times are available here and there on earlier dates, though not always the best time slots.

 

[Polish Hammer]

I just booked mine today at day 180. I would strongly suggest planning the tough ADRs like. Be Our a Guest on your last day or two, anything before that would be long gone by those booking in the days preceding you. I got on today at 6am and had no problems finding BOG for our last day, and all through the day I checked back and other slots were still there, but nothing in our first few days. So don't waste your time trying to book them early on as they're probably gone, and don't miss out on what may be available while you can get it.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

I am booked from November 28 - December 5, checking out the 5th. I got tickets through the 5th because our flight isn't until late and we can spend one more day at the park.
A couple of questions:
1. Do you think the bookings will be so hard to get since it is not free dining? (exception being BOG)
2. I booked Tuesday, the 2nd as our MVMCP which means the park will close early, but reading these boards I see our best chances are going to be the 4th and 5th, which are also MVMCP dates. Any advice?
(I really really want CRT) Not so much BOG; I was going to try for the lunch for BOG.
Any tips at all? I start booking next Sunday, and from what I've seen, my prospects look bleak
3. I am going to add the dining plan; since I bought 8 day tickets, will the 5th also open up for me?

Thanks so much in advance!.

 

[troll buster]

I could not book on line this morning at my 180 day mark and I still can't! I called and got everything I wanted.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I am booked from November 28 - December 5, checking out the 5th. I got tickets through the 5th because our flight isn't until late and we can spend one more day at the park.
A couple of questions:
1. Do you think the bookings will be so hard to get since it is not free dining? (exception being BOG)
2. I booked Tuesday, the 2nd as our MVMCP which means the park will close early, but reading these boards I see our best chances are going to be the 4th and 5th, which are also MVMCP dates. Any advice?The best chances for what? If it's for CRT you can book that any day, it doesn't have to be the party day.
(I really really want CRT) Not so much BOG; I was going to try for the lunch for BOG.
Any tips at all? I start booking next Sunday, and from what I've seen, my prospects look bleakThey aren't bleak at all, just have a plan including back ups and you will be fine.
3. I am going to add the dining plan; since I bought 8 day tickets, will the 5th also open up for me?Yes, you can book through check out day.

Thanks so much in advance!.

Good luck!

 

[jmail048]

Thank you for your help

 

[PonyChick79]

I am booked from November 28 - December 5, checking out the 5th. I got tickets through the 5th because our flight isn't until late and we can spend one more day at the park.
A couple of questions:
1. Do you think the bookings will be so hard to get since it is not free dining? (exception being BOG)
2. I booked Tuesday, the 2nd as our MVMCP which means the park will close early, but reading these boards I see our best chances are going to be the 4th and 5th, which are also MVMCP dates. Any advice?
(I really really want CRT) Not so much BOG; I was going to try for the lunch for BOG.
Any tips at all? I start booking next Sunday, and from what I've seen, my prospects look bleak
3. I am going to add the dining plan; since I bought 8 day tickets, will the 5th also open up for me?

Thanks so much in advance!.

We will be going the 28th-7th so we'll be there at the same time! It shouldn't be bad but definitely try to book CRT first and other hard to get ADRs next. I would recommend trying to book an ADR for CRT on the 4th or 5th even though it's the MVMCP according to the hours listed on Disney's website regular ADRs can be made until 6:35 on MVMCP nights though after that you must have a ticket for the party. Just an example of what it says for the last Thursday available right now.

Cinderella's Royal Table
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Breakfast
8:05 AM - 10:40 AM
Lunch
11:45 AM - 2:40 PM
Dinner
3:50 PM - 6:35 PM
Dinner
Special Ticketed Event
6:40 PM - 8:00 PM

Booked on the 5th (since it's your last day) might make it really memorable and magical. Just my two cents. After they'll just make you leave the park directly since you don't have a ticket for MVMCP.

Call if you can't get the website working. You'll be able to book all your days including the 5th next Sunday.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you will be getting to go as well! I have actually been many times, (in fact, my first trip was in 1972) but the dining plan (especially the free dining) has caught me unawares. In the past we were always able to dine where we wanted, but about 4 years ago we had a disastrous vacation when we unknowingly went during a free dining event and were unable to get into most of the restaurants we had previously dined in. When I went year before last, we made ADRs but I really don't like to because I just like to end up wherever, whenever, but now it's too hard to get in some places, so you have to have an itinerary. The days of just walking in are pretty much over, depending on when you go, I guess.
Next, I'll have to tackle the FP+ when it comes available. I wouldn't be so anxious if it was just me, but this time I'm taking my 4 year old granddaughter, and I want her to have a magical time!

edit to add: I was thinking of booking CRT early one morning in order to arrive early (Anna and Elsa meet and greet) Do you have any suggestions about that, or another restaurant?

 

[PonyChick79]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you will be getting to go as well! I have actually been many times, (in fact, my first trip was in 1972) but the dining plan (especially the free dining) has caught me unawares. In the past we were always able to dine where we wanted, but about 4 years ago we had a disastrous vacation when we unknowingly went during a free dining event and were unable to get into most of the restaurants we had previously dined in. When I went year before last, we made ADRs but I really don't like to because I just like to end up wherever, whenever, but now it's too hard to get in some places, so you have to have an itinerary. The days of just walking in are pretty much over, depending on when you go, I guess.
Next, I'll have to tackle the FP+ when it comes available. I wouldn't be so anxious if it was just me, but this time I'm taking my 4 year old granddaughter, and I want her to have a magical time!

edit to add: I was thinking of booking CRT early one morning in order to arrive early (Anna and Elsa meet and greet) Do you have any suggestions about that, or another restaurant?

I totally understand. It didn't used to be the way it is now. You could do walk ins. Crazy how things change!

I don't know about CRT and the new rope drop with A & E. But I do know it seems everyone recommends getting an ADR for CRT or CP to avoid the crowds for rope drop. I'm just not sure how it would work for you being at CRT since they've changed the rope drop. Sorry I can't help more on that one.

We did an early ADR for CP last fall and loved not having to deal with the crowds with our 3 yr old. But we finished dining around 9:15 which meant the park was already open when we got done. We still were able to hit tons of rides as walk ons. I don't know how the princess lines were. Our daughter wasn't into princesses last fall but is now. UGH a whole new trip this year with princess visits added in. Hahaha! I'm lucky she's not into Frozen...yet! She just won't watch it. I'm not complaining though I may be one of the very few who has a young daughter not interested. But she does see Olaf on the Disney Channel and loves him. Right now she's all about Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel, and Jasmine.

Hope you have a magical trip and your granddaughter too! Maybe we'll cross paths!

Good luck with your ADRs. Lots of pixie dust!

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Thank you and good luck to you, too! While she loves Elsa and Anna, Cinderella is still her #1. I asked her if she could dress as a princess who would she like and she said Cinderella!
Have a magical stay!

 

[Sleeping Becca]

My 180 plus 10 is Wednesday the same as OP. If I would have had any sense I would have booked my vacay for 4 days earlier so I could make sure to get the ADRs I wanted for the actual days of my trip. I feel like an idiot for not doing that. Now I am stressed out about getting BOG especially since others have already mentioned getting reservations for my dates. ugh. I may go ahead and change my reservations today so I can book now and get it over with.

 

[Leigha]

I just made our reservations last Friday night! I was worried too because I had to make them for our family of 4 plus my relatives family of 11. We also have two meals so that is 15!! I didn't have any trouble at all! My worst problem was Chef Mickey's supper for them. It only gave me 8:40 so I took it. I worried and worried about it because they have a couple of small kids but then I thought to switch it with their Crystal Palace night and it solved the problem! All the times worked out fine and I didn't even think of that solution until the afternoon! My sister thought you could log in at 11 pm but it wasn't working and I gave up at 11:05 pm. I got up and logged in at 4:55 CST and it was already ready to go 5 minutes before I thought I should have been able to! I was done with about 15 reservations by 5:17! Relief!!

 

[Mikie]

For some reason I had it in my head that I would be better off calling for my party of 12 than going online - I thought I might be able to explain that we'd be willing to break into 2 tables of 6 and do better. It doesn't work that way - they said the specific tables aren't assigned until you walk up that day and a 12 or 2 sixes doesn't change availability. I do find the web site slow and glitchy though, so I like calling, even though that put me a couple hours later to start.

I am going during a non FD time (oct), but I had been hoping and I'm sure many others were too, that it WOULD Be FD, so I think many people were booking ADRs. For a party my size, I was surprised to get everything I wanted (except BOG), on the park days I had chosen, at very traditional dining times. BOG would have been available for an 8pm dinner during our trip, but I thought it was too late for our youngest travelers so I opted to shoot for lunch there instead.

Now, 6 weeks later, I'd like to adjust a couple locations or times, but no longer find anything anywhere near 6pm dinners on any of our days ANY locations (except maybe a couple DHS restaurants I don't need). I just mean that as an encouragement that you may have good success even for a party of your size on your 180 day, and even flexibility later if you're not choosy about specific times.

Good luck!

 

[dparksfan]

Well, did everything I'm "supposed" to do and got everything I wanted! Yea!!! I even got the days/times I wanted, except for Thanksgiving, I got 45 min later than I wanted, but I will keep looking for that one. And if it doesn't come up, it's ok, it still works!

Here's my ADR's in the order I booked:

CRT Sun 11/30 4:15pm (wanted 4:30)(before MVMCP, had my choice of BOG at same time too)

CM Sun 11/30 9:30am (got time I wanted)

Sci-Fi Fri 11/28 11:20am (wanted 11:30am)

50's Prime Time Fri 11/28 5:40pm (wanted 6pm)

Akershus Wed 11/26 6:35pm (wanted 6pm)

WCC Thanksgiving 8:15pm (wanted 7:30pm)

Not bad! Was really worried re: party of 12, and was fine. Also, want to thank whoever said to put my CC# online beforehand. Went quick and smooth!!!

Now waiting for Candlelight Dining Packages to be released...

 

[Sleeping Becca]

For some reason I had it in my head that I would be better off calling for my party of 12 than going online - I thought I might be able to explain that we'd be willing to break into 2 tables of 6 and do better. It doesn't work that way - they said the specific tables aren't assigned until you walk up that day and a 12 or 2 sixes doesn't change availability. I do find the web site slow and glitchy though, so I like calling, even though that put me a couple hours later to start. I am going during a non FD time (oct), but I had been hoping and I'm sure many others were too, that it WOULD Be FD, so I think many people were booking ADRs. For a party my size, I was surprised to get everything I wanted (except BOG), on the park days I had chosen, at very traditional dining times. BOG would have been available for an 8pm dinner during our trip, but I thought it was too late for our youngest travelers so I opted to shoot for lunch there instead. Now, 6 weeks later, I'd like to adjust a couple locations or times, but no longer find anything anywhere near 6pm dinners on any of our days ANY locations (except maybe a couple DHS restaurants I don't need). I just mean that as an encouragement that you may have good success even for a party of your size on your 180 day, and even flexibility later if you're not choosy about specific times. Good luck!

If you are logged in to MDE it will not give you two reservations for the same time so you can not break up your party. You have to call in order to get 2 tables for the same meal.

The CM you spoke to on the phone does not know what they are talking about because you can absolutely have better luck with breaking up large groups into smaller parties.

On Monday after I checked online for the entire week for BOG four a party of 9 and had no results, I tried for a table of 5 and got 3 choices. I booked BOG online for 5 then I figured I would book Crystal Palace for the other 4. It would not let me make that reservation online because it said I already had a reservation for that time even though that reservation was only for 5 out of 9 people, which is weird because with MDE you select the people in your party who will be at the restaurant. So I called the Dining line to get the Crystal Palace reservation and she suggested trying to get a table of 4 at BOG for the same time and sure enough she was able to get it! So I was able to snag BOG parties of 4 and 5 for the exact same time when there was zero availabilty for a party of 9. She did say that when we got to the podium we could possibly be seated at one table.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Well, did everything I'm "supposed" to do and got everything I wanted! Yea!!! I even got the days/times I wanted, except for Thanksgiving, I got 45 min later than I wanted, but I will keep looking for that one. And if it doesn't come up, it's ok, it still works! Here's my ADR's in the order I booked: CRT Sun 11/30 4:15pm (wanted 4:30)(before MVMCP, had my choice of BOG at same time too) CM Sun 11/30 9:30am (got time I wanted) Sci-Fi Fri 11/28 11:20am (wanted 11:30am) 50's Prime Time Fri 11/28 5:40pm (wanted 6pm) Akershus Wed 11/26 6:35pm (wanted 6pm) WCC Thanksgiving 8:15pm (wanted 7:30pm) Not bad! Was really worried re: party of 12, and was fine. Also, want to thank whoever said to put my CC# online beforehand. Went quick and smooth!!! Now waiting for Candlelight Dining Packages to be released...

I went over to the darkside and added days to the front of my vacation so I could get my reservations. I will cancel at least one of my extra days next week I may keep one, since we will be in Orlando on that day but visiting Universal.

That said I was able to get everything I wanted for my party of 9.

11/24 Akershus 11:00am
11/25 Hollywood and Vine 8:00am
11/25 Sci Fi 1:20pm
11/26 Hoop de doo Cat 1 6:15pm
11/27 Thanksgiving Chef Mickey's 6:25
11/28 1900 Park Fair 6:00pm
11/29 Be Our Guest 7:15

Checking the availability today, I can not get anywhere close to what I was able to score on Monday. Maybe I would have had some luck at 5am my time but I am glad I did what I did. #noregrets Even with moving my dates I was still only able to get BOG for my last day. insane. What I do for my child.