ADR for week before Christmas

[pmanko]

I am a newbie, this is our first family trip to WDW since I was a teen (many moons ago) and am now wondering if I have waited too long to make my ADR for our December trip (Dec 13 to 19).
We will probably do one or two character meals and maybe one or two other meals out. Most of our meals will be eaten in the AKL villa - since that was one of the main reasons I got a one bedroom villa was for the full kitchen.

 

[griergirl2]

You are late on getting them, but there still is some availabilty that week if you are flexible. I just booked our trip last week for that week (Dec. 14-18) and was able to actually get a character meal for every day that week If I were you I would start checking the on-line system or call WDW Dining and get your reservations now

 

[DaveInTN]

As stated by griergirl2, flexibility will be important. If you have a flexible schedule and aren't too tied into certain choices you should find openings. Just do it prior to the 27th when they move back to a 180 day advance reservation system. That won't affect your trip, but the dining system will be MUCH busier then.

 

[ktlm]

I would start trying online today to see what you can get. If you don't get what you want, book at least something and then keep trying to get what you really want. Cancellations happen, even right up to the day of the ADR. I would be checking online several times a day if I were you. We went that exact week last year. I thought it was a great time to go. (I actually gave up a prime 8:30 Tusker House the day before on that trip (we were able to pick up a later one when we realized DD wasn't going to make it there that early with the time change), so I'm sure someone that called that day was thrilled to get it. )

 

[pmanko]

I can't believe it but it is all true! Most time slots are booked up! I am getting some - grabbing what I can and then I will sort through all of them and decide what will work best for us.
At this point, I am not going to stress about it. My son is 2 1/2 and doesn't really know a lot of characters yet... plus sitting through dinner is NOT his favorite thing so, I am hoping for one character meal at most for him.
I am bummed that Boma is really filled up; since, we are staying at AKL - Kidani village, that would have been convenient for us on one of our travel days that we aren't going to park. OH well, yes, maybe something will free up.
This trip was intended to "get our feet wet" and to learn the ropes - so, I guess here is lesson #1. Get my ADR as soon as the 90 day mark hits!
Dining isn't high on our list of big deals this trip - no fine dining with a 2 1/2 year old - we are in for the parks and rides this time around and to relax and enjoy ourselves.... did I say "relax"?! at WDW with a 2 1 /2 year old!?
well, maybe after he goes to bed!
thanks all!

 

[griergirl2]

Just play around with the times a lot too....or call if you want, it may be less time consuming if you manage to get a person right away. I don't know how many are in your party, but if it's just you, your, DH, and your son (party of 3) there was just a Boma available for your arrival date of the 13th at 7:30 I think, but that may be too late for your son

 

[Vickis3js]

Definatly call and see what there is available. I was able to get a 7:15 adr for HDDR for 10 in tier 1 for Dec 19 just a few days ago. Never thought I would get that but I did. Keep trying even if you don't get exactly what it is you want right now.

 

[pmanko]

Just play around with the times a lot too....or call if you want, it may be less time consuming if you manage to get a person right away. I don't know how many are in your party, but if it's just you, your, DH, and your son (party of 3) there was just a Boma available for your arrival date of the 13th at 7:30 I think, but that may be too late for your son

yes -I saw that one - and I think that will be too late for my son. He goes to bed between 7 and 8 at night and is pretty much on a set schedule.

Today, I have had nothing but trouble with the on-line reservation system - keeps saying my last session times out and when I try logging out and reopening a new session I get to the same place. So, I did call and there really wasn't anything open for the times we could use. Either too early in the AM (before 7:30) or too late in the PM (past 7:00). But, she too suggest I keep checking and trying back and I will.

I have a few ressies from my first attempt online from yesterday - and I think I should be able to use one or two.
Two are at Cape May Cafe (BCR) - one for a breakfast and one for a dinner (will only keep one).
Two are at Hollywood & Vine - again one breakfast and one for dinner - but, I am thinking I heard only dinner has characters? Can anyone confirm.

Also, can anyone tell me which of the above is better or what characters my son may see at either?

thanks everyone - I am a newbie, but, quickly learning the ropes!

 

[RMulieri]

Cape May only has characters at breakfast.I bleieve it is Minnie ,Donald and Goofy
H&V is Little Einsteins, jojos circus

 

[ktlm]

I've heard the Cape May breakfast is great, but we have not done that one. (Cape May only has characters at breakfast) Just remember when you book breakfasts at a different resort that you have to factor in transportation times. I'm not sure if there is a character breakfast bus that will run from AKL to BC- maybe someone else on here can tell you. You might try to see if you can get lunch or dinner at Biergarten. My 3 year old DD absolutely loved it there. My friend told me it was his 2 year old DS's favorite. There are no characters, but they have a dance floor and a show with a German band. The kids can get out on the dance floor during the show. My DD puts it above all character meals except for princess meals with which she calls it a tie.