ADR frustrations

[DekrRini]

I got up at 5am my time, 6am Florida time, on my 180 day mark. I could not get ANY of the ADRs I wanted at the time I wanted. This has never happened before. I might not get all of the ones I wanted, but I could at least get a few. I'm guessing this is due to Free Dining. It's really frustrating to have to schedule your park days around ADRs rather than park hours or EMH. I really wanted to have my birthday dinner at BOG, but nothing was available. I really don't want to spend the next 6 months stalking MDE for ADRS, but I guess that's what will be happening. I know it's not all that important in the scheme of things, and I AM at WDW, but it's disappointing just the same. Especially for my birthday trip.

 

[DVC4US]

If you look at the Restaurant board it looks like a lot of people are having issues with getting ADR for the beginning of Dec. It makes me wonder if they haven't loaded all available times yet. My suggestion is to keep trying today and then continue to try if you still can't get them.

 

[wdw4rfam]

It seems to be an end of November trend. It was the same last year. I'm going in September during free dining and didn't have a problem at all. In fact there is still a lot available.

 

[wdw4rfam]

I got up at 5am my time, 6am Florida time, on my 180 day mark. I could not get ANY of the ADRs I wanted at the time I wanted. This has never happened before. I might not get all of the ones I wanted, but I could at least get a few. I'm guessing this is due to Free Dining. It's really frustrating to have to schedule your park days around ADRs rather than park hours or EMH. I really wanted to have my birthday dinner at BOG, but nothing was available. I really don't want to spend the next 6 months stalking MDE for ADRS, but I guess that's what will be happening. I know it's not all that important in the scheme of things, and I AM at WDW, but it's disappointing just the same. Especially for my birthday trip.

I just remembered that BOG didn't open up until weeks later for our dates in September. Keep watching. Plus, I suggest using the touring plans dining finder. They do the stalking and text you when something opens up.

 

[DekrRini]

I did get a BOG ADR later in the week for 5pm. It's earlier than I'd like, but it might be better in the long run. I probably won't have to wait as long to be seated as I did with my 8:45pm ADR. What a difference between making ADRs in December vs May. I actually forgot my 180 day window for May this year and was a month late in getting them and still got the ones I wanted at the times I wanted. I'll definitely keep a dining finder in mind the closer to the trip I get. And there's always next year.

I'll definitely keep looking the next few days and hope for the best. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have not used it yet, but it has received excellent reviews here on the dis.

https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/reservation-finder

And yes, 'free' dining, along with the dining plan in general, has really dumbed down the WDW dining experience over the years. And that includes getting DR's.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Stalking is fun. Unless it's the day before your birthday...

 

[DebbieB]

I got a BOG lunch ADR about a week after 180 days by stalking the website. The problem with late November is the early party closings.

 

[maryj11]

Keep trying they may have not loaded them in the system yet. I dont think everything would be booked that fast.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

I have not used it yet, but it has received excellent reviews here on the dis.

https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/reservation-finder

Just wanted to say I love your avatar.

 

[kandb]

Same thing happened last year!

 

[Monkida]

I had the same problem with early/mid November, which was additionally complicated with a party of 10 and staying offsite this trip. I also have put in my requests on the touring plan site as others have mentioned - hoping to refine a few of them as well. The family I'm going with (beyond my immediate) has not been to Disney since 1992 and thought I was crazy getting up early every day to get the reservations I did. Just have to get a better 'Ohana and we'll be set!

 

[Shanti]

I got up at 5am my time, 6am Florida time, on my 180 day mark. I could not get ANY of the ADRs I wanted at the time I wanted. This has never happened before. I might not get all of the ones I wanted, but I could at least get a few. I'm guessing this is due to Free Dining. It's really frustrating to have to schedule your park days around ADRs rather than park hours or EMH. I really wanted to have my birthday dinner at BOG, but nothing was available. I really don't want to spend the next 6 months stalking MDE for ADRS, but I guess that's what will be happening. I know it's not all that important in the scheme of things, and I AM at WDW, but it's disappointing just the same. Especially for my birthday trip.

Seems likely that this is a combination of free dining and a highly popular time to visit, making ADR's hard to get.

 

[CaliTex]

The website pulled back being able to book past 11/29 WHILE I WAS ON THE SITE. Super frustrating. Starting to think its just not worth it anymore.

 

[MichelleWDWfan]

Definately keep checking, I know stalking for dining ressies can be a pain, but ppl change ADR's all the time.

 

[DekrRini]

I just got to thinking about the Candlelight Processional. Have they released the dinner packages yet? If not, that might be part of the problem I encountered at Epcot. And part of the problem is that my mom is going with me for a few days and she is a very picky eater and there are things that I can't eat so between the two of us there aren't a lot of options to begin with. But it will work out eventually. I'll be in my happy place no matter what.

 

[DekrRini]

I was just checking for ADRs for restaurants I want at times I want and found even less than yesterday. I really feel bad for those guests whose 180 day window opened today. It has to be disappointing.

 

[supraman215]

I have used touringplans.com. It's $13 for the year and it will keep checking for you. I've gotten BOG dinners with it. Some things have been waiting for a month now with no hits. Just make sure to try to react within 5-10 minutes of receiving the notification e-mail or it might be gone.

 

[pedinurse5207]

I was up at 6am (our time)Saturday when my 180 days opened up and it wouldn't open for me to book until about 6:10 or so. I could not get Akershus, Ohana, BOG... I happened to get a Akershus reservation later that morning but I'm going to try to see if a better time opens up later. I got a BOG dinner reservation this morning. The Disney rep was like "this is strange..." When I called Saturday and couldn't get anything. I wonder if something major is going on the 1st week of December? It's in black out dates for free dining?

 

[tinah159]

My December 180 days opened yesterday. I could not get any of the reservations I wanted. I hate planning my meals this far in advance, and now this! Sorry, just frustrated.