ADRs online or on phone?

[lmmantini]

The last time we went to Disney we didn't have the option of making ADRs online. I did everything by phone.

How easy is it to make the reservations online? Can you easily look at different times that might be available? For instance, if we want a reservation for 5:30, but nothing is available for that time will it show openings for 5:15 or 5:45?

For you seasoned Disney warriors do you prefer doing it over the phone versus online? What are the advantages/disadvantages to both?

Also, we're going on the dining plan, but DH and I want to have a date night at California Grill. For that, we want to pay out of pocket. How easy is it to make reservations using the dining plan while at the same time making reservations in which we do not want to use the dining plan? Will things get messed up?

 

[ThreeKMom]

I love making ADR's on-line! You can search specific restaurants or general times - Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner and the site will give you several options.

It doesn't matter if you are on the plan or not (except on the plan you only want to book participating restaurants). When you arrive at each restaurant they will ask if you are on the plan or not. If you wish to pay oop just tell them.

My advice is to play around with the site to get used to how it works before your ADR day!

 

[Havana]

Online I rarely ever call anymore! And if you sign in, the website keeps track of all of your reservations. Love it!

 

[Missytara]

Definately do it online. Why?

Because the computer will spit out three or four other alternatives, if your time isn't available. A human could not do it that fast.

I can tell you this year, I ended up at six restaurants I never even dreamed of eating at - because some of my times weren't available. It helped me "think outside the box".

 

[lmmantini]

Thanks for the advice. Honestly, I didn't know I could play around on the website. I thought I had to wait until my 180 days.

 

[Akliebert]

I love online. I can make reservation faster by going online than I could by calling.

 

[ThreeKMom]

Thanks for the advice. Honestly, I didn't know I could play around on the website. I thought I had to wait until my 180 days.

I always "practice", I love seeing where I could be dining if I were in Disney!
I have the site book marked and at 6:00 am on day 180 I will be ready to go!

Last year I made 7 reservations and was completely confirmed and checked out in 15 minutes flat!!

 

[kcsspartan]

Is this also true of doing the Fantasmic Dining Package - I think someone said you just go to Dining experiences - last time I did it all via phone and it worked well. Thanks

 

[ThreeKMom]

Is this also true of doing the Fantasmic Dining Package - I think someone said you just go to Dining experiences - last time I did it all via phone and it worked well. Thanks

Yes! That is exactly right, with the new system up-grade you can now book the Fantasmic Package on-line. It's much easier to tell when Fantasmic is being shown, when you select the package only the dates that have the show will be highlighted!