ADR's the day of or day before?

[frostedpink]

I'm frustrated with trying to get ADR's for August. I've been checking every evening. Yes, my trip is pretty much last minute compared to most.

So my question is, since they have a 24 hour cancellation policy, is it ever possible to get reservations the day before or the day of? Should I try to call the restaurants when we get there?

 

[LifeIsDis]

Long story short, my mom and I got stuck at Disney (awful I know ) because of Hurricane Irene last August and we were able to make an ADR for the Whispering Canyon Cafe the day before, since our trip got extended. A lot of places were open for the next day, so I don't think you should have a problem.

 

[purple figment]

I'm frustrated with trying to get ADR's for August. I've been checking every evening. Yes, my trip is pretty much last minute compared to most.

So my question is, since they have a 24 hour cancellation policy, is it ever possible to get reservations the day before or the day of? Should I try to call the restaurants when we get there?

Depending on how much you want to eat at a particular restaurant, keep checking on line multiple times a day to get a reservation. If it's for a popular place (e.g. 'Ohana, character meals) the more you look, the more likely something might come up. It also helps if you're flexible about the time and day - you'll have more luck looking for an early or late res rather than during the peak (popular) dining hours.

While there is a day before cancellation policy that applies to character and signature restaurants, people will cancel at any time so waiting until the day before may or may not increase your chances.

Also, you can't call the restaurants directly - all reservations are routed through the Dining Line even when you're in DW. You can check with the resort concierge or GS in the parks or phone/go online while you're in DW.

Good luck!

 

[figment_jii]

So my question is, since they have a 24 hour cancellation policy, is it ever possible to get reservations the day before or the day of? Should I try to call the restaurants when we get there?

Not necessarily related to the new-ish cancellation policy, but yes, I would keep trying right up to the day you want to eat. On my last trip (which was before the cancellation policy went into effect), several of the more popular places had ADRs available for that day or the next day. If you have a web-capable phone or device, I would keep checking whenever possible. You might get lucky! Just have a back-up plan in case nothing comes open.

 

[TDC Nala]

Unless you're talking about T-Rex, maybe Rainforest Cafe, Portobello or Raglan Road, you can't get reservations by calling the restaurant directly.

Even same day, you can get reservations by

Calling 407-WDW-DINE
There is a button on WDW resort room phones to call dining
Going to a WDW resort lobby concierge
Going to a Guest Services desk in the park
Using a computer or smartphone to book online
Using the Disney mobile site to book online

 

[Aggiegrl]

Just keep checking online. In the past week I've been able to get two different ADRs for 8 at Chef Mickey's breakfast during free dining. With that number and venue, I thought it would be impossible but they've popped up for me. I check 2-3 times a day for the character dining I'm looking for. Persistence has paid off.

 

[swissfamilyrobinson]

I agree - persistence does pay off! I was able to get reservations for O'hana for July 4 at 9:20 p.m. a couple of days ago! Prior to that, there was NOTHING! Needless to say, I jumped right on it! I think that, with the new reservation policy, people are definitely cancelling their unneeded reservations so they will not be charged!

Also, I was able to change our Crystal Palace reservations from 8:25 (earliest I could get them at the time) to 8:05 a.m. Again - someone had cancelled and I just happened to be checking! This is for Friday, July 6, and I got that a couple of days ago, also.

As you can see, you're not the only last minute planner! Be persistent!

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Checking once a day usually isn't enough IMO...but I guess that also depends on what you want. I use the term "stalk"- but it's really the best approach to use when trying to get the ADRs you want. I don't go into full stalker mode until a month to a month and a half out. I've been known to check over 100x per day if it's something I really want. That last month is the best time...especially those last two weeks leading up to your travel dates. I've had luck with pretty much everything...'Ohana, Le Cellier, character meals, Wishes timed Cali Grill- you name it...but I also spent a TON of time stalking as well.

Like others have noted, you can even keep checking once you arrive. Things open up all the time towards the end or during a trip, but it's a matter of checking at the right time.

 

[JEWLSVERN]

On our trip in 2010, we got stuck in traffic driving in to Disney and were arriving 2 hours later than we expected. We called the dining line from the car and were able to get a later dinner reservation for WCC. It was about 45 minutes later than the original one. So it is possible to get them day of.