Any recommendations to get in Le Cellier without reservations?

[A_NY_Outlaw]

OK typical question for the restaurant boards I'm sure and I know what the 'common' answers will be, but does anyone have any recommendations to getting into Le Cellier (aside from ADR's)? My DW and I finally made a decision to return to WDW last week for early December, and trying to celebrate our anniversary, this is the one restaurant we had wanted most.

The 'call everyday in hopes of a cancellation' is ok, but very highly improbable that a cancellation would happen, especially with this particular restaurant.

Does anyone have any other suggestions? Heck, do the maitre'd's take a $20 to seat people? I hate feeling 'punished' because given the economy, we weren't able to make a quick decision 90+ days ago. We're having trouble getting into alot of restaurants at this point. Not good. I thought the first week of december was supposed to be a 'slow time' before the holidays but that's looking not to be the case at all. I was trying to get into Le Cellier any day during our 7 day trip, any time lunch or dinner for only a party of 2.

 

[Luv2Roam]

You could try walking up right at opening. However I would come up with a plan B. Esp with CP going on, it may be even harder than usual, and unlikely. I think keep on trying is your best bet. Or look into booking the CP, if Le Cellier is a must do for you. Even the CP bookings may be gone by now for LC.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Over the last few years, we've eaten dinner at Le Cellier a number of times. Every time, as we waited to be seated, we've listened to the hostess at the front podium turn way a continuous stream of guests who arrived without a reservation. The hostess usually said something along the lines of, "we're fully booked through the end of March" (or whatever month was several months in the future). It was their way of saying that they not only could not seat you that night, but don't bother to ask again for the rest of your vacation.

Honestly, Le Cellier really isn't that wonderful any more, based on our experience. A few years ago it was very good.

Our most recent meal at Le Cellier was last fall. The quality of the food preparation was sadly lacking. We have no desire to go back.

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

You could try walking up right at opening. However I would come up with a plan B. Esp with CP going on, it may be even harder than usual, and unlikely. I think keep on trying is your best bet. Or look into booking the CP, if Le Cellier is a must do for you. Even the CP bookings may be gone by now for LC.

What is CP stand for?

 

[Inkmahm]

Over the last few years, we eaten dinner at Le Cellier a number of times. Every time, as we waited to be seated, we've listened to the hostess at the front podium turn way a continuous stream of guests who arrived without a reservation. The hostess usually said something along the lines of, "we're fully booked through the end of March" (or whatever month was several months in the future). It was their way of saying that they not only could not seat you that night, but don't bother to ask again for the rest of your vacation.

Same experience here, Steady stream of people, no openings.

I"m also trying for Le Cellier for dinner in early Dec. I couldn't get it at 90+2 when my booking window opened. I blame free dining and the 90 day reservation timeframe. I am greatly looking forward to going back to 180 days when those of us who CAN plan in advance will be able to get the reservations that we want once again.

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

Same experience here, Steady stream of people, no openings.

I"m also trying for Le Cellier for dinner in early Dec. I couldn't get it at 90+2 when my booking window opened. I blame free dining and the 90 day reservation timeframe. I am greatly looking forward to going back to 180 days when those of us who CAN plan in advance will be able to get the reservations that we want once again.

Free dining??? We booked for on-site (wilderness) last week, and we didn't get free dining. This is something I need to look into. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[Disbug]

What is CP stand for?

Candlelight Processional.... There is a package you can book that has reserved seating at the Candlelight Processional performance included with a pre-paid dinner reservation at certain EPCOT restaurants.

 

[TDC Nala]

Have you tried somewhere else? I found Coral Reef much better than Le Cellier, much prettier, much nicer atmosphere, and it's a lot larger and easier to get into. They've even got steak, but I don't know how the steak is, didn't order it.

 

[Inkmahm]

Free dining??? We booked for on-site (wilderness) last week, and we didn't get free dining. This is something I need to look into. Thanks for pointing that out.

I'm a DVC member so I don't get free dining, but I believe you have to pay full price for your room and also get park tickets with the package to get free dining. Someone else will be able to tell you about it probably.

 

[Nascia]

I would recommend checking out the trade/ cancel thread for your month. We were able to get Le Cellier in Dec. 08 through a cancellation there. We also gave away a Le Cellier lunch for our upcoming trip so it does happen.

 

[crisi]

As to the slipping the hostess a $20 - that's a firing offense for Disney CMs, so while you might get one that takes it, chances are the hostess is going to recoil in horror.

 

[HaleyB]

I am sorry we can not offer you better advice, but the only way to get seated there is a ressie so you should call everyday, several times checking. Cancelations do happen all the time. My best luck is always at about 25 to 35 days out.

LC overbooks assuming some no shows. Even with a ressie I have had to wait over an hour to be seated there.

 

[hmillerbarilla]

I tried this mornig at my 90+10 and couldn't get Le Cellier for lunch OR dinner for just 2 people for the entire time (7 days). This is also during the early part of December.

This is the first time in 4 years I haven't been able to book it!

 

[MouseMomx2]

I actually think that it is highly likely that you will get something if you are persistent. Just keep trying the online system as often as you can. Also, try for lunch as well as dinner. Some of the most popular dinner entrees are on the lunch menu.

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

I tried this mornig at my 90+10 and couldn't get Le Cellier for lunch OR dinner for just 2 people for the entire time (7 days). This is also during the early part of December.

This is the first time in 4 years I haven't been able to book it!

at least i feel somewhat better that i'm not the only one to have a frustating experience with this.

 

[choirchic]

Everytime people start talking about LeCellier, I think of this and it makes me laugh!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jlfc8zZF7Wc

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

As to the slipping the hostess a $20 - that's a firing offense for Disney CMs, so while you might get one that takes it, chances are the hostess is going to recoil in horror.

lol, yeah i don't think i would have the nerve to do this anyway- it's probably grounds for getting kicked out of the park, knowing my luck....although I'm sure some people have tried it.

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

I am sorry we can not offer you better advice, but the only way to get seated there is a ressie so you should call everyday, several times checking. Cancelations do happen all the time. My best luck is always at about 25 to 35 days out.

LC overbooks assuming some no shows. Even with a ressie I have had to wait over an hour to be seated there.

Looks like I'm getting very helpful advice...you guys are doing fine

 

[ShannonMB]

Everytime people start talking about LeCellier, I think of this and it makes me laugh!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jlfc8zZF7Wc

 

[hmillerbarilla]

at least i feel somewhat better that i'm not the only one to have a frustating experience with this.

I really was surprised, too. Oh well. I guess it will force us to try someplace different!