Are ADR's already filling up for Free Dining?

[JimMIA]

Do they just not know to plan ahead?

No, they don't. Many, many people don't know. And most of the time they don't believe you when you try to tell them!

Planning a Disney vacation is WAY more complex that most people realize. Most people are expecting sort of a Six Flags...but bigger, and with cute characters. Many, many first time visitors don't realize there is anything beyond MK. Or, if they know there is more, they have heard about this Epcot place, which is like a shopping mall of different countries.

There are a ton of people who really don't understand what they're getting in for, and Disney does a pretty miserable job of telling them. That's why site like the DIS are so valuable for those who go beyond the basic air, hotel, and rental car reservations.

 

[mrzrich]

No, they don't. Many, many people don't know. And most of the time they don't believe you when you try to tell them!

Planning a Disney vacation is WAY more complex that most people realize. Most people are expecting sort of a Six Flags...but bigger, and with cute characters. Many, many first time visitors don't realize there is anything beyond MK. Or, if they know there is more, they have heard about this Epcot place, which is like a shopping mall of different countries.

There are a ton of people who really don't understand what they're getting in for, and Disney does a pretty miserable job of telling them. That's why site like the DIS are so valuable for those who go beyond the basic air, hotel, and rental car reservations.

Another thing is people who HAVE been to WDW, but it was years ago. You really could "wing it" meal wise a few years ago. The meal plan has changed that.

So there are these people who think they know how to tour WDW who really don't

 

[mrzrich]

BTW she make have luck with lunch at CM. Its a limited time thing they are doing during free dining.

 

[jamaka66]

I made ADR's just last week for my Sept trip. At Ohana's it was either 4:20 or 8:20 left for dinner so I would say that if they are flexible with eating times they may be able to get in at some places. But like most everyone else has said the most popular place will be near impossible. I find it fun to help plan someone's vacation but just let them know that this is considered last minute at Disney.

 

[KeithC]

My wife and I are going around Labor Day for the free dining. This is our first time for the free dining. We are excited!!!! We made reservations for Cape May, Le Cellier and Wispering Canyon. We called back to try to change times but either they were booked up or the times available was around 9:30pm. We just kept what had already.

We travel to Disney every year. We have read that during the free dining dates that we may be asked to book a Disney trip for 2008 at a discounted rate. Has anyone been offered this before?

 

[helloirishkitty]

I couldn't get ADR's at Chef Mickey's, The Princess Breakfast, or Le Cellier for a party of two during free dining when I called at the beginning of May.

I was kind of upset, but it made me appreciate getting all of my December ADR's that much more!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

For a party of 10, it's virtually impossible to get into 'Ohana unless they break up your party and that's only if they have room. I was on my cell phone this morning trying to modify a reservation I have for dinner at 'Ohana in late August. We have two family members who are locals that want to join us for dinner. I couldn't even change my party of 6 reservation to a party of 8 one because the restaurant was 'completely booked' according to the CM. So I just decided to put two kids into the Neverland Club that night to make room for the adult relatives. Plus, they'd prefer hanging out at the Neverland Club instead of listening to boring adults eat and talk.

 

[RACHELSMOM1]

I was just speaking to a co-worker and he told me that himself, wife and 2 small children are going to WDW in Sept 3rd.... And have not made 1 ADR..... I stressed to him that he should get one the phone in the morning and hope that there are some ressies still available!!!! He said, they were gonna just go as they pleased and make them when they get there!!!

Now I know, everyone is not a fanatic like myself... And if I never met "Disboards" I would I'm sure be in the dark as well..... But I am dying for this guy..... I told him how packed the restuarants are gonna be!!!!

I am horrified by this guy! .....

Some people just don't listen and it is too bad for this family. They will probably have a really frustrating trip and blame it all on Disney, and claim they spent all that money for nothing.

 

[Brygida]

I couldn't get ADR's at Chef Mickey's, The Princess Breakfast, or Le Cellier for a party of two during free dining when I called at the beginning of May.

I was kind of upset, but it made me appreciate getting all of my December ADR's that much more!

ADRs at Chef Mickey's are available NOW! If you are still interested, call back and ask for the character lunch they just started offerring.

Which princess breakfast were you looking for? reservations are still available at GF Cafe for dinner with Cinderella, et al. and for other meals too.

 

[Tink3Belle]

Oh my?????

 

[momimouse27]

I have a friend who is going in Sept during free dining...keep in mind they haven't booked, yet. I have warned her that they need to book by the 24th in order to get the free dining. I am also wondering, how easy it will be for them to get ADR's at many popular places...such as Ohana's, Chef Mickey, and Storybook Princess Breakfast, for a party of 10!

Last night she asked me if I would help her plan their trip, which I don't mind, but I just want to have an idea what I'm getting into. Thanks!

I'm not sure about a party of 10, but I just booked the two ADR's I was most concerned about getting, Chef Mickeys and Garden Grill, and I got both and got the times I wanted. We have a party of 8, and haven't booked the trip-will do it tommorrow because I am waiting on my $$deposit to go into my checking.

I am Mrs. plan-it as far as Disney is concerned, but unfortunately my dh is not. I have been begging since this came out to go ahead and book and he decides, like...yesterday(!) to let me do it. Fortunately, for the days we are going (9/9-9/15) we got availability on all the Moderates! Hope this will make your friend feel better. HOWEVER-please tell her not to wing it! The thought just makes me cringe!

 

[Tanya90210]

If you can be flexible as far as restaurants you should be ok, I have been working w/ a party of 9 for 1/2 of our trip so it's not easy to find tables for a group that large... but it is workable...

We have family joining us and asked me the same as you... if I didn't mind to plan for them as well...

 

[Deb & Bill]

One word of advice - Marrakesh is not that bad. I had a very nice lunch there earlier this month and had the Shish-ka-bob. My son had the chicken-ka-bob and he thought it was pretty good. MY husband had the lamb and he loved it. Plus the entertainment was rather interesting.