Best strategy for getting a table when no ADR's are available?

[KayakDaddy]

I called yesterday and could not get an ADR for Boma at any time at all for dinner during the three days it would have worked for us on our upcoming 6-day trip (marathon weekend).

If we really want to eat there, what is the best strategy for getting a table without having and ADR? Is it like going to the doctor's without an appointment - get there before they open and wait? Any success stories out there, or what would be our expected wait time?

I'm normally a lot better about getting reservations sooner, but my sister (who is a vegatarian) was a late addition to our trip and I remember Boma having an extensive selection for vegatarians. Any other suggestions for best vegatarian restaurant on site?

Thanks!

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

I've always been seated at Bomas if I got there right when they opened.

I've always had a backup plan just in case.

 

[cslittle999]

You don't mention the size of your party. Disney is notorious for doing things like not having an ADR for a party of three but you can call back and get a time for a party of four.

 

[KayakDaddy]

Thanks for the tip cslittle - I called back yesterday and reworded my request from party of three to party of four. I got the exact day I wanted and the exact time I wanted. I just hope I don't get any lip when three of us show up instead of four.

That is an interesting glitch in their dining reservation system. Do you think it is intentional since they'll make more profit off of four people than three?

 

[nessz79]

Thanks for the tip cslittle - I called back yesterday and reworded my request from party of three to party of four. I got the exact day I wanted and the exact time I wanted. I just hope I don't get any lip when three of us show up instead of four.

That is an interesting glitch in their dining reservation system. Do you think it is intentional since they'll make more profit off of four people than three?

Wow- that's kind of ridiculous!

 

[cslittle999]

Thanks for the tip cslittle - I called back yesterday and reworded my request from party of three to party of four. I got the exact day I wanted and the exact time I wanted. I just hope I don't get any lip when three of us show up instead of four.

That is an interesting glitch in their dining reservation system. Do you think it is intentional since they'll make more profit off of four people than three?

Glad I could help.

There is likely some element of maximizing profit but more likely it is about simplicity. The system tries to exactly match the party and table size. The restaurants tell the system how many three person tables they have. CM does a search and it comes up empty.

Really the CM should be checking for any reasonable table that would fit your party. Unfortunately that requires the CM to make a judgement call and they likely aren't allow to. So instead we have to work the system slightly.

Don't worry about being one short when you check in. Just say that someone couldn't make it at the last minute.

 

[DVC California]

...I just hope I don't get any lip when three of us show up instead of four.

When we travel with family, it is not unusual for one of us to miss a reservation if they are having too much fun in the parks, developed a headache, or is going out with other friends.

I'm just saying...

 

[MickeyNicki]

Get there 30 minutes before they open and wait. You can also try adding another "person" a party of two is 4 a party of 4 is 5 etc....that may open up a table