Best way to make ADRs?

[goodeats]

I haven't been to WDW since September 2008 and am planning a trip for October 2015! I'm thrilled, but I can't believe how much has changed. Back in 08 you didn't need a CC to make an ADR and calling was the only way to do it!

I've been playing around with the MDE app on my phone and I gather this is not the way to go? Is the desktop better? Should I input my CC now? *Can* you make them over the phone anymore? None of my ADRs are especially hard to get so I'm not too concerned, but when my 180 day window opens up in April- what's the best way to go about it?

I haven't even read up on how to do a BOG reservation. I'm hoping by Oct you can just walk in for lunch. Doubtful? I'm not even that interested in the menu, but the fact people are jumping through all these hoops makes me want to try! Lol.

 

[Rose77]

To answer some of your questions:

I think it's easier to make an ADR on a computer than the app. I suggest going ahead and entering your CC. It will save you a step when you are making your ADRs. You can still make reservations by phone, but online opens up at 6 am eastern time, while the phone lines don't open until 7 am eastern time.

If you want a BOG reservation, you should try to get it 180 days before the start of your trip. If you are unable to secure a reservation to BOG at 180 days, try looking again as your trip date nears. Many people cancel reservations they don't need/want to avoid having to pay they cancellation fee, so some times will likely open up the closer you get to your trip. You just have to check often if you want a chance to snag one.

I don't really know if you will be able to do BOG lunch as a walk up or not. Having to make an ADR for lunch there is brand new. It may mean that people with reservations will fill all the available spots, but I suppose it's possible that last minute cancellations will create some openings for walk-ins. To be safe, I would definitely recommend getting a ADR for lunch.

 

[goodeats]

Thanks. So if my window opens on April 20th and I'm on the West Coast - when will I be able to log in and make ADRs? At 9:01pm on the 19th? Like I said nothing on my list is terribly hard to get but I certainly have time preferences!

 

[Rose77]

No, your window won't open until 3 am April 20th. The new "day" for ADRs doesn't start until 6 am eastern. Since it appears you are staying on Disney property, you should be able to book for your entire stay (up to 10 days) on April 20th. Since you don't have anything too hard to get, i think you should be fine making your reservations on April 20th at a time that is convenient for you. Just try to make any of your harder to get reservations for later in your stay and you will still have a jump on anyone not staying on property. (Off site guests can only make ADRs 180 days before they will actually be dining, not 180 days before the start of their trip like on site guests.) Also know that many people have trouble booking online if they are trying to book more than 180 days out (which an on site guest is allowed to do), so you may have to call if you run into trouble.

 

[Mikie]

I agree that if you're not trying for Be Our Guest dinner (not sure yet how in-demand lunch reservations will shape up to be) or maybe Cinderella's a Royal Table or O'hana you can wait until,a convenient hour on your reservation day. Personally, I prefer to call because I have NO patience for technical glitches, which the site is notorious for. Also, if I can't get my first choices, the phone CMs seem to get faster results switchng restaurants and times than I can get clicking and refreshing from home; they've also steered me to some great second choices I wiuldnt have known to try.

I know what you mean about the "if it's so tough, it must be awesome" phenomenon. But I really did like BOG at lunch. It's counter service prices in a REALLY well themed restaurant yet much more quiet and calm (and super-comfy chairs!) than a typical counter service.