Calling back to check for new openings?

[Brer Shay]

I made our ADRs this morning. I was able to get 8 of the 9 I requested, the one exception being a dinner at Akershus. The agent suggested that I continue checking in to see if there are any cancellations. I've never done that before and am wondering if anyone here has had success doing it. Especially on this type with a credit card guarantee, I'm thinking that it's unlikely - am I wrong?

 

[Tricia1972]

I would definitely call 90 days before the date you want to dine there. Not all reservations are released for the +10, some are held back in the system to be released exactly 90 days before.

Beyond that, yes there are cancellations so it's worth calling back to check on. Generally speaking you don't need to deal with the morning crush at 7am, because few seasoned Dis'ers are willing to deal with the morning chaos to cancel their reservations. Most replies I have seen indicate they call at their convenience throughout the day.

 

[brokenlola]

Well, I've been calling every once or twice a week for about a month trying to get an ADR we wanted, but have had no luck. I on the other hand did have a HDDR (requires a credit card) ADR that I called and cancelled, so I know it happens. I'd keep trying!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Especially on this type with a credit card guarantee, I'm thinking that it's unlikely - am I wrong?

I actually think you may have a better shot of finding a cancellation at a restaurant that requires a cc guarantee because if someone isn't going to use the reservation they'll be more likely to call because they have their deposit at stake.

Last year we were able to snag a cancellation at CRT about 3 weeks before our trip.

Keep trying, even once you're on-site--especially at the 48 hr. mark since that's the deadline as far as losing the deposit goes.

Good luck!

 

[Brer Shay]

Didn't know that about more releasing at the 90 day mark exactly. I was glad to do the 90+10 and thought I'd do better that way. Will definitely call again. Still not sure how successful that will be.

 

[MyCathryn]

I have been calling daily to get one I cant can change some times. I have had tons of luck doing this. Just one time left I would like to change as well as get Le Cellier. But looking at the menu I am not impressed so it isnt the end of the world if I dont get it. Over all I can live with our ADRs and totally love our trip.
Just keep calling... just keep calling.. just keep calling...just keep calling

 

[grace&philipsmom]

You also might want to try calling about 45 days prior to your trip as this is when the final payment is usually due on vacation packages and some people cancel.
Last year my daughter really wanted the Ohana character breakfast and I couldn't get it. I was calling daily for 30 days from our vacation (long distance from Canada ) and still nothing.
On our second day of our trip I asked the awesome CM at the AKL guest relations desk if he could find anything for the Lilo and Stitch breakfast on our one open morning. He was actally able to get us in for 8:00 am !

I don't know how often that happens, but it might be worth a try if it is something you really want .

 

[Hayloburger]

Yes! Call Back!
I wanted to change my CRT breakfast ressies for the first week of June...I have been calling for weeks....I have probably called 10 times. Well, 2 days ago, I got it for the exact day and time I wanted (thanks to whoever cancelled!)....

I think the PP is correct, that you have a better chance at getting the cc guarantee ressies (or prepaid) because people will definately pay attention and cancel these rather than not showing up.
Good Luck!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Definitely keep calling. And if you still don't get it before you go to WDW, call while there. I keep about 1/2 of the ADRs I make and end up cancelling the rest. I'm still able to get ADRS while there to replace them.

Also, I think the cancellation deadline for Akershus is 48 hours. If so, calling 48 hours before you want it (or a few hours earlier) you may luck out. Most people who are going to cancel will do it if they are going to be charged for no-show.


I'm pretty sure Akershus is 48 hours. I know some are only 24.

 

[Tinkerbell2B]

Definitely keep calling back! I had no luck with one ressie until this week, one week before we go! Don't give up, keep trying!

 

[tink too]

I am also trying to change an ADR to a different date, and although I haven't had any luck (so far) I'm not going to give up. The last CM I spoke to on WDW-DINE said that ADR's get cancelled all the time, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

A few years ago, I managed to get a table for 17 for a character breakfast that was previously fully booked - only 2 days out!