Calling directly

[ExCMbeau]

It appears that the week we are going there is not ADR's for any of the places we would like to eat. Does anyone know if you can call directly to the place you would like to eat at and see if they could make a reservation?

I am starting to wonder if there is really any value to the FREE dining if there is no place for you to use it.

Thanks!

 

[vicki_c]

You can't make reservations directly with the restaurant unless you are directed to do so by the dining line (for large groups that can happen).

When are you going? I assume that it's soon if everything is all booked up? Is it that there is NO availability during your trip (that would be hard to believe), or just where you want when you want is not available? I would broaden your search a bit if the second is the case -- look more at resort restaurants, non popular times to eat, etc.

But you're right in a way - even free dining can be a "non-savings" if you can't use your credits and you've paid rack rate for your room vs. a discounted rate.

For free dining, I think you really have to use the 180 day booking window to get the popular places.

 

[JimmyV]

First of all, availability is not a function of payment. I assume by "free" dining, your are implying that you will be on a plan. But people who are not on a plan have no greater ability to make an ADR. As for your question, generally, you have to go through "the system". However, certain hotel restaurants, particulary those at the Swan and Dolphin, will talk to you directly. If you are looking for nice dining options, I would suggest trying Bluezoo, Il Mulino, Kimono's or Shula's. Just call the hotel and asked to be connected to a restaurant and you will soon be talking to a host/hostess who can take a reservation right then and there. Other than that, making direct reservations is usually only possible if you have the business card of a restaurant manager or maitre'd and they invite you to contact them directly. This usually only happens if you are a regular (and tip well). I have a few such numbers (all from resort restaurants, none in the parks), but I can tell you that even taking them up on their invitation to call them if I have trouble getting in, I have only been able to squeeze in a reservation rarely, and only mid-week.

 

[sazzifrazz]

I understand your frustration. I planned a December 11-15 2010 trip just one month ago. I didn't have the ability to book ADR's 180 out so I am left with the left overs lol. I was able to get most of what I want, just not at the best times so i had to be flexible. I have been stalking the December cancelled ADR thread like white on rice. I have picked up several "good" ones there. I am still hoping for Ohana dinner and le cellier but Im ok if I don't get them.
When are you going and what are you looking for?

 

[TDC Nala]

You can't call any Disney-operated restaurants directly for reservations. All reservations (except in special instances like large groups) for these restaurants, and for the restaurants inside the theme parks, must be made through the Disney reservations system.

You can call Rainforest Cafe or T-Rex, or Portobello; none are on the dining plan.

I would suggest trying Bluezoo, Il Mulino, Kimono's or Shula's.

None of these accept the dining plan.

You can try using www.opentable.com to make a reservation at Raglan Road, they take the dining plan.