Can't seem to book much of anything mid-December

[amichaell]

We booked this vacation a bit late, though I didn't think Dec. 12-17 was too busy after looking at various crowd predictors. Still, I can't seem to find much of anything during those days. I was hoping to get a few character dinners at the very least. If I can't get anything I'd just as soon cancel the dining plan (if I can even do that at this point). Not worth the money if I can't get any reservations.

 

[kirrrby]

The problem with this time is the Pin code that came out, and FREE DINING. It's what made a usually low crowd level week..more of a peak week. Usually this week isn't bad, but yeh we're one of those people that got the pin and booked to save a lot of money. If you can't find ADR's, try some of the less popular restaurants, or opt for counter service.

You can try Raglan Road, House of Blues, Bongos (all in DTD) Marrakesh (Epcot, Morroco), The restaurants at the Swan and Dolphin. --- But things like Le Cellier, Cinderellas Royal Table, Crystal Palace..you can pretty much forget about those. Being so close to the dates, unless you get some pixie dust sent your way restaurants with high liking will more than likely not be available.

 

[neodymm]

I vote for keep trying. We had to change dates and booked just last week for 2nd week of December. I've already got 4 character ressies (ohana, Akershus, Crystal Palace and Garden Grill) plus many non-character ressies. Still trying for a few signature and character (CRT mainly) ressies, but I don't give up easily! People are constantly changing their plans and reservations. I think there is always the possibility of pixie dust. If you can't get ADRs, then try as a walk-in when you get there...anything is possible. Good Luck!

 

[dormouse72]

Try different times (early lunch instead of noon or even a mid-afternoon meal; eat dinner close to 9 PM) and "less popular" restaurants you've never gone to before. Maybe calling rather than using the on-line system - I've always had luck with the CM's on the phone really doing a great job seeing what's available.

Or go high end and go for signature dining by using two TS credits. That might not work if you've got young kids going with you but if you're all adults it might be great.

And keep trying - we got Nine Dragons at 7 PM on a Saturday a week out from our arrival date a couple of years ago. Not a score like Le Cellier or CRT but still not bad.

 

[GailT]

Just keep trying, I was in the same boat a few years ago and I just tried 2 3 tes a day and after frustration and getting nervouse I go all the ADRs I wanted. Good luck, think positive, you can do it

 

[whitney6494]

I see new ressies pop up on there everyday during that time. Just keep trying a couple of times a day.

 

[rrancani]

Yea, just keep trying. We booked most of our reservations (for 12/11-12/17) a couple months ago but in the past couple weeks, we've been shifting some things around. We've picked up ohana dinner, crystal palace & california grill in the past few days. I also managed to find le cellier for lunch and dinner in early november for a coworker. So don't give up hope yet. Just keep checking daily.

 

[sumsmommy03]

I also think you should keep trying. We booked a trip for Nov 16th-24 with only a month's notice. I have tried every day to get ADRs online and I have called. I still can't get any character breakfast except the one in DHS that I don't want.
I did mangage to get La Hacienda (the one I really wanted) at a great time on our arrival day. I have Ohana dinner, CRT dinner (that was definite pixie dust), and Akershus princess lunch. None of which are on the days/times I wanted but I'm grateful to have them at all. I will try to make reservations when we arrive for the rest of our meals or just wing it.
Good luck and keep trying!!

 

[Tricia1972]

You may want to subscribe to the December Cancelled ADR thread. The first post has the thread guidelines. Basically it's just a thread where board members come to either post ADRs that they've just cancelled and some post what they have to cancel and offer to arrange times to coordinate that cancellation via PMs.

 

[Violet Parr]

The problem with this time is the Pin code that came out, and FREE DINING. It's what made a usually low crowd level week..more of a peak week.

I wouldn't say that it has made it a "peak week." There is very limited TS seating at WDW. They could be completely full and still have low crowds. Also, keep in mind that the most popular restaurants are full, but less-popular locations have plenty of seating.

Another problem with things being so booked is that the system currently allows double-bookings. Right now people could have 10 ADRs for every meal time every day. If even 20 people in the world do that, that could book up a lot of tables.

The system upgrades are working on this very issue. Within the next few weeks, the system will start to automatically cancel double-bookings. I suspect a lot will open up at that time.

ALSO, a lot of people booked more ADRs when the system made their ADRs not visible on the website. I think a lot of people got nervous and double/triple booked because they are afraid their ADRs have been lost in the upgrades.

Keep trying. Just a week ago I found a California Grill 5:30 ADR for 5 for mid-December. ALL CG dinner times before 9pm have been booked solid for months Things open up.

 

[Agri]

Just keep trying. We're going the same dates and I've gotten all our restaurants by nabbing other people's cancellations. Don't just go by the thread here, call up everyday and ask.

 

[EeyoreEma]

Just keep trying! I was just able to pick up a Garden Grill reservation for mid-Dec, and I've been checking every day. This is the 1st time it's popped up, and I grabbed it! I still have several other reservations that I'd love to get, so I plan to just keep checking back in and see what I can get. Also, you could always try some of the restaurants that aren't as "popular". Artist Point is fantastics (2 meal credits) but it's never fully booked, at least that I've seen. Good luck!

 

[amichaell]

Thanks, All. I will keep trying. Hopefully the double bookings are the cause of much. I still have a few months and I'll try every day and keep up with the cancellation thread!

 

[Tink575]

A day or two ago I was thrilled to nab the Hoop-De-Doo review 12/15
5PM show, Tier 1!

My DH loved this when we took our daughter years ago and he is excited to go again.

So try, try again - I also nabbed 3 other TS meals, though none with characters.

 

[DisneyMom]

Was so hoping to get a character meal for this last minute trip with my grandson but everythnig I've tried is unavailable - will be there 12/13 - 12/18. Will subscribe to the December cancelled ADR thread and hope for some pixie dust!!

 

[katie111]

Just keep trying. Just this afternoon I was able to book Chef Mickeys for breakfast (thanks to a cancellation post), the sci fi dine in, and Tutto Italia. The Sci-fi is sort of a weird time, 3:30, but I actually find that a good time for my kids as they never want to stop for lunch until they are absolutely famished! I got Tutto for 6:45 on a Saturday which I think is a great time. I love the new reservation system, makes things so much easier...although I'm sure it does cause lots of people to double book.

 

[npcougar]

Since some people reserve 4-5 reservations a day, it makes it very hard to get reservations. Just keep trying and hope Disney finds a way to limit those who abuse the system.

 

[mickey2000]

Since some people reserve 4-5 reservations a day, it makes it very hard to get reservations. Just keep trying and hope Disney finds a way to limit those who abuse the system.

I agree! Maybe some will cancel to give others a chance