Cindy's Royal Table strategy for offsite guests?

[quantumottle]

I actually got thru to Disney Dining at 6:59, so I thought my chances were good. But... by 7:03 there was nothing left.

I have access to my sis in laws timeshare in Orlando, totally free to me, anytime I want it. Sounds great right? Maybe not, since on-site guests can book within 10 days of their sign in date it looks like us off-site guests are out of luck.

Looking for any advice, tips, tricks, anything you can share to help me get Cindy's Royal Table ressies for my family.

Thanks in advance!

 

[CarolAnnB]

I think you can make online reservations at 6:00AM. Some people have said they got on at 5:40AM and did them. I would try that tomorrow. Good luck.

 

[cmaee]

From what I've read on the dining board, the restuarant only releases a certain number of tables for reservations each day until you hit the 90 day mark....that allows guests who are staying off-property the chance to have a reservation at their 90 day mark. I am just using these figures as an example...if there are 100 tables on Dec. 1..then on:
90 +10 days = 5 tables; 90 + 9 days = 5 tables; 90 + 8 days = 5 tables; 90 + 7 days = 5 tables; 90 + 6 days = 5 tables; 90 + 5 days = 5 tables; 90 + 4 days = 5 tables; 90 + 3 days = 5 tables; 90 + 2 days = 5 tables; 90 + 1 day = 5 tables; 90 = 50 tables
This allows guests to have a chance at getting as reservation. If your 90 day mark has passed, then I would think the chances of you getting a reservation is a lot smaller. Keep trying though...a lot of people cancel and especially the day before.

 

[carmiedog]

If it's that high on your list, maybe a one-night reservation on-site for your first night in Orlando? Value or campground if money is an issue.

I don't know if it's changed with the new online system, but with my June trip, I could continue making reservations even for days I was no longer staying on-site (did a resort switch to Dolphin, was able to make ADRs for those days also using 90+10). You can check out the dining board or maybe someone will post here if this has changed.

 

[princessmom29]

Some people are able to do that on the online system, some are not. A CM on the phone will not allow it according to some of the posters on the dining board.

 

[carmiedog]

Some people are able to do that on the online system, some are not. A CM on the phone will not allow it according to some of the posters on the dining board.

what? I hope it's something that's settled either yes or no. We do split resort trips (last trip was 2 on-site resorts plus Dolphin), so how they handle ADRs would definitely affect how I plan.

So I guess I would amend my suggestion to reserve a night or two on-site, then if it doesn't help you get your ADR, you can cancel and just spend the whole vacation at your sister's timeshare. Nothing lost but a little time.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Restaurants board.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Welcome to the Restaurant Board

What meal are you trying to book? B, L or D? And what date, any flexibility? Party size?

The posters here will be happy to try to help you with your ADR planning/booking strategy

 

[Tricia1972]

I'd suggest trying online. In the past few weeks, we've been reading many reports on the restaurant board that Disney is releasing their reservations in the middle of the night, as early as 3am.

Also true is what a PP stated, CRT does not release all of their tables before 90 days out, which means that those staying off site still have a chance at prime reservations.

 

[mdurette]

what? I hope it's something that's settled either yes or no. We do split resort trips (last trip was 2 on-site resorts plus Dolphin), so how they handle ADRs would definitely affect how I plan.

So I guess I would amend my suggestion to reserve a night or two on-site, then if it doesn't help you get your ADR, you can cancel and just spend the whole vacation at your sister's timeshare. Nothing lost but a little time.

We are doing a split stay in December....1 week in our time share and then after that to the world for a few more days.

Next time we do this.....I would definately stay in the world the first part of the trip so I could take advantage of the 90+10. I have been up at the crack of dawn trying to get CRT and Chef Mickey's for the last few days at the 90 day mark. Nothing available.

 

[mchelle77]

Another tip is to call 45 days before you want to book it. A lot of people cancel then if they had to cancel their trip (since you have to cancel it 45 days in advance to get the full deposit refunded).

While trying to get the Fantasmic package, a CM on the dining line said to just keep trying every day. She said they get the most cancellations first thing in the morning and to call around 8am. After doing this for almost 2 weeks straight, I've given up But I'm happy with what I have to replace it, so it's not a big deal to me anymore.

 

[quantumottle]

Thanks for the tips everyone. Wish me luck...

 

[quantumottle]

I tried again this morning, 4th day in a row, and no luck. The unfortunate part, we also started trying for dinner at OHana's and it's practically the same thing. The only way my family can eat at Ohana's is if we eat after 9:40 at night. Needless to say, I am NOT a fan of the Disney Dining plan or the new on-line reservation process, or whatever it is that is making it impossible for me to get reservations when it's never been a problem before...

Just venting, sorry...