CRT's, Why was it so easy?

[MermaidsMom]

OK, we haven't done CRT for 15 years and I have enjoyed not having to join the anxious people at 6:59 a.m. trying to get a PS. However, I suddenly had a "hankering" to go there again and called at 3:00 p.m. yesterday and had a variety of options over 2 mornings for 5 people during the week prior to Easter!! I asked about different times over March 29th and 30th between 8am-9:30 a.m. and there seemed to be many choices available. Was this just a weird deal that I happened upon, or is there less of a demand for CRT these days?

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Folks were wondering if the change in menu, prices, and character interaction would have an effect on availability. I wonder if it's that, or if some other mechanism is at work here, like holding back some reservations to release later, or just plain luck on cancellations.

 

[MomofKatie]

I am just guessing, but the fact that all 3 meals now include the characters (3 times the availibility), and the higher prices (WAY higher, and now 2 TS credits instead of 1 on the Dining plan) are making it easier to score an ADR.

 

[Lewisc]

High prices, two credits and the alternative princess breakfast in EPCOT has probably lowered demand.

Some guests would go to CRT at least once a trip. They would get up early at the 90 or 180 + deadline and grab the reservations. "Regular" guests would be shut out if they tried to make a reservation closer to their trip. The reservations were available to guests willing to call early. Now the reservations go to guests who are willing to pay a little more.

Probably win win. Disney gets more money and guests who aren't "Disney trip experts" have an opportunity to dine there.

 

[jwfla422]

I definitely agree with the other posters...I wouldn't go near there now with those prices, forget it! The breakfast has become, as much as I hate to say it...a rip-off! They really cashed in on the demand. I was hoping it would eventually backfire. They're basically outpricing a lot of people from the breakfast. Fortunately, dd is growing out of the princess phase and prefers "food" over the ambience...

 

[StacyPop]

I just called when I saw this post and got a reservation. While I was on the phone with the CM, I looked at the prices and could not justify spending over $100 for breakfast!!
I have the DDE so I get 20% off, but there is a catch!
They told me that the 20% off does not apply to the photo package. I said doesnt the price include the photo package? He said yes. I am so confused. I said so-can you give me the breakdown? He said no-I am just reading what it says here...
Way to be informative.
Needless to say I told him I thought I would pass, and thanked him and hung up.