Didn't get our first choice

[juliema]

So I'm pretty bummed that we didn't get our first choice for thanksgiving. I was hoping to get Whispering Canyon, but by the time I called it was all booked up. I was on vacation with no computer so I had no idea for a back up. I ended up getting the concourse steakhouse. So question number 1: Is there any way to still try and get a reservation for a place if it's technically filled up according to the reservationist? Do slots open from cancellations or anything of the sort? And number 2: Has anyone done thanksgiving at the concourse? Is this an ok place to eat or should I be calling and trying to go somewhere different? I'm can't believe I didn't get our first choice.

 

[jayhjay]

If your CM told you that WCC was filled, I am sure it really was at the time. But it is very common for people to change their ADRs so I'd keep calling to see if something opens up between now and then. It definitely wouldn't be unheard of.

 

[mom2mek]

So I'm pretty bummed that we didn't get our first choice for thanksgiving. I was hoping to get Whispering Canyon, but by the time I called it was all booked up. I was on vacation with no computer so I had no idea for a back up. I ended up getting the concourse steakhouse. So question number 1: Is there any way to still try and get a reservation for a place if it's technically filled up according to the reservationist? Do slots open from cancellations or anything of the sort? And number 2: Has anyone done thanksgiving at the concourse? Is this an ok place to eat or should I be calling and trying to go somewhere different? I'm can't believe I didn't get our first choice.

I had the same thing happen. I got up at 6:40 and started calling @ 6:55. I was on vacation in the mountains and my mom and husband thought I was crazy! I've always had good luck in getting my ADRs, but that morning, even though I got through right at 7:00, the amount of time on hold was longer than I've ever had! By the time a CM picked it up, I was told the only thing she had for Chef Mickey's on Tksgvng was @ 9:00 PM. With kids ranging from 2 - 12 that wasn't going to work! I'm still going to call and see about any cancellations though. We ended up getting Trail's End at Ft. Wilderness, which I'm hoping (albeit very "buffeteria" like and no characters) will still be fun! I've never been there, so I don't know, but here's hoping!

 

[robinb]

We ended up getting Trail's End at Ft. Wilderness, which I'm hoping (albeit very "buffeteria" like and no characters) will still be fun! I've never been there, so I don't know, but here's hoping!

I hate to be negative, but Trail's End is not where I would want to spend Thanksgiving. Although I think the food is good, it's not really what I consider a "special" place. Was it really your second choice?

 

[mom2mek]

I hate to be negative, but Trail's End is not where I would want to spend Thanksgiving. Although I think the food is good, it's not really what I consider a "special" place. Was it really your second choice?

Not entirely our second choice, but we have a group of 18 and are staying offsite, so I could only call right at the 180 day mark. We are planning for that day to be an off-park day due to the crowd levels so we were only looking at the resorts. In addition, we wanted to try for a Wishes cruise so we wanted to be at a MK resort where we could easily get a cruise or at least try and see the fireworks without actually going in the MK that day. Our 1st choice before we decided to be off-park that day was LTT. Then we decided Chef Mickey's would be fun, but like I said, nothing until 9:00. The only times at the Grand Floridian Cafe and O'hana's were late as well. I have read mixed reviews for TE. No, it doesn't look "special" in the sense of some of the aforementioned places, but it also sounds like they are very "homey" and that maybe we could do a carraige ride or something. (We are looking for casual anyway!) I'm going to try back and see if there are any cancellations for Chef Mickey's, but for a group of 18, I would be surprised.

We love staying in an offsite villa (8 bedrooms, Disneyrooms, full kitchen, private pool, kiddie pool, great price, etc) but the 180+10 really can hinder your ADR plans! LOL! I am open for suggestions. I will certainly try anything! Thanks.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Won't the Concourse steakhouse be Mickey's Express counter service restaurant by Thanksgiving?

I would call back!

Lori

 

[mom2mek]

Won't the Concourse steakhouse be Mickey's Express counter service restaurant by Thanksgiving?

I would call back!

Lori

I'm not sure what you mean. We weren't trying for the Concourse. We thought that if it was pretty close to CM's (as I have read on other posts) it would be hard for the kids to see/hear the characters but not be "with" them. I have read something about it being closed and changing locations and that what will be put in it's place would be a counter service.

 

[LegoMom3]

I hate to be negative, but Trail's End is not where I would want to spend Thanksgiving. Although I think the food is good, it's not really what I consider a "special" place. Was it really your second choice?

Wow. Hmm.... Now to me, I'd have a perfectly great time at Trail's End on Thanksgiving. It's rustic and the food is very "Americana." No, it's not fancy but it's still a nice place to eat.

mom2mek: if you do end up there, and take it for what it is, I think you'll enjoy it. It's very home-style with a cozy, rustic atmosphere, and I can only imagine that if they do it up for Thanksgiving, it would be a good experience.

 

[mom2mek]

Wow. Hmm.... Now to me, I'd have a perfectly great time at Trail's End on Thanksgiving. It's rustic and the food is very "Americana." No, it's not fancy but it's still a nice place to eat.

mom2mek: if you do end up there, and take it for what it is, I think you'll enjoy it. It's very home-style with a cozy, rustic atmosphere, and I can only imagine that if they do it up for Thanksgiving, it would be a good experience.

Thanks LegoMom3. I think we will be fine. How can it be bad when you are in WDW at Thanksgiving with those you love surrounding you! We are so looking forward to it! Still going to try for Chef Mickey's cancellation, but I think we will be okay if we have to keep our TE res. Thanks!

 

[juliema]

Won't the Concourse steakhouse be Mickey's Express counter service restaurant by Thanksgiving?

I would call back!

Lori

I've heard this floating around disboards (after making a reservation of course). I'm wondering if I should call back and be worried about this.

 

[robinb]

I see your problem ... you were trying to find a place for 18 people. Couldn't you still use "Group Dining" even if you're staying off-site? They are really the best for a big group.

Please don't get me wrong! I like Trail's End Buffet and I agree with LegoMom's comments (except for the added snark directed at me ) about the place. The food is good and I really like the fried chicken and the ribs there. It's the same food from the same kitchen as the Hoop dee Doo. it also appears that they had a special holiday menu last year (http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/men_thks.htm) at a special price of $22 instead of $18 so it should be more Thanksgiving-y than I originally thought. Given that you have a very big group and that they will have a special menu I think that the restaurant will work out well for you. Just allow yourselves enough time to get there. It can be a pain as sometimes the boats are filled to capacity. If your ADR is early enough you might be able to visit the petting zoo right next to Pioneer Hall before dinner.

 

[mom2mek]

I see your problem ... you were trying to find a place for 18 people. Couldn't you still use "Group Dining" even if you're staying off-site? They are really the best for a big group.

Please don't get me wrong! I like Trail's End Buffet and I agree with LegoMom's comments (except for the added snark directed at me ) about the place. The food is good and I really like the fried chicken and the ribs there. It's the same food from the same kitchen as the Hoop dee Doo. it also appears that they had a special holiday menu last year (http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/men_thks.htm) at a special price of $22 instead of $18 so it should be more Thanksgiving-y than I originally thought. Given that you have a very big group and that they will have a special menu I think that the restaurant will work out well for you. Just allow yourselves enough time to get there. It can be a pain as sometimes the boats are filled to capacity. If your ADR is early enough you might be able to visit the petting zoo right next to Pioneer Hall before dinner.

Thanks. I can't use the "Grand Gathering" service as it is for onsite guests only (not sure if that is what you are referring to); however, I did call the Group Dining # 407-939-7707 for all my ADRs as they were all for a party of 18 - this was the only day it didn't work out for me! I'm beginning to wonder how those calls are taken at the call center. For instance, when I started to call @ 6:55, I kept getting the "our office is closed" response but I got through to the "Welcome to Walt Disney World Group DIning" answer right at 7, but was put on hold for about 2 minutes - this has never happened to me before. Usually I'm on hold for literally 10 sec before someone picks up. I wonder if the lights start flashing in people's queues, but if they aren't there yet, they can't answer them! Then when they get to their station at 7:05 (or whatever) they start answering the calls that are already sitting in their 'pipeline' so to speak. Does that make sense? I was probably just beaten to the punch with all the people who can call at 180 +10 and there was nothing left @ CM's.

Anyway, I have also read on the DIS boards about the campfire and the movie at Ft WIlderness as well as the wagon rides, so between those things, the petting zoo, etc I think we will have a good time! Do you know anything about the campfire, movie thing? Some threads say you have to be a resort guest, others say that it is open to everyone. Anyway, still holding out for Chef Mickey's - we'll see!

 

[robinb]

Thanks. I can't use the "Grand Gathering" service as it is for onsite guests only (not sure if that is what you are referring to); however, I did call the Group Dining # 407-939-7707 for all my ADRs as they were all for a party of 18 - this was the only day it didn't work out for me!

I was talking about the Group Dining number that you called, not the Grand Gathering number.

Do you know anything about the campfire, movie thing? Some threads say you have to be a resort guest, others say that it is open to everyone. Anyway, still holding out for Chef Mickey's - we'll see!

I don't know much about the campfire, but I have never heard that it is only open to resort guests! Personally, I would just make what you have "a plan" and go with it. You'll just make yourself crazy trying to get Chef Mickey's as you will need 5 tables to open up for your group at once and have one or two snapped up by someone else who just needs a 4-top.

 

[AlwaysEeyore]

I was told by Group Dining for my group of 29 at WCC to call the restuarant directly. I don't know if I can post the number here so PM me if you want it. It's worth a try right? I didn't call them myself, my cousin had her wedding planner book Thanksgiving for us instead. They said they are starting dinner at Noon that day.

 

[mnasf]

So I'm pretty bummed that we didn't get our first choice for thanksgiving. I was hoping to get Whispering Canyon, but by the time I called it was all booked up. I was on vacation with no computer so I had no idea for a back up. I ended up getting the concourse steakhouse. So question number 1: Is there any way to still try and get a reservation for a place if it's technically filled up according to the reservationist? Do slots open from cancellations or anything of the sort? And number 2: Has anyone done thanksgiving at the concourse? Is this an ok place to eat or should I be calling and trying to go somewhere different? I'm can't believe I didn't get our first choice.

I tried for LTT. Two years ago we did Thanksgiving at the Fort with characters, dancing, music and my kids loved it so we're doing it again. I bet there is still availability there. I've had two CM tell me it wasn't in the system yet but one found it. You can dine at 12, 2, 4, or 6.

 

[karebear1]

The campfire, movie at Ft. Wilderness is open to th public. We were staying at WL and my older kids walked over and joined in the sing along and campfire.