Dining reservations: calling vs. booking online

[Michael Danzy]

Having booked reservations for CRT previously, I know the importance of calling 190 days out to make reservations. The last time we went, however, they did not offer reservation booking online. So, which would be the preferable method now? I know I only have one shot at getting reservations that morning, so I don't won't to blow my chances.

 

[Pumbaa_]

CRT is not the hot ticket it used to be. BOG now has that honor

And to Clarify, it is not 190 days. It is 180 days from your checkin plus up to 10 days, if you are staying that long

 

[_auroraborealis_]

And CRT cannot be booked on the APP, but can generally be booked via the website.

 

[Michael Danzy]

CRT is not the hot ticket it used to be. BOG now has that honor

And to Clarify, it is not 190 days. It is 180 days from your checkin plus up to 10 days, if you are staying that long

 

[Michael Danzy]

Ah gotcha. I thought it meant that Disney Guests got an extra 10 days ahead of non Disney Guests. The last time I went was in 2004 when I got married there. I guess things have changed! LOL

 

[CynBeth]

Definitely try booking on the website at 6 am EST. Make sure you log in under MDE and on the drop down go to my reservations and then select make dining reservations so it will allow you to do for the entire trip as long as it is not more than 10 days or you are not doing a split stay. If you somehow have issues the call center opens at 7 am EST. When is your 180 days?

 

[Bob Dolewhip]

My preference is to book online because you can see everything upfront. Also, the Disney people are too polite for me so I feel bad when I am short with them. "Okay, reservation made, gotta run!"

 

[DISNEY1975]

Has anyone had luck booking at the 180 online with the dining plan (not needing to pre-pay dinner shows and CRT?) Ive never had luck and always needed to call.

Those who have successfully booked with dining plan, please share your secret!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Has anyone had luck booking at the 180 online with the dining plan (not needing to pre-pay dinner shows and CRT?) Ive never had luck and always needed to call.

Those who have successfully booked with dining plan, please share your secret!

I was able to. No real secret. Logged in, had a credit card saved, looked up my date... POW.

 

[DISNEY1975]

I was able to. No real secret. Logged in, had a credit card saved, looked up my date... POW.

So when they ask for your CC info, they are not really charging you? I always got a total for the shows and CRT. The others were just a "hold".

 

[Iikla]

I think it takes too long to call them, and they ask you too many questions (and they are extremely nice) so I ratjer make my reservations on the website its easy fast and quiet

 

[_auroraborealis_]

So when they ask for your CC info, they are not really charging you? I always got a total for the shows and CRT. The others were just a "hold".

Yes. You have to have a CC on file. But if you have DDP you can use it to guarantee the dining.

 

[Dash7]

Yes. You have to have a CC on file. But if you have DDP you can use it to guarantee the dining.

Yes, you should get an option to book using credits or to pre-pay. If you select the credits option you still have to have your cc to guarantee it, but it's not charged.

 

[PennyInPink]

What if you purchase the dining plan, or get the free offer, AFTER you made the reservations?

 

[Michael Danzy]

Definitely try booking on the website at 6 am EST. Make sure you log in under MDE and on the drop down go to my reservations and then select make dining reservations so it will allow you to do for the entire trip as long as it is not more than 10 days or you are not doing a split stay. If you somehow have issues the call center opens at 7 am EST. When is your 180 days?

it'll probably be 11/27. Haven't booked yet. I work offshore and schedule has been kinda hectic lately. Will probably book later this month.

 

[Boopuff]

Personally, if I really have a ressie I really want (BOG) I call (play dead on the phone to get an agent) the thing about an agent is they can see several days at a glance and can tell you what other dates/times are available. I also found once that the on line system gave me a "yes" reservation on the day and time I wanted. I called to modify the ressie and found out that the system had booked two tables for my party! and no they couldn't gaurantee they were near each other!

 

[SullyD13]

What if your vacation is longer than 10 days? We are going for 12, will they let us book the entire trip on the 180 mark of the first day? Or will we have to call in for the other two days seperately?

 

[MakiraMarlena]

If you get a dining plan AFTER you have booked CRT or a dinner show, you can have it refunded. The issue is when. Maybe you can have it done immediately by phone, but if you can't, you can do it when you get to CRT or pick up your dinner show tickets - you can at that point switch your payment to dining credits.

You don't actually have any dining credits until your check-in starts. They don't have anything to deduct from your room account at the time you book. The credits are actually deducted at CRT or when you pick up your dinner show tickets.

If your vacation is 12 days...You can book the first 10 at 180 days from the first day. The last two, you have to call for separately.