Early Dining Full?

[ElliottsMomma]

My family is interested in going on our first Disney cruise. The only thing holding us back is that the main dining time is full. There are three kiddos that definitely could not do the 8 o’clock dining so that is not an option. What is the likelihood of being able to get the first seating once on the waitlist or even on the ship? I would love any advice because this is the one thing holding us back from booking

 

[hcox31]

2 of our cruises we were waitlisted and moved onto early dining before we even had our PIF date. Currently on the waitlist for our next one in Aug 2020. If you don't get moved, I think you can go to guest services or similar on embarkation day to get it switched if there is availability.

 

[hcox31]

I would also guess that after the PIF date, lots of dining would open up as people wouldn't be making those final payments.

 

[ColoradoMom12]

I was going to ask the exact same question! What is the waitlist and how do I get on it? When I’m logged into my account, I can only see that the early dining is not available, and we have second dining. It’s not a dealbreaker to us. I know I booked on the late side (I booked just recently for a December 30 cruise—our first one!), and if we have to stick with the late dining, we’re okay with it. My daughter is 8, but we are early risers so the early dining would be better

 

[disneyfaninaz]

You, or your travel agent, need to call DCL and ask to be put on the waitlist for main dining for your cruise. I have had to be waitlisted twice and have been moved each time.

 

[MissMeidak]

I'm not sure whether it's itinerary dependent, but I've had different experiences from those who have struggled to get main dining. My family and I (5 staterooms) booked the 9-night Alaskan cruise on opening day for silver members and we were all automatically (no request made to our TA) assigned main dining. On Wednesday, we (7 staterooms) booked the 7 night Norwegian Fjords in August 2020 and again we have been automatically assigned main dining, we hadn't made a request. Our preference is late dining, so I switch it.

 

[mom2brooke76]

The likelihood is good that you can switch it, but as always there are no guarantees.

 

[GPaLarry]

We booked our last cruise rather late (11 of us with second seating) and I made sure, with a phone call to DCL, that we were on the wait list. I also called or connected with their chat line about every other week and said that we really wanted (OK, begged) for the earlier time. One day a copy of my reservation papers were emailed to me out of the blue...sure enough, in the fine print, we were moved to early seating. I believe that, if all else fails, you can go to one of the main dining rooms when you first board to request the change. The Navigator that is handed to you at the sign in desk will have the location or ask the agent there. Good luck!!