FastPass/Dining Reservations

[MABrentwood]

Hi All,

We recently took our little kids (2.5 and 5) on a Disney Cruise, had a great time, and we are going to take the to the Magic Kingdom for one day while we are in Florida this November.

I booked my tickets, and picked my first FastPass options. The ones I really wanted are no longer available. My question is this - will some become available if someone changes their vacation plans? In other words, is it worth my time to stalk the site to see if a time opens up?

The same for dining - all reservations are completely booked. Do some come available from time to time? I really wanted to sit down for a slower dinner, since it is going to be such a long day.

Finally, this forum is HUGE compared to the DCL forum. Can someone point me to a great first timer post/trip report or going with little kids post? I am not looking for anything more that how to have one great day at the Magic Kingdom.

Thanks for the help!

 

[KimBean]

It is definitely worth stalking the site for dining reservations and FP's. Also, under Disney Restaurants you will see a cancellation thread. That can be a real help. What day will you be in MK and what restaurants were you hoping for? I'm sure a lot can point you to alternatives as well that might still be open. There is also an FP cancellation thread on this board.

 

[lydz]

Definitely, definitely, definitely keep checking for reservations that will open up! In June, we were able to get a same day dinner reservation at Be Our Guest. It was fantastic!!!

 

[kerplop]

It took me a couple weeks to get a super popular restaurant at a great time. Totally worth it to keep stalking, multiple times a day. I found the app better for dining reservations over the site, which likes to make me refresh/log in 20 times before I get the time. I lost more than a couple reservations that way But if you keep looking, you will find something good I promise you.

 

[MABrentwood]

What day will you be in MK and what restaurants were you hoping for? I'm sure a lot can point you to alternatives as well that might still be open. There is also an FP cancellation thread on this board.

Thanks to everyone for the help!

I was really hoping for a character dinner - I know that my kids would love it. But I also know that it may be close to impossible. Other than that, I am not really sure what restaurant I want - any suggestions? I think the biggest thing I am looking for is table service...I want a more relaxing atmosphere so we can recharge for the evening....

 

[KimBean]

Thanks to everyone for the help!

I was really hoping for a character dinner - I know that my kids would love it. But I also know that it may be close to impossible. Other than that, I am not really sure what restaurant I want - any suggestions? I think the biggest thing I am looking for is table service...I want a more relaxing atmosphere so we can recharge for the evening....

Day?

 

[MABrentwood]

I am looking for Wednesday November 19. Around 5:30 (Of Course).

 

[KimBean]

I am looking for Wednesday November 19. Around 5:30 (Of Course).

You are going to have to stalk. Pickin's are certainly slim. I've always been able to at least get The Plaza the week of and it is not available. No lunch available either?? easywdw has this at a level 2 and MK tentatively recommended so this MUST be a free dining week???

 

[stinkpickle]

A lot people overbook and cancel between now and their 24 hour window, so things will probably open up a bit by the 19th. I've seen new openings pop up at Epcot restaurants, and we're still three weeks out.

 

[KimBean]

I know this isn't what you need but I just randomly checked a few dates that people asked for yesterday and there is a Garden Grill at 4pm on 11/19.

Just to show you that even character meals do become available this late in the game. Keep checking!

 

[Kelleigh710]

I will be there the same time as you are and you're correct, lunch/dinner in MK are sold out that day. However, consider taking a break from the park and hopping the monorail to the Polynesian for the Kona Cafe or maybe the Grand Floridian Cafe to slow things down a bit. Otherwise, stalking the site isn't a bad option.....

 

[Canuckbiggs]

You are going to have to stalk. Pickin's are certainly slim. I've always been able to at least get The Plaza the week of and it is not available. No lunch available either?? easywdw has this at a level 2 and MK tentatively recommended so this MUST be a free dining week???

I've been able to pick up a couple Plaza lunch reservations this week for the week prior to his date. So definitely keep looking.

I would think somthing like Whispering Canyon Cafe or Kona would be a fall back option, even though they would take a bit more time to get too.