Free Dining Wreaks Havoc on Last minute September Trip

[CinderellaDreamer]

We decided to go to Disney the last week of September, but there are no dining reservations left at any character meals. I am going to have to check all day every day, aren't I? Not picky, just would like one meal during the whole week we are there.

I am hoping that there might be some cancellations at the 45 day mark. And I can always check 48 hours and 24 hours out. Its not usually this difficult to find something when there isn't free dining.

Thanks for listening to my lament. I'm really quite happy to be going and will not let it ruin my trip or anything. I just enjoy booking a character meal or two ahead of time and thinking about the trip. They say the planning and anticipation is a large percent of the trip enjoyment. I would have to agree!

 

[marissamayhem]

I'm with you. I had all my dining booked but DH wanted some extra TS meals in there and I could barely find anything. I'll probably keep checking as we get closer, but it does stink. I like to have all this stuff nailed down.

 

[CinderellaDreamer]

I'm with you. I had all my dining booked but DH wanted some extra TS meals in there and I could barely find anything. I'll probably keep checking as we get closer, but it does stink. I like to have all this stuff nailed down.

I know! I can hardly find any TS inside a park for any night. I got a Liberty Tree and a San Angel. That's it.

I have nothing for 9/26, 9/27, and 9/29.

We are a party of 5, so that does make it more challenging.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Don't count on the 45 day mark. Dining reservations don't have to be cancelled at the same time a package is cancelled, and it's only relevant regarding those who happen to have a package starting the same day as yours who HAPPEN to cancel their package at the last possible minute AND cancel their dining reservations on the same day. I don't know where this 45 day thing got started. A better benchmark is the day before, because after that is when penalties for missing a dining reservation kick in.

 

[vinotinto]

I booked an August trip (pre-FD dates) about 50 days prior and ADRs are slim pickings. I booked Cali Grill for 5:15, as it was the only time available and there hasn't been any other openings later on Aug 29. I also grabbed the only Le Cellier that I could find for our evening, etc. Forget about BOG or CRT. I think it's not just FD, it's that there are a lot of people planning on visiting WDW.

 

[marchingstar]

I booked an August trip (pre-FD dates) about 50 days prior and ADRs are slim pickings. I booked Cali Grill for 5:15, as it was the only time available and there hasn't been any other openings later on Aug 29. I also grabbed the only Le Cellier that I could find for our evening, etc. Forget about BOG or CRT. I think it's not just FD, it's that there are a lot of people planning on visiting WDW.

It might also be that FD is available to Canadians (and maybe other international travellers?) starting on the 17th. So although perhaps not in the majority, there will be some folks with more ADRs than you'd expect.

 

[maxiesmom]

Keep checking! I just put in 9/26, and the Crystal Palace had availability for lunch. The Garden Grove shows dinner as well. On 9/27 the Tusker House is available for a late lunch.

 

[CinderellaDreamer]

Keep checking! I just put in 9/26, and the Crystal Palace had availability for lunch. The Garden Grove shows dinner as well. On 9/27 the Tusker House is available for a late lunch.

Aw, man! That Crystal Palace is gone already! I'm still checking. Several times a day.

 

[maxiesmom]

Aw, man! That Crystal Palace is gone already! I'm still checking. Several times a day.

Hopefully you will be able to snag one you want! Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

 

[CinderellaDreamer]

Hopefully you will be able to snag one you want! Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

I just got the Garden Grill for 9/29 at 7:10! Woot Woot! I'm happy now!

Thanks for the crossed fingers! It worked!