getting nervous about free dining!

[PaDisney02]

HI, we r going at the very start of free dining and I'm getting nervous! Is Disney going to be super crowded cuz of free dining? I'm a little worried I wont get my ADR's I want. I plan on calling on the 90th day prior but I'm worried since it's free dining every1 else will be calling too! What do u all think...does free dining sway if the crowds are normal vs. super heavy? I definitly want CRT on my first full day there for breakfast. I am open to a later breakfast time, in fact i would prefer around 10 am, do u think I will have a good chance of getting it? Also, I really want chef Mickeys but again, we prefer a later seating such as 8pm...do u think I will have a good chance if I call on the 90th day prior? Thanks

 

[PaDisney02]

I forgot to mention...we r a party of 9! 4 adult and 5 kids (2 kids r toddlers) is being such a large party going to hurt our chances as well? Thanks

 

[KatMark]

We have done free dining the last two years. We noticed that the restaurants were more crowded than in the past and they definitely were not taking walk-ups at 99% of the places while we were there, but we had no problem getting ADR's at the places we wanted (and these included LeCellier, Mama Melrose for the Fanstasmic Package, Crystal Palace for early entrance breakfast).

 

[squirrel]

You would actually have more luck getting the ADR's you want near the end of your trip, if you are staying on Disney property. You can book up to 10 days on your 90 day mark.

If you are not trying to get the earliest time for CRT, then you probably will be fine. Last year when you could book 120 days out, we decided to go during Free Dining and it was already May. I was still able to get a breakfast at CRT. I also got some other nice places-Crystal Palace (D), Chef Mickey's (B), Kona Cafe (D), The Wave (D), and 1900 Park Fare (B + D).

 

[Letsbgoofy]

We have been going during FD for years. If you are willing to eat at "off times" you can usually get what you want. You may have to split your party into 2 tables at some restaurants.

 

[mom2rtk]

We have been going during FD for years. If you are willing to eat at "off times" you can usually get what you want. You may have to split your party into 2 tables at some restaurants.

But keep in mind you probably haven't done free dining with only a 90 day advance booking window!

 

[LiamsDISMom]

I have done free dining the past two years and prior to using this board planned both of my trips pretty last minute. Neither of them were booked before June. While I have not tried to do CRT, I have always gotten what I wanted including first night at CM, CP early morning, LTT on Halloween party night, and Fantasmic package. I did not call until at least July (less than 90 days when the window was at 180). Don't know if I just had really good luck or if the incresed popularity and knowledge of free dining will make it harder this year. I guess my point is though that even though I myself and worried a little (I always stress) I don't think it will be as bad as you expect.