Good things come to those who wait...Teppanyaki for Le Cellier + VIP Illuminations

[Bama_C]

I waited for Disney Dining to call me about our Teppanyaki reservation for 9/12 which I assumed would be cancelled. They called today around 2 pm and said they were sorry... that the restaurant is undergoing renovations and they have to cancel. Where would we like to eat? The first attempt we tried Liberty Tree Tavern... being our last night thought we'd go out with something at MK. Nope, nothing...

So, just on a whim I said, "I know you're not going to have this, but check Le Cellier for me." Pause. "Yes, I can get you into Le Cellier at 5 pm."

(Inward squeals of delight!!!) "Wonderful, that is perfect!"

AS IF THAT WERE NOT ENOUGH...

CM goes on to say, "Since we've had to change your plans, can we give you VIP passes to see Illuminations?"

Like I have to think about it! WOOOHOOO!!


So now for my in-laws (we're keeping it secret til that night) we have surprise VIP passes for illuminations and dinner with them on a night when we thought we were going to have to dine separately.

I AM PRETTY EXCITED!! THIS is why Disney is Disney... and why I can't wait to come back year after year.



Doing the happy dance... 18 days to departure.


PIXIEDUST

 

[MousekaMaddi]

great for u! Enjoy..........

 

[tiffi-Mspopulargirl]

.. i luv vmk anyone on?

 

[andrews1]

I called yesterday regarding our res on 9/25 and got the same thing...so excited we got LeCellier!

 

[TreslovesWDW]

that's great, we will be there at 6:00 the same night..have a great meal.

 

[shovan]

WOW!!! That is so Disneyesque! I so glad that received that primo treatment!

Can you tell us, where exactly is the VIP passes for Illuminations?

 

[Tracey1974]

We are in the same boat!

I called yesterday and was able to get LeCellier instead of Tep for 9/17. I'm not sure why now they have room and I wasn't able to get an original ADR for there when I called back in April but I'm not complaining!

I am going to check in 1/2 hour earlier than my ADR because I am sure that restaurant will be more than filled with people.

 

[Bama_C]

Can you tell us, where exactly is the VIP passes for Illuminations?

as I understand it, there are elevated viewing areas or towers somewhere around back of Canada and Mexico??? Maybe someone out there who has done this before can fill us in. We were told they would bring our "VIP badges" to the restaurant so that we can get into the area.

PIXIEDUST!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

As far as I can tell - from reading other threads on this and from talking to the Special Line Cast Member yesterday - there are different locations on different nights. What I know for sure is, September 15 and September 24, the VIP viewing area is, yes, at the entrance to World Showcase between the two gift shops.

 

[pooh2001]

Congrats to all

You can even get "Dreamed" by CM's on the ADR dining phone line

 

[Cricket2]

The unfourtunate part is that you got them and so did everyone else that had a booking problem. It's going to be packed and may be even more uncomfortable than if you staked out your own spot ahead of time. Think of how many people get seated throughout the day at Teppan and most of them will get those passes. I'm hoping I'm wrong but I can't see how that many people will fit into those "VIP" areas without causing more trouble than they are worth.

 

[Bama_C]

The unfourtunate part is that you got them and so did everyone else that had a booking problem. It's going to be packed and may be even more uncomfortable than if you staked out your own spot ahead of time. Think of how many people get seated throughout the day at Teppan and most of them will get those passes. I'm hoping I'm wrong but I can't see how that many people will fit into those "VIP" areas without causing more trouble than they are worth.

Thanks for spoiling my excitement... seriously, are they small areas? Have you been there? I'd really hate for my m-i-l, who is going through chemo for breast cancer , to have to endure something awful like a small spot with a bunch of us packed in like sardines. I was thinking this would really be neat to cheer her up.

 

[PrincessPaczki]

The thing is, not everyone who had their resies cancelled belong to the dis. We had reservations for Sept. and had to change them this week. If I didn't read the disboards, first off I would not have known to ask for the VIP spot. Even after reading some of the threads in the last week, some people who switched were not given the VIP they had to ask for it. I still am holding out hope that our night will not be crowded to watch the fireworks. I hope the same for your night Bama C.

 

[Momto8]

We also had reservations at Teppanyaki and called to switch them. Unfortunately, one of my nephews died tragically and unexpectedly this past weekend, and we had to go out of town for the funeral. Needless to say I have not been on the DIS all week and didn't know anything about the VIP passes when I called. She told me we could do Biergarten and that there was no room at all at LeCellier. She didn't say anything about VIP passes either. I was accidentally disconnected (my fault) and before I called back, DD called to tell me that my niece read on the DIS that they were offering VIP passes for Illuminations. I then called back and this time I was told that a special department was handling the Teppanyaki cancellations. She transferred me (I think it was to Guest Services) and we were offered Restaurant Marrakesh for our party (we have 28) and we decided to try it. We've never eaten here before but I've heard that it is good, and I'm actually kind of excited about trying this since it is something new and different. She told us it was a great family restaurant and that a lot of people are hesitant to try it but then find out that they like it. She said that they have the belly dancers and then bring the kids up to dance also.

I think it depends upon the CM as to if they will offer the VIP seating for you or not. I sure hope it won't be so crowded that it will take away from the enjoyment. She also said to not hold her to this but that there was a rumor that they might be offering a desert party for everyone. But that is just a rumor right now.

 

[Bama_C]

We also had reservations at Teppanyaki and called to switch them. Unfortunately, one of my nephews died tragically and unexpectedly this past weekend, and we had to go out of town for the funeral.

I am so sorry for your loss. What a tragedy right before your trip. You and your family have my condolences.

and we were offered Restaurant Marrakesh for our party (we have 28) and we decided to try it. We've never eaten here before but I've heard that it is good, and I'm actually kind of excited about trying this since it is something new and different.

I haven't eaten there but have wanted to try it. Hope it works out for you.

I think it depends upon the CM as to if they will offer the VIP seating for you or not. I sure hope it won't be so crowded that it will take away from the enjoyment. She also said to not hold her to this but that there was a rumor that they might be offering a desert party for everyone. But that is just a rumor right now.

That would be really neat for you. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[texasteacher35]

Us too! We are now at Coral Reef + VIP seating for Ill uminations! Awesome deal! Thanks WDW!

 

[ElizabethB]

We have VIP illumniations viewing, too. I have to say, however, they've handed that privilege out to so many by now, I'm beginning to think the best viewing will be elsewhere.

DH and I have done VIP Illuminations numerous times after F&W dinners, but for those, there is a maximum of something like 40 people in the VIP "pen". We'll give it a try, but if it's wall to wall people in the "pen", we'll go elsewhere.

 

[Momto8]

I am so sorry for your loss. What a tragedy right before your trip. You and your family have my condolences.

It was very tragic as he was accidentally shot. We still don't know what really happened. The only witness (other than his son who is autistic) was the person who shot him. I feel very bad for his son, parents and brothers and sisters .

Thank you and I hope you have wonderful trip also. You'll have to let us know if it was crowded.