Had My Heart Set on ‘Ohana . . .

[Zurgerific]

for my birthday dinner, but I waited too long to book an ADR now I’m checking back at the WDW ADR web site daily to see if anything frees up and checking daily the November ADR cancellations thread here. So far, no luck.

So here’s what I’m looking for advice on -
The date is Saturday 11/5 (1st day of Jersey week) and I want to be in the Magic Kingdom before regular closing hours (10pm) to enjoy EMH. I’ve booked Kona Café as a fall back for 6:45 that night.
1. Are my chances better calling the WDW ADR phone number instead of using the web site?
2. Is there a stand-by list I could get on?
3. Being the 1st week of November but the 1st day of Jersey week – do I have any chance of getting in if I show up without a reservation?
4. If there is a chance, when do you think would be my best bet – 1st thing at 5pm or later?
5. Are there any tricks or tips that might improve my chances of getting in?
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

for my birthday dinner, but I waited too long to book an ADR now I’m checking back at the WDW ADR web site daily to see if anything frees up and checking daily the November ADR cancellations thread here. So far, no luck.

So here’s what I’m looking for advice on -
The date is Saturday 11/5 (1st day of Jersey week) and I want to be in the Magic Kingdom before regular closing hours (10pm) to enjoy EMH. I’ve booked Kona Café as a fall back for 6:45 that night.
1. Are my chances better calling the WDW ADR phone number instead of using the web site?
2. Is there a stand-by list I could get on?
3. Being the 1st week of November but the 1st day of Jersey week – do I have any chance of getting in if I show up without a reservation?
4. If there is a chance, when do you think would be my best bet – 1st thing at 5pm or later?
5. Are there any tricks or tips that might improve my chances of getting in?
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

1. no
2. no
3. maybe
4. 1st thing - you may have to wait but if anyone doesn't show up, they might seat you
5. KEEP TRYING - check everyday, several times a day and especially at the 45 day cancellation mark for room reservations.

good luck!

 

[Zurgerific]

5. KEEP TRYING - check everyday, several times a day and especially at the 45 day cancellation mark for room reservations.

good luck!

thanks - that was an excellent tip

 

[Colleen27]

As Tink said, keep checking back. I just scored California Grill for that night after weeks of nothing being available before 9:30pm on any of the 4 nights that I could fit it in. And yes, the 45 day mark is a good time to check because people who cancel trips that were tentative to begin with will also cancel their ADRs.

 

[Zurgerific]

I just scored California Grill for that night after weeks of nothing being available before 9:30pm on any of the 4 nights that I could fit it in.

thanks for the encouragement!

 

[mb187143]

Keep trying!!!!! I've been trying to get 'Ohana since May when we booked our trip for Sept (free dining crowds), and there was NOTHING available until yesterday. I was so excited! Try every day, multiple times a day. There may already be a thread on here for cancelled ADRs in November and December, maybe someone would be willing to coordinate if they're cancelling for the same time? Don't give up, whenever I had a few minutes in the day i'd log on and try, and it finally worked.

 

[Havana]

Absolutely keep trying. Good luck!

 

[Brandilovesdisney]

how many are you? It's alot easier to do a walk-up if you are a group 2 compared to a group of 8

 

[Zurgerific]

how many are you? It's alot easier to do a walk-up if you are a group 2 compared to a group of 8

we're a group of 5 - i guess as a last resort, i'll keep the Kona resv and try my luck walking up but i've got plenty of shots at the ADR inbetween now and then and the 45 day cancellation sweet spot is coming up in a couple weeks - i'm holding out hope - thanks everybody !!

 

[mommyrosa2]

Another one who says: keep trying everyday at all times of the day. We were able to secure Ohana and Crystal Palace (dinner) 4 people for the week of October 22nd...it took me trying like crazy (i swear i was checking online every hour on the hour) for 2 weeks straight but it did payoff!