Has anyone had success booking dining? I mean......for the love of churros!

[avalon451]

Well, I woke up enough to check for Carthay reservations several times in the night- nothing has dropped yet, although I do see some Carthay Lounge stuff.

 

[CommanderCanuck]

Well, I woke up enough to check for Carthay reservations several times in the night- nothing has dropped yet, although I do see some Carthay Lounge stuff.

Same with me. Switched my backup Lamplight to the Carthay Lounge but really hope the real restaurant opens up for reservations. First time in a while that posting the hours didn't lead to it going live that night.

 

[wildekatza]

Same with me. Switched my backup Lamplight to the Carthay Lounge but really hope the real restaurant opens up for reservations. First time in a while that posting the hours didn't lead to it going live that night.

I was looking for Carthay restaurant, too. I am seeing just the lounge "Alfresco" and the photo is of the patio dining, which I wouldn't mind so much. I did want to eat the full menu though and not just lounge selections. I would eat it on the upstairs balcony if necessary. LOL! Is that what t he lounge "Alfresco" is? I have never booked the lounge before. It was always just walk in and sit at the bar or one of the tables when we went.

 

[wildekatza]

Darn, then that likely means I missed out. Trying to find a ressie (lunch or dinner) for 2 any of these dates 9/15-9/18 and I don't see any availability.

Carthay lounge is avail on several times but it says "Alfresco" and not sure what that means. I know that in the past we have been able to "request" an item or 2 off the main restaurant menu but don't know if the full restaurant is open at all. I was able to book about an hour ago on Carthay lounge for the dates you were discussing.
Also, just a tip, don't choose the random "Lunch" or "dinner" options. And when you choose a time, like say, 3:30 and the message pops up that says "sorry! There are no times available between 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM " then still enter "4:00" and "4:30" etc. each 30 minute window. I booked several dining reservations that way last night even when they were popping up with the "Sorry!" message. I don't know if it is a fluke or someone had dumped their reservations during that time frame right when I hit "select" to scan for options, but I have used that for years. It never works for me to select just the one time to eat or the "lunch" ,etc. options. Hope that helps!

 

[dreeger]

Well, I woke up enough to check for Carthay reservations several times in the night- nothing has dropped yet, although I do see some Carthay Lounge stuff.

same. also hoping dinner at Carthay (not the lounge) opens up.

 

[dreeger]

Carthay lounge is avail on several times but it says "Alfresco" and not sure what that means. I know that in the past we have been able to "request" an item or 2 off the main restaurant menu but don't know if the full restaurant is open at all. I was able to book about an hour ago on Carthay lounge for the dates you were discussing.
Also, just a tip, don't choose the random "Lunch" or "dinner" options. And when you choose a time, like say, 3:30 and the message pops up that says "sorry! There are no times available between 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM " then still enter "4:00" and "4:30" etc. each 30 minute window. I booked several dining reservations that way last night even when they were popping up with the "Sorry!" message. I don't know if it is a fluke or someone had dumped their reservations during that time frame right when I hit "select" to scan for options, but I have used that for years. It never works for me to select just the one time to eat or the "lunch" ,etc. options. Hope that helps!

"Alfresco" means outdoor dining, so I believe this is all out on their patio/terrace with a limited menu. I haven't been yet, but that's how I'm reading it.

 

[wildekatza]

Just looked it up on the site: The Alfresco means on the upstairs patio. I am glad it isn't the dark lounge inside. We have tried to get seated up here in the past and there was no room. Here is the description:
A Vintage Vantage Point
Relax and step back into the Golden Age of Hollywood and unwind with beverages and flavorful dishes, enjoying expanded outdoor seating and amazing views of Buena Vista Street.

 

[wildekatza]

"Alfresco" means outdoor dining, so I believe this is all out on their patio/terrace with a limited menu. I haven't been yet, but that's how I'm reading it.

Thanks! I knew that the Alfresco meant outside in other places and from the photo on the site, it was def outside and not in the dark lounge at the entrance to Carthay, but every time in the past we have tried to sit up there for just nibbles and cocktails, they have told us it was closed, so I assumed it was some special section for people in the know. There was never anyone up there when they would tell us it was closed. I guess now with the state of things they are going to start seating people up there and see how people book that? Then open the restaurant. OH, well. I am on the balcony. I will let y'all know if it was worth it compared to the inside. LOL!

 

[smartlabelprint]

Oh my gosh. First time actually reserving since the pandemic. Is anyone having luck with making reservations for more than 4 people? Also I used to be able to hold two reservations for the same restaurant I think. I tried to make two reservations for Ralph Brennan's and it would only let me replace one, I had to frantically sign my husband up for an account to make the second one. Also I could only get tables for 4 and not 5 so I'm kind of freaking out about bringing 9 people to reservations where I have two tables of 4. There are three kids so they can squish on one side.

I am going to try for a few more but we're going to stick to quick service this trip I think if it doesn't go smoothly. As the planner for all of us I'm getting stressed trying to make everyone happy, including myself.

So glad I have you guys to vent to!! Nobody in my circle knows the woes of planning the perfect DLR trip.

Oh wow! I read up thread. So glad you
Got his fave spot.

 

[smartlabelprint]

I’m a DL newbie trying to navigate reservations here for the first time. Apologies if this was answered earlier, I couldn’t find:

How absolutely necessary are ADRs on DL property? Is walk-up availability more accessible than it is at WDW? We’re going for 2 park days 9/30 and 10/1 and are planning to be in-park O-C so not looking to stop/go out of our way for a long sit-down meal but those Double-Baked Nachos at cocktails at Craftsman Bar are calling my name!!!

There are a lot of delicious food options at Disneyland that are not formal sit down dining. You can mobile order and it sounds like some of them are now offering walk-up.

However, if you want to dine at a specific sit down you should make reservations. If you don’t get something you want I’d go to the restaurant at opening and inquire. If you decide you want to sit down at 6 pm and go at 5:30 to put your name on a list you’re unlikely to be successful IM limited E.

ETA: I vividly recall a time we went to carnation cafe to try to bump up our reservation 30-40 min as the kids got hungry early. Nope. Sit down dining is really tough for our family. I try to keep lots of snacks if something like this happens. It’s just so hard to estimate when you’ll be hungry or need a break. We tend to prefer counter service. On our next trip I’m planning to reserve dining for right when we enter the park for the evening. Then we can do a couple of rides and go to bed. My kids have special needs so YMMV.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I had a reservation for the Carthay al Fresco lounge last week and when I was seated I was taken to the the bar downstairs. It didn't bother me because I was hot and the AC was nice, plus I love the background music. But if you book the al fresco thinking it is outside only there is a chance that you will be seated inside somewhere downstairs so if you want to be outside make note of that and check in with a real person and not on the app.

 

[BriannaRuth]

No luck here for the 5th in DL or DD and it’s the night of a 70th birthday celebration. Any ideas as to how or where to celebrate?

The 5th of what month?

 

[DYOBL0305]

Is anyone having luck with making reservations for more than 4 people?

Yes! I've tried for 6 and not having much luck, although I'm really just looking to see what is currently available (we are way over 60 days out still). I'm hoping this is still not the case closer to our 60 day mark

Me reading this thread and realizing I'm going to need to set a 1:50am alarm to make dining reservations for my October trip:

Our dates are not until December, I'm scared to find out how early I might have to get up for those lol

 

[DYOBL0305]

From what I've been reading, most people are making their reservations online, but when I look up additional info on making reservations, I keep finding (updated) articles stating you can also call their Disney dining line. I've had issues getting through their phone lines when trying to inquire about my reservations and tickets though, so I have to assume it is the same headache trying to reach someone for dining. I also came across a few posts from people sharing that they've called restaurants directly, but I'm not sure how often that works for most?

 

[avalon451]

I just checked before heading to bed, and Carthay Circle (restaurant, not Alfresco Dining) finally dropped up to October 2nd! Got my reservations for my birthday.

 

[COASTIEandMATE]

We just secured our reservations for Carthay Circle as well!! Bon Appetite!!

 

[CommanderCanuck]

Looks like even though they state that carthay circle restaurant is open from 4:30-6:00 on oogie boogie nights, they have not posted reservations for any oogie boogie night, only all other nights. Was hoping to go to carthay at 4:30 prior to the start of the party.

 

[carolinadj]

The 5th of what month?

October

 

[Araminta18]

Looks like even though they state that carthay circle restaurant is open from 4:30-6:00 on oogie boogie nights, they have not posted reservations for any oogie boogie night, only all other nights. Was hoping to go to carthay at 4:30 prior to the start of the party.

Same…hope they drop soon!

 

[wildekatza]

Now, while we are on a reservation thread, anyone know the secret to getting into Oga's Cantina the2nd week of September?