Help for Friend

[cann1214]

Hi, my friend just booked a trip during Free Dining in August. She didn't know that reservations were so hard to get. I am trying to help her get a list of some less popular restaurants that may still have good time slots available. I already thought of THe Plaza, any others? She has twin DD (6).

 

[SPOERLX3]

I called earlier to move my 50's prime time to a little later than 4pm. They offered me an 8:30. I left mine at 4 cause we prefer early vs late but I would love a 5ish. Not sure if they like late or early but what I have found is if you can't get what you want now, call periodically and see if something becomes avalable. I have a couple of ressie's that I am going to be canceling in the next couple of days for the week of Aug 16-22nd. What dates are they going? Where are they looking to dine?

 

[rlovew]

Marakesh is normally avaiable, she may be able to get the character breakfast at Cape May, Liberty Tree's dinner isn't as popular now that there are not characters, the resort hotels will have more avaiablity than the parks, Beirgarten ion another possibility in Epcot, Mama Melrose is the one most likely to be open in MGM.

 

[cann1214]

She will be there on the 16th, not sure how many days. She has no idea about any of the restaurants, so I don't want to give her suggestions that will be impossible to get and frustrate her!

 

[squirrel]

Try Tusker House in AK-breakfast with characters or lunch (Nemo seating) or dinner. You still might be able to get a later breakfast.

The Wave- wasn't very busy last year as it was new. Might be different now.

Chef Mickey's- they may have lunch available.

1900 Park Fare-I didn't have much trouble last year when dining was 180 days out and booked in May for Sept.

You never know, someone might have cancelled so have her ask if anything is available at certain place.

I would try to get some character dining-the girls will love it.

 

[SPOERLX3]

She will be there on the 16th, not sure how many days. She has no idea about any of the restaurants, so I don't want to give her suggestions that will be impossible to get and frustrate her!

I can send you a private message and tell you what I am going to cancel and on what days. Then maybe we can syncranize our watches, decide when is a good time for me to call and cancel and she or you can call at the same time and maybe grab them. I only have 2 but it's a start. Both are great for kids.
Let me know if you want me to send you a private message.

 

[TDC Nala]

Must they be inside a theme park? If not, and she needs to use her TS credits try:

The Wave at the Contemporary (although this may have caught on)
Turf Club at Saratoga Springs
Olivia's at Old Key West
Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Villas
Maya Grill at Coronado Springs
Shutters at Caribbean Beach
Captain's Grille at Yacht Club
Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Planet Hollywood, Raglan Road or Cap'n Jack's at Downtown Disney

These are not mentioned with regard to what they serve, how the food is or their level of child-friendliness - just that they do not seem to be in as much demand as other restaurants (that is usually due to location) and might have space if everything else is full for free dining.

If she does not have a car it will take time to get to any of these restaurants (except the Wave if you're at MK or Captain's Grill from Epcot or Studios) via Disney transportation either from theme parks or from other resorts.

 

[dbmarie]

I would try
Boma- they often have reservations available
The Plaza
Usually the popular restaurants have availability for lunch

 

[Lynne G]

I'd say lunches or late breakfasts might be easier to get.
Maybe Grand Floridian Cafe, Raglan Road, Nine Dragons, Tony's Town Square,
Olivia's
I also think the Wave or Sanaa
Beaches and Cream doesn't take ADRs and has great burgers and shakes
and ESPN doesn't take ADRs either, if you like sandwiches and "bar food".

Keep trying. I did, and got better times and into the restaurants I wanted. I even got the Crystal Palace for 8:10 am breakfast one afternoon several weeks after my 90 days start time.

finally, the final payment for most people is 45 days out, I'd check for ADRs around that time, some people may cancel when they aren't able to come.