How is it possible???

[TheLittleRoo]

That so many people are reporting having no luck getting Le Cellier, Chef Mickeys and other hard to get ADRs at 7am calling at 90 days out. Is it possible that the new reservation system is releasing only partial tables at 90 days, trying to save some for the onslaught of calls at the last minute?

Is there a strategy for getting these ADRs, other than saving them for the back half of my 10 day trip when I'd have more luck? Thanks!

 

[soupy11]

Free dining. Pretty much every guest is eating table service at least once per day. Compare this to non-free dining period when many vacationers likely limit ts dining to 3-4 meals per week to save some $$. Add up the rooms at disney and you can see that table sittings are hopelessly overwhelmed for the popular places....

 

[TheLittleRoo]

I know it's free dining, but I don't recall it being like this when ADRs were available at 180 days out. It seems like more people are calling on 90 days, than called on 180.

I also remembered that UK guests can book more like 90 days + 14 so that also fills up tables days before other guests can even get off the starting blocks. I just remember never having problems getting tables during free dining and I'm hearing a lot of people here and at TGM who are reporting that a LOT of their first choices are already full and they have to book alternates or look at lunch times. Free dining causes this every year, yes, but not usually right from the get go.

 

[chocaholic110]

I also remembered that UK guests can book more like 90 days + 14 so that also fills up tables days before other guests can even get off the starting blocks.

I'm from the UK and we can still only book 90+10 days in advance which is a nuisance when you're staying for three weeks. Actually, I'm relieved it's not just me having problems with reservations - I thought it was my accent causing the trouble!

Just to further add info, I wanted to book Rainforest Cafe for my son's birthday around 7pm so phoned as soon as I could to be told the only time available was 5.30pm. Booked that but phoned back today (three weeks later) and the CM quite happily changed the time to 6.45

 

[TheLittleRoo]

I'm from the UK and we can still only book 90+10 days in advance which is a nuisance when you're staying for three weeks. Actually, I'm relieved it's not just me having problems with reservations - I thought it was my accent causing the trouble!

Just to further add info, I wanted to book Rainforest Cafe for my son's birthday around 7pm so phoned as soon as I could to be told the only time available was 5.30pm. Booked that but phoned bac today (three weeks later) and the CM quite happily changed the time to 6.45

Thanks for clarifying about UK reservations - - I was jealous!

I think your point about calling back 3 weeks later and getting your preferred time speaks to my theory about Disney holding back tables. Remember how much bad PR they were getting from disgruntled guests trying to book tables the past two years? I think they are setting a % of table ADRs aside for release over time up to I'd guess about 30 days out from arrival, just to have something available.

It makes me wonder if I should keep my itinerary set the way I have it (certain parks in certain order, on certain days) and try to fit my ADRs to the park I'm in each day or have a plan B, in case I can't get LC on my Epcot day and switch parks.

 

[KigerKat]

I don't know how Disney does it, but I can't believe they book all the tables for the entire day 90 days out right at 7AM. Maybe they open up so many tables each week or something. Keep calling back, and you might be able to get what you want!

 

[traylorc]

I think your point about calling back 3 weeks later and getting your preferred time speaks to my theory about Disney holding back tables. Remember how much bad PR they were getting from disgruntled guests trying to book tables the past two years? I think they are setting a % of table ADRs aside for release over time up to I'd guess about 30 days out from arrival, just to have something available.

You have to factor in the possibility that people call back and cancel/change their reservations. Imagine the number of changes in overall reservations after one day, much less three weeks.

Disney potentially holding back a percentage of the ADRs isn't the issue, I think it goes back to free dining and the fact that the number people attempting to secure table service reservations has increased exponentially.

 

[clutter]

I don't know how Disney does it, but I can't believe they book all the tables for the entire day 90 days out right at 7AM. Maybe they open up so many tables each week or something. Keep calling back, and you might be able to get what you want!

According to multiple CMs yesterday, duing the system crash, all tables are released at 100 days out.

However, my first CM theorized that the system was beginning to crash days ago. The crash itself resuled in most, but not all, restaurants showing full when they were not. (When you could get Chef Mickeys or Tusker House but not Nine Dragons or Yak & Yeti, something is wrong.)

Once the system came up again, I was able to get Le Cellier. Not for the early part of my trip, but for later. So I think your strategy of going to the hardest to get later in the trip is a good one. I also think tables will free up later, but it's a crap shoot whether you call when one is available.

I have to say, I was apprehensive about calling yesterday based on reports. I was practically in tears that we couldn't get easy to get restaurants in the morning. However, once the system was fixed, we got everything we wanted at reasonable times.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

That so many people are reporting having no luck getting Le Cellier, Chef Mickeys and other hard to get ADRs at 7am calling at 90 days out.

1) Because others used their 90+10 to eat into YOUR days.
2) It is possible for someone to take ALL the days of your vacation.
3) Think of it
. . . people call the day before you are allowed
. . . they book all the ressies you want for up to 10-days
. . . if you are at WDW for 7-days, they booked passed you.
. . . thus, you can't get what you want.
4) Won't say this will happen all the time, but it does limit your choices.

5) As I have said MANY times before, 90+10 is not as good a deal as it sounds.
6) Far better for 90 days PERIOD.
7) Then, the fastest fingers can score, instead of being left out in the cold.

 

[SilverL]

Back when it was 180 days out, I think the people making reservations at that time were those who booked way in advance or hardcore disers like us. Some people don't book trips 6 months out. But most people will book 3 months out.

That's just my theory.

 

[Cookie Princess]

We are visiting before the free dining and I called 90 days out for my 90+10 ADRs. The only time that week I could get for Le Cellier was 4:00 for dinner so I grabbed it. Not a great time, but glad to have it.

The people calling the 10 days prior to your 90th day are the ones getting the reservations first. I can't complain because it is a great perk for those staying on site.

 

[TheLittleRoo]

Back when it was 180 days out, I think the people making reservations at that time were those who booked way in advance or hardcore disers like us. Some people don't book trips 6 months out. But most people will book 3 months out.

That's just my theory.

I totally agree with you! And I think the agents at WDW are doing a GREAT job of reminding/ admonishing guests to CALL EARLY b/c ADRs go fast.

The people calling the 10 days prior to your 90th day are the ones getting the reservations first. I can't complain because it is a great perk for those staying on site.

This is my only hope since we're staying onsite for 11 days. I might have a shot at LC, CM and CRT but only during my last 3-4 days.

 

[princessjane]

I called this morning at 9:30 am Eastern (Yeah, not 7 am like most people). I waited 18 minutes (they said 25). I specifically asked for a certain time for all my ressies and got them all within 30 minutes of the time I wanted. Don't just say,,breakfast..or morning. I told the CM, I want 8:15 am or 6:00 pm. It took awhile because the system was super slow but I got everything I wanted close to the times I wanted without any problem. LeCellier is always a problem and I didn't even ask. But I got Chef Mickey's very easily for a Friday night!

 

[pavil]

I was booking in early April for a late April visit and Le Cellier was full the time of our visit save for one time, which didn't work for us. The CM told us that Le Cellier fills before the 90 day mark, so by the time the newest 90 day planners come onboard there is slim to none pickings at certain spots.

Even with that I called and called and eventually snagged a Chef Mickey for 5 people.

Have lots of backup locations and grab those, then work to improve your reservations. My luck with the Chef Mickey Res was due to having the CM pull it immediately out of the open pool.

 

[scanne]

I was very surprised today when I was able to get Akershus princess dinner for a party of 7 for June 29th at 7:10pm. Shocked, really. But happy!

Keep calling - there are ALWAYS cancellations!

 

[JeNScHuB]

I found it easier to have a park hopper pass....it makes it easier to book dinner on any day at any resturant. I have noticed that some don't have this and they run into issues with wanting to eat at certain parks on certain days.

I got every reservation I wanted:

Tutto
Si Fi
Coral Reef
Tony's
Tusker House Breakfast
Cape May
Mama Melrose with Fantasmic

I was also lucky enough to get the times I wanted too!!!

 

[ExtinctDino]

1) Because others used their 90+10 to eat into YOUR days.
2) It is possible for someone to take ALL the days of your vacation.
3) Think of it
. . . people call the day before you are allowed
. . . they book all the ressies you want for up to 10-days
. . . if you are at WDW for 7-days, they booked passed you.
. . . thus, you can't get what you want.
4) Won't say this will happen all the time, but it does limit your choices.

5) As I have said MANY times before, 90+10 is not as good a deal as it sounds.
6) Far better for 90 days PERIOD.
7) Then, the fastest fingers can score, instead of being left out in the cold.

Yes, people who can afford longer vacations will tend to get better ADRs. If you're there less than 10 days, you just get the leftovers from others who will be there 10 days or more.

 

[ExtinctDino]

Back when it was 180 days out, I think the people making reservations at that time were those who booked way in advance or hardcore disers like us. Some people don't book trips 6 months out. But most people will book 3 months out.

That's just my theory.

I agree, that's probably it.

Free dining is NOT the explanation. Free dining has been around for years. The 90 day policy is new.

 

[pavil]

I agree, that's probably it.

Free dining is NOT the explanation. Free dining has been around for years. The 90 day policy is new.

I would agree. I bet if they went out to 120 days, it would be a lot eaiser for everyone involved.

 

[traylorc]

I agree, that's probably it.

Free dining is NOT the explanation. Free dining has been around for years. The 90 day policy is new.

I agree the 90 day policy has likely contributed to the issues surrounding ADRs. However, given current economic conditions I imagine Disney has been pushing free dining more than usually. At the end of the day it's about getting butts in the park.

Free dining may not be the sole source of the ADR issues, but I still believe it's a contributing factor. However, you may be right on the money about the 90 day policy being the primary culprit.