I'm kinda sad about Dec. trip....I'm afraid this sound whiny

[holcomb-mania]

You could try the Turf Club at SSR. We really enjoyed it Sunday before last. I called wdw-dine on Saturday from our villa around 3pm, but they said the TC was completely booked for that night. I walked over and talked to the lady at the TC desk on Sunday afternoon and had my choice of times for that night. Go figure.

Also consider the Plaza in MK. It ain't fancy, but we dig it.

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

I say keep trying. This dining thing with ADR's can be very frustrating. We were on the meal plan in April (we started finalizing plans last minute ourselves) and essentially everything was booked solid. We were fortunate to get into Coral Reef and Le Cellier, but we had to plan our parks around our meal, which wasn't ideal and dining times were less than desirable. The other meals weren't exactly where we wanted, but since I am a very picky eater, I had to make exceptions. We learned our lesson for next time.

Just be persistant and maybe you will get lucky. Good luck with your trip!

 

[Poppins2000]

Don't be sad -here's what DH and I do and have done in the past. We are early eaters too (acid reflux). First of all we are annual passholders and go to WDW all the time. Our favorite restaurants are ALWAYS booked whenever we call for ADRs for a last minute trip. Soo, we go right when the restaurant opens and we have NEVER had an issue. Always got right in (there is just two of us!) We did this in June too, we went with family, there were 10 of us, couldn't get an ADR and got it both times when the restaurant opened.

As far as your DCL portion, you CAN change the dining on the ship, explain your situation (I did and showed them my medication) and tah-dah - got early seating for dinner! I'm sure you will have no problem getting this all cleared up when you are on the ship. PS - You can also make reservations for Palo while onboard or at least get waitlisted.

 

[diznygirrl]

As far as the cruise goes, try to get to the port early and as soon as you board go to where they're taking Palo reservations (usually Rockin' Bar D). They always "hold back" some Palo reservations, so there should be no problem getting one. That's also the place to make changes to your dining time, which given the medical situation, should be no problem (however -- I agree with the previous poster that maybe getting room service around 5ish and then going to the 8pm seating is the way to go -- the early seating has many many more kids and is a little more rushed feeling than the 2nd seating) With respect to shore excursions, what are you looking for? Many of the excursions offered by Disney can be done with independent tour operators, usually at a significantly lower price than Disney's -- go over to the DCL forum and you'll get lots of info re: other tour operators.

 

[Principessa1284]

My advice for WDW is to try making ressies a few days out and even the day of. There are always cancelations! We live down here, and NEVER plan more than a day or two ahead, and don't seem to have a problem getting in for an early or late dinner. for lunch, I would get there as soon as the restaurant opens (Ex - Restaurants at EPCOT, get there right at 11 and they should be able to seat you almost right away, or give you a time for later). I've found that after 8:30pm or before 5pm they can usually seat you as a walk-in.

PS - Not just to the OP, but PLEASE never ever yell at the host or hostess. It's not their fault, and it just makes them more upset. Though if you are nice while everyone else is yelling at them, they might just be able to give you a hand.

 

[Taja]

We were able to get only one ADR for our 10-night visit in December. Between finicky eaters (3), all of whom several light meals daily and one who likes two hearty meals, it was really difficult to book anything!

We have one dinner ADR at CP and we are planning one early dinner at ESPN--their burgers are good. They have to be--I eat plain (absolutely no cheese or condiments!) hamburgers! Beyond that, we probably will have a meal off site every two or three days. We can--and will!--survive on counter service! *LOL*

Edited to add:

We did the free DDP in October, 2006. We thoroughly enjoyed trying different places. But we felt as though we were tied to ADRs the entire visit! Don't think we'll do that again!

 

[Taja]

You could try the Turf Club at SSR. We really enjoyed it Sunday before last. I called wdw-dine on Saturday from our villa around 3pm, but they said the TC was completely booked for that night. I walked over and talked to the lady at the TC desk on Sunday afternoon and had my choice of times for that night. Go figure.

Also consider the Plaza in MK. It ain't fancy, but we dig it.

The Turf Bar & Grill at SSR has a limited menu, but our experience was excellent!

 

[DisneyRN1]

Thanks again everyone This is what these boards are all about--pooling ideas and experiences. I love all the reccommendations, I would not have thought about many of them! We will definiately keep calling. I am so excited about going back to Disney, and this is our first cruise with them, so we are looking forward to that!!!! Thank everyone who responded!!!!!! Vicki

 

[Clubhouse Mickey]

Don't give up hope! I read that so many times on these boards myself and it kept me trying for the meals we really wanted.

We had made a couple of meal ressies 180 d out but did not realize it would be a problem to schedule the others. About 6 wks ago I started calling for our trip starting 11/17-thru 11/23. I was shocked and frustrated to find out so many options were booked!

I have probably called dining 50 times and have now got everything just the way we want. I also have to give huge thanks to the Nov ADR cancellation thread and the Oct/Nov/Dec ADR cancellation thread as I found a generous DIS member who transferred her ADR to me for a meal we really wanted... so check those threads also, at least once if not twice a day.

Call in the mornings also, first thing. That always seemed to give me better luck. I read that the system refreshes every night so that is when cancellations are more available? Not sure if that is true, but on an early am call, I did get a cast member who gave me helpful info about a restaurant (Pl. Hollywd does not take ADR's b/w 5-10 pm during T-day week) that no one else *ever* told me (after calling multiple times.) He said that was not "official" info but he knew due to being more experienced... that goes to reason that the seasoned cm's work the earlier shifts vs the later shifts are the newer recruits who may be less experienced...

just a few random thoughts... wishing you all the best!

 

[DisneyRN1]

Clubhouse Mickey...what number did you call? Was it the official dining reservation number, or some special number...V

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I did not think it sounded whiny at all.. I heard you and understand. I am actually going in December and have not made any adr's yet and may not until I get there and then the word will be flexible, flexible, flexible and if not counter service.

 

[Clubhouse Mickey]

Clubhouse Mickey...what number did you call? Was it the official dining reservation number, or some special number...V

just the regular dining ph#- 407-939-3463

 

[Crystal_27]

Regarding the cruise, note that DCL keeps a lot of reservations for Palo open until the day of the cruise, and will also wait list you for early seating if you can't make the change right away. Make sure that you get to the terminal early and, upon check-in, go to the CM counter and ask for Palo and a change to early seating. Don't give up on the ADRs either - people are constantly making changes. Most importantly, enjoy your vacation!

 

[SnwflkCts]

I understand your frustration. I am diabetic like your DH. Boy, is it hard to make family understand ... I truly HAVE to eat lunch on time and although I can sometimes eat dinner a little later (5 on a normal routine) ... but maybe as late as 6:30 on vacation, it is not ME dictating that ... it is insulin! I don't know anything about cruise stratagies but I did want to say ... (as I think others have), try some of the resort dining while on land! At the Polynesian the KONA Cafe is fabulous for dinner. Regular portions, nice salad (or chicken soup) for appetizers -- ok stay away from those desserts ... . Remember, both Epcot and MK are just a short monorail ride away from the Polynesian, Grand Floridian and Contemporary. There are TWO table service restaurants at each of those resorts. (Some are buffet which may not be the best choice).

Anyway ... good luck ... I know you are feeling better after your vent. I hope you have fun.

 

[LindaBabe]

Suggestions for your WDW portion:

Maya Grill - at Coronado springs - we've eaten at this table service restaurant our last three trips - very good.

Sunshine food fare - counter service in Epcot, but it has REAL FOOD like pork chops, grilled salmon, salads etc.

Garden Grill - a table service in the Land in EPCOT that often has late lunch (~4 pm) and early dinner availability. VERY yummy now that they've gone back to the normal meal (not that confused upscale thing they tried a couple years ago) and characters besides.

Kona - at the Polynesian - very good breakfast, lunch AND dinner

 

[Melody D]

Melody D...what ADR were you trying to get? When are you going to WDW. We did get some of the things we wanted-some wierd times, but I would be willing to help switch or something if you are there when we are and we could help you.....................Vicki

Thank you for your concern. We have done pretty much the same as you have, just kind of called and taken what we can get. We have some really odd dinner times 4:30 one day and 8:50 the next but we will make it work.

We are still really hoping for Le Cellier, we will be there from the 15th - 22nd of December and I am making myself a pest with Dining but where there is a will there is a way!

I am just still really surprised that people actually book dining out 180 days! IMO this really spoils a vacation. To me vacation is not having to be anywhere at any specific time, our one time to toss schedules out the window and let the day unfold as it will. Going to Disney we are not going to have that, so next time my vacation dollars will just be spent elsewhere!

For what we are spending for a family of four (ouch teenagers are adults ) we can really have a wonderful vacation somewhere else next year.

I don't mean to sound negative but with both of us working and two teenage boys, we have alot of schedules to deal with on a daily basis, vacation is a time for spontineity. We are just not going to find that anymore at Disney. It really is a shame.

 

[DisneyRN1]

I TOTALLY understand. It takes a little of the magic out of WDW to have to run here and there to make your meal reservations instead of going to eat just when you are hungry. Of all reasons to eat!!! It used to be that you went to WDW for the fun, now it seems that it is for the meals, and the fun is scheduled around mealtime. Imagine telling a little one "sorry we can't ride Dumbo this trip-we have to go eat" Am I the only one who feels this way???? The meal plan sounds like a good one as far as saving money, but what does it really cost in terms of spontaneity (sp.), and enjoying your vacation?

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I do have a few adrs now as friends are joining us and we will have to some dining time with them and lots of great conversation.

 

[7165red]

I know how you feel I made plans in early Aug. for xmas week and could mnot get the time or restaurants I wanted. I had to take what they had available. I think I'll try booking in Jan/08 for the holiday season maybe I'll be too early. I never remember it being as bad as this year.
Good Luck and keep calling.

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

Yes but you can't use your table service meal for a counter service can you?

Yes you can.

I am just still really surprised that people actually book dining out 180 days! IMO this really spoils a vacation. To me vacation is not having to be anywhere at any specific time, our one time to toss schedules out the window and let the day unfold as it will. Going to Disney we are not going to have that, so next time my vacation dollars will just be spent elsewhere!

It seems to me that the type of vacation that you are looking for is NOT a WDW vacation. Being one of those crazy people who books her ADRs 180 days out (and would a lot sooner if she could), I don't think it spoils the vacation at all. And if it did for me, I would just not eat TS. It's not like there's a lack of food options at WDW.

I'm actually quite surprised that you've been to WDW so many times and had not realized that there would be difficulties getting your preferences for a last minute trip. I do hope that you have a wonderful trip and that you are able to get some great ADRs.