Is it better to call or make reservations online?

[agame2323]

I have never made reservations before. We normally just...show up and get a seat.

 

[whitney37354]

I made all ADRs online except the F! dining package. At that time (June 2010) that one had to be done over the phone. That may have changed. I got all the days & times I wanted, within a 15 minute window. I made 12 ADRs in just a few minutes with no problems. You just have to be organized & know what & when you want. I had everything set up so I could get up with the alarm & head straight to the laptop!

 

[thebwit]

in our experience, calling has been better.

 

[OKW Lover]

We've done both. Calling is sometimes a bit easier, especially when you have a bunch to make. Calling also frees you from having to deal with Disney's very annoying web site.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

Ever since they came out with the online reservation system I've been a big fan of it. To me it's easier to see everything laid out then be talking to someone and answering questions. Maybe I'm controlling.....

 

[kelleigh1]

I found the online reservation system to be very easy.

One important things to remember was that in order to attach it to your reservation, is to make sure you are putting in the right dates. It will automatically default back to the current date, not the date of your trip even if you are logged into your account. The first time I tried to do mine, I couldn't figure out why it couldn't find my reservation when I put in the number...and that's because it had the date as the current date, not my actual check-in date. Once I fixed that, smooth sailing and so convenient to see all my reservations listed.

Another tip, if you have a time in mind, enter that, don't use the generic "breakfast", "lunch" or "dinner" options because it won't give you all the available times during what you might consider breakfast, lunch or dinner time.

 

[grammimouse]

I call every time. The CM's have always been so nice and helpful. Sometimes even help with tough decisions . They enter it into the computer and give you the conformation #. Just so easy to do.

 

[mmmears]

I have found the online dining system to be great! So much better than calling WDW in my opinion. You have options (like it can tell you every restaurant in Epcot that has openings at the time you are looking for), too.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

ONLINE

If you're doing it on day 180 online is the way to go since you get a 1 hour jump on the phones. I also find the online system to be far more efficient- i.e. I can book more in 20 min if it's just me and the computer.

I also don't run the risk of wasting time with a rep who doesn't know all of the policies, restaurants, etc. While many of the people on the phones are pleasant, every few times I call I get a person who has no clue. Considering how important it has become to get ADRs, I really don't want to waste my time (and risk missing out on good ADRs) b/c I've had the unfortunate luck of getting someone who could use another few weeks of training.

While not a bad thing, I also sometimes get some chatty ones which is not exactly what you want if you want your ADRs booked as quickly as possible. Sure, they're pleasant and all, but it's all business if I'm having to call on day 180 and while I want you to be educated on your policies and pleasant, I don't want to talk at any length about my last trip to WDW.

Ultimately, booking online just gives you more control. Sure, you're using the same system but if I wanted a 7:30p adr and there's nothing, it's quicker for me to refine my search than wait for the phone rep to tell me nothing is open and fumble around as I ask them to refine the search.

All in all- I just like online. I know the system is buggy but the phone reps use the same system. Plus I like being able to manage my ADRs online. Makes it much easier to cxl and rebook things if I change our schedule since it's all right in front of me and in my hands to get it right.

Everyone has their preferences. Maybe play around with the website to see if you think it would work well for you.

 

[happy2012]

If I had to guess,CM have the same type of page/system we have access online. They might be faster & more efficient since they make ADRs all the time. Either way, I hope u get what u want!!!

 

[shellybaxter]

If the system is working correctly, I much prefer the online system. For a long time DVC member reservation numbers were not being recognized for the 180 plus 10 feature. This made it better to call. I hear that is fixed now