Is it December Yet?? Cancelled with a Heavy Heart!

[DizNee Luver]

I do all of my ADRs online. It opens at 6am EST. You can log in to the site before that and when you try to make a reservation there will be a link that says "do you want to use your dining plan" or something like that. When you click that link you enter your reservation number and the date of your arrival. You can do all that before 6am EST. Then at 6am EST, you can beging making your ADRs. You will have to enter your credit card info and address for each one requiring a credit card (all character meals). It is a bit of a pain. You do get an confirmation number for each one but they are emailed to you as well. Plus after they are all made, you can click on the My Reservations and see them all. For some reason I haven't been able to print them from there ... I have to copy & paste into Word. But then I just print out the whole list.

There is wheelchair viewing for Illuminations, I believe right in the center area. I am sure they have it for Wishes as well, probably around the HUB. That is where it is for the afternoon parade.

I have never been to the Christmas Party so I am no help there. For EMH, I always look at the previous years dates for when I am going to be there and plan around those. For our dates in August, the EMHs were all the same as last years.

As for the order of the ADRs ... I really think if you are online right on your first day, you will get all that you want. Maybe hit 'Ohana first then Chef Mickey's. I have never done the Candlelight Processional so I am not help there either. Although I do think you can do it online, but under events, not the normal restaurant area. Still under the dining tab. The dessert party is booked that way as well but that doesn't usually book until 60-90 days before.

Hope this helps some!

Very helpful Vicki.....thanx!!!!

So I guess I'll get up at 2:45am & do the pre stuff & then at 3am I can start. It is a pain for the credit card.....too bad that couldn't be entered in the beginning. I'll start with Ohana, then Chef Mickey's and probably Akershus next?? I have a little play in my schedule that I have alternate dates so hopefully that will help me get what I want.

I guess I should check out the dining tab/online ADR's just so I have an idea of how it works. I would think the Candlelight Processional dining would be at the 180 day mark. Otherwise, getting a ressie would be tough.

 

[smile4stamps]

I agree with Goofy Son'sMom... 'Ohana and then Chef Mickeys for priority... The others should be okay getting bookings! And yeah the whole Credit Card thing is a bummer!!

 

[DizNee Luver]

I agree with Goofy Son'sMom... 'Ohana and then Chef Mickeys for priority... The others should be okay getting bookings! And yeah the whole Credit Card thing is a bummer!!

Thanx Paula!! I sure hope we have a lot of Pixie Dust when it comes to the ADR's & special things we're wanting to do & getting them all booked!!

 

[smile4stamps]

Thanx Paula!! I sure hope we have a lot of Pixie Dust when it comes to the ADR's & special things we're wanting to do & getting them all booked!!

Hopefully you will know the party dates before your ADR date! I think they release both parties dates at the same time!?!?

I wish I had the formal F&W info.. I am just going off of what they did last year... If they change days of the week on me I am really in trouble!! I will be up super early on tax day to do my ADR's! Of course due to my screwy work schedule I've been up at that time almost everyday anyways!!

 

[DisneyStitch626]

I believe I read you can do the online one hour earlier than the calling.......of course I'm west coast time, so this will be in the middle of the night for me...so I want to make sure I do this right & in the right order to have the best shot of getting our ressies!!

Did you get a confirmation for each reservation or for the whole grouping you did in one sitting??

Did you do any that you had to put in a credit card guarantee?? If so, did you have to enter the info over & over & what about when you're using a dining plan?? So confused!!

I see the other girls helped you out.

I only had to enter in my credit card once, and it saved it for almost every other ADR I made. I think I had to put the card number in once more. I got a separate email for each one, but you can go on the WDW site, sign in, and they will all be on one page there.

I had no trouble getting any of the ressies I wanted even two months away, but then again, we were only 2 people, not 8.

Good luck with it all!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Hopefully you will know the party dates before your ADR date! I think they release both parties dates at the same time!?!?

I wish I had the formal F&W info.. I am just going off of what they did last year... If they change days of the week on me I am really in trouble!! I will be up super early on tax day to do my ADR's! Of course due to my screwy work schedule I've been up at that time almost everyday anyways!!

I read somewhere that the Party dates will be released prior to needing to make our ADR's. WDW is so much better about letting you plan ahead. I don't know why Disneyland makes everything a secret.....it's silly!!

How soon will they release the F&W info....you'd think they'd have that out prior to you needing to do your ADR's too??

I see the other girls helped you out.

I only had to enter in my credit card once, and it saved it for almost every other ADR I made. I think I had to put the card number in once more. I got a separate email for each one, but you can go on the WDW site, sign in, and they will all be on one page there.

I had no trouble getting any of the ressies I wanted even two months away, but then again, we were only 2 people, not 8.

Good luck with it all!

Thanx Andrea.....luckily I have my card # memorized so it doesn't take me long to input it....just wish it was streamlined so you enter your info once.

Oh yeah......ressies for 8 is going to be the stickler here!!

 

[smile4stamps]

I read somewhere that the Party dates will be released prior to needing to make our ADR's. WDW is so much better about letting you plan ahead. I don't know why Disneyland makes everything a secret.....it's silly!!

How soon will they release the F&W info....you'd think they'd have that out prior to you needing to do your ADR's too??

they say that DL doesn't release as early because most visitors are local... I think they should make it easier to plan in advance as I prefer to plan in advance! However, I think it is also easier in DL because they do not have a hard time getting your dining ressies even calling close to the date except for a few things!

F&W info isn't formally announced till July I believe! Long after my ADR's are made!!!

 

[Trentmom]

Looks like you got a lot of great tips

I would try for Chef Mickeys first as those go fast and then Ohanas.

The candelight one I am not sure if you can do that one online or not, you might need to call for that one

Christmas parties usually follow the same pattern every year

Each ADR gets its own confirmation number. I saved all my confirmations numbers in my calendar on my phone just in case.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Subscribing!! I'm so excited for you guys!! If you notice in my siggy, I'm not going back until 2014

 

[DizNee Luver]

they say that DL doesn't release as early because most visitors are local... I think they should make it easier to plan in advance as I prefer to plan in advance! However, I think it is also easier in DL because they do not have a hard time getting your dining ressies even calling close to the date except for a few things!

F&W info isn't formally announced till July I believe! Long after my ADR's are made!!!

I think that's unfair.....just because you have a lot of locals doesn't mean the people coming there for vacation shouldn't be able to plan more than 6 wks in advance.....that's just silly cause you know darned well the whole year (and maybe more) is already mapped out!!

I don't think more than 60 days is needed on the dining, but the park hours & entertainment should also be available by that point so you can set ressies around those things.

That's too bad they don't announce that before you make your ressies....makes it kinda hard to plan (especially if you've never been before). One thing I am starting to notice is WDW tends to run the same "schedule/plans/agendas" for things....which does help in planning. I hope that holds true.

Looks like you got a lot of great tips

I would try for Chef Mickeys first as those go fast and then Ohanas.

The candelight one I am not sure if you can do that one online or not, you might need to call for that one

Christmas parties usually follow the same pattern every year

Each ADR gets its own confirmation number. I saved all my confirmations numbers in my calendar on my phone just in case.

I'll make sure Chef Mickey's & Ohana are my first two!!!

I'll definitely keep all my confirmation #'s!!

I hope the Christmas parties stay the same....that way I can set my schedule. I had to laugh, one of the Disney things I follow on FB listed out what days were best & worst for each park......they always listed MK best on the party days.......I would think that wouldn't be the "best" day unless you were staying for the party....otherwise you have to leave early. By the way, does anyone know what time you have to leave the park if you're not staying??

Subscribing!! I'm so excited for you guys!! If you notice in my siggy, I'm not going back until 2014

Hi Kaitlin!!! At least you ARE going back!!! This will be our first trip & probably won't have another one for many many more years!!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

When we did the Pirates Party one year the party started at 7 so everyone that didn't have a wristband could not longer get on the rides at that time. They let the party goers in at 4 though. I am fairly sure all of the parties work the same.

 

[DizNee Luver]

When we did the Pirates Party one year the party started at 7 so everyone that didn't have a wristband could not longer get on the rides at that time. They let the party goers in at 4 though. I am fairly sure all of the parties work the same.

Ok, thanx Vicki!! So setting a nice dinner or dinner show might be something we could do on the party night.

 

[Trentmom]

Yep, PP is correct

If you have a ticket to christmas party, you can get in as early as 4pm

The rest of non party goers are supposed to leave at 7 and CMs do a pretty good job getting them out of there. If they attempt to get on a ride and do not have a wristband, they will not be allowed on and instructed to head towards the exit

 

[debrapagliasotti]

A couple questions:

1. Last year the Christmas Party at MK was held on Su-Tu-We-Fr.....do you think those will be the same days they'll do this year??

2. Do the EMH's always follow the same pattern of days?? If so, what is it?

3. Do you think it's better to do the ADR's online or over the phone?

4. It looks like character meals are the ones I may want to book first. Out of these meals & non-character meals.....which ones do I need to try for first??

Akershus Princess Brkfst, Chef Mickey Brkfst, Garden Grill Dinner, Ohana Brkfst, Tusker House brkfst, Crystal Palace brkfst, 1900 Park Fare Brkfst, 1900 Park Fare Dinner, Boma dinner, Biergarten Candlelight Processional Dinner, 50's Prime Time Dinner.

5. How far out can you book the fireworks cruise or Illuminations cruise?

6. Do they have wheelchair viewing areas for Wishes or Illuminations??

Thanks for any help you can offer!!!

1. More than likely, but its all subject to change. Those dates "should" be released by the time our ADR date comes up though. If they are not, WDW park hours are updated approx 6 mo beforehand. You can pull up the park calendar and see when they are closing early at 7pm and that can give you an idea of when the party dates are, but again, they "should" be released by the time ADR date rolls around.

2. Not sure, but again, the park hours will be released about 6 mo ahead of time.

3. If you can book online, do so. You will gain an hour over the ones who are calling in. Make sure you clear your cookies from your computer before starting to make ADRs. I have seen other posters who had problems and this is what was suggested.

4. Ohana, Chef Mickey, Akershus, Tusker House, Crystal Palace are the top ones I would focus on first. Next, any other character meals.

The Candlelight Processional package usually goes on sale in July sometime (you will see lots of posts on the Dis when its announced). Those dates/narrarators will be announced as well as the day you can book. You WILL need to call in to book that package. Just know that the hold times can be pretty crazy that first hour or so on the day the packages go on sale. You do not need to book an ADR at the restraunt of your choosing when your ADR date rolls around in a few months. The CP availability is completely different. You will pick which show you want 5p, 645p or 815p and depending on which show you want will determine what time you would eat. Typical schedule is something like this...

5p show - lunch res time between 145-245p
645p show - dinner res time between 330-430p
815p show - dinner res time between 5p-6p

5. Fireworks cruise/Illuminations cruise can be booked 180 days out. You would call 407-WDW-PLAY.

6. I know they have wheelchair viewing areas, but I am not exactly sure where they are. The CMs will be able to help you out in locating them though.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Yep, PP is correct

If you have a ticket to christmas party, you can get in as early as 4pm

The rest of non party goers are supposed to leave at 7 and CMs do a pretty good job getting them out of there. If they attempt to get on a ride and do not have a wristband, they will not be allowed on and instructed to head towards the exit

Well getting to stay until 7pm isn't bad.....for some reason I thought you'd need to be leaving earlier than that. Thanx!!

1. More than likely, but its all subject to change. Those dates "should" be released by the time our ADR date comes up though. If they are not, WDW park hours are updated approx 6 mo beforehand. You can pull up the park calendar and see when they are closing early at 7pm and that can give you an idea of when the party dates are, but again, they "should" be released by the time ADR date rolls around.

2. Not sure, but again, the park hours will be released about 6 mo ahead of time.

3. If you can book online, do so. You will gain an hour over the ones who are calling in. Make sure you clear your cookies from your computer before starting to make ADRs. I have seen other posters who had problems and this is what was suggested.

4. Ohana, Chef Mickey, Akershus, Tusker House, Crystal Palace are the top ones I would focus on first. Next, any other character meals.

The Candlelight Processional package usually goes on sale in July sometime (you will see lots of posts on the Dis when its announced). Those dates/narrarators will be announced as well as the day you can book. You WILL need to call in to book that package. Just know that the hold times can be pretty crazy that first hour or so on the day the packages go on sale. You do not need to book an ADR at the restraunt of your choosing when your ADR date rolls around in a few months. The CP availability is completely different. You will pick which show you want 5p, 645p or 815p and depending on which show you want will determine what time you would eat. Typical schedule is something like this...

5p show - lunch res time between 145-245p
645p show - dinner res time between 330-430p
815p show - dinner res time between 5p-6p

5. Fireworks cruise/Illuminations cruise can be booked 180 days out. You would call 407-WDW-PLAY.

6. I know they have wheelchair viewing areas, but I am not exactly sure where they are. The CMs will be able to help you out in locating them though.

Thank you so much.....lots of good information & breakdowns on how to do things. I didn't realize they'd announce the special guests for the candlelight processional that early......how wonderful!!! (of course, I understand there's no guarantee...things happen & come up). I also didn't realize we had 3 different show times. I'm not sure I'm a fan of having to eat mid afternoon for the middle show time.....so we'll give it some thought. Any suggestions on which show will be easiest to get in & out of?? Thinking the middle one would be the worse ??

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Thank you so much.....lots of good information & breakdowns on how to do things. I didn't realize they'd announce the special guests for the candlelight processional that early......how wonderful!!! (of course, I understand there's no guarantee...things happen & come up). I also didn't realize we had 3 different show times. I'm not sure I'm a fan of having to eat mid afternoon for the middle show time.....so we'll give it some thought. Any suggestions on which show will be easiest to get in & out of?? Thinking the middle one would be the worse ??

They try to have the CP narrator list firmed up by the time the packages go on sale, but sometimes things happen and you end up having to book one with a TBA narrarator. The CP is very popular and people are willing to wait in line for another show if they cant get in (these being people who did not purchase the CP package). Narrarators like Whoopi and Neil Patrick Harris seem to always draw in big crowds. With the last show, people are trying to hussle out of there to get to a viewing area for Illuminations. The show is just under an hour (55 min I think), so it can be tight.

We are planning on the last show, mainly b/c of the dining times. If we catch Illuminations that night...great, if not, we will catch it on our 2nd Epcot day.

 

[DizNee Luver]

They try to have the CP narrator list firmed up by the time the packages go on sale, but sometimes things happen and you end up having to book one with a TBA narrarator. The CP is very popular and people are willing to wait in line for another show if they cant get in (these being people who did not purchase the CP package). Narrarators like Whoopi and Neil Patrick Harris seem to always draw in big crowds. With the last show, people are trying to hussle out of there to get to a viewing area for Illuminations. The show is just under an hour (55 min I think), so it can be tight.

We are planning on the last show, mainly b/c of the dining times. If we catch Illuminations that night...great, if not, we will catch it on our 2nd Epcot day.

Did I read right.....if you do the dining package for the Candlelight Processional....you get a reserved viewing area for Illuminations?? I read that on the WDW info here on the Dis....but that was the first I had heard of that.

I can't wait to see who'll be there hosting!!! We have 2 different nights to choose from........do they tend to announce a bit in advance of selling the packages?? I'd hate for them to announce & not have the money. Of course, we're using the dining package so do I still need to pre-pay??

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Did I read right.....if you do the dining package for the Candlelight Processional....you get a reserved viewing area for Illuminations?? I read that on the WDW info here on the Dis....but that was the first I had heard of that.

I can't wait to see who'll be there hosting!!! We have 2 different nights to choose from........do they tend to announce a bit in advance of selling the packages?? I'd hate for them to announce & not have the money. Of course, we're using the dining package so do I still need to pre-pay??

I don't think there is a special reserved area for Illuminations unless you stay in your processional seats but your view may be blocked by the stage. I don't think you have to prepay for it if you have the dining plan, you just sign in with your reservation number. At least that is the way it is for other prepaid dining, like the Fantasmic! package.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I don't think there is a special reserved area for Illuminations unless you stay in your processional seats but your view may be blocked by the stage. I don't think you have to prepay for it if you have the dining plan, you just sign in with your reservation number. At least that is the way it is for other prepaid dining, like the Fantasmic! package.

This is what I found here on the Dis under Christmas:

NOTE: The Candlelight Dining Package will be paid for at the individual restaurant where the preferred seating badge will then be distributed. You will receive your badges at the restaurant for guaranteed seating at the American Gardens Theater for the booked show time and for viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Each person purchasing the package receives one meal (described below), guaranteed seating at the Candlelight Processional, and reserved viewing for Illuminations.
*********************************************************
Good to know on the Dining plan!!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Did I read right.....if you do the dining package for the Candlelight Processional....you get a reserved viewing area for Illuminations?? I read that on the WDW info here on the Dis....but that was the first I had heard of that.

I can't wait to see who'll be there hosting!!! We have 2 different nights to choose from........do they tend to announce a bit in advance of selling the packages?? I'd hate for them to announce & not have the money. Of course, we're using the dining package so do I still need to pre-pay??

There is a reserved viewing area for Illuminations if you do the CP package, BUT, anyone from any of the 3 shows can be in that viewing area, so, it may be a bit crowded. There is no real seating in the area.

They will announce the narrarators probably mid or late June and packages will go on sale probably late July.

If doing the dining plan, you will use 2 TS credits per person. There wont be any payment required when booking (unless something changes this year).