Making ADRs less than 100 days out

[Barbara C]

Hi all -

I guess you really need to plan your trip at least 180 days out or some of the popular restaurants will be very hard to get. I understand now that BOG is the most popular restaurant but does anyone have any suggestions for getting a dinner ADR for 5(!) in mid-Sept other than calling a few times a day between now and September??

Thanks!

 

[Nature Mom]

I really don't think you are going to have any problems, you may even find open tables while there. TAs call first thing in the morning when booking clients, but what is open and available in the morning can change in just a few hours with stuff that opens up later in the day. I have seen it myself many times.

Even though there is FD for September, that doesn't mean all the ADRs are taken. Adjust your times, call early and late and broaden your search. If you can't get the exact place you want, keep checking, up to the day of. Plans change. ADRs get cancelled.

 

[tinkerhon]

You should have no problem eventually getting all of your choices--- we booked last minute trips in March and May---

Was able to get all the ADR's we wanted, with the exception of Chef Mickey Bfast and "Bog"--- kept checking a few times a day-- both trips, we ended up getting both restaurants a week or two before our trip---

Good luck !!

 

[purple figment]

Rather than calling, check online multiple times a day. It's faster and availability is usually the same whether you're checking online or a CM is checking for you when you phone.

Also, as a party of 5 try for 5 first, then try for 6. The Disney res system has a quirk that makes it easier to find tables for even numbered parties because the system wants to fill every seat at the table. So even though a party of 5 is usually seated at a 6 top table, the system ignores requests for 5, but if you input 6 it may find a table. When you get to the restaurant just tell the CM at the podium that there are just 5 of you. If it's a restaurant with a no show credit card guarantee you won't be charged anything as long as at least one person shows up for the res. Also, everyone who will be at the table has to be included regardless of age( or even if they are not eating) so try 6 and not 4. We've had to do this because we're usually a party of 3.

If you are just curious about the inside of the restaurant you can go for lunch. It's counter service so it doesn't accept reservations. You'll be able to see all 3 rooms. The lunch and dinner menus have different entrees, but the desserts are identical. Dinner has more apps, but the 2 soups are on both. The 2 major differences are the availability of alcoholic beverages and a photo op with the Beast at dinner; neither are included at lunch.

 

[Colleen27]

Mid Sept is tough because people book ADRs for "maybe" trips in anticipation of free dining, and of course free dining itself increases traffic to the restaurants even though it is still a slowish time in the parks. I've booked our last several trips well after the 180 day mark, usually in the 60 to 90 day range, and have had no problems getting the ADRs I wanted. My Dec trip is giving me fits, though - I only want two ADRs but was shut out of one (BoG at 181/183/185 days in advance - we're flexible about which MVMCP we attend but wanted BoG for the party night) and they haven't yet opened ADRs for the other (California Grill when it reopens).

Rather than calling, I'd just check online for openings at the restaurants you want. Be sure to be checking often when it gets to about 45 days in advance, because that's when people who realize they really can't afford the "maybe" trip they were planning will cancel their plans. And if you're looking at restaurants with a CC guarantee, keep in mind that some tables are likely to open up 1-2 days in advance as well so you can always go with "plan B" but change if something opens up at the last minute.

 

[Barbara C]

Thank you for the suggestions everyone. I will keep trying on-line (for 5 and 6 people) and if we don't have any luck, we'll try when we're there.

Thanks!!