Need help! Suggestions for getting sold out ADR's??

[tatertot]

I am apparently not as organized as I thought I was and after planning for months what we were doing each day completely spaced/procrastinated on actually calling to make the ADR's for our trip May 1st - 11th. Anyway, long story short, I had planned to make reservations for my boys for the Pirate Adventure but it's completely booked throughout our entire stay. Also tried for Mickey's Backyard BBQ and couldn't get that either. I'm completely bummed and am now feeling like the worst mom in the world as these were the two things my boys would absolutely love and were looking forward to -- especially after the Toy Story character breakfast never materialized....

Any suggestions on strategies for getting in on a cancellation? I asked the CM if they released the open spots at any certain time (like first thing in the AM) but she said as soon as someone cancels the reservation goes back into the pool. I thought I had read here that there actually is a time of day all of the cancelled reservations are released -- anyone have any experience on this?? Any strategies for getting a reservation for one of these two things at this late date??

Thanks for any advice!

 

[nalabell]

Well first of all I don't think you will be getting that worse mom of the year award. Taking a trip to WDW puts you behind a few other people The only thing you can do is to continue to call back every day. The best chance I think you will have is the day before or the day of the event. Also one week prior is a time when a lot of people will finalize up plans. The pirate thing will be hard but the show may be possible. Don't give up yet. I have gotten ADR's like this at the last minute so it's not impossible.

 

[LISAMWDW]

I agree, don't give up. Alot of people change plans, including me! Keep checking and even check that day! Good luck!

 

[Lindy Loo]

I dont know how much help this is, but the pirate cruise is from GF and from i think the Beach Yatch club... the Albatrose (sp?) cruise. Re ring and ask the Cm to check all cruises. I think the newer one is on Wed 9.-11.30? We were told by the first CM the cruise wasnt on, when we called? I hung up and got another who booked it all fine!

As for the BBQ, it was fun,but not really "AMAZING"..... they might like chef mickeys? is that free or the Whispering Canyon? Or even Boma at AK with evening camp fire stories ???

good luck.. dont worry, at least if youo cant get these things, you will have to go back next year!!!

 

[INDISMOM]

As far as the Pirate Cruise, I think you have to cancel at least 24 hours in advance or they charge your card, so I think calling a day or two before might get you a spot.

 

[lillygator]

I would keep trying back every day...you never know what may open up!

 

[kcashner]

Just keep calling each day. When you check in at your resort, go to the concierge desk and ask her to keep trying while you are there. You never know when someone will cancel.

If you don't get it, focus on the great things you were able to do . It is impossible to do all of Disney in one trip. The closest I ever came was a 12 day trip....and we did almost everything I wanted to considering age appropriateness, etc. Do what you can and have a great time.

 

[bigbabyblues]

I agree, keep trying. Also, there is a pirate cruise at the Beach Club as well at the GF. Maybe it's not as popular? There is also a new one at Caribbean Beach, I think you call the marina there to book.

 

[Enna]

I agree, keep trying. Also, there is a pirate cruise at the Beach Club as well at the GF. Maybe it's not as popular? There is also a new one at Caribbean Beach, I think you call the marina there to book.

In my notes I have the Pirate Cruises from the Grand Floridian and Yacht/Beach club, as well as these two (I believe my info is from Intercot):

Islands of the Caribbean Adventure Cruise
Caribbean Beach Resort

Meal includes peanut butter and jelly sandwich, gummy bears, rice krispy treat & fruit punch drink box.
Schedule: Tuesdays at 9:30.
This is a 2 hour adventure.
Available to pirates ages 4-10. Children must be potty-trained to participate. Space is limited.
Price: $30 per child
Reservations: Call 407-934-2850
Beginning February 7, 2006.

Sassagoula River Adventure Cruise:
Port Orleans Riverside

Available to children ages 4-12
Schedule: Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Price: $28.17
Reservations: Call 407-934-2850
Children travel and explore the Sassagoula River to learn the Jester's way of life.

 

[Hanover]

I'd definitely keep trying. I tried for a good month every other day before I got my 2 boys in the Albatross cruise last August. I could only get one space at the GF so we chose to go with the Albatross cruise. I would also call when you are at WDW if you can't get a spot by the time you leave. There were 3 or 4 no-shows on our boy's trip that had cancelled the day before. They had a blast on it, and would love to do it again. My dh and I enjoyed being able to walk around the Boardwalk and checked out the Yacht and Beach club. We even had time to go into Epcot and when we were there we spotted the kids in the boat landing to find their next clue in Canada. They were having so much fun. We had hopper tickets and took the boat to MGM after the cruise was over.

 

[tatertot]

Thanks to everyone for the advice! I didn't actually know about the one at the Yacht club so I'll try that and see if we can get a reservation there -- my boys wouldn't know the difference!

I've read very mixed reviews of Mickey's Backyard BBQ so maybe we're not going to be missing much...I'm sure we'll have plenty of fun -- I'm just mad at myself for not taking care of the ADR's when I've planned every other aspect of the trip long ago!