No reservations advice??

[gia611]

I am going to disney from December 1-5 and did not make ADR. I know it was stupid but didn't think it would that crowded this year. I was able to book a few places like BOMA, and Marrekesh in epcot. The only characters my daughter really wants to see is Chip and Dale. We did the cape may breakfast last time and she loved it. It is booked and so is the land grill in epcot. Theonly places to see chip and dale according to my research. Is it worth checking everyday for a cancellation or waste of time. Also, anyone know of a website (besides this one) where people list cancellations?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Minniemama350]

I don't know about a website, but you could certainly either call or go online to reserve each day. I think it is worth it if going is worth it. I have been told by several different Phone CMs to be sure about cancelling because that resi is available immediately and can be snatched up even if they try to put it straight back in. The best trick is to be flexible about your day and time. Sometimes you can get an odd time and adjust your eating schedule for the day to accomodate it. We almost always get our prefered choices because we do this, but we usually book at least 90 days out too. Good luck!

 

[eva]

I am going to disney from December 1-5 and did not make ADR. I know it was stupid but didn't think it would that crowded this year. I was able to book a few places like BOMA, and Marrekesh in epcot. The only characters my daughter really wants to see is Chip and Dale. We did the cape may breakfast last time and she loved it. It is booked and so is the land grill in epcot. Theonly places to see chip and dale according to my research. Is it worth checking everyday for a cancellation or waste of time. Also, anyone know of a website (besides this one) where people list cancellations?

Thanks for the help.

The first couple weeks of December are becoming more and more popular. The points are at their lowest that time of year for DVC. So those resorts are usually completely booked months in advance. The room rates are usually pretty low too. Mix all that with the holiday decorations and events and it adds to more crowds during that time. Now it won't be as crowded as the exact week of Christmas, but it will be much busier than September or February. Keep trying every day before and after you arrive. I bet some things will open up.

 

[vicki_c]

As far as I know, the Garden Grill is the ONLY dining place to see Chip and Dale now - I don't think they are at Cape May any longer. So if you're trying to get reservations, just something you should check into further.

 

[dixonsontour]

You could also see chip and dale at the campfire singalong at fort wilderness (no charge)

 

[kent285]

FYI...you can find Chip & Dale at the Fort Wilderness campfire. I know it's not a sit down restaurant, but I hear it's really cute.

 

[Luv2CtheMouse]

Good Luck!


Do keep checking or you will not be able to do table service.

 

[maman_et_fille]

I would keep trying (although the campfire idea sounds like a good one.)

We decided to go to Disney in late June this year exactly one month in advance and were able to find table service ADRs for meals that we were very happy with and fit our touring schedule. Being flexible with the time of day really helped!

Good luck!

 

[tiredsigh]

I was going to mention the campfire singalong as well. We are eating at WCC for an early dinner and then going to see the campfire. I've heard it is a lot of fun.

You pay about $5 for a smore's kit if you want to make smores. My kids want to go so we are making time for it this trip

Good luck! Are you watching the December ADR cancelled thread?

We went last December the 18-23rd. There were several that I couldn't get no matter how many times I tried before we flew in. I called while we were in the parks are was able to snag a 1900 park fare dinner. We walked up to CM's for dinner. We waited 30 minutes. We did the walk up two different nights at CM's. A lot of people decide at the last minute to stay in the parks.

Just keep trying and fingers crossed

 

[jwfla422]

Chip and Dale are not so easy to find anymore however we had some good luck this past weekend and back in August in Epcot just around the corner from the Character Greeting Spot by Innoventions. (they're outside on the way to the Land Pavilion).

You will no longer find them at Cape May which is a bummer OR even CM's. Donald replaced them at Cape May. We went to CM's in August and they weren't there either. As another poster mentioned, just GG and since they only offer dinner now I'm sure it's tough to get an ADR.

I'm not sure how successful you'll be looking for cancellations but you never know. The FW campfire is fun though and might be worth checking out. You can always do that and then make an ADR at TEB which isn't bad. Then you can make a night at FW. TEB should be available. It's "usually" a nice time of the year to go to a campfire.

 

[Darcy03231]

Don't feel bad. I'm going the same time as you are (12/1 - 12/6) and I booked my reservations the day the window opened. I wasn't able to get Garden Grill that day (or any other since) even with being flexible on dates and times.

If you really want to see Chip n' Dale I would go to Ft. Wilderness like the PPs suggested.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would keep calling. If you cannot get an ADR I would consider showing up at GG just before opening and see if you can get in. I have head that this sometimes works. Good Luck!
Also, Chip and Dale are often in Epcot at the character connection (I think that is what it is called) and I have seen them in DHS a lot. They were with Clarice the last time I was there.

 

[tiggspring]

I would keep trying. People that could not pay their bill by the 45th day often get an extension to 30days or so out. That means in the next several days those reservations will be canceled. Also the week before is when people tend to change their plans. It only take a few minutes online to check. I would bet you would have your best luck in the evening as people that are making reservation get up early to get them those canceling will do it after they get home from work (just a theory)

 

[tyandbash]

Chip and Dale are not at Mickey's BBQ any longer?

 

[tami82]

I am going to disney from December 1-5 and did not make ADR. I know it was stupid but didn't think it would that crowded this year. I was able to book a few places like BOMA, and Marrekesh in epcot. The only characters my daughter really wants to see is Chip and Dale. We did the cape may breakfast last time and she loved it. It is booked and so is the land grill in epcot. Theonly places to see chip and dale according to my research. Is it worth checking everyday for a cancellation or waste of time. Also, anyone know of a website (besides this one) where people list cancellations?

Thanks for the help.

YES you need to be very persistent and check constantly throughout the day. It IS NOT a waste of time. People cancel , you just dont know when so it really pays to put some effort into it. I know from past experience.

 

[4luv2cdisney]

I am going to disney from December 1-5 and did not make ADR. I know it was stupid but didn't think it would that crowded this year. I was able to book a few places like BOMA, and Marrekesh in epcot. The only characters my daughter really wants to see is Chip and Dale. We did the cape may breakfast last time and she loved it. It is booked and so is the land grill in epcot. Theonly places to see chip and dale according to my research. Is it worth checking everyday for a cancellation or waste of time. Also, anyone know of a website (besides this one) where people list cancellations?

Thanks for the help.

Are you on the basic dining plan? If you are, (and if it were me) I'd go for the campfire and ditch the dining plan. We have done trips on all counter service before and it has been just fine. I've been online everyday looking for ADR's and I have gotten some of what I want, but it has been a major time sucker. You can always try a Garden Grill walk-up & pay OOP. Maybe you'll get lucky!

Maybe I'm just cranky, but I'm sick of being bound by ADR's right now.

 

[nwontario]

I'm with you. This is our first time to WDW and I find people obsessing about dining reservations ??? We're there for the sights sounds and thrills and as long as we can eat when we're hungry I'm fine with that. I've been feeling guilty in not booking reservations (yes I'm using long form here lol !) and then I think No - don't want to be tied down to a reservation. Maybe next trip may feel different - will let you know !!

 

[lunapnp]

I'm with you. This is our first time to WDW and I find people obsessing about dining reservations ??? We're there for the sights sounds and thrills and as long as we can eat when we're hungry I'm fine with that. I've been feeling guilty in not booking reservations (yes I'm using long form here lol !) and then I think No - don't want to be tied down to a reservation. Maybe next trip may feel different - will let you know !!

If you're willing to travel off site to eat, that will work out great for you without having reservations. However, I find that after a day or two, all of the counter service meals at Disney start tasting the same!

To the original poster, call when you get to Disney. We were in Orlando last March (on business), and I really wanted to take the girls to Chef Mickey's or Cape May before we headed back home. I called for a month...no luck. On our next to the last day in Disney, I called and was able to get one for the next morning! So, keep calling and good luck!

 

[DisneysBeauty]

Are you on the basic dining plan? If you are, (and if it were me) I'd go for the campfire and ditch the dining plan. We have done trips on all counter service before and it has been just fine. I've been online everyday looking for ADR's and I have gotten some of what I want, but it has been a major time sucker. You can always try a Garden Grill walk-up & pay OOP. Maybe you'll get lucky!

Maybe I'm just cranky, but I'm sick of being bound by ADR's right now.

I'm with you on the feeling cracky..I too have spent countless hrs surfing the the dinsey site to get ADRs that I wanted..your right when you say its a time sucker..LOL...Seems like we will be in Disney when you are.

 

[ajpa]

When & where is the Campfire and how do we get there?

8yo has decided Chip & Dale is her favorite too! ack!