Okay, what ORDER do I make my ADRs in?

[triplejen]

Recent posts about very popular ADRs (like the Fantasmic package) being completely booked when people call at 7:00 a.m. on the 90th day have me more than a little freaked out. When my 90th day arrives (okay, it's not arriving until May, but I can still obsess, can't I?), I want to make sure I am as prepared as possible.

I'm going to be making ADRs for my own family (of 4) and my mom and aunt (party of 2). Sometimes we'll be dining together as a party of 6, other times not. I'll be making 10 days' worth of reservations. Among the things I'm going to try to book for some or all of us are:

-Fantasmic package (at either Mama Melrose or Brown Derby)
-Hoop dee Doo Revue
-character breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table
-character breakfast at Crystal Palace
-Le Cellier (dinner)
-Rose & Crown (dinner)
-Teppan Edo (dinner)
-Restaurant Marrakesh (lunch or dinner)
-Coral Reef (lunch or dinner)
-Spirit of Aloha Luau
-Tusker House lunch w/Nemo reservations
-Sassagoula River Adventure Cruise (not a meal reservation but still one I'll be making)
-lunches at The Plaza and at Tony's
-maybe one more character breakfast, either at Chef Mickey's or at Tusker House (I'm open to suggestions)

(There may be others but that's what we're semi-agreed on right now.)

So my question is what ORDER do I make these reservations when I call at 7:00 a.m. (or 6:00 or 5:00 -- what's the earliest I can call?) to ensure that I get the largest number of actual ADRs? Which will book up first? (I'm assuming since people found some things already booked at 7 a.m. that I'll be more likely to get what I start my call asking for than what I end my call asking for.)

It seems so insane!

Thank you for any and all help!

-Jen

 

[TiggerTastic09]

I would pretty much guess that CRT, Fantasmic Package, and Le Cellier should be towards the top...If you had to ask specifically, I would say in that order. Because CRT is hard, and Fant has 3 resturaunts that you can eat at, so it won't fill up as fast. (I would also try to do those more towards the end of your vacation beacuse of the +10 rule)

After that I would say you should prioritize what's most important to you. The dinner shows will probably be less crowded because they have multiple shows and multiple seating levels. I know that I've booked Rose & Crown within a few days, but not necessarily the best times....Marrakesh also is usually relatively easy to get...but also, this is all now. I'm not sure about time in a busy season.

THis is all just my opinion, best of luck!!

 

[mom2travel]

I would start w/ CRT first, then probably Le Cellier followed by the Fantasmic package. After that I think it depends on which are most important to you. My "plan" is usually to start with those that matter most to us, then the hardest to get, then in day order. Also, I always have backup plans in mind before I call - either alternative restaurants or flexible times. If I have more than one restaurant at a given park, then I know I can switch them as needed too.

 

[Faldred]

As PPs have said, hardest to book first. That means CRT, le Cellier, Fantasmic packages, and Chef Mickey (if you decide to do it) at the top of the list.

The next tier would be HDDR, Coral Reef, and the Nemo Tusker House deal. Maybe Crystal palace as well.

 

[TiggerTastic09]

As PPs have said, hardest to book first. That means CRT, le Cellier, Fantasmic packages, and Chef Mickey (if you decide to do it) at the top of the list.

The next tier would be HDDR, Coral Reef, and the Nemo Tusker House deal. Maybe Crystal palace as well.

I just picked up a Crystal Palace dinner for 3 weeks from now, but I'm also not as picky about the times....

 

[java]

Isn't Hoop de doo still 180 days out I think you can call for that one now?

 

[n2mm]

If you can't make your ADRs until May, then you must be traveling during August? What are your dates? Are you there during free dining. You will need to make sure you stay on top of your game if you are.

 

[triplejen]

Thanks guys for your excellent advice!

Isn't Hoop de doo still 180 days out I think you can call for that one now?

Wow -- that would be great! My 180th day is in about a week -- I'll try then just in case. Thanks!

If you can't make your ADRs until May, then you must be traveling during August? What are your dates? Are you there during free dining. You will need to make sure you stay on top of your game if you are.

Yup -- we're traveling during free dining (8/24-9/2). That's why I'm stressing about it this far in advance -- I know how tough it's going to be.

I really appreciate everyone's advice!

-Jen

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I'd keep checking the DIS for more up to date bookng experience. It seems like the MM, Fantasmic Package is the hardest thing to get, at this time. I've seen a few reports of people calling 1st thing on their 90 day mark only to be told it's sold out. This can be attributed to fewer Fantasmic showings. You should be able to get a feel for whether this has changed or not closer to your ADR date.

 

[Justsyd2]

CRT is booking at 180 days out. Right now it isn't bad. I've had three ressies for June. I booked breakfast, called back a month later and changed to dinner, then called back a month later to change to lunch. I had no problem getting a ressie, but I called within the 180 frame.

 

[jamstew]

I know I called first thing this morning for Le Cellier on 5/21 (3 days into my 90+10) and there was no availability for dinner.

 

[jcarter29]

I always start with whatever ADR is most important to me...whether it is the most "popular" spot or not. That way I know if I need to flex the others around to accomodate, etc. If they are all of equal importance I just go in date order.

Kim

 

[AmyMama2AvaNtheo]

we are going in just over 90days and just reserved Chef Mickeys. They had plenty of times available on the day I wanted also.

I reserved CRT almost a month ago with MANY times available.

I would prioritize by what is most important to you and have a backup plan.

 

[java]

shoot I just checked to see and it seems the hoop is at 90 days Sorry for getting hopes up

here's the dining calculator on the dis
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/pscalc/dispscalc.html

 

[triplejen]

CRT is booking at 180 days out. Right now it isn't bad. I've had three ressies for June. I booked breakfast, called back a month later and changed to dinner, then called back a month later to change to lunch. I had no problem getting a ressie, but I called within the 180 frame.

Okay, today was my 180th day so I called for CRT, but they've stopped booking at 180 -- apparently that was only through June 19th. Back to waiting until May . . . (what -- no clock-watching smilie?)

Thanks again, everyone, for all your great advice!

 

[jenseib]

I would call back and double check. I was told you could book CRT and Hoop DEE doo at 180 still.

 

[Tink1971]

I too would book CRT, MM Fantasmic, Le Cellier and Rose & Crown first. Those tend to fill up fast. Epcot restaurants around 7:30 for the 9 PM Illuminations will go first, so if you want to be sitting at Rose & Crown for Illuminations you'll have to call at the 90 day mark.

The reason someone might have been able to call and switch around CRT in June is because it's slightly beyond the 90 day mark and if they booked for a ressie before June 19 most people don't know you can book that part of the month 180 days out. Anything after June 19th follows the 90 day rule. (eligible for +10 more days if you're staying on Disney property.

 

[Faldred]

I would call back and double check. I was told you could book CRT and Hoop DEE doo at 180 still.

Only through June 19. They're on the new system completely at 90 days prior to June 19.