Online vs. phone ADRs?

[Elmo888]

So, I have the phone ADR thing down - 90 day +10 date, get up early, have my list, etc.

But how does the online system work? Do they open at 7 am Eastern like the phone system or at midnight? Which are people finding better/easier, more likely to get ADRs, etc.?

I'm worried about the system just hanging and hanging and me panicking when I could be on the phone with a CM whose system is hanging, but me not panicking so much.

Any insight is appreciated!

 

[Elmo888]

Never mind! I feel like an idiot - I now see the sticky thread at the top so I'll read that and THEN see if I have any questions!

Sorry!

 

[Disney845]

I used the Online system for the first time the other day. I found it FAR SUPERIOR to speaking with someone on the phone. But then I tend to be a do-it-myself-on-the-internet sort of person in general.

The best thing about the online system was that you put in the day/time/restaurant you wanted, and if it couldn't give you the exact time, it told you the closest time and it also gave you several other selections to make. When you speak to someone on the phone and they don't have the time/place you want, you then have to ask them what else is available, and have them look through their system, etc.

After you choose a restaurant/time you put it into your cart. You can then check out or keep searching for other ressies. It says something about timing out if you don't do anything within a certain time period, so I guess your ressie would be released if you didn't finalize it.

If you are staying onsite and have a hotel ressie already it ties the restaurant ressies to it (you have to log in). After you check out, you receive an email confirmation with all of the restaurant ressie info.

We decided to book for free dining (about a week ago-somewhat last minute) and only had about 60 days till arrival, so definitely later than the 90 day opening window, plus it coincides with the Labor Day Holiday. I was able to get everything I wanted within 15 minutes of the time I wanted it. I was really surprised, because I know in years past it has been harder to get ressies for free dining.

 

[My2Angels]

I LOVE the online ADR booking system. It is much easier than hanging on the phone for an hour waiting to get an answer! You can also start booking an hour earlier on your 90th day if you book online! 5:01 Central time for me.

 

[Mom2SamandJames]

I did my ressies online at my 90 day mark. I overslept due to being up all not with a teething and sick toddler so I didn't get to start trying to make them until 7:00 a.m. I called the phone number and was put on hold so I decided to try online. My phone stayed on hold the entire time, but I was able to get everything I wanted within 15 minutes. It was awesome. Since making my reservations, my DH decided to change the park we would be at one day, and I was able to cancel our original ressies for the day online and book Crystal Palace for lunch. I can't be complimentary enough to the online ressies.

 

[secretpantssam]

I also love Love LOVE the online system. I was able to get on an hour earlier than if I called, I didn't have to wait on hold, I could see all of my options and decide for myself what I wanted, and I could hold on to one reservation while I looked for another and then just release the time I didn't want when I actually checked out. I can even check back throughout my day if I want to change times, and again, I don't have to sit on hold.

Love it!!!

 

[Elmo888]

Thanks! This is great info. I appreciate the side-by-side comparison.

I'll try the online system on my 90 day date, but I'll keep reading here for tips!

 

[djp0630]

I love the online system. I got up and was ready for 6am. Got all my ressies (well, not Le Cellier, but wasn't too disappointed.) Got CRT, 'Ohana, Chef Mickey's (twice), 1900 Park Fare, Crystal Palace breakfast before opening, etc. Was done in 15 minutes.