Pleasantly Surprised - 10/11 ADRs made

[bsmcneil]

So, I had a heck of a time getting ADRs for my mid to late Sept (solo) trip and the IT has been given me fits lately as I procured tickets, made some changes with hotels, etc. Woke up early this morning to be ready and I had a list of 14 things I wanted (11 ADRs, Droid Depot, and something re: fireworks). I got the Droid Depot one fine (as most people have named). The Fairytale Fireworks Cruise still isn't listing dates past mid-January and I thought today (a new month) might've seen a refresh - but no luck (so, I will do either Treats and Seats or a Pre/Post Dessert - not sure which, if anyone has recommendations).

But for the ADRs, this was sort of my list:

1. 50s (not a big fan of the other DHS restaurants, my oldest craves fried chicken all the time, and if the servers are doing their antics, I think my kids will enjoy it)
2. Oga's (right before the droid depot - may cancel it because I don't feel strongly about it and I'm taking kids. I thought it might pump them up before building the droids. Also, they're late ADRs because it seems like SW:GE is beautiful at night and we don't have to deal with the droids the rest of the day. The only concern I have is whether there will be nighttime entertainment - but if that pops up, I'll figure something out)
3. sci fi (I think my kids will like - I'll probably dump this or 50s unless we go to DHS twice - for instance to catch nighttime entertainment)
4. boma breakfast (staying at AKL and it's my favorite)
5. cinderella/be our guest (I may drop - but it's such a quintessential thing that I thought my kids would enjoy. I only wanted one castle-y experience so I didn't try for BOG as their food isn't what my kids would like)
6. coral reef (may cancel - think the kids would enjoy)
7. space 220 (see above)
8. rainforest (I have the Landry's Select Club and so I'm not worried about an ADR - but it's nuts that I couldn't find one!)
9. t-rex (again with the LSC, though I did get an ADR - we have gift cards to use up, which is the only reason I would do either of these, let alone both...)
10. ohana breakfast (another favorite of mine)
11. trail’s end (again with the fried chicken, plus we want to check out Ft. Wilderness)
12. whispering (again with the server antics)

So out of all of those, I didn't get Rainforest Cafe (at either location) and I didn't try for Be Our Guest (because I got CRT - found two options, even). There were some glitches along the way - but by 7, I had most of this worked out and generally in the time frames that worked for me (I think I was able to get the ADRs because I felt flexible on days/times).

All of that is to say *fingers crossed* for those trying. I know it's frustrating!

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

I'm piecing together from other threads that there have been issues with Disney loading restaurant availability for February. My ADR day was also today, and I felt like I got very lucky. I mean, at 6am I could have booked CRT practically any time on 2/1 between 11 and 4. That's all I wanted, and TRex. I think we had the benefit of not having to contend with those that had their 60+10 windows open a few days before us because they might not have been able to fully book all of their desired choices. Don't know, really. Just the impression I've been getting. Then again all dinner times were gone, so that might blow my theory out of the water. It's odd is all.

Edit: you've got a great line up of restaurants and activities. Your GE plans are going to work out well, I think.

 

[bsmcneil]

I'm piecing together from other threads that there have been issues with Disney loading restaurant availability for February. My ADR day was also today, and I felt like I got very lucky. I mean, at 6am I could have booked CRT practically any time on 2/1 between 11 and 4. That's all I wanted, and TRex. I think we had the benefit of not having to contend with those that had their 60+10 windows open a few days before us because they might not have been able to fully book all of their desired choices. Don't know, really. Just the impression I've been getting. Then again all dinner times were gone, so that might blow my theory out of the water. It's odd is all.

Edit: you've got a great line up of restaurants and activities. Your GE plans are going to work out well, I think.

That makes sense. I did notice that BOG was still available tonight (I just wanted to see my options) - so much seemed to still be on the table. I keep wondering what it'll be like - a long time ago, this seemed like a really light period in the parks but the crowd calendars on Touring Plans have me spooked.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

That makes sense. I did notice that BOG was still available tonight (I just wanted to see my options) - so much seemed to still be on the table. I keep wondering what it'll be like - a long time ago, this seemed like a really light period in the parks but the crowd calendars on Touring Plans have me spooked.

I think Disney was also initially expecting lighter crowds. I booked my resort months ago specifically because rates were the lowest during this time. It's historically been a slow week, and of course they had no way of knowing when travel restrictions would be lifted.

I checked CRT ADRs this morning, and they are now all gone for the duration of my short, less than 5 day stay. For once I'm grateful for whatever glitched or whoever failed to load in times.