Realistically thinking...

[mypalstitch]

How impossible will it really be to call in the am to get an ADR for a restaurant of my choice? A family of four going during free dining over the end of Sept? At the end of free dining also, sept 19 - 25? Are my chances actually pretty good? Just everyone overhyping, overobsessing about having all ADR's done before you go?
Any thoughts?

 

[andrews1]

That really depends on how choosy you are about where you eat and what times. If you're not too picky you might be OK, but I'd call ASAP!!

 

[OKW Lover]

Realistically? Slim. But not impossible. Give it a try.

 

[aubriee]

I've been the last two years in Sept during the free dining time. Both trips we saw LOTS of very frustrated, angry people being turned away at restaurants. Quite a few were very rude to the CMs, yelling that Disney had 'sold' them this free dining plan, then wouldn't let them into the restaurants to eat. There was not a single day go by that we didn't see people turned away. Last year during the free dining period Disney set up extra TS meals such as Chef Mickey's lunch and a buffet at Terrace Noodle Station. They also let people trade a TS credit for a CS plus a pin (or something) because all the restaurants were so full.

I'm going back Sept 29th-Oct 7th and was able to get the free dining via the Bounce Back Program. Even though free dining for the general public ends the week before we arrive, we've been told that quite a few people booked free dining for checking in the very last day, so their trips will overlap with some of ours. Also other people who got the Bounce Back free dining or the UK free dining will also be there. I've tried for the last several weeks to change three of my ADRs. I finally got one changed the other day, but have had no luck getting the other two changed. I've been told the restaurants I want are fully booked. During the free dining times the parks are fairly empty, but the restaurants are packed.

I would definitely call today and see what's available. Maybe consider TS lunches instead of dinners or out of the way resort restaurants like Olivias, Shutters, Maya Grill, or Turf Club.

 

[twinspluscade]

How impossible will it really be to call in the am to get an ADR for a restaurant of my choice? A family of four going during free dining over the end of Sept? At the end of free dining also, sept 19 - 25? Are my chances actually pretty good? Just everyone overhyping, overobsessing about having all ADR's done before you go?
Any thoughts?

I think it depends on which restaurants you're wanting, and if you're willing to eat at "off" times.

I called about four weeks ago to see if I could switch some ADR's around for our trip Sept 8-16. NOTHING for Crystal Palace for dinner on several nights (not times whatsoever!)....but they did have lunch open at several times--so I took that. Also nothing for Cinderella's Gala Feast for dinner when I first called, but luckily managed to get it for 4:30 the second day I called...however we're sitting on two different tables.

Be flexible, and you should find something--even if it may not be what you want.

 

[Miss_Disney]

I think that you have a very good chance of a same day reservation. But, you could be unlucky and not get a nice place for dinner.

Last year, we went during the free dining period and had no trouble with getting same day reservations and some walk ups.

However, this was just our experience, and it might not be the same this year, although I doubt this. Most of the people on this board scare others into making early ADRs by telling them that there are no reservations to be had in busy periods. This is only true for certain restaurants such as Le Cellier.

I think that you will be fine as long as you are reasonably flexible with times.

 

[MickeyNicki]

If I were you I would get on the phone right now and start getting some ADRs