Reservations by phone or internet?

[ICDisney]

We are first time Disney visitors planning our trip for December. Any tips on making dinner reservations? Is it better to book online or by calling Disney Dining? Any advice is appreciated!

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I prefer online since I can play around with dates and times. You do know you can book your ADRs NOW right?

 

[Lumiere Lover]

Definitely online. You can see the times available for the different restaurants. I think it is easier to just do it yourself!!

 

[ICDisney]

Yes, we have started making reservations. Only to be told by a family friend who goes every year to NEVER book online. I didn't understand why - it seems so easy! Glad to hear that others have had no problems with it. I think I'll continue to book online & not worry about it! Thanks for the advice!

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

I always book online. If what you want isn't available that way you can see what available instead.
Also, I print off the resevation & take a copy of it with me incase there is ever any problem. [I've never had any need for it though.]

 

[sw33t_angel]

You definitely have more options and freedom online to play around with dates and times and not have to feel rushed. I say online is definitely the way to go!

The only reason you might have to call is for Dinner Shows and Fantasmic booking and so forth.

 

[Cafeen]

Online and by phone pull from the same basic pool of availability. There is no difference in what is offered at either.

Online does allow you to play with dates and times a bit better, it rolls over to the next day 1 hour earlier, it allows you the opportunity to check repeatedly throughout the day or night, it doesn't close, and you can generally do it in the background of whatever else you happen to be doing. However, the web application does tend to be a bit shaky. There's a bit of downtime and browser issues do plague the application. There's also the issue with DDP and prepaid locations not always seeing the applicable DDP and thus charging instead of holding. There's also the issue where if you're going to split up your party, the online system won't let you and you have to call.

So really, it's 6 of one and 1/2 a dozen of the other. It's typically easier for the more tech savvy to do online since we're well versed with online systems in general, while it's easier for those less savvy to do it over the phone where they can simply let the CM handle all of that new-fangled computer stuff .

Note that certain things either have to be booked by phone (F! dinners outside of the initial offerings, shows after... Oct? I think, Dessert Party once dates are released, and possibly CP packages, we won't know that until 26 Jul) due to either program issues or just because they make you do it that way.

 

[ICDisney]

Thanks for all the great tips. Of course I logged on this morning trying to make a reservation and keep getting an error message "There was a problem adding this time to your cart. Please try again later." It happens for every reservation time and restaurant I try, even though they appear to be available. Ugh!

 

[wvulion]

Just my two cents: I've always really liked doing it by phone, and last time had the sweetest CM who understood my urgency for castle reservations (and my 5:30am wakeup call). She was so helpful! I've done both, but where the "rubber meets the road" for me is a little girl's castle meal, and no computer will stand in my way That said, I also enjoy asking about their favorite restaurants as well, which has led me to more than a few new and fantastic dining experiences.

 

[apicozzi]

I enjoy calling to make reservations as well. The cast members are always friendly and spend as much time as I need figuring out different times. I've never had an issue booking over the phone!