Restaurant reservations ???

[E-I-E-I-O]

If it's that important, keep trying online and keep calling. What is fair is not always equal and what is equal is not always fair. You're getting free dining (along with hundreds of other families like your own!) and maybe to get what you want you need to try a little bit harder and not expect things to just fall into place the first time you call to get reservations, especially if now it's at 60ish days. It might mean you need to leave the MK a little bit early to catch that special dinner, or get there a bit late for a special breakfast.

 

[Belle Belinda]

Many thanks to all of you who replied !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Belle Belinda]

I tried to book for 3 adults and 2 children instead of 2/2 and....I got a open spot for Ohana with Lilo and Stitch!!!!!! I will call tomorrow to change for 2 adults....why the availability for five yes...and four, none???

Thank you all for the great tip

Belinda

 

[stinie18287]

I would try calling. When I made my dining reservations the person on the phone was very helpful when certain things were closed. If I asked for a restaurant in Epcot and it was full, he would tell me what WAS open so you can still eat at restaurants based on your tour days. Also, I'm not sure if you were interested in Raglan Road but opentable.com lets you make reservations here. Also, Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex only give about 25% of their reservations to Disney ADR's. The rest you have to book through them directly. If you're really looking for places in either Downtown Disney or Animal Kingdom.. I would try one of these options!! Good Luck!

 

[jkjjhuddle]

You might also consider looking for some other resturants. There are some great ones that might not be as popular. But will be just as great for the family.

We love Rose and Crown and Wispering Canon is wonderful!

YAY on getting Ohana's. You will love that one!

 

[LMO429]

I understand, however this is very unfair :-( Thank you for the reply

Have you tried changing your party size when you are making the reservations online? It sometimes will open up availability.

I am so sorry that you are having trouble with your reservations I know it can feel unfair. however guests who are staying at a wdw resort where able to book their reservations back in sept so as some others have said you are a little behind. good luck

 

[LMO429]

I tried to book for 3 adults and 2 children instead of 2/2 and....I got a open spot for Ohana with Lilo and Stitch!!!!!! I will call tomorrow to change for 2 adults....why the availability for five yes...and four, none???

Thank you all for the great tip

Belinda

because the online reservation system is just a big mess. listen to one of the previous disunplugged podcast they talk about the whys and hows you are able to get reservations if you change your party size.

 

[winterman]

and none of the popular restaurants are available !!!!
Belinda

Try some of the 'less popular' restaurants. Also, the restaurants in resorts are often easier to get ADRs for.

 

[Darcy03231]

I don't know what not fair about it. Other people booked before you did. I did my reservations at my 90 day mark and still didn't get some of the restaurants I wanted and/or the times I wanted. Keep trying. People do cancel. Also, you can try to get a walk up reservation. Some people have posted that they've had some luck with that.

 

[lugnut33]

Honestly people, should it be as difficult to get reservations as it is to get tickets to a World Series game?

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Honestly people, should it be as difficult to get reservations as it is to get tickets to a World Series game?

lol

I agree I don't know what my family ia eating tonight but at Disney you have to know where you want to eat 6 months in advance.

It's just one of those things.

OP, don't give up and keep trying, as others have said, things open up all the time. Fairness really doesn't apply, there are only so many reservations available. You just have to be persistent. It's a lot of work, but chances are eventually you will be able to get the reservations you want. Last trip I scored a California Grill reservation a few days before we left. Even if you don't get the reservation you want, you can still show up and ask if they are taking walk ups. Unfortunately many folks don't show up for reservations, this won't work at a place like Chef Mickey's or Boma but will probably work at Ohana for breakfast or Cape May. I have eaten at Le Cellier on more than one occasion in a half empty restarant, when reservations for the day were gone. Good Luck!

 

[ogreenlee]

Maybe it's just me, but I'm not having horrible luck, and I'll be there from the 15th thru the 23rd in the same month, which will be even more crowded. I've been making my ADRs this last week, btw.

 

[disfan07]

It's really funny b/c ive never had the problems that everyone on here complains about.

We never book our trips more than 3-4 months ahead of time (this was when ADRs were 180 days out) and we always get ADRs where we want.
Last year we booked a trip at the beginning of june for august (8 weeks before we were going) and we were able to get CM, crystal palace, 50s PT, and Le Cellier.
The year before, we booked our december trip in october and we were able to get all of our reservations as well. I dont know if we just have better luck or if we're just more flexible or whatever but we've never figured out why so many people have so much trouble with reservations.

We've been during spring break, thanksgiving, christmas, summer vacation and we are always able to get ADRs

But I am also the person who last june called WDW and for a hotel all i asked was, "what hotels do you have AAA left for" and i took what they had...lol

 

[michaeldorn1]

I understand, however this is very unfair :-( Thank you for the reply

Life is not fair. There are not an infinate number of tables in WDW for dining. Simple as that. First come, first served. WDW will not hold a table for you personally at every restaurant, in the event you might decide to dine there. There are far too many guests desiring dining and did have the forethought to book at their 90 day mark.

Enjoy your time while you are there and don't let the little problems stress you out. Remember, this was Free Dining and many guests have taken part in it. One man's humble opinion.

 

[Mkrop]

You can try calling while you are there too. I scored a Fantasmic Dinner Package for the next night. I was sitting in front of Tower of Terror waiting for my family. Prior to that I had been calling almost every day.