Shut out of Goofy's Kitchen? What to do?

[beachdweller]

I'm really bummed, I foolishly didn't make a dinner reservation for our upcoming trip (Sunday Dec 6) until today -- and there was nothing left at a reasonable hour for dinner (4 people)! My kids are really disappointed.

Any suggestions? If I keep calling back, what are my chances? Are there any tips for getting in?

I assume that we would have trouble getting in on a walk-up basis?

 

[mom2rtk]

Keep watching online. Because it is CC guaranteed, people do cancel.

I've been in there when it's busy and have seen them turn away walk-ins or offer them the chance to wait for over an hour. If you want to eat at a reasonable hour, I wouldn't try it. I'd look for another day first.

 

[ADLFAN]

I'm afraid you may get turned down at the podium... I have heard a lot of that at the Disney restaurants that accept reservations. If you keep checking for a reservation but nothing appears, maybe try for an off time, like when they first open for dinner, and maybe a sympathetic CM who isn't yet run ragged by the dinner rush will sneak you in. That place is huge, and I find it hard to believe it is 100 percent filled with reservations all night, but that is the Candlelight weekend, isn't it? So maybe... There is also the new beachside buffet dinner at the Paradise Pier Hotel, and while it has fewer food options and no characters, they may have availability that night. If all else fails, maybe Rainforest Cafe would be a fun substitute.

 

[figment_jii]

I agree that your best bet is to check for an ADR online as often as you can. As mentioned, reservations require a credit card guarantee, so folks do/will cancel if their plans change.

 

[beachdweller]

OK, thanks for the advice, y'all. Hadn't realized it's Candlelight Processional weekend -- maybe that's why the crowds are looking so heavy for the following week.

Will keep trying and keep my fingers crossed! If anyone on this board is reading this, and plans on not using your reservation on Sun Dec. 6, please let me know!

 

[luulu1999]

There is a 7:45pm right now...is that to late for you?

 

[alvernon90]

I join in the advice of continuing to search for a cancellation, with the following addition: you are most likely to find a slot 24-48 hours before you want to eat, so pay close attention during that time.

 

[mom2rtk]

Another suggestion: Check for larger party sizes. They will not penalize you if you show up with less than the number booked for.

 

[beachdweller]

There is a 7:45pm right now...is that to late for you?

Wow, thank you for checking... yes, that's too late. My kids should be in bed at that time.

 

[beachdweller]

Another suggestion: Check for larger party sizes. They will not penalize you if you show up with less than the number booked for.

Hmmm. There isn't a large party size, but there is a table for 2 available, but we have 4 people... probably not safe to risk it?

 

[Bud Ice]

There's other places than Goofy's Kitchen. Could try PCH Grill or Storyteller's Cafe...

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/paradise-pier-hotel/disneys-pch-grill/

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/grand-californian-hotel/storytellers-cafe/

 

[tlovesdis]

There's other places than Goofy's Kitchen. Could try PCH Grill or Storyteller's Cafe...

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/paradise-pier-hotel/disneys-pch-grill/

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/grand-californian-hotel/storytellers-cafe/

There are no characters at dinner at either of those.

 

[mom2rtk]

Hmmm. There isn't a large party size, but there is a table for 2 available, but we have 4 people... probably not safe to risk it?

That won't work since they would likely just have a two top table for you.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Dine Line CMs have told me that cancellations go into the computer throughout the day, so keep checking at various times.