Snagging/changing last minute ADR’s

[tinkerbelletreasure]

We never do a lot of ADR’s which is why I didn’t initially book one for the nights I’m at Hollywood Studios but after looking over our quick service options, we’ve decided we’d really like to try The Sci-Fi fine in theater. There aren’t currently any ARD’s available and I booked 50’s Primetime Cafe as a backup, but I have touring plans looking for a Sci Fi time. My question is, I’ve seen looks of people mention snagging ADRs the day of, but I’m nervous about giving up 50’s prime time in case I can’t get one because it is at our preferred time. But given the choice, Sci Fi is the one my family wants to try. But I know I’ll get charged if I cancel 50’s less than 24 hours beforehand I’ll be there during Spring Break, so high crowds. Any suggestions?

 

[AuntJamelle]

I'm a newbie, so I'm sure others will have good info to offer. However, everything I've read so far leads me to the following advice:

- Keep the reservation you have for now
- Use the free reservation finder feature on touringplans.com to help alert you to when the spot you want opens up and jump on it ASAP
- Continually check MDE for an opening - giving particular attention to times at the 60, 45 and 30 day marks before your trip start date as those are often times that people change/reschedule their ADRs for that same week you are going

Hopefully you can get the ADR you want far in advance of the cut off point to cancel without penalty at your back up place. Good luck!!!

 

[NJlauren]

Spring break will make it hard, however I have gotten tons of last minute reservations.

Personally I would keep it for now and 24 hours before (I think it’s actually midnight the day before) I would decide if I wanted to keep or cancel.

 

[sponica]

I've had some luck modifying reservations the night before (like between 11 PM and midnight) when people decide they want to sleep in or do something else.

 

[Magical2017]

60 days and 30 days out is a good time to check, as people booking FP often move around ADRs. As pp stated, the evening before is another good time to check availability. Lots of movement--people change the park they will visit, the time, their FP, etc. often. You can use a reservation finder and get notified when a reservation opens up.

edited: The one I used apparently is not allowed on Disboards so I cannot post a link. However, if you Google, you will find a Disney reservation finder easily and can choose one that works best for you. We found two dining reservations using it on our last trip. We changed dates and I really wanted BOG and TH-got them both.

 

[_19disnA]

People can cancel their ADR up to the day prior to avoid the "no show" fee. That opens up spots not previously available. Lots of older threads on that.

 

[Justplainchy]

I would also sign up for mouse dining's free reservation finder. I have alerts set up with them and TP, and I always end up getting the MD ones first and sometimes I ONLY get one from MD. It's helped us make a couple great reservations well after our 180 day mark. Also: we were able to get BOG on New Years day by checking the day before; so definitely do that - people are moving things around and avoiding hitting that cancellation fee.

 

[gharter]

ADRs can become available at any time. Generally, the day before to the day of if you watch closely.
Good luck!
50's is a fun place to eat, love Sci Fi for the atmosphere.

 

[EdnaMarieMode]

As long as you cancel your 50's ADR before midnight the night before, you will be fine. Keep it until you get the Sci-Fi ADR.

Another tip besides the one already given- depending on party size, try splitting up your party. As an example for a party of 6, try a reservation for 2 and a reservation for 4. You can then ask to be seated together when you arrive.

I've had very good luck getting ADR's very close to my trip, sometimes the night before.

 

[sk_lou]

In 3 weeks we will be on our first family trip to WDW. I wasn't planning to do any ADRs, but after beginning my "research" on the boards and youtube over the past few months, I got bit by the character dining bug. I was able to get a 9:10 Crystal Palace, but really wanted a PPO if possible. Thanks to y'all, I learned about the Touring Plan reservation finder. I set one for 8:00 CP a few weeks ago. Early this past Saturday morning I was awoken by a text from TP showing an availability and was able to hop on my phone and grab it. I wholeheartedly recommend giving the reservation finder a try and make sure you set up text alerts!