So many questions--birthdays, BoG, and more

[MelissaGold09]

Okay, so I attempted to book Sci Fi Dine in Theater 179 days in advance, figuring that should be no problem since you can book it easily the day before in the middle of the summer--completely booked, lunch and dinner for November 11. I figure this must be because of the holiday and the small number of options at HS, and patiently wait until I can try to book BoG for the 13th. I get error messages at midnight, set my alarm for every couple hours, trying again and again, and, now that it is morning, I have called the dining phone number and been assured that it is, in fact, entirely booked for all three meals. Kind of frustrating, especially since this is a Birthday trip (and the fact that we are both going to be 25 means that Beauty and the Beast is especially close to our hearts). So I decided to book Tony's Town Square, never having been there, and hearing that they have been particularly kind to people with birthdays. I saw nowhere to mention the birthdays in the reservation; there was nowhere to type special requests, only check boxes for dietary and wheelchair needs. So here are my questions:

Does anyone think it's odd that Sci Fi could book for an entire day 179 days in advance?

Is there any hope for BoG? Any suggestions? (We will be staying on site, but haven't booked yet; we'll be in the parks Nov 11-14, leaving for flight on the 14th)

Where do I mention birthdays?

I don't eat red meat and the other person doesn't eat meat at all; do I mention this on the reservation? Not an allergy, but I'm not sure if we should anyway.

Since the two restaurants we were looking forward to are booked, does anyone have recommendations of places that have been fun for birthdays? We are doing 1 day per park, no hopper, probably only a half day at Animal Kingdom. Additionally, we are on a very tight budget.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

180 day dining reservations open at 6am EST for DW website, 7am EST for telephone reservations. That is why you were getting error messages at midnight.

I have read many times that BOG reservations can be gotten if you keep checking. Unfortunately many people book this multiple days/times of their trip in order to have flexibility with the rest of their planning. Then as their vacation nears they drop the reservations they won't be using.

Many have said that constantly checking eventually yields good results. Especially at the 30-day mark when final payment is due. Also some have had luck the day before due to people cancelling to avoid the $10 no-show charge.

I added a birthday celebration to our reservation by calling. That is the only way that I know of. Perhaps there are other ways, but like you I never saw anywhere on the website to add it

 

[DisBuckMan]

Pretty sure you're visiting during Jersey Week. Not surprised lots of places are booked.

 

[GillianP1301]

I have always found Sci-Fi a more difficult ADR to get under 180 days, but have never had an issue at 180 days. I would keep trying.

What is the size of your party? If you have an odd number, then I suggest try booking for 1 more (i.e. if you are 3, search for a table of 4). We had success doing that as a party of 3 in the past.

As for BOG, it is definitely the toughest to get, but again just keep trying, you never know what may open up.

For other ideas/suggestions, maybe try Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge? I don't know how they are for birthdays specifically, but it's a fun place overall. And if you can't get Sci-Fi, you may want to consider 50s Prime Time Cafe. Like Whispering Canyon, it's a fun place with silly antics by the staff.

 

[Nancyg56]

I do not think that you need to note that you do not eat red meat or that your dining partner is a vegetarian, I do think you need to check the menus ahead of time to see what is offered. The Chefs will do what they can with the items they have on hand in the kitchen, but you need to know what the menu is so you can decide if the restaurant is the best one for you and your friend.

 

[RustManFan]

New Jersey Teachers Convention is November 10th and 11th.

 

[MelissaGold09]

I have always found Sci-Fi a more difficult ADR to get under 180 days, but have never had an issue at 180 days. I would keep trying.

What is the size of your party? If you have an odd number, then I suggest try booking for 1 more (i.e. if you are 3, search for a table of 4). We had success doing that as a party of 3 in the past.

As for BOG, it is definitely the toughest to get, but again just keep trying, you never know what may open up.

For other ideas/suggestions, maybe try Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge? I don't know how they are for birthdays specifically, but it's a fun place overall. And if you can't get Sci-Fi, you may want to consider 50s Prime Time Cafe. Like Whispering Canyon, it's a fun place with silly antics by the staff.

Only two of us. I've experimented with numbers and times, though, and there is literally nothing.

I do not think that you need to note that you do not eat red meat or that your dining partner is a vegetarian, I do think you need to check the menus ahead of time to see what is offered. The Chefs will do what they can with the items they have on hand in the kitchen, but you need to know what the menu is so you can decide if the restaurant is the best one for you and your friend.

I kind of figured. I've had some miserable experiences when it comes to finding food at Disney, so I guess I was just being hopeful.

Also, I had read somewhere that Jersey week was supposed to be a good time of year to go, because other than New Jersey it is not very crowded? Maybe just the combo of that, Veterans Day being on a Friday, food and wine, and two MVMCP during that time are making it crazier than usual...

 

[tapenn]

My last trip I pulled it up at random times during the day and finally got into BOG a couple of weeks after the 180 day mark. Don't give up.

 

[MissyBrenda]

I have had huge success using Touring Plan's Reservation Finder!! You need an account to use it, but you don't need the paid subscription. It will randomly check the Disney site for the ADR's you're looking for, and let you know if/when one become available. Then you need to jump on and get the ADR yourself. Very easy, and has saved me tons of time!

 

[loves to dive]

If you are set on BOG, as others have said, just keep trying it will most likely open up, especially if you aren't too picky about the time. Times like an early or late lunch or a later dinner tend to be easier to get. As far as Sci-Fi, if you have your heart set on it, they do have walk ups for lunch. Just get there about 1/2 hour before they open, they start a list, first come first served. You will most likely get a table in the back, not one of the cars but frankly, I like those better. I think when you do on line check in, there is a space for if you are celebrating something special. I never note it because I just don't. You can put on birthday buttons, available at the front desk at your resort and at GS at the parks and the servers will then know it's your birthday. Don't expect anything special, you will get loads of happy birthdays but don't expect a special dessert or anything. Sometimes you might get one but it's not the norm. As other's have pointed out, they don't have anywhere to mention you are vegetarian or a non-red meat eater but just about every place has a chicken option and a vegetarian option.

 

[figment_jii]

I saw you don't have a reservation yet, so that is probably the reason you didn't necessarily find all of the reservations you wanted on the 180-day mark. Guests staying on-site (with reservations already) are able to make reservations for the first ten-days of their trip (or length of stay) on their 180-day mark, so other guests have already had access to those dates/times for up to 10-days. As others have said, keep checking and often times folks will eventually be able to get what they want.

They removed the ability to list celebrations on the reservation when making them on line a while ago, so now you have to call to have it noted. While you can note it on a reservation, it's up to the server, the restaurant's policies, how busy they are, etc., whether anything is done or not. My family has gotten confetti on the table, free birthday cupcake/desserts, to a simple "happy birthday" to no acknowledgement at all (BOG was one place where there was no acknowledgement at all), so there is no way to guarantee that they'll do anything to acknowledge your birthday unless you're willing to pay for something (e.g., buy a cake).

 

[MelissaGold09]

I saw you don't have a reservation yet, so that is probably the reason you didn't necessarily find all of the reservations you wanted on the 180-day mark. Guests staying on-site (with reservations already) are able to make reservations for the first ten-days of their trip (or length of stay) on their 180-day mark, so other guests have already had access to those dates/times for up to 10-days. As others have said, keep checking and often times folks will eventually be able to get what they want.

They removed the ability to list celebrations on the reservation when making them on line a while ago, so now you have to call to have it noted. While you can note it on a reservation, it's up to the server, the restaurant's policies, how busy they are, etc., whether anything is done or not. My family has gotten confetti on the table, free birthday cupcake/desserts, to a simple "happy birthday" to no acknowledgement at all (BOG was one place where there was no acknowledgement at all), so there is no way to guarantee that they'll do anything to acknowledge your birthday unless you're willing to pay for something (e.g., buy a cake).

I'll probably be making my hotel reservation in about a month or two. I wanted to get a bit more money behind me beforehand, since I also have expenses from student loans in addition to paying off a Disney vacation. I've never had the opportunity to plan a trip in advance (I got one trip as a graduation present, then my cousin got married in Orlando--I had about a month's notice on each), so the 180 days ahead information is a bit new to me. I knew that you could book dining that far ahead, but was a bit fuzzy on the details. I found a couple reservations that I'll have for if nothing else opens up.

I kind of wonder if acknowledgement at BoG has to do with the meal time. At lunch it isn't like you have a specific server. I've heard dinner works differently and that was what I was trying to book. I've been fortunate to find lunch reservations for BoG in the past, but I was hoping to do something more special since this trip is a celebration (I didn't know about the buttons when I went for graduation).

 

[figment_jii]

I kind of wonder if acknowledgement at BoG has to do with the meal time. At lunch it isn't like you have a specific server. I've heard dinner works differently and that was what I was trying to book. I've been fortunate to find lunch reservations for BoG in the past, but I was hoping to do something more special since this trip is a celebration (I didn't know about the buttons when I went for graduation).

At lunch time BOG is a counter service location (but it takes reservations). I really doubt they'll do anything at all for birthdays at lunch time. At dinner time, BOG is a traditional table service location. I've been to BOG for both lunch and dinner, but dinner was for a birthday. I think it really depends on the server, how busy they are, etc, because we did hear a different server wish the table next to us a happy birthday, but our server didn't say anything. So it's really hit-or-miss and there isn't anything you can really do about it.

 

[MelissaGold09]

At lunch time BOG is a counter service location (but it takes reservations). I really doubt they'll do anything at all for birthdays at lunch time. At dinner time, BOG is a traditional table service location. I've been to BOG for both lunch and dinner, but dinner was for a birthday. I think it really depends on the server, how busy they are, etc, because we did hear a different server wish the table next to us a happy birthday, but our server didn't say anything. So it's really hit-or-miss and there isn't anything you can really do about it.

Yeah, I know not to expect anything, but since we are on a budget, I'd like our pricier dining to at least come with the possibility of something birthday related. Last time I went I only ate two meals a day and they were mostly kids meals--that's the kind of budget I'm working with. Here's hoping I win the lottery before November.

 

[purple figment]

Yeah, I know not to expect anything, but since we are on a budget, I'd like our pricier dining to at least come with the possibility of something birthday related.

At every TS restaurant there is the possibility of having your birthday acknowledged, but it will depend upon the server. We've had meals where a table next to us with a different server received a birthday goodie while our server didn't even say "Happy Birthday." You might increase your chances if you wear your birthday buttons and mention it to your server the first time they come to your table.

 

[MelissaGold09]

At every TS restaurant there is the possibility of having your birthday acknowledged, but it will depend upon the server. We've had meals where a table next to us with a different server received a birthday goodie while our server didn't even say "Happy Birthday." You might increase your chances if you wear your birthday buttons and mention it to your server the first time they come to your table.

I'd be nervous that they might think I'm asking for something if I'm wearing a button AND mention it to them. I don't want them to feel like I'm being rude. I feel like where we are two adults who will both be wearing pins it might be weird for me to just say, "We are both celebrating birthdays," randomly. I tend to overthink things like this... has anyone done this in a subtle way that didn't seem rude to the server that has a suggestion? I don't want to imply they were incapable of noticing the buttons.

 

[powellrj]

Don't give up on getting the meals you want. Just keep checking all the time. People make more reservations than they plan to use and closer to the trip they will cancel, so I think you will still get everyplace you want. It just may not be the exact time you want.

Since its hit or miss, I would eat where I want to eat instead of where you think they might do something for a birthday. There is a cake thread that you may want to check out if you would like to order a cake. People celebrate birthdays all year anymore, so I don't think the server will think anything about both of you wearing a button.

 

[MinnieMSue]

I'd be nervous that they might think I'm asking for something if I'm wearing a button AND mention it to them. I don't want them to feel like I'm being rude. I feel like where we are two adults who will both be wearing pins it might be weird for me to just say, "We are both celebrating birthdays," randomly. I tend to overthink things like this... has anyone done this in a subtle way that didn't seem rude to the server that has a suggestion? I don't want to imply they were incapable of noticing the buttons.

Call the dining number and have them put the birthday on the reservation. They will have the info with that and the birthday buttons. That way you shouldn't need to say anything. If they feel like doing something they will. I called today and gave the person one reservation number and she put my daughter's birthday on all of our reservations for us without me even having to ask

 

[moodyeeyore]

We went to BOG for dinner for my DH's birthday, and they did bring out a complimentary gray stuff dessert for him. We had the same experience there when we went for our anniversary a couple of years ago. I know there is no guarantee that they will do anything at any place for a birthday, though.

 

[moodyeeyore]

Have you thought about 1900 Park Fare dinner at the Grand Floridian? It's a quick monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom. Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine (stepmother), and Anastasia and Drusilla (stepsisters) are all there and are a hoot. You can also special pre-order a chocolate slipper dessert for any of the Grand Floridian restaurants or Cinderella's Royal Table. It's only $15, and we loved it. I also brought birthday cards to our character meals that were themed to those characters for them to sign as they came around to the tables, which was a fun touch!