So sad. :(

[TravelingCircus]

Disney is a once in a lifetime experiance for us. As a family of 7 it's just not something we can afford to do more than once and although I made our ADRS at 6 a.m. on the 180 day mark I couldn't get us into CRT for any meal, any day of our ten day trip. My girls are going to so disappointed. I guess I didn't realize that at a slower time of year (first week of october) it was going to be that difficult.

 

[kamik86]

Keep trying this is one that gets canceled more often because you have to pay before hand, so if someone realizes they aren't going they will cancel. Try once a day or so if you can.

Also be sure to try more right around 45 days before the trip. Many give up by then but that is when packages must be fully paid so some cancel the whole trip and thus their CRT reservation.

 

[rie'smom]

I agree keep trying. We've been able to book CRT the week before a trip during Thanksgiving. Don't give up! Also, I'd call first thing in the morning because the CMs will know before the website is updated about any cancellations.

 

[ness1996]

Have you tried breaking up the group into 4 and 3? If you don't mind sitting apart you might be able to get in that way. There isn't a lot of seating for larger groups.

 

[RabbitFood]

IMO, CRT is overpriced and underwhelming. There's much better food and character interaction at 1900 Park Fair.
If your girls have never been to Disney, they won't even know there's anything to be disappointed about by not going to CRT. I'm sure they'll have a magical time at WDW and won't even think about CRT.

 

[TDC Nala]

Try Akershus. It's not the castle, but you can tell your daughters they will see plenty of princesses. It's cheaper, too.

 

[MSLRAC]

IMO, CRT is overpriced and underwhelming. There's much better food and character interaction at 1900 Park Fair.
If your girls have never been to Disney, they won't even know there's anything to be disappointed about by not going to CRT. I'm sure they'll have a magical time at WDW and won't even think about CRT.

Sorry but I have to disagree. TravelingCircus said this is a once in a lifetime trip for their family so eating in the castle is going to HUGE for them. So I would keep trying. Try every single day up until you leave and try multiple times a day because people are all the time canceling. Also, rumor has it the the online system is being a bit glitchy so try putting in breakfast, lunch or dinner instead of actual times.

But, if you do not get it, try not to be sad it will still be a magical trip that your kids will talk about forever. If they don't know that there is a restaurant in the castle then they will have no idea that they are missing anything.

If you can't get it and you need a princess meal there is always Akershus in EPCOT. Yes it's not the castle but they will still get to see bunches of princesses and you'll get a picture of them with Belle in her ball gown. There is also 1900 PF at the GF. It was a great meal and would be lots of fun for older kids because the step family is a riot! The humor can be a bit over the heads of little ones but all the little girls just loved watching Cinderella and the Prince waltz during dinner.

So try not to fret because you've still got time and you do have other options. But good luck and bunches of pixie dust for your family and trip!!

 

[DaParkers]

Disney is a once in a lifetime experiance for us. As a family of 7 it's just not something we can afford to do more than once and although I made our ADRS at 6 a.m. on the 180 day mark I couldn't get us into CRT for any meal, any day of our ten day trip. My girls are going to so disappointed. I guess I didn't realize that at a slower time of year (first week of october) it was going to be that difficult.

Why did you tell them? I always lower my son's expectations. That way, insignificant things seem like special events. NEVER tell a child what MIGHT happen. It's less likely to be dissapointed about missing something that you never knew was an option. There are so many magical things that can happen at WDW. Just let them happen and enjoy yourself.

 

[Sacgirl]

I have to agree with some of the other posters. Keep trying for ressies, but try not to fret too much about it.

The first time I brought my daughters to Disney, I couldn't get a reservation either. We went to 1900 Park fare and the girls had a fabulous time. My oldest got to hug the prince and take some great pics.

I was able to go to the CRT 2 years later. The only real benefit of this meal vs others is that you are IN the castle, which is pretty cool. But the princess interaction with the kids I found to be very rushed and the meal (IMO) was not worth 2 table services.

Good luck, I hope you can get what you want.

 

[WAMUMOF4]

We are a family of 6 and i had trouble with reservation here as well until i started looking on lots of 4 and 2 so try doing that as it turned out for us our 2 teenager DS decided they didn't want to go so we only needed to book for 4 snd i booked ours last week for August way after the 180 day mark once i changed how many i was booking for it was available every day of our stay.

 

[ccgirl]

Disney is a once in a lifetime experiance for us. As a family of 7 it's just not something we can afford to do more than once and although I made our ADRS at 6 a.m. on the 180 day mark I couldn't get us into CRT for any meal, any day of our ten day trip. My girls are going to so disappointed. I guess I didn't realize that at a slower time of year (first week of october) it was going to be that difficult.

My friend had the same problem and they ended up breaking into a table of 4 and a table of 3. Unfortunately, a lot of large families got together and there are only so many tables that will seat a party over 6. Keep trying though. As others have said, Akershus or 1900 Park Faire are good options as well. CRT is ALWAYS a tough reservation no matter what time of year you go.

Did you put in "breakfast" or a certain time in the request?

 

[stephgles]

I would also try calling. I have read on the boards before that sometimes they were able to get their reservation ppl were looking for. I find it hard to believe that there is no availablity at all. I will keep trying online as well as calling.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I've read numerous posts about not being able to get a table for 7 at CRT. Definitely try to get a table for 4 and 3 at around the same time. And get there early so they can try and seat you together or at least right next to each other.

 

[rie'smom]

We needed a reservation for 8. I called Disney Dining and they broke it into 2 reservations. We were seated together at 2 of the tables that had fixed seating against the wall and chairs that pulled up to the table-sort of like a booth.

 

[koolaidmoms]

I agree with a PP, call. We had a reservation for 11 people and we eventually got in. Also keep trying if you can't get in on this call try again every couple weeks or so.

Good luck!

 

[chabs]

I also would call or book online and just separate the tables. We've been going to Disney every year as a group of 10 or 11 and we've always booked as separate parties when a large table is not available and we've always been able to get seats together. Just check in early or stop by in the afternoon and let them know that you are coming (if for dinner) so that they can plan ahead.

 

[tyniknate]

I have to agree that CRT is nothing special other than eating in the castle. It is WAY overpriced and the food is just so-so. There was actually very little that my kids would eat. We have, however, done Akershus and it was lovely. Not rushed, food was nice and plenty of princesses. Would never do CRT again for the difference in price.

 

[#1eeyoregirl]

Also try for an "off" time. We are a party of 8 and I was able to book online after the 180 day mark for June. I knew "normal" lunch times would be harder so I punched in 1:30 and got a spot at 1:10 Don't give up and I am sure you will be able to get one

 

[RabbitFood]

It's so easy to get caught up in the frenzy of these boards and thus feel like you HAVE to do certain things or your WDW vacation will be ruined. Honestly, the only thing that can "ruin" a Disney trip is our attitude.
OP--I know your kids will have a magical time regardless of where you eat.

 

[clairemolly]

Keep trying! If that's something you really want to do for your kids, then do it! This is the first trip out of 4 that we aren't doing it and I still keep looking for ressies in case I change my mind.

Sometimes for whatever reason, reservations aren't loaded at exactly 180 days. I had that problem with Kona Cafe our last trip. A couple days later I had my fair share. I would book either Akershus or 1900 Park Fare as a back-up and then keep trying every couple of days.