Strategy For Picking Up A Cancelled ADR

[JimmyV]

When people post here about cancelling an ADR, (specifically at a time certain), what is the best strategy for trying to snag the newly opened table? Does that table open up online in real time such that sitting at the keyboard and hitting "refresh" will show the opening, or is it best to call Disney Dining and be on the line with an operator, letting him/her know that a spot is about to open up and that you would like it?

 

[mcd2745]

I've found that calling works best - especially when coordinating with someone who is about to cancel.

 

[baler31]

While I have never coordinated a cancellation with anyone, I have picked up many of the reservations that have been listed by the very kind people on the boards. I have never called and always do ressies online (except CRT).

 

[jhpatrick1]

Thurs I was coordinating with a diser who was cancelling and was unable to get the ressie. At the same time, I cancelled another ressie that someone wanted, and they couldn't pick it up either It was very strange. I sat for almost an hour refressing my screen (I know idiotic for sure) the other day. However, I can say that several weeks ago I WAS able to pick up a ressie online that someone posted they were cancelling. So, I don't know what happened this time.

 

[Tricia1972]

There is no absolute sure way to get a reservation that is Canceled and Grabbed. Everyone in the world is searching on the same Disney Dining Reservation System, and it's possible that someone in Timbuk2 hit "Search" a millisecond before you did and picked up the reservation you knew was going to be canceled at 10:01pm Eastern time.

That being said, I've read of successes both online and over the phone. Personally, I'd think online might have the edge because you are in control and not at the mercy of the reservation agent.