Tips for making late ADRs?

[sage210]

Hi all!

I arrive at Disney on Sept 24th leaving Oct 4th. Only 59 days! I've been dreaming of this Disney trip for years, and had the basics booked for months. I'm a single mom, taking my DD (7) and bringing my Mom as a way to say thanks (and a bit of a backup babysitter if I need help). This trip is a huge celebration for me for becoming debt free (and staying that way even after this vacation) and because I've declared this the "Year of Awesome!" I am so excited it's amazing!


Unfortunately, I didn't understand how important it was to get the ADRs booked as soon as possible. Or I did, but I was overwhelmed and thought that maybe since we were going during a "low" time we'd be safe...live and learn I guess. Luckily I'm not on the meal plan, but I do want to try to get a few table service meals while we're there.

In particular, I'd love to book a meal at the Garden Grill in Epcot. But, of course, they are booked for the dates I was searching. I've heard spots may open as people cancel. Any suggestions on the best times to check? Is phone reservation better than online to try?

If I can't get into GG, what do you recommend for other options that may be less booked? We're not picky, we love counter service too. Luckily for me the second half is Food and Wine Festival, so there'll be good eats no matter what!

Thanks for all your advice!

 

[PoohsFan1]

First off I want to say "Welcome to the Dis"

 

[amypetecar]

If you like buffets and want to eat at Epcot, Biertgarten is pretty good, even if german food isn't your first choice

If you would like the carved meats such as turkey, roast beef, and chicken, that are typical at garden grill and don't mind traveling to another location, try any of the following:

liberty tree tavern
chef mickeys
trails end


im sure theres more, its just too late to remember

 

[amg35]

I don't have any advice, but I wanted to say I'm so excited for you!!!

Have fun and good luck with your "Year of Awesome!"

 

[PoohsFan1]

I didn't mean to hit submit so quickly on that last post so please forgive me...it is getting to be bedtime .

Anyway as I was saying.... to the DIS, you have come to the best place to learn about anything and everything Disney, there are such great people that can answer so many of your questions.

As for making ADRs, I always live by the stalking rule. If there is a certain reservation that you want I like to stalk both the online and phone reservations. Check online many times during the day and if you can call, call at least 2-3 times a day too. Do this every day or until you get the desired reservation that you want. Even once you get to your resort, you can go to the concierge desk and have them check for ADRs too. Another thing, try not to be so strict as to when to get your ADRs, if there is an opening for at an odd time, take it, have your schedule work around the ADR. Unfortunately that time of year, you may have to settle on other ADRs since it is so close to F&W festival and there will be a lot of people going at that time. I would check out all of the different menus from allears.net or here on the DIS, and have a back-up plan to the ADRs that you originally want. And once you know which ones you want to make, start making them ASAP. But like I said before, don't be afraid to stalk both the online dining and calling the dining line. Good luck and have a wonderful trip .

 

[sage210]

Thank you all! I will keep trying Garden Grill, but love the recommendations for other places.

With so many options, I have a feeling I won't be disappointed with anything I end up with.

Thanks for making my trip even better!

 

[jjsdad]

I believe at 45 days out final payments are usually due for your vacation so there are cancellations around that time for people who hoped to go, booked a trip but can't go. Check online for the time you want at least daily, if you do that you may have luck. I would also subscribe to this thread:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2883870

you will get an email everytime someone replies to that thread so if they cancel and post there and you are quick you can get in there. Sometimes they also open up new reservations in the system that for one reason or another they were holding back. If you have a particular day open and you want to eat somewhere that day keep searching for that date and select dinner (not a time) and that is it. The system will show you every available reservation for that date and dinner time. If you see a place you want to eat at listed, then you can search for more specific times and book that way.