What are my chances for getting seated early?

[princesswendy720]

I have an ADR for Crystal Palace at 6:50 PM on a MVMCP night. I booked it in August and it was the only time I could get but I don't want to miss any of the party that I'm paying extra for. Another restaurant isn't really an option because I've never eaten at CP and I really want to try it.

I'll be at MK all day before it so I know its not a big deal..but I'm wondering what the chances of getting seated early are? If I show up around 6 do you think I'd get seated or is that too early?

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Not sure if it will make a difference that it's one of the few MK restaurants on a party night but I HAVE been able to get into many restaurants early, even an hour, before my ADR time. It's worth a try!

 

[princesswendy720]

One of the reasons its been so hard is that its not a party restaurant. A CM told me that it's closing at 7 when the party starts.

 

[maraki527]

If it was another rest. I would say probably a good change of being seated early, but I really dont think so on this one. I would keep trying to changed it and if you cant show up early. It wont hurt to try.

 

[disprincessatheart]

Last week we were seated for EVERY ADR at least 20 minutes early, some even earlier, including CP. It can't hurt to go ahead and check in early.

 

[MelanieC]

CP usually has a long line waiting to just put your name in even if you have ADR's. The best thing to do is check that day to see if you can change your time and if not check in early and see if they can get you in.

 

[princesswendy720]

I think I will call in at the 45 day mark to see if I can get anything earlier. I've called almost every day for the past 2 weeks and there's never any openings...

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Your chances are really slim.
2) CP is very crowded on party nights.
3) There is a huge line just to get to the podium.
4) You odds of getting a seat early are poor.

 

[mdhkitten]

I've been to MVMCP at the end of November after Thanksgiving the last two years, which has generally been a slower time, and did MVMCP on a weeknight. Both years I have eaten at CP for dinner and each time I have had to wait around 15 minutes past my ADR time. It has been extremely busy with many people waiting, so I'm not sure how good your chances will be. Good luck!

 

[Orlando313]

I was at Sci Fi not too long ago and they stated that you could not check in 15mins before your ressie time, they couldn't even access it in the computer. I'm not sure if it's like that at every restaurant, but that's how it was there. And trust me, I was standing right beside their podium for 45mins, I heard it every 30 seconds.

But you could always see if they have any cancelled spots open or walk ups available (which is very very very slim to none.)

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

I wouldn't give up.

I would call everyday trying to snag a cancellation. If that's a no-go.

Then, I'd show up 2 hours before ADR and check. If no, then show up 1 hour before ADR and check.

Actually, we always travel at slow times, but even if they tell you it will be a long wait--often times your buzzer will go off in 15 minutes...

I just don't think they want everyone to know that this is a possibilty! It's always worked for us. Of course, YMMV.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

1) Your chances are really slim.
2) CP is very crowded on party nights.
3) There is a huge line just to get to the podium.
4) You odds of getting a seat early are poor.

I agree.

 

[princesswendy720]

Thanks guys. Do you think I'd be better off booking a late lunch and getting a quick CS during the party?

It sounded like they had a opening for late lunch but I had to cancel my dinner reservation before I could book it b/c he said theres a policy of not booking at the same restaurant so close together.

 

[webray]

We waited an hour, showed up two hours early at the Wave on MNSSHP night. Those nights are so busy. Why not try it for breakfast or lunch and then just have snacks during the Christmas party. I hate for you to waste time in a restaurant when the party is going on. There is so much to see and do, and so little time to do everything!

 

[princesswendy720]

Booked a late lunch at 2:40 at CP that day instead. This CM didn't say anything about me canceling the other one so does that mean I still have it?

Maybe I can find someone on the December ADR thread who wants it.

I feel much better now

Thanks for your honest opinions guys!!