What I Learned With My ADRs This Morning

[Mambo Junkie]

I love this thread. Please keep posting your individual experiences with specific restaurants! My ADR window starts March 22 and it's great to be able to keep a pulse on things.

I just want to add that between crowds and (I guess) reduced restaurant capacity these reservations are easy enough to get, if you use the strategy of being online 6 am day of booking ability, but I can't stress enough the importance of sitting your family down and deciding on where/when to eat. I currently have 1 reservation I'm trying to add 1 or 2 people to, checking daily, several times a day AND on a reservation finder, and a split reservation I'm trying to secure a better time. If I'm unable to change the time(s) on the reservations, I will have to drop them. This is because my husband decided he wanted to eat at Space 220 2 days after I secured the reservations for my son's family, and my daughter in law decided a couple of weeks ago that she'd like to eat at Be Our Guest after having previously decided on The Plaza. I have the Plaza (still) but managed to secure parties of 2 and 4 for BOG but they are during the fireworks, which is a no from me. I do believe the closer I get to our trip I will get something, but I still try multiple times daily.

 

[Bittersweet & Strange]

I just want to add that between crowds and (I guess) reduced restaurant capacity these reservations are easy enough to get, if you use the strategy of being online 6 am day of booking ability, but I can't stress enough the importance of sitting your family down and deciding on where/when to eat. I currently have 1 reservation I'm trying to add 1 or 2 people to, checking daily, several times a day AND on a reservation finder, and a split reservation I'm trying to secure a better time. If I'm unable to change the time(s) on the reservations, I will have to drop them. This is because my husband decided he wanted to eat at Space 220 2 days after I secured the reservations for my son's family, and my daughter in law decided a couple of weeks ago that she'd like to eat at Be Our Guest after having previously decided on The Plaza. I have the Plaza (still) but managed to secure parties of 2 and 4 for BOG but they are during the fireworks, which is a no from me. I do believe the closer I get to our trip I will get something, but I still try multiple times daily.

I totally relate to this. I try to consider all contingencies, and if I think there's a chance something will change with the number of people or where we want to go, I will try to even grab a couple extra reservations in case we change our minds later. But inevitably, a week or two after you reserve something comes up where you wish you would have done something differently than you expected you would want to.

 

[btweety04]

I overslept yesterday and totally missed out on Space 220 and Ohana. Let that be a lesson folks. I guess brightside is I get to try out a lot of new places this trip.

 

[rangerxenos]

I overslept yesterday and totally missed out on Space 220 and Ohana. Let that be a lesson folks. I guess brightside is I get to try out a lot of new places this trip.

I'm trying to make a point to try at least one new restaurant every trip, May will be Boathouse.

 

[btweety04]

I'm trying to make a point to try at least one new restaurant every trip, May will be Boathouse.

Yeah we are trying out Steakhouse 71, Trattoria, Tusker House and Whispering Canyon.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

I know this sounds crazy, but we are trying The Plaza for the first time ever. I've been going to WDW since 1972 and have never eaten there. In the past, we mostly did the character meals.
2. Beaches and Cream. First time I could get decent reservation times, and we have lots of down time this trip, which we normally don't have.

 

[btweety04]

I know this sounds crazy, but we are trying The Plaza for the first time ever. I've been going to WDW since 1972 and have never eaten there. In the past, we mostly did the character meals.
2. Beaches and Cream. First time I could get decent reservation times, and we have lots of down time this trip, which we normally don't have.

I'd love to try out Beaches and Cream this trip, but I don't think we could get a good time to fit it in.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

I'd love to try out Beaches and Cream this trip, but I don't think we could get a good time to fit it in.

I have seen a party of 6 pop up in last minute cancellations, but we had to split to a 4 and 2 but have the reservations at the same time.
ETA: we are taking the day off from the parks and are staying at Pop, so we plan to just take the skyliner over for our 2:30 reservation. We'll be sure to allow lots of time.

 

[mickey916]

Lots of new ones for us between both April and May trips: CRT, BOG, Hollywood Brown Derby, Mama Melrose, Chef Art Smith, Jungle Skipper Canteen, the Plaza, Three Bridges, Polite Pig, Satuli Canteen, Space 220 lounge (and hopefully restaurant for our May trip), Via Napoli, Yak n Yeti...obviously it's been a lonnnngggg time since our last trip! We've got some returning favorites too (hopefully) Sci-Fi, Garden Grill, LTT, Beaches & Cream.

 

[Bittersweet & Strange]

Here's my report for this morning. I was online with two other people at 3:30 am MST. Bookings opened right at 4:00, but some of our devices were not showing our full booking window, even though we were all logged in. I was all set with open tabs, but I couldn't do anything on my computer. I had to work completely off my phone. The system was also very glitchy and kicked us out a bunch of times. But we were finally able to get everything we wanted except BOG, which had absolutely zero availability for any day of our trip for any party size.
60+1: Beaches and Cream (split into 3 reservations of 2) & Mama Melrose
60+2: Storybook Dining at Artist Point
60+3: Ale & Compass (breakfast) and Coral Reef
60+4: Ohana
60+5: Oga's & Sci Fi
60+6: Yak & Yeti
60+7: Space 220 & Biergarten
60+8: Jungle Navigation & Ohana (booked again because we couldn't get BOG and wanted to be flexible)

 

[RyanKough]

Having made ADRs countless times in the past I'm still not afraid to admit what I don't know. Here goes...

1. No matter how many times you've made ADRs - READ PREVIOUS ADR TIP THREADS on DISboards! I scanned a few. I asked a few questions (thank you for the answers - they helped) but I should have studied more. For example, one person recommended opening tabs for each restaurant in order of difficulty (brilliant!) on your computer the night before. I thought, "Ehhh. Overkill." Besides, I prefer the phone app and it hasn't failed me in the past (Ha!). I should have listened to you, fellow DISboard fan.

2. I thought I preferred the phone app. Until it didn't work. I woke at 5:40am. Made sure the app was up to date. Shut down and restarted my phone. And started trying at 5:45am. Error messages until 6am. No biggie. Got a Space 220 on our "last" day for 3:30. Excitedly mash the button to continue and the app crashes. Try again. Get one. No dice. Try again - they are all gone that day. Go to another day, find one and the app crashes. This goes on for about 5 minutes (what can I say - I have a stubborn streak) before I finally get out of bed and go to my computer. Check availability on my computer. Nothing for my current window. Rats.

3. Speaking of current window, I was painfully reminded of why I hate split stays. Our last two days are at a Deluxe resort. It's my sister and I - a very sentimental trip in honor of our grandparents. We wanted to make it special and couldn't afford a deluxe the whole week. As a result, our ADR window is 60+5 instead of 60+7. Keep that in mind if you are considering a split stay.

4. Never, under any circumstances, lend your laptop to your teenage son the night before. All I asked is that he leave it as he found it. But at 6:10am, frustrated and exhausted, I found my computer where I left it and that is all. The tabs I had open were closed. Bluetooth was shut off so my wireless mouse wasn't working and I didn't know why. And didn't even try to figure it out. Just gave up and used the cumbersome pad. Because I was frustrated and exhausted. Made for added stress this morning, for sure.

5. Sometimes searching "dinner" times and "lunch" times are really helpful. Sometimes you need to plug in an exact time. I was struggling with Cinderella's Royal Table when I'd put in "dinner." But got a table at 6:55pm when I put in 6:30pm. Then, for Storybook Dining, I put in "7pm" and got 8:20pm -later than we wanted. But when I put in "dinner" I got a 7:10pm slot. Be flexible with your searches and try multiple strategies for those hard to get reservations.

6. I practice beforehand. Meaning, I jump onto the app, a few days before my window opens up and play around. See what's available, what's not. Try to get a feel for what I should go for first. I only did it the night before this time. And I only checked a couple uber-popular dining spots. As a result, a few of my dining times are less than ideal. I'd forgotten how popular Sci Fi has gotten. And who knew Biergarten would only have ONE dinner slot available on a particular night. I've never had difficulty with Biergarten before - it's why I saved it for last. Lesson learned.

I wish I had...

...read more DISboard posts to get a better feel of what others were experiencing NOW instead of relying on my past experience.
...followed the person's suggestion of opening restaurant tabs the night before. Brilliant idea!
...gotten myself out of bed and sat at the computer with my phone AND computer ready. The app failed me big time this trip.
...consider split stays only during off season. Especially if certain popular dining experiences are very important to you.
...made sure my computer was as I like it BEFORE going to bed.
...practiced with ALL of our dining reservations instead of just a couple. It's a great way to see what is in demand and what isn't.

Hope this helped for future ADRs. Good luck!

The only thing I have had happen with the tabs approach was it kept logging me out. Such a pain. I don't know if it was the tabs or the dining site in general.

The other thing I like to do is start with some of the hard to get ones at the end of the trip. A lot of people start from day 1 and move forward. If there is a must do, sometimes it is easier to start with adding it to the end of the trip. Usually works well with Cinderellas Royal Table.

 

[MsT82]

It’s been so interesting to read how people are finding certain ADRs. I’m planning on booking CRT, never tried there before but would like an 8am ADR - it will be 60+3 but I’ve no idea how hard this will be to get?

The fly in the ointment is that I also want to book the dessert party, assuming it goes live at 60 days. I’m torn which I should be prioritising… book dessert party then attempt ADRs or vice versa

 

[Mambo Junkie]

It’s been so interesting to read how people are finding certain ADRs. I’m planning on booking CRT, never tried there before but would like an 8am ADR - it will be 60+3 but I’ve no idea how hard this will be to get?

The fly in the ointment is that I also want to book the dessert party, assuming it goes live at 60 days. I’m torn which I should be prioritising… book dessert party then attempt ADRs or vice versa

Personally speaking, I’d do for CRT first. Then I’d go for the dessert party. However those would be my 1, 2. Sometimes the dessert parties sell out quickly sometimes not. If you have a hard time finding it I’d recommend you go through the actual event rather than the generic Dining availability search. I just did a quick search for CRT fr 2 weeks and no 8 am availability. Searched the whole month of October for the dessert party (party of 6) and nothing for the Tomorrowland Terrace but plenty for the Plaza. I’ve done the terrace before and I’m my opinion, though it is great to sit down, sometimes the view can be partially blocked. It depends where you are seated. It was also my experience and I don’t know if it’s still allowed, that people would get up and stand at the railing, blocking the view unless you also stood. My son did the plaza and loved the freedom of space it gave him and his family. Only issue they had was that there were people on the outside railing which made them have to stand to see and people behind him were fussing about his standing up. I believe if you are towards the top you don’t have the issue of the people standing in front of the railing. Someone correct me if I’m wrong or if things have changed it’s been a few years.

 

[MsT82]

Personally speaking, I’d do for CRT first. Then I’d go for the dessert party. However those would be my 1, 2. Sometimes the dessert parties sell out quickly sometimes not. If you have a hard time finding it I’d recommend you go through the actual event rather than the generic Dining availability search. I just did a quick search for CRT fr 2 weeks and no 8 am availability. Searched the whole month of October for the dessert party (party of 6) and nothing for the Tomorrowland Terrace but plenty for the Plaza. I’ve done the terrace before and I’m my opinion, though it is great to sit down, sometimes the view can be partially blocked. It depends where you are seated. It was also my experience and I don’t know if it’s still allowed, that people would get up and stand at the railing, blocking the view unless you also stood. My son did the plaza and loved the freedom of space it gave him and his family. Only issue they had was that there were people on the outside railing which made them have to stand to see and people behind him were fussing about his standing up. I believe if you are towards the top you don’t have the issue of the people standing in front of the railing. Someone correct me if I’m wrong or if things have changed it’s been a few years.

That makes sense. I was just worried as once sold out I know generally it’s impossible to get the dessert party. But was thinking if CRT is booked, it might be possible to get a booking with mouse dining.

Best case scenario the DP is bookable at midnight before the 6am ADRs, I’ve heard reports of this happening. CRT does seem to go quicker though so maybe your strategy would be better.

Honestly, it never seemed this hard in the past

 

[Disturbia]

That makes sense. I was just worried as once sold out I know generally it’s impossible to get the dessert party. But was thinking if CRT is booked, it might be possible to get a booking with mouse dining.

Best case scenario the DP is bookable at midnight before the 6am ADRs, I’ve heard reports of this happening. CRT does seem to go quicker though so maybe your strategy would be better.

Honestly, it never seemed this hard in the past

Most likely the Treats and seats will be open at midnight and it’s the hardest to book, but probably ok for 2 people. Would you be open to CRT dinner? That will open a week and half before once extra hours are added 2 weeks before, although breakfast at CRT and dessert party are better spaced out. There is also a walk up list for CRT.

I’ve been booking ADRs for our trips for a decade now and it was never this hard; I’ve booked CRT and BOG for years now. I think there are a lot of TAs grabbing ADRs and now there are people selling ADRs/services to find ADRs as well. I think Disney should require prepayment/partial payment for the high demand ADRs.

With the recession and cooling down of covid travel and travel issues (airlines are dropping flights/canceling last min once again) next year should be a bit better.

 

[Disturbia]

Does the dessert party open at 60 days or is it 60+10 (limiting availability for the first 3-4 days)? When I booked (last Nov and this Mar) I was booking the party for the 5th day of our trip so I didn’t have issues and it did open for duration of our trip; I only looked at the Before/After party.

 

[DVCjj]

I know this sounds crazy, but we are trying The Plaza for the first time ever. I've been going to WDW since 1972 and have never eaten there. In the past, we mostly did the character meals.
2. Beaches and Cream. First time I could get decent reservation times, and we have lots of down time this trip, which we normally don't have.

Also been going since 1972 and never eaten at the Plaza!
Loved the tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich at B&C.

 

[Disturbia]

That makes sense. I was just worried as once sold out I know generally it’s impossible to get the dessert party. But was thinking if CRT is booked, it might be possible to get a booking with mouse dining.

Best case scenario the DP is bookable at midnight before the 6am ADRs, I’ve heard reports of this happening. CRT does seem to go quicker though so maybe your strategy would be better.

Honestly, it never seemed this hard in the past

If you’re only looking at 1 dining ADR, use the stake out app.

 

[MsT82]

Most likely the Treats and seats will be open at midnight and it’s the hardest to book, but probably ok for 2 people. Would you be open to CRT dinner? That will open a week and half before once extra hours are added 2 weeks before, although breakfast at CRT and dessert party are better spaced out. There is also a walk up list for CRT.

I’ve been booking ADRs for our trips for a decade now and it was never this hard; I’ve booked CRT and BOG for years now. I think there are a lot of TAs grabbing ADRs and now there are people selling ADRs/services to find ADRs as well. I think Disney should require prepayment/partial payment for the high demand ADRs.

With the recession and cooling down of covid travel and travel issues (airlines are dropping flights/canceling last min once again) next year should be a bit better.

Yes, think I’ll book the dessert party first - I’ll try at midnight the night before. I think CRT has a better chance of coming up either at 6am, or via a reservation finder or if the worse happens and I can’t get it, maybe a walk up.

I wouldn’t be opposed to the dinner and that would make my last easier. But I think it would be too much with the DP.

I’m so glad you said that about it being harder, thought I was going mad, but in 2019 it definitely wasn’t this hard. I did go in May and booked everything okay but I wasn’t trying to get anything very popular.

 

[MsT82]

If you’re only looking at 1 dining ADR, use the stake out app.

I’ll have a Google as I’ve not heard of this app before thank you - I feel like a newb with Disney lately despite many trips