What Is Going On?

[CamColt]

I mentioned this as part of another thread last week, but since it happened again I thought I would see if anyone had an answer as to why.

Last week we tried booking Mama Melrose for the last week in August at 5:45(after the parade). The only time we could get was 4:30. We tried at about 7:10am, 60 days out. Since we werent happy with that time, we tried again today at about 7:05, to get it for the Friday of our trip. Again the only time we could get was 4:30!!! Is it only me or does anyone else think Mama Melrose cannot be booking up(except for 4:30) in 5 minutes every day? What is going on?

 

[zakatak]

You know what? I tried booking the Fantasmic Dinner Package for Thursday night (July 3rd) at Hollywood and Vine and the latest sitting they had was 4:30pm? LOL...

Now, that is our arrival day and after being up since 4:00am, I plan on napping from 4pm-6pm (me, dh, ds7, dd4 and dd3). So, that 4:30pm dinner, then wait around until 9pm for Fantasmic was out!

I, too, wonder what is up with 4:30?????

k

 

[jel0511]

I --was having the same problem with 50's PT. I was trying to get a PS for around 6:00 or so, for after the parade. Well, the latest I could get was 5:40. I also called at 60 days out. Well, I kept trying, and just last week, around 3 weeks to the PS, more times opened up. I got a PS for 6:15. So, keep trying, it looks like they're not releasing the later times until it gets closer!!

 

[CamColt]

Thanks for the heads up jel0511! We are almost thinking of doing the FDP in hopes of getting a better time, but we dont really like the new way of doing it so its a tough call.

Zakatak, I see you are leaving very soon! Have a great time and hope you can work something out for that first night.

 

[Minniespal]

I wish WDW would have some sort of continuity.

 

[lUVTOGO]

I tried to book Dinner at the Castle August 2nd thru 11th and the only time they had every night was 4:45.

 

[CamColt]

Wow! This is getting wierder!
If they let you book 60 days out they should open up all bookings at 60 days, but it definitely doesnt look like they are doing that. Maybe they should just move the booking date up until later when they will open up all times instead of making us settle for what we dont want, call back and check, change our plans around, etc...
This is very frustrating for a planaholic like myself.

 

[Planogirl]

There's been some talk that many restaurants will be closing early for the foreseeable future. I recall that this subject came up recently. You might want to ask what time the restaurant closes when you call.

 

[grinningghost]

I also have been reading that the restaurants and shops are closing early and those might be the last seatings for the day. Sad, very sad. Not everyone wants to eat dinner at 4:30. Whatever happened to a nice EVENING dinner??? Does Disney think we're too young to stay out after dark? Jeesh.

 

[honeymo78]

It doesn't make sense to me to have the shops and restaurants close early if the park itself is open late ie closing at 5 and yet the park is open to 9 or 9:30. I'm gonna call back in a few weeks and try and get dinner at CRT in aug for sometime after 6pm - it's an e-night and we don't want to eat too early and then be starving once everything is closed.

 

[dsnylndmom]

I called to get a PS for H&V Fantasmic! package and the only time they could give me was 5:10, that was the ONLY time they had open, granted I was happy with this time slot but I still couldn't believe it was the ONLY one they had available oh and this was for August 6th and it's a WEDNESDAY night!!!

 

[Paula H]

My family and I were at WDW the last week of May. At the Studios, we noticed many places closing early, including Mama Melrose's. We actually had a hard time finding a place to eat dinner at around 6. I know 50's Prime Time was open for dinner, but I'm not sure how late - we had I think a 5:15 PS on another night. But on a Friday night, the Toy Story pizza place was closed by 5:30 and Mama Melrose's was still open, but wasn't taking any new guests. I was shocked. We ended up at the ABC Commissary - yuck! This is really surprising considering the number of guests who were literally pooring into the park for the Fantasmic Show.

 

[epcotfan]

I had the same problem at MGM in early May. The park was open until 9:00 and they had closed the majority of the fast food places between 5:30 and 6:00. There were many other patrons who were complaining because they couldn't find anything to eat prior to Fantasmic. Not everyone likes cart hotdogs. We ended up leaving.

 

[CamColt]

Thanks for all the input. This is definitely getting interesting.
There must be a logical reason somewhere, but I cant figure it out. Even if they are closing restuarants early, just how early? The park is open until 8:30. Are they only serving dinner between 4:00 & 4:30? Why even bother? Thats still lunch for most people. You would think Disney would rather have us spending money in sit down restuarants getting multiple course meals, drinks, etc... instead of picking up a hot dog.

 

[Corinne]

Originally posted by Planogirl
There's been some talk that many restaurants will be closing early for the foreseeable future. I recall that this subject came up recently. You might want to ask what time the restaurant closes when you call.

I agree. Last summer, we tried to find a place to eat before Fantasmic and (just about) everything was closed. Mama Melrose's does not book up that fast. My guess is that it is closing early.

 

[grinningghost]

I think it's time to send a barrage of e-mail to WDW. This is a really ridiculous thing they're doing. I think it's even worse than the super short park hours. What will be next? "Hurry, hurry, step right up! The Tower of Terror is now open from 3:00 - 3:30 today - get your spot in line!"

 

[allicat]

I called for Fantasmic dinner package for the end of Aug. and had no problem getting a 6 pm time. Who knows whats going on!?