Why is early dining never offered ?

[scrapycruiser]

It seems no mater how far out I book a Disney cruise, early dining is not offered. We are in our 60's and late dining causes reflux issues. Does anyone else have problems getting early dining when you're booking a cruise 9 months out ?

 

[Terapin]

I've never had an issue switching it, but it seems to be the default choice when you book. I just manually switch it back, or put it in my request for a booking to the agency I use. It's less popular than early dining, and so I think they make it the default to help fill it up with those who won't know to switch it.

 

[Shea&Van]

Hey there!

Try calling the DCL folks and let them know about your particular situation, at a minimum they should place you on a Wait List. We booked our latest cruise about seven months out and asked to be placed on a wait list. We were notified a few months later that we had been moved to Early Dining. Got an e-mail that showed the change.

Best of luck and have a happy cruise!

 

[Starwind]

It seems no mater how far out I book a Disney cruise, early dining is not offered. We are in our 60's and late dining causes reflux issues. Does anyone else have problems getting early dining when you're booking a cruise 9 months out ?

I can't answer why early dining doesn't show up as an option.

However, since your need for early dining is medical (preventing reflux which will occur if you eat too late - I have a relative with the same problem, they cannot eat after a certain time at night or they will have severe reflux and on top of that the reflex will make sleeping very difficult), I suggest contacting DCL and explain that you would like early dining and why you need it.

SW

 

[PrincessShmoo]

but it seems to be the default choice when you book

I believe this is true. When making a reservation the default seems to be late seating. But there's usually an option to "change". Every time we've made a reservation via the online process, we've always been able to change to the Main (early) seating.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

It seems no mater how far out I book a Disney cruise, early dining is not offered. We are in our 60's and late dining causes reflux issues. Does anyone else have problems getting early dining when you're booking a cruise 9 months out ?

Hello.

Main is popular, do book first day on release, it can sell out very fast.

Yes late is terrible if you have reflux issues and can cause it.

Eat early, cut soda, booze, and evening hot drinks, the health centre can get you anti reflux liquid for $5, as its very common. Tell DCL on your reservation that may help. If you can get them to prop up the bed legs at the pillow end to use gravity. Let everything go down four hours before bed.

 

[lanejudy]

It seems no mater how far out I book a Disney cruise, early dining is not offered. We are in our 60's and late dining causes reflux issues. Does anyone else have problems getting early dining when you're booking a cruise 9 months out ?

We've also found second seating to be the default setting when booking online, but I've never had a problem changing it during my booking process. But we tend to book further in advance than 9 months. I'm wondering if you tend to cruise during the busy/popular school break times? If so, with itineraries typically released 12-18 months in advance, there's been time for a lot of people to book those popular family dates and potentially grab up all the early dining slots.

As other suggest, make sure you get on the waitlist and that it's noted your reasons for needing early dining. You might also try making your reservations a little further in advance if you have a certain time of year that you always cruise. Deposits are refundable until PIF date so you won't lose it even if you end up changing plans a few months later.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

I also have reflux (have to take meds for it) and we like late seating better. I take my meds early, eat small meals during the day, and eat less at that time of night. If you can't get early dining you can eat at Cabanas during the evening.

 

[scrapycruiser]

I appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions !
Happy Cruising to all !!!

 

[ChicosWife]

I believe this is true. When making a reservation the default seems to be late seating. But there's usually an option to "change". Every time we've made a reservation via the online process, we've always been able to change to the Main (early) seating.

Same here. It defaults to late dining when making the reservation, but is super easy to change before the reservation is finalized.