Worried about Dec PS's

[Eponine1]

Hello,

Since they are allowing people to book the CP packages and make reservations for the restaurants at this time, how much is really going to be left for those of us who are not doing the CP?

I will be able to make reservations on 9/4 for my trip but it seems that people have been on hold for long waits for the CP packages.

I am not doing the CP package due to a few reasons. 1. I have done it 3 times already. 2. Now that they try to sell as many packages as possible, you still have to wait in an extremely long line. Last year we lined up at 4pm for the 5pm show and by the time they let us in, the line was to Morocco. The first year we did it, they limited the number of packages. It's just become a money maker for WDW.

I'm planning several sit down meals at EPCOT but I'm worried by the time 9/4 rolls around, there will be nothing left, especially on 12/10 (our last night) where I want to do Italy.

Anyone else worried?

Thanks!

 

[beattyfamily]

I think they hold quite a few for non-package guests. Just be sure and call at the 90 day mark.

I'm pretty sure I read that it's easy to get what you want without a package then with.

Good luck.

 

[Eponine1]

I'm hoping they do hold out space for non CP package people. I read another post that Le Celliar is s/o for Dec 7 -- 9!!! (Another restaurant I'm hoping for earlier in the week).

Thanks!

 

[Viki]

Well I wasn't worried, but I sure am now!

I didn't think it through as thoroughly as you, and thus was NOT anxious. But, yes, I have an Epcot ressie I would very much like to make for Dec. 3rd. I better not oversleep that morning!

 

[MAGICX2]

I am the poster on the Le Cellier s/o thread. They told me to call back on 8/29 (our 90 mark) because they only have a certain amount of CP package PS put aside. They keep a certain number open for general PS. They told us we could book Le Cellier and get in line for open seating at the CP but that is hard to get in. I wouldn't mess around though. Call at your 90 mark, because if they have a certain number for CP packages that does reduce the number of PS's available for general seating.

 

[Danauk]

I am worried about making ADR's for Christmas week too, and not just in Epcot. We arrive on the 21st December so can make ADR's for the 21st - 30th 90 days before. We want to eat at certain places on the 24th and 25th and we know it is going to be very busy then. But people will be able to start making ADR's for the 24th and 25th a week before I can. I am hoping that others will not be planning as well as we do here on the DIS and that I will be OK.

 

[Julia M]

well, even if the restaurant isn't sold out, I'm sure getting AR's for those dates will be harder, since tha packages do take up some percentage of the restaurant.

Between the CP, and the dining package, and being there at a really busy time (December 17-27), I am planning to make ALL my AR's at the first possible time!

I chose Rose and Crown for my CP package. My kids also want to eat at the Biergarten, but I figured that would be easier to get an AR for.

Julia

 

[Eponine1]

Well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!!

One thing I don't like about being able to book 10 days of res's in one call is that it give others arriving before you a heads up on their reservations.

Before it was all even. 90 days was 90 days and everyone had the same shot getting into the restaurants. Now for instance, someone someone coming in before me will have a better chance of getting the dates/times they want.

I know the same is true for me because I will then be able to book up to 10 days before people arriving in after me but I like it the old way where EVERYONE had the same shot.

 

[WDWBetsy]

I am the poster on the Le Cellier s/o thread. They told me to call back on 8/29 (our 90 mark) because they only have a certain amount of CP package PS put aside. They keep a certain number open for general PS. They told us we could book Le Cellier and get in line for open seating at the CP but that is hard to get in. I wouldn't mess around though. Call at your 90 mark, because if they have a certain number for CP packages that does reduce the number of PS's available for general seating.

Thanks for posting. That's how I was hoping it worked. Was getting a little worried when I started thinking about the CP packages.

Will definitely be calling on 8/29 to make ours!

 

[cindym]

I'm in the same boat. We want to eat in five epcot restaurants and we're not doing the CP package. Also the man who played Jesus (can't remember his name) is narrating CP while we are there. That should make for bigger crowds. My big problem is that I'll be in Montana hiking in the wilderness and can't call for ADR's at my 90 day mark. Oh well we can always do a late lunch at the restaurants.

 

[foofanella]

We're going on December 21st, curious if ressies will be gone by then~!

 

[Eponine1]

I knew that the guy who played Jesus (Jim Chavial or somehting like that) would draw a huge crowd. I would like to see him do the CP but I don't really want to pay for another package, stand in line, etc. I've seen it 3 times already like I said.

All I want is to make my ADR's All I'm looking for is 2 nights out of the 8 that I'm there for EPCOT restaurants. Keep your fingers crossed!!

 

[shellybaxter]

We're going on December 21st, curious if ressies will be gone by then~!

The Candlelight Processional Dinning Package can be purchased by anyone, even DVC and AP. Its not a ticket and room package like the current dinning plan, and its only for the night you see the Candlelight Processional. The Candlelight Processional is a choral performance and dramatic reading about the Christmas Story. If you purchase the dinner package you get dinner at the restaurant you select (different prices for different tiers of rest.) and seating in the reserved section of the American Gardens Theatre. Packages went on sale today for everyone, they are not on a 90 days out cycle like other ADRs

Shelly

 

[AUTUMN SUN]

Well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!!

One thing I don't like about being able to book 10 days of res's in one call is that it give others arriving before you a heads up on their reservations.

Before it was all even. 90 days was 90 days and everyone had the same shot getting into the restaurants. Now for instance, someone someone coming in before me will have a better chance of getting the dates/times they want.

I know the same is true for me because I will then be able to book up to 10 days before people arriving in after me but I like it the old way where EVERYONE had the same shot.

Thats what I have been saying all along. I dont think we have really seen the impact of this change yet, but wait until people start hitting the 90 day mark for the actual holidays!! I really hope im wrong or we will be eating lots of late lunches and CS at night. Hey , we'll still be at Disney.

 

[keishashadow]

As one who waited impatiently over an hour today to book the CP pkg (12/12, 5:00 p.m @ LeCellier), I consider myself lucky - many tales of s/o's already.

Think the 10 day res system will be beneficial (certainly will free up the reservationist availability), should cut the "hold" times quite a bit. As for unfair 10 day advantage: if you're staying on-site, it should all even out. Obviously, chalk this change up to a WDW marketing genius; on-site occupancy rates should soar.

IMO, I'm more concerned about the effect of "free" dining offers and the difficulty of obtaining prime ADRs during those peak times. Didn't think I'd have to start setting an atomic clock to make dining reservations.

 

[lindsey]

I was getting a little worried too since I don't want a CP Dinner Package, but I do want ADR at Le Cellier on 12/01. It looks like all of the CP packages at LC that were posted are from 4:00 - 5:30, then 7:00 - 8:30.