YIKES -- did I pick the wrong dates?

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Our first 2 trips to WDW were both in early August. On the first trip we were a party of 4, I called for reservations 90 days in advance, first thing in the morning, day by day, and got exactly what I wanted. We then made a couple more reservations while there and again got everything I wanted. The second trip was more spur of the moment for a party of 2, and I made may reservations a couple of months out, and again got everything I asked for. I then made a bunch of changes while we were there, incuding adding California Grill for the fireworks, adding lunch at Le Cellier, adding fireworks time at Rose and Crown adding FDP at Mama Melrose etc . . . and never had a problem.

For this trip we're going October 18th -- 25, again a party of 2. I figured it should be even easier -- school's in session so crowds should be low? So last week I called for reservations

LTT -- shut out for both days I asked for (1 is a MNSSHP day, 1 is EMH), same for WCC. Le Cellier is also closed out both days I asked for, and I could only get really bad times at Teppanyaki. I couldn't get ANY FDP at all or get into Yak and Yeti.

I'm not that disappointed about the restaurants -- I got substitutions I think I'll be fine with, but I worry, does this mean the parks will be jammed packed?

Also, there are a couple of things I'd like if I could get them -- FDP somewhere, Yak and Yeti, and Le Cellier top my list. Is it worth calling often to check -- trying for walk ins?

 

[GatorLady]

I don't know how long ago your first two trips were, but I think each year it gets harder to get exactly what you want if you do not book far in advance.
Sounds like you got lucky your last few times!

You are going during the Food and Wine Festival so EPCOT will be more crowded than usual, especially on the weekend when lots of locals and FL residents show up.

I would keep calling to check, it can't hurt. Hope it all works out for you!

 

[Nutz4Dsny]

Just keep calling .. best of luck to you.

 

[MickeyNicki]

That week is super popular and I think it is because of the 40% off discount code that people received and the bounceback dates. I am going Oct 17-26th and have been messing with my reservations (2 adults) for months and I am able to get what I want...just keep trying, dont give up!

 

[mareed]

Try calling back as a party of 3. We encountered the same problem with no availabiity for our party of 2, but when I called back for a party of 3, there was lots of availability! Our friend just won't be able to make it to the meal with us.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

Try calling back as a party of 3. We encountered the same problem with no availabiity for our party of 2, but when I called back for a party of 3, there was lots of availability! Our friend just won't be able to make it to the meal with us.

 

[Redwitch]

Looks like we'll be there about the same time.

We made our ADR, for two, on August 24. We got we wanted, except for Le Cellier for lunch, which I was not expecting to be available and Cali Grill for dinner (the only time available was 9:45.) We changed our flight back, so now we need another lunch. I guess, with your experience, I better start working on that. Good luck trying to get your requests! (BTW - what is FDP?)

 

[mareed]

Looks like we'll be there about the same time.

We made our ADR, for two, on August 24. We got we wanted, except for Le Cellier for lunch, which I was not expecting to be available and Cali Grill for dinner (the only time available was 9:45.) We changed our flight back, so now we need another lunch. I guess, with your experience, I better start working on that. Good luck trying to get your requests! (BTW - what is FDP?)

Le Cellier was one I checked for us for a party of 2 last week for early Oct, and for the 2 days I checked there was nothing available at any time all day long. When I called back for 3, there were tons of times to choose from! Since they don't have any tables for 3 in the restaurant, I guess they're OK with booking 3 at a table for 4, but not 2.

I've seen this strategy of becoming a group of 3 instead of 2 posted here before and even suggested by the CM's. Come to think of it, I can remember having to use this strategy to get a table for 2 during our honeymoon in 1990, so I guess it's always been this way! Back then, I do recall the CM telling us she was booking us as a table of 3 in order to find a table for us. Crazy, huh?!

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

KEEP TRYING!

Everyday, in the morning. Today, 10:45am ET, I snagged someone's canceled CRT ressie for 10/28!

I've called everyday for 2 mos and today there was something available!

 

[daisy112878]

Did you call Yak and Yeti directly? I called last week for a lunch adr for yak and yeti and the dining cm told me to call them directly. I called and got the exact day and time I wanted. This is the number I had to call 407-824-9384.

 

[Hopefully]

I too wonder how long ago your prior trips were. Over the past several years it has been very hard to get last minute reservations. ADR's had opened at 180 in advance and yes, folks booked their meals 6 months in advance.
We always go in October and every year has been more crowded in the parks than the year before. It is no longer value season, nor is it just walk on rides. You are going during the Food & Wine Festival and that has become a very popular time of year.
Keep trying, people do cancel all the time. I would not count on walk ins, especially to the places you listed. Most everyone is turned away now without an ADR.
Good Luck