Disney Dining

So, I'm looking into booking Disney for early March for DH and I. Normally, I would think dining plan would be worth it for us, we don;t normally eat appetizers and we would use all the snacks and stuff.

But I'm not sure with it being so soon if its worth it because we'll probably be closed out of ADR's.

Anyone have any experience with last minute trips and getting reservations for the resteraunts? Should we just stick to pay as we go this trip.

Re: Disney Dining

You'd have to double check with Disney dining, but they are upgrading the ADR system so except for a few high demand meals, you can't make adrs for March yet. That basically puts you on the same playing field as everyone else in terms of getting them.

There's no secret to getting ADRs - just keep calling, be flexible about times & places, guest services in the resort lobbies can sometimes work some magic.

Re: Disney Dining

If you are worried - why don't you make the ADRs and then if you get what you want you can then add the dining plan - you can add it I think up to 2 weeks - to a month before you go. They have a new system so I'm not sure how far in advance you can book them now - usually it is 180+10 (up to 10 days of your trip at the 180 mark from your arrival day) but with the new system they were taking them for shorter time periods.

Re: Disney Dining

I'm so last minute whenever it comes to making ADR and usually haven't had any problems. and we do have a lot of favorite places. I usually make a list of our 1st favs, then 2nd choices and 3rd choices. I also try and make all the reservations at one time for all my days there.

we were there in Sept. and could not get a reservation at the coral reef to save our life!! I tried for weeks prior and called everyday there. I went to the front lobby and asked for their help. they were great!!! they gave us an insider tip. Since it was just the 2 of us, tables for 2 at the place and many other places are very limited as disney caters to families of 4. so they made us a reservation for 3, 2 adults 1 child, which then gave us a table for 4. I swear this is what they told us, I would have NEVER EVER thought of this-but when we check in, to tell them we left our child behind with grandma and it was just the 2 of us. It worked. Not that I am suggesting doing this, but the front desk might do it for you, if you stress how much you really want to eat someplace if you can't get it before you go.

Re: Disney Dining

Posted by HeatherRose
I went to the front lobby and asked for their help. they were great!!! they gave us an insider tip. Since it was just the 2 of us, tables for 2 at the place and many other places are very limited as disney caters to families of 4. so they made us a reservation for 3, 2 adults 1 child, which then gave us a table for 4. I swear this is what they told us, I would have NEVER EVER thought of this-but when we check in, to tell them we left our child behind with grandma and it was just the 2 of us. It worked. Not that I am suggesting doing this, but the front desk might do it for you, if you stress how much you really want to eat someplace if you can't get it before you go.

Re: Disney Dining

Posted by Christine

Posted by HeatherRose
I went to the front lobby and asked for their help. they were great!!! they gave us an insider tip. Since it was just the 2 of us, tables for 2 at the place and many other places are very limited as disney caters to families of 4. so they made us a reservation for 3, 2 adults 1 child, which then gave us a table for 4. I swear this is what they told us, I would have NEVER EVER thought of this-but when we check in, to tell them we left our child behind with grandma and it was just the 2 of us. It worked. Not that I am suggesting doing this, but the front desk might do it for you, if you stress how much you really want to eat someplace if you can't get it before you go.

The same thing happened to us a few times - the CM at guest services made the reservation for 2 adults and an infant and we changed it when we got there.

Re: Disney Dining

Who knows? There is nothing consistant about the hows and whys they do things down there.

The weird thing is except for Cape May Cafe which has booths for 2 - I can't recall ever sitting at a table for 2. They could all accomodate 4.

Re: Disney Dining

your right most of the time we get seated at a table for more then 2. they told us that the coral reef only has 6 tables of 2. I also remember sitting at a table for 2 at liberty tree tavern, and it was way to small for family style!