Restaurants Full

[PrincessJen09]

My family is traveling from September 25 to October 3. A lot of the restaurants that we would like to go to seem to be full. I don't mean on just one day or for one meal. I mean completely! And ones that I have never seen full like Sci-Fi Diner. I have tried different days, times, and number in the party. Nothing. Am I missing something?

 

[donnaf516]

It's because a lot of people who are traveling during those dates have already made their reservations.

 

[kollerbear]

Sci-Fi Diner has always seemed to fill up pretty quickly in my past experience... although I'm surprised you can't find ANYTHING at all for the entire length of your stay there.

 

[mickeygirl78]

With free dining the restaurants are fuller. I booked all mine for 9/12-9/26 at the 180 day mark but didn't realize the kids wanted Sci-Fi. I've been trying for 2 months to get a Sci-Fi reservation for any of those days. I have a party of 7 which makes it harder, but it's still crazy that nothing has opened up. Good luck to you. I have noticed when searching that more things open up the closer you get, so don't give up hope.

 

[PrincessJen09]

I understand that a lot of people have already made their reservations. But I am finding it odd that restaurants we travel to often are full. And yes I know it is free dining. Yes, we have traveled at that time before. Yes, my family plans the trip late and I have gotten every restaurant I have wanted for our last minute planning before. I just find this weird.

Also, Akerhus is full everyday for breakfast and Beaches and Cream has nothing for even 2 people any lunch or dinner except for after 10pm. I find that odd. I was wondering anyone was experiencing the same.

 

[PrincessJen09]

I am glad that I am not the only one experiencing this, but I hope that you can get something! I was wondering if they are holding some back for walk ups or something. I just can't believe that these restaurants are full for 2 people too!

Sci-Fi Diner has always seemed to fill up pretty quickly in my past experience... although I'm surprised you can't find ANYTHING at all for the entire length of your stay there.

 

[wvaspartan]

Keep checking...especially within a week and up to the day before you want to book the restaurant for...they seem to open up.

 

[scdak]

My family is traveling from September 25 to October 3. A lot of the restaurants that we would like to go to seem to be full. I don't mean on just one day or for one meal. I mean completely! And ones that I have never seen full like Sci-Fi Diner. I have tried different days, times, and number in the party. Nothing. Am I missing something?

What are you looking for? Some places its easier to call directly? I also had luck booking with Open Table for a few places too.

 

[Jess_S]

I'm traveling the week before you and had the same issue. Sci-Fi was a definite no go and most character dining was fully booked. I have had some luck getting what I want by constantly checking the site. Things do seem to open up from time to time, but it has required lots of persistence.

 

[msb578]

What are you looking for? Some places its easier to call directly? I also had luck booking with Open Table for a few places too.

That can work very well for the locations in WDW not owned by Disney.

For the record, Sci-Fi is Disney-owned.

 

[EvieBug]

I understand that a lot of people have already made their reservations. But I am finding it odd that restaurants we travel to often are full. And yes I know it is free dining. Yes, we have traveled at that time before. Yes, my family plans the trip late and I have gotten every restaurant I have wanted for our last minute planning before. I just find this weird.

Also, Akerhus is full everyday for breakfast and Beaches and Cream has nothing for even 2 people any lunch or dinner except for after 10pm. I find that odd. I was wondering anyone was experiencing the same.

I've been stalking for Akershus breakfast during my trip since my 180 days, and even tried a reservation hunter (Scout) and haven't found anything. It's not just you! I am also going during free dining.

I suspect a lot will open up closer to the dates, I have a feeling a fair few people made multiple reservations with the intent to dump some later when their FP+ and such were firmer.

 

[MmmSuite]

It's probably the dining apps. They alert people to availability so they don't have to check all the time.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

Beaches and Cream can't keep up with current demand. I had a "watch" on it leading up to our vacation in May and snagged one the day before. Every table was full the entire time we were there, too.

Is final payment on packages still 45 days? You are close to that, so I would check frequently right around that time as some people will cancel.

 

[PrincessJen09]

It's probably the dining apps. They alert people to availability so they don't have to check all the time.

What are these apps? Maybe I should download one.

 

[JoshuaShaw]

It's because a lot of people who are traveling during those dates have already made their reservations.

Nailed it.

 

[PrincessJen09]

Nailed it.

No. That does not nail it. It does not explain why this year is different from every other time I have visited. But thanks for replying without helping.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

It's called free dining; yes, that is what it's about. That's why others have already made their reservations. That time of year, people make reservations before free dining is even announced, because they are anticipating it.

Sci Fi is full a lot.

 

[PrincessJen09]

It's called free dining.

Once again, no. My family has traveled during free dining every year for as long as it has been offered. That is not the difference.

 

[kashzan]

Wow, a bit snarky. Apparently this year is different than the other years you traveled. If you do not like the answers, I suppose all you can do is keep asking the question until an answer pops up that you like and want to hear.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Yes, it is. As the free dining offer has narrowed over the years, anticipation for it has grown. Nobody waits anymore.