Encouragement - 180 days out

[happymom2one]

Hi! Just need a little encouragement. We are going November 27 through December 2 and I got up this morning at 6 am to get our reservations in order.. and I didn't get any. I am so upset. What did I do wrong? I know it is free dining and all but isn't this the slower time (if any)? Do you think I will have luck getting anything? If so when would be a good time to look again?

 

[Hopefully]

What were you trying for? For how many? That is right around Thanksgiving and there really is no slow times, just slower.
Keep trying all the time. I look every day, several times a day.
Touring Plans does have a new (beta test) reservation locator. I had luck with that as well.
Folks cancel all the time.
Don't give up hope and keep trying.

 

[Ziggie]

Hi! Just need a little encouragement. We are going November 27 through December 2 and I got up this morning at 6 am to get our reservations in order.. and I didn't get any. I am so upset. What did I do wrong? I know it is free dining and all but isn't this the slower time (if any)? Do you think I will have luck getting anything? If so when would be a good time to look again?

Don't let this ruin your life (or spirit!). Keep trying (every now and then) but don't let it consume you. There are always cancellations and sometimes, alternate plans turn out to be great ones!

 

[CandiceF]

Around the 60 day mark when you are making FP, ADR's will open up. People try to coordinate their ADR's and FP and I usually see many cancellations then. Just keep checking often I am sure you will find openings.

 

[happymom2one]

Around the 60 day mark when you are making FP, ADR's will open up. People try to coordinate their ADR's and FP and I usually see many cancellations then. Just keep checking often I am sure you will find openings.

Didn't think of that!! Thanks so much. I have never been so bummed. As so you can see it has been years since we have been there...

 

[CCxmas]

I'm trying to go at the same time and have run into the same problem. Is it really free dining plan this week?

 

[happymom2one]

What were you trying for? For how many? That is right around Thanksgiving and there really is no slow times, just slower.
Keep trying all the time. I look every day, several times a day.
Touring Plans does have a new (beta test) reservation locator. I had luck with that as well.
Folks cancel all the time.
Don't give up hope and keep trying.

Looking for 5 people. I was looking for CRT, Narcousses, 50's prime time, earlier breakfast than 1030 for Tusker, Earlier than 10 for Boma, Coral Reef.

I will look into the reservation locator. I have been debating doing touring plans, I guess that just pushed me to do it!

Thanks for the ideas!!

 

[CCxmas]

we went last year during the same week. I didn't book until August. I ended up after much searching getting CRT and BoG for dinner, Minnie's Holiday Dine and several others. Today was very disheartening though since I felt like I had planned so far ahead.

 

[Hopefully]

Looking for 5 people. I was looking for CRT, Narcousses, 50's prime time, earlier breakfast than 1030 for Tusker, Earlier than 10 for Boma, Coral Reef.

I will look into the reservation locator. I have been debating doing touring plans, I guess that just pushed me to do it!

Thanks for the ideas!!

Also try now for an ADR for 6. The online system oftentimes does not like odd number parties. As long as you show up with at least 1, you will not be charged a no show fee.

 

[CandiceF]

Looking for 5 people. I was looking for CRT, Narcousses, 50's prime time, earlier breakfast than 1030 for Tusker, Earlier than 10 for Boma, Coral Reef.

I will look into the reservation locator. I have been debating doing touring plans, I guess that just pushed me to do it!

Thanks for the ideas!!

Last year I found CRT for 5 at the 60 day mark for lunch. I would start checking at least a week before your 60 day FP window opens up because the beginning of you trip will be the end of others trips and their FP window opens up before yours. I also got BOG for 5 last year by checking a couple times a day. Don't worry just be persistent and you will get them!

 

[happymom2one]

we went last year during the same week. I didn't book until August. I ended up after much searching getting CRT and BoG for dinner, Minnie's Holiday Dine and several others. Today was very disheartening though since I felt like I had planned so far ahead.

Where did you do your research? I guess I will just be trying daily and I will join the touring plans. I love to plan but all this planning for this trip is making it very overwhelming. Had horrible luck with Airfare too...

 

[happymom2one]

Also try now for an ADR for 6. The online system oftentimes does not like odd number parties. As long as you show up with at least 1, you will not be charged a no show fee.

Thanks for the information. I didn't know that!!

 

[Duck143]

Also try now for an ADR for 6. The online system oftentimes does not like odd number parties. As long as you show up with at least 1, you will not be charged a no show fee.

I agree!! I found it easier looking for 8 when we're really a table of 7. Keep trying and Touring Plans reservation finder is helpful and free.

 

[DisBuckMan]

Free dining is designed to fill up the resorts and restaurants. It works...a little too well for my tastes. My family and I won't go during a FD period anymore because of it.

 

[addiln]

Just look again in august and again in october. People will cancel at times and things will open up. When you arrive at WDW you can also look next day opening since people will cancel last minute as well. If you don't get the ones you want don't let it ruin your trip. You are at WDW so how bad can not eating somewhere really be.

 

[jettagirl]

I am booking for pretty much the same time period today and I had some success. I see Tusker House for breakfast on Dec 2nd right now at 9:15, 9:30 and 9:50. I would search in the future for sure as others have suggested but I'd also keep searching today if you can. I've been doing lots of the same searches and I've seen new stuff pop up often. I think there is movement right now because lots is being booked on those dates right now.

 

[jettagirl]

Also saw Narcoossee's on the first at 5:25 and 7:10 and 7:05 on the 30th. I had more success using the app than the web site.

 

[Life is good]

I was on at 5 am my time too- go a Hollywood and Vine for lunch- that was it out of 7 attempts.

 

[Smbmoyers]

While I had success this morning I just want to remind you guys that many people booked in with free dinning starting the 26th meaning they had access a day before us. I was disheartened a bit considering I cannot find a bog dinner to save my life. But, I'm using the reservation finder and being thankful for what I did get. Im sure things will open up. Keep your chin up guys!

 

[celina14]

That's odd, my ADR date was yesterday morning and the only thing I had trouble getting exactly when I wanted was BOG dinner but I was able to get it for a later date. I have a CRT on 11/29 at 10am that I need to cancel because it interferes with my daughter's BBB reservation. I'd be happy to try and coordinate a cancel with you, the only thing is that it's for 4 people so not sure it will help you at all. But if you want to try feel free to message me. Other than that, there's a thread on the reservations section of this board that you can follow where people will post if they need to cancel an ADR and sometimes you can coordinate times with them and try and grab their cancellation. But don't give up hope, you still have 6 months to try and find some that you need.