Is it easier or are we lucky?

[Specter]

ADRs opened for us this morning and DW and I were up with coffee made and at our computers a few minutes before 5 (CST). Availability opened right on time and we were able to get everything we wanted with lots of times to choose from. DD is 5 and a half and definitely loves her princesses and characters so we leaned kinda heavily into those meals this coming trip. We got Narcoossee's (seating time 45 minutes before fireworks), Roundup Rodeo, Paddlefish, Topolino's breakfast, Akershus, H&V Fantasmic package, Skipper Canteen, Space 220(another DD pick but she is very excited for the experience), CRT, and Boma breakfast. It also went surprisingly quickly, we had every confirmation e-mail by 5 minutes after.

I do like the way that the times are now displayed with lots of options where available, but did we just get supremely lucky or is there more availability than there has been in recent years? DW did point out that this trip is just 3 of us, myself, her, and DD where the last several years our trips have been with extended family and groups of 7-9, so maybe that's it? I was really worried about CRT and Space 220 but every single ADR was first choice for date and time. Hope everyone else making their reservations got some of that good luck too!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

How exciting to get everything you were looking for. Generally speaking, I think it has gotten easier but there are some - like Space 220 - that are still tough gets, so I think you did have a bit of luck there! Hope you have a great trip!!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

Good to hear. Usually only read posts when things don't go as hoped!! Enjoy your trip - some great meal experiences on your list!

 

[DisneyGuy]

I just booked our ADR’s about 2 weeks ago and had no trouble at all - got everything we wanted for the exact date and time - yes, I was shocked. We even have a split stay so I had two ADR windows which is a disadvantage. We have a few favorites that are never an issue (except on the rare occasion) but things like CRT and Space 220 were almost always hard to get especially if you need a specific day and time. Even those were wide open. I also love the new way you can check availability at one restaurant for more than one day for complete availability - a great new addition to the web/app.

So either we both had amazing luck or it certainly has gotten easier - anyway, enjoy your trip!

 

[focusondisney]

I think the last 2 years or so ADRs have been much easier to get. A lot of people seem to be booking less ADRs, some people say that prices are too high. Or maybe not booking multiple ADRs for the same restaurant on multiple days & times. Since cancellations went to 2 hours, things are easier to get day of or day before, so some people don’t feel the need to book everything 60 days out. Whatever the reasons, things are definitely easier now.

The cancellation threads seem to show some of this…there used to be many pages of people cancelling & coordinating with other posters. December’s thread had 33 replies & only 2 pages. People post they’re going to cancel ADRs & nobody replies to try to coordinate.

 

[gottalovepluto]

They’re much easier. Pretty much the only hard stuff is Space 220 Lounge, Topolino’s breakfast, CRT.

 

[Beer Me]

How exciting to get everything you were looking for. Generally speaking, I think it has gotten easier but there are some - like Space 220 - that are still tough gets, so I think you did have a bit of luck there! Hope you have a great trip!!

We will be visiting Epcot next month. At this time Space 2020 is the only restaurant in Epcot with no availability.

 

[Genie+]

Well we have a trip in less than 4 weeks. Usually we book at least 1 ADR per day. We booked zero this trip. It’s a combination of things.

Buying LLs means that is our priority those days. I don’t want the burden of stressing about coordinating ADRs with when we can get on the rides we paid extra for. The park experience has gotten complicated enough dealing with VQ, LLMP, LLSP. Then also when those have ride closures and you’re stuck juggling a time to try returning and ADRs, etc. It stopped making sense to pay for costly meals that might collide with our expensive park tickets and upgrades.

The plan is QS and couple lounges maybe. Staying at VGF we might hit GF Cafe. That’s the extent of our TS plans. Last trip they had availability whenever we needed.