Hi Michele,
Welcome to planDisney!
I am delighted to hEAR that you are planning a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort! I am sorry that you are having trouble making
advanced dining reservations. I am planning a trip for December as well and am stalking the reservation system. Starting October 1 we have been in the midst of
The World's Most Magical Celebration. For the next 18 months we will be celebrating Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary. As exciting as this is, it may also mean additional crowds.
The good news is that I was there on the very start of the celebration. Advanced dining reservations were hard to get, but I was able to change a few at the last minute. So, there is still hope! I also have occasionally used an online dining reservation tool. I have only used the free versions and have had some success with securing hard-to-get or last-minute reservations.
I also suggest that you reserve what you can, even if the time is not ideal. We have done dinner at
Be Our Guest Restaurant at 4:30 p.m. because that's the reservation I could get and it turned out to be just fine. The first time we took our girls to
Cinderella's Royal Table, I was able to get a 2:20 p.m. lunch reservation and we were so excited. It worked out just perfectly.
Michele, I can empathize with the frustration because I have been there, but trust me, cancelations do happen! Just keep checking. Pack your patience. In the meantime, remember to review the soon-to-launch
Disney Genie service. We are so excited about the enhanced planning this service will bring. Don't forget to make
Disney Park Pass system reservations. These are a must-have for your next visit. Sending a little extra dining reservation pixie dust as you continue to plan!
Magic and memories,
Donyell