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This is a follow-up to my recent post about making Disney World dining reservations for an upcoming trip this summer. See my original post here.
This morning, I set my alarm for 4:55 a.m. Dining reservations open up at 6:00 a.m. EST. My two priorities were to get reservations at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant and Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.
I accomplished neither at 5 a.m. Central Time. I tried for 30 minutes, with no luck. I was not able to get into Garden Grill or Topolino’s Terrace either. The system was working, but there was just no availability for my trip days. I tried to go back to sleep, frustrated that I even made the effort.
However, persistence pays off. Later in the morning, I had to take my son to the dentist. While I waited for him, I busied myself with the Disney World app. I was able to secure a reservation for Beaches and Cream and another for Garden Grill. Score!
Setting Up Free Alerts
Disney Dining reservations can open up at any time as people change plans. I’m not giving up on Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant just yet.
To increase my odds, I signed up for a few alerts. Mousedining.com has a free alert system that allows you to set up six alerts. If your desired restaurant and date opens, you will receive an email.
Touringplans.com also has a free alert system, although it’s hard to find the free version. You don’t have to subscribe to TouringPlans. You can simply sign up for a free basic access log-in that allows you to create two dining alerts. TouringPlans will send the alert via email or via text, your choice.
I have not used these alerts in the past, so I’m interested to see if they are successful at getting me into Sci-Fi. I will sit back and let the bots do the work for me. If you have used these alerts before, let me know in the comments how it went.
May the odds be ever in your favor for Disney World dining reservations! I need a nap.
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
This is absolutely ridiculous that a person has to go to such lengths to book a reservation at a Disney restaurant. The idea of going to Disney is to have a good time, not to have to go through a tremendous amount of hassle and stress just to get a restaurant reservation at the park.
@Jacob, yeah, I agree. I’ve always thought that Disney needs more sit-down restaurants. Even during slow times they are always booked solid.
Disney World has not had good food in over 20 years.
@James For me it’s mostly about the theming and atmosphere, but I’ve had several delicious meals as well. Sanaa and Chefs de France come to mind.
Touringplans dining alerts are awesome. I’ve gotten so many tough ressies using them. Just have to be quick on the draw once the alert comes in.
One tip is to watch park hours like a hawk. When WDW expands park hours they will usually also add additional dining reservations for that time frame.
@Shaun I’m glad the dining alerts worked for you! Thanks for the tip about watching the park hours. Epcot doesn’t open until 11:00 the week we are going, which seems odd to me.