[MrDisneyfan1]

With todays cell phones, we did a lot of WDW-DINE calls from the parks to make daily PS's. Just to let you know, I think they save some PS times for walk-ups. I called for a PS at Le Cellier in Canada and was told that they were all booked and the following day as well. I then took a five minute walk over to that restuarant and was able to book later that evening. I did ask about the following day, and they said they had many openings.
Was it the CM on the phone?
Was it because I was not staying on property this time (they asked! but should not matter)
My advice, if you have your heart set on it, go to the place and double check. Lots of no shows as well.

[lovemysons]

Goes to show you that if at first you don't succeed, try, try again! That is strange though. I am sure there are always no shows. I certainly hope it didn't have anything to do with you staying off property. Perhaps it was just an inexperienced CM.

[ddoll]

Good to know, as they told me there were no openings for my Dec trip when I called. I really wanted my friend to get a chance to try it.

[MrDisneyfan1]

I only had one CM ask if i was staying on property before securring the PS, so I do not believe that is the issue. I also recommend calling back every couple of days, as people change their minds.
GOOD LUCK in DEC!

[Maria]

This was the same case when I tried to get CRT less then 90 days out, we walked up and were seated within 5 minutes!! Maybe they just leave some tables open for people that are not aware of the call ahead seating???

[CaptShua]

I'm sure that they reserve some times that they don't allow WDW-DINE to fill. There have been plenty of times that we walk up and go in within 5 minutes, but then there are times when we have to wait an hour and other times when they say they are completely full and that we can't get in at all.

Basically, all I'm saying is you might be able to walk up, but don't count on it. Have a Plan B because you might need it.

[DisneySusie]

That is a good point that the OP made. There have been PLENTY of times that we decided to go out to eat at the spur of the moment and have been able to just walk up to places and wait less than 15 mins and get in.

[MrDisneyfan1]

Plan B? sometimes we get to C and D

[karliebug]

I have had good luck walking in at some restaurants not others. Bottom line is that it never hurts to try.

[Dana]

That annoys me. Money is money, why should they care if it come from a resort guest or not? Sorry you had that experience, but glad you got the dinner you wanted in the end. Persistance does pay off.

[tiggerfan74]

great advice! thank you !!!=)

[dznygrl]

Thank you for the advice...I never considered the fact that they probably do save some slots for walk-ups!!

[MissDisney]

Here is a cool WDW thing to try:

You can walk up to any CM who has access to a phone (like at Guest Services, or anyone working in a shop) and ask them to call for a PS for you on the spot! Most of them can and will! We have had lovely luck this way (once, the most handsome man in the universie, who happened to be working at the France perfumerie called and got us PS at L'Originale Alfredo di Roma at 7:00 that night -- just two hours later!)

[alicefan]

We have gone to WDW numerous times and last year we made 2 PS's and this year we made many - ONLY because of the free meal plan That is it - we never made PS's on any of the trips we took before we had our DS or on DS's first trip - we were always afraid of the commitment!!!! I have said this a million times - we have never been turned away at a restaraunt in WDW! I am sure a lot of it was just luck and timing. This year was quite crowded when we went so we felt very lucky to have made the PS's. We cancelled three of them and switched to others when we were down this month just because of timing and such so I totally say - "wing it" if you dare!!! Unless you have your heart dead set on somthing!

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by alicefan

We have gone to WDW numerous times and last year we made 2 PS's and this year we made many - ONLY because of the free meal plan That is it - we never made PS's on any of the trips we took before we had our DS or on DS's first trip - we were always afraid of the commitment!!!! I have said this a million times - we have never been turned away at a restaraunt in WDW! I am sure a lot of it was just luck and timing. This year was quite crowded when we went so we felt very lucky to have made the PS's. We cancelled three of them and switched to others when we were down this month just because of timing and such so I totally say - "wing it" if you dare!!! Unless you have your heart dead set on somthing!

before I found DC and all the information here I did not know about PSs at all and must say, we always with a few minutes wait were accommodated. But I also have to add that we only go in November....crowds are low.
After finding DC last year we did make PSs for nearly every meal and loved it.