Disney on "short notice" (booking <90 days out)?

[YahYahs]

Has anyone booked a Disney World trip under the 90-day mark?

My amazing parents are taking us to Disney in mid-May - it was a "last-min" decision (in terms of Disney planning). They just decided this week, so we're already within 90 days of the trip. 

We have 2 girls (ages 5 and 3.5) and they've never been there, but they LOVE all things Disney.

Obviously, the popular stuff is already filled up (meal w/ Cinderella, Be Our Guest, etc.).  I'm not too concerned about not being able to do OMGEVERYTHINGOMG during this trip because we'll enjoy it no matter what (and we plan to go again in maybe 2-3 years), but I'd love some pointers for what to hit up, especially from others who have planned in <90 days.  Can we still book FastPasses at this point? 

We're doing 7 nights, staying at All-Star Music (I think... my parents are booking today, so that might change - there were slim pickins with which resorts would fit our group). 

I've looked, and there are still some openings for brunch at Chef Mickey's, so we'll probably book that.  Otherwise, I'm okay with just going to where the characters are in the park for pictures/meetings.

Any pointers?
Thanks!

[curbsideprophet]

FP booking does not start until 60 days out so you have not missed that window. People also drop ADRs once they book their FPs so I would not give up hope on that yet either. I also think Disney opens up blocks of new reservations at times. So if there is an ADR you really want I would keep checking and follow the Disboards restaurant board.

Disboards has ADR cancellation thread for each month that you can follow.

I would use a crowd calendar to help you plan which park to visit which day. Easywdw has a good one.

Have fun!

[Deleted]

I was able to get character reservations like a week out. You just have to eat at sort of unpopular times. I made a reservation at Crystal Palace (great character interaction), Tusker House (great food) and Hollywood and Vine - which I cancelled so I can't speak to there. I also booked Biergarten while I was sitting in the park for a few hours in advance. Don't fret!

I love the wdwprepschool blog.

[eponinepontmercy]

We did that in October. We were using cast member passes from my sister so we didn't even use FP, really. (We had to buy our MK passes, so we got them the night before. I was able to get a FP for DD and I to meet Cinderella and Rapunzel. There was other stuff available, though.)

We got a CP dinner and lunch at Biergarten. My sister and I basically stalked the online reservation system.

We had a WONDERFUL time. I definitely prefer more lead time planning, but everything worked out perfectly.

[caidan]

We went in october and booked under 90 days out. We still got a breakfast and a lunch at BOG and did two character meals... ine was 1900 park fAre and the other was whaterever the princess breakfast in Norway at epcot is called.

The BOG nreakfast was a pre park opening at 8:05. This allowed is to meet Anna and Elsa first thing with no fast pass needed.

[thebreakfastclub]

My H and I went to WDW at the end of May once - the week before Memorial Day.

It was a sweet time to hit the park, with school still in session.

We got one FP at Epcot - all other rides were generally walk on or a quick wait. We did not do any special food reservations, but it was fine.

[ilikedonuts]

Definitely just keep checking for dining. I helped my friend book 50 days out and they go next week and her husband has basically checked multiple times a day and got all the reservations they want.

[swarley]

I'm going in April and didn't start making my reservations until a couple of months ago. All the times I wanted were booked up. Someone here recommended joining Touring Plans and you can enter the ones you are looking for and they will keep checking for you. You get a text alert when one opens. If it's still not the exact time you want, you have to go in an restart the search but I've been able to get everything I wanted so far. Tusker House and Be Our Guest being the harder to get ones. It costs $12 but it's been worth every penny.

[curbsideprophet]

Feb 19, 2016 13:31:38 GMT -5 swarley said:

I'm going in April and didn't start making my reservations until a couple of months ago. All the times I wanted were booked up. Someone here recommended joining Touring Plans and you can enter the ones you are looking for and they will keep checking for you. You get a text alert when one opens. If it's still not the exact time you want, you have to go in an restart the search but I've been able to get everything I wanted so far. Tusker House and Be Our Guest being the harder to get ones. It costs $12 but it's been worth every penny.

Glad to here their restaurant alert is working well. It came out after we really needed it but good to know for future reference.

I was very happy with using touring plans to create a daily schedule. The app was great for adjusts while in the park.

[YahYahs]

Thanks, everyone! I had it in my head that FP was 90 days out. Good idea about booking when others cancel!