We reached our 180 day mark today... I was all set at 4:45 for the 5am start online (central time)... And I am sitting here with no dining reservations 4 hours later. I called at 6 when that became available and was told the basically all restaurants in Epcot that participate in the Candlelight Processional dining... You know basically all of them... Are all not taking reservations until CP dining booking starts.
Has this happened before? I don't remember it. If so or if anybody can shed some light on when I should try again that would be amazing.
Thanks!
We hit 180 days today as well, and I ran into the same problem! I was a little confused at first as well. From what I see, the CP went on sale last year in early to mid July (looks like July 8th or 9th). I guess we need to wait until about that time.
I understand how difficult this for you, but I can also see Disney's view point. I know a lot of people make an ADR at this time and then when CP opens get that reservation and then cancel the first ADR. Seems like Disney is finally sick and tried of that.
Remember there are also some really good places to eat just out the back gate of Epcot.
KAY
DVC MEMBER - OKW & HHI
First trip to WDW - Dec, 2005
Last visit to Disneyland - 2014
First trip to Disneyland - 1955
I am just irritated that most of the EPCOT restaurants are blocked, obviously for the Christmas Candlelight Processional dinner packages, for lunches and dinners. If you are on the dining plan, they will count as 2 entitlements. The prices last year were not cheap. So, you have to book a package to eat lunch or dinner at your favorite EPCOT restaurants, even if you don't want to attend the show. This is very frustrating.
I ran into the same problem
The Flying Fish is a very nice restaurant on the Boardwalk, just a boat ride away.
There's also Beaches N Cream that has the famous Kitchen Sink.
That Yachtsman Steakhouse is also delicious.
I'll meet you at the Rainbow Bridge.
We had the same problem today, and got the same explanation as well. Although, the very nice CM I spoke with said she thought they would open up in another week or two. So basically, who knows? I'll just keep trying every day from now on.
This is a first... we've NEVER encountered this for ANY of our early/mid December WDW vacations.
NEXT TRIP - DCL Fantasy Oct. 2016
Yacht Club - Oct. '14, Dec. '15
Poly - Dec. '07, '09
Grand Flo - Too many times to keep track!
CBR - May '10, Oct. '10, Dec. '11
POR - Sept & Dec '03
AoA - Oct. '12, Dec. '13
Pop - May '11
This morning at 5am I was not able to make a reservation for San Angel Inn but after 10:00 I could. Try again today 
I was able to make our Biergarten and La Hacienda ADR's at 6am on 6/4/15. Looks like everything is back to normal.
NEXT TRIP - DCL Fantasy Oct. 2016
Yacht Club - Oct. '14, Dec. '15
Poly - Dec. '07, '09
Grand Flo - Too many times to keep track!
CBR - May '10, Oct. '10, Dec. '11
POR - Sept & Dec '03
AoA - Oct. '12, Dec. '13
Pop - May '11
I guess this then leads to the question, When will Candlelight Processional Packages and the Candlelight Processional Schedule for that matter, be released?
My booking was a few days before yours. I too was disappointed in the selection, even at 6am. I'm having the worst time with HS! I check 4-5 times daily and no change yet. But I'm hopeful.
DVC MEMBER since 2009
CS- Oct.2006 *Honeymoon*
ASM- Sept. 2009 BLT- Nov. 2010
WLV- Oct. 2012 SSR- July 2013
BLT- Jan. 2014 WLV- Nov. 2015
SSR- Mar. 2016 OKW- Oct. 2017
SSR- Apr. 2018 BC- May. 2018
BC- Aug. 2018 BLT Dec. 2018
