Definitely wouldn't give up - I have helped friends go that week who only started planning in late November, and got them all the meals they wanted. Agree with PP to sign up for Touring Plans reservation finder - it is very helpful. Also watch the thread for Cancelled ADRs for December on here - you can try and coordinate with people who are cancelling. I wouldn't worry too much about parks closing of you are staying on property and using buses. Parks don't usually close to that level, especially on the non holiday dates. In fact, you might enjoy a break from the parks for a meal, like something on the monorail while at MK, or Boardwalk while at Epcot or HS. Don't know if you have a large group, but just plugged in party of 4 for days that week, and there were several times at LTT, 50s PT, Coral Reef, and Via Napoli just as examples - they may be lunch instead of dinner, or early/late dinner, but could grab something for now, and then keep an eye out to modify. Also saw brft at Boma and The Wave. We often like to eat late brft or early dinner anyway then grab quick service later on our own time!