2/10 - 2/14: Going with NO ADRs???

[melser13]

Is this possible? We will probably end up at 2 sitdowns and since this is my son's surprise trip, I want him to pick the restaurants. I can't even begin to guess his choices, so I am thinking we just go with none and hope one of his choices has an opening. This is so strange to me because we ALWAYS have ADRs long before we go, but we normally go in July.

So, think we can get away with this? If I was guessing he would want something like Teppan Edo, Garden Grill, Cape May, Whispering Canyon, or Prime Time. I'd hate to make reservations that we potentially won't use and take up other's meals.

Advice is welcome!

 

[peterox]

Is this possible? We will probably end up at 2 sitdowns and since this is my son's surprise trip, I want him to pick the restaurants. I can't even begin to guess his choices, so I am thinking we just go with none and hope one of his choices has an opening. This is so strange to me because we ALWAYS have ADRs long before we go, but we normally go in July.

So, think we can get away with this? If I was guessing he would want something like Teppan Edo, Garden Grill, Cape May, Whispering Canyon, or Prime Time. I'd hate to make reservations that we potentially won't use and take up other's meals.

Advice is welcome!

I would make reservations for the two that you think he would like just in case. When you get there ask him if he would like to eat there if he don't then you could cancel the reservations. At least you would have a little security. JMHO °o°

 

[fla4fun]

So long as you are OK with CS as a backup if you can't get in, then go for it. I seldom make an ADR way in advance. However, I have been known to check availability the day before or same day to see what's open - knowing that I'll be eating CS if none of my choices are available. I'm OK with that, and I can usually find an available TS that I like at least 75% of the time.

Since the trip is a surprise, and you want your son to have input about where you will dine, I would wait unless you know of a specific restaurant that he really loves. He might surprise you and prefer to dine CS anyway so he has more time for attractions and shows - you never know!

The big question is whether you are using the DDP. Using the DDP makes ADR's a little more necessary than if you are planning to pay OOP for your meals. I don't use the DDP, so I can be more flexible.

 

[wdw4rfam]

I would make reservations for the two that you think he would like just in case. When you get there ask him if he would like to eat there if he don't then you could cancel the reservations. At least you would have a little security. JMHO °o°

Yes- make a couple that you would guess he'd like. You dont want to take a chance that you will get nothing.... There are typically a lot of discounts at that time of year, so it could fill up faster than you think, especially if there is free dining (cant remember the dates). Free dining will make ADRs impossible at any time of year!!!

 

[discorsner]

I say make a couple ressies and just be sure to cancel the one you don't want as soon as you know.

Another thing you could do is be sneaky and say someone you know or work with or something is planning a trip and you can then get into a discussion about what his favorite place is or where would he recommend.

He might even end up saying something like "Next time I go to Disney I definitely want to eat at....."

I've used this trick on my family before.

 

[melser13]

I say make a couple ressies and just be sure to cancel the one you don't want as soon as you know.

Another thing you could do is be sneaky and say someone you know or work with or something is planning a trip and you can then get into a discussion about what his favorite place is or where would he recommend.

He might even end up saying something like "Next time I go to Disney I definitely want to eat at....."

I've used this trick on my family before.

I actually did this for the resort! When we go in 2 years, where do you think you'd want to stay? His Papa is going this week and staying at the AKL, but DS said no to that resort and wants the volcano pool where he stayed for his 1st trip (he was 18mos old) Then he followed with "as long as we are in Disney, I don't care where we stay" haha Got to love that kid!

 

[melser13]

The big question is whether you are using the DDP. Using the DDP makes ADR's a little more necessary than if you are planning to pay OOP for your meals. I don't use the DDP, so I can be more flexible.

We don't do the dining plan at all as we can't get our money's worth yet. We have the TIW card though, so that helps with prices. We are OK if we don't get things (I think) so CS would be okay (more ride time!)