1 week until ADR window...here's my plan.

Hi everyone,

I’m now one week away from making my ADRs and I’m so excited. My first trip I planned a few months out with a free dining plan, so I didn’t have the ADR date excitement. I’ve worked and reworked my choices, and I think that I have a pretty good plan but wouldn't mind some feedback. My folks and I are going to be there the first week in December and are staying at VWL. We’re celebrating their 40th anniversary. We splurged for the Deluxe Dining Plan because we plan on hitting a few signatures and shows. Plus we’re telling my Dad we got a discount on the plan so that he doesn’t get sticker shock and will order whatever he wants on the menu. We don’t look at it as a money saver but more of a father stress saver.

Day 1- Arrive about 10:30- The Wave for lunch and then head to MK for a few hours until our room is ready. We are planning on Dis-apalooza that night we are probably just going to have Roaring Fork for dinner and all the ice cream we can eat J

Day 2- MK day- Kona Café breakfast and then Artist Point for dinner. I’m a little hesitant about Artist Point because it seems to get mixed reviews, but I like the idea of being back at Wilderness Lodge for dinner and fresh up before heading over for a quick trip to HS for EMH and Osborne Lights.

Day 3- Epcot day- I’m planning on the first Candle Light Processional seating, but haven’t decided where yet. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I’m leaning towards Beirgarten, Teppan Edo, or Chefs de France. Then head over to the Boardwalk for a late dinner at Flying Fish.

Day 4- AK Day- Tusker House for breakfast/early lunch then Citricos for Dinner.

Day 5- HS Day- Hollywood Brown Derby for lunch and the Hoop-Dee-Doo 6:30 show.

Day 6- I think for this day we are going to plan on DDT for an early lunch…I’m thinking House of Blues. Then this is the night we are going to MVMCP so I’m going to try for a BOG dinner ADR. I’m hoping since it’s the end of our week I’ll have a shot at 180+10. If that’s not doable then I’m thinking Crystal Palace. We did LTT last trip so wanted something different. Maybe even CRT but I think I’d feel a little awkward meeting princesses. I’d much rather meet non face characters.

Day 7-Departure Day- I’m thinking Whispering Canyon for breakfast. Do they still have the little play along or not play along things you can but on your table? I read about those. While I love to watch the antics at places I’m usually too shy to play along.

Sorry for the super long post. I appreciate any feedback. I love this site. When I mention to the people at work that I was excited to be a week away from ADRs I got whatever responses. I know you guys understand!

Well, I have not been to a lot of the restaurants you are planning, but I haven't heard that many of these are the more difficult ADR's to get. It's interesting that you are doing a lot of resort dining. I am guessing that you don't have any children going with you since you don't seem to be heading down the character meal track.

We have eaten at Biergarten and Teppen Edo. Totally different style of restaurant, one is a buffet with a small stage show, the other is table service. So if you'd rather be served, maybe a buffet is not for you. We liked the food at both places.

I made my ADR's today and didn't have a problem with BoG, I don't know if going during a party is different. I will say that since the time of the party is limited, you might consider more of a quick service meal if rides and characters are important to you.

Sounds like a fun trip!! Congrats to your parents on their 40th.

How far away do you live? Are you arriving by plane or car? I would hesitate to book a lunch reservation so close to you arrival time in case you have travel delays.

I tried to get a BOG dinner on a Halloween party night at 180+6 and did not get it. We were able to book CRT for that night, so now I am looking for a BOG opening another night. Hope you have better luck!

Jen731, yes you are correct, no children. Glad you liked both places. I'm leaning towards Biergarten, I think it would be cool experience. I wanted to try to hit up all the deluxe resorts to check out their Christmas decorations and I figured grabbing one of our meals while we were there would be a good way to do it. Glad you were able to get your BOG ADR, that's great. I hope you have a fantastic trip!
10CJ- Thanks for the heads up about BOG. I know that will probably be my only really hard to get one until the CP processional packages come out. It's good to know you were able to get a CRT ADR though on a party night. It worked out great last year to have a dinner reservation before the MNSSHP and when we came out...party time. We are flying in. I'm not planning on making the lunch ADR until we are checking in at WL. I don't think that The Wave will be a hard one to get about an hour out and then we'll catch the boat to the contemporary. Thanks for the warning though. Good luck getting BOG for another night.

Hi! You have made some great choices! I am a bit of a deluxe dining addict lol. We have always gotten free dining and then upgraded to deluxe. I have been to every deluxe except for Fultons, andArtist Point is hands down my favorite. Their bison is absolutely amazing as is there Smoked Portabello soup. Citricos is top notch as well. In my opinion it is the most upscale outside of Victoria and Alberts. I hope you get everything you wish for and have a great trip and Happy Anniversary to your folks!

Shortynsassy730, Thanks for the suggestions from Artist Point. I'm not a mushroom person, but my mom is so she is excited to try the soup. I probably wouldn't have picked it if I wasn't staying at WL, but I glad I'll be giving it a shot. I'm glad you like it so much, def more excited now. Thanks

So jealous that you're going to dis-apalooza! Either of your choices are good for the CP. I like Biergarten more but that's a personal preference. They're both good. The only thing that made me go hmmm is having both the Brown Derby and Hoop Dee Doo on the same day. That's a lot of food!

Yes I'm so excited about Dis-Apalooza. We had actually booked for the 6-12th. When I heard the announcement I talked the folks into going and moved everything back a day.
Another vote for Biergarten. I think that I'll be going with that if I can get an ADR for the CP package. My grandparents were both German immigrants so I'm sure my dad would enjoy it. I thought about the Brown Derby and Hoop Dee Doo day as being a lot of food too, and might talk to them about going to the last show. I've got a lot of late nights planned though so not sure if they'll want an earlier night. I figure we are going more for the show instead of for the food so if we don't get our money's worth on the food, we can make up for it on the entertainment and Sangria. Thanks for the tips Sargeant Tibbs.

random but what do you do with your bags while you're at the park but too early to check in? I'm staying at the Shades of Green from 12/10 to 12/16 and check in time is 3 but we're landing around 10:30. can we keep our bags with the people up front at our hotel while we head to the park?

Lisa_Loves_Disney said:

random but what do you do with your bags while you're at the park but too early to check in? I'm staying at the Shades of Green from 12/10 to 12/16 and check in time is 3 but we're landing around 10:30. can we keep our bags with the people up front at our hotel while we head to the park?

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Yes, bell service will hold your bag for you until you return. Happened to me recently. I checked in, went to the ladies room to sunscreen up and rearrange my purse from plane pack mode to park mode and then checked my bag. Of course I made it to the bus stop and got a call my room was ready, so wasted effort.