New to Dining Plan and haven't been to WDW in 4 yrs... - The DIS Discussion Forums

CyclistMom · 10-03-2009, 07:58 AM

Hi,

We rather suddenly decided to book a trip 11/7-11/15, taking advantage of free dining, plus upgrade to Deluxe (we're not really into buffets and counter service, other than occasionally).

Here's my question: how essential are ADRs? Like I said, it's been 4 years. On our last trip, we booked only our character meals in advance, and would then plan ahead about 2 days based on where we thought we'd want to be. It worked well.

I have booked our favorite signature restaurants so that we'll be sure to get them, but if we're flexible (to a point), how essential is it that we book ALL our meals ahead? It just seems strange to me to book lunches, because you just don't know how your day will be going and when you'll want to stop. But, I don't know how much things have changed in the past 4 years. Back then, we'd decide to have lunch at the Mexican place in Epcot (for example), and if there was a wait, we'd hang around the general area doing things until our time slot. Has it gotten that much crazier that we really need to decide NOW where to eat lunch every single day of our trip? Breakfast is easy...most days we'll either use the CS at our resort (Port Orleans Riverside) or eat some supplies I bring from home to make up for our 2 credit Signature dinners.

Thoughts?

Luv2Roam · 10-03-2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

how essential are ADRs?

Do yourself a favor and book them before you leave.

laceemouse · 10-03-2009, 12:22 PM

You have to understand that even if the crowds are lower (and don't plan on them being low, there are hardly any low crowd times at WDW anymore) that when free food is being offered EVERYONE in the parks will be on the meal plan. The regular plan is not just buffets, it includes sit down dinners as well, so MOST people have made their ADR as soon as they were able to (3 months out.) Get busy planning!

notaclue · 10-03-2009, 01:28 PM

We just got back. We had free dining but upgraded to Deluxe. Had dinner ADRs except for 2 nights we ate at the resort (Capt Cooks, Poly). Didn't make any breakfast ADRs and walked in to Kona 3 times and 'Ohana once. Didn'tmake any lunch ADRs either and walked in to Liberty Tree Tavern in MK, Tangerine Cafe in Epcot, Tusker House in AK, Sci Fri Drive-In in DHS, Planet Hollywood in DTD and a couple of resorts. The only restaurants I saw people being turned away from at dinner were Chefs de France, Rose and Crown, Ohana and Narcoosee. We ate at Narcoosee and it was outstanding; we tried all the rest of our week to get another ADR there but no luck. I doubt we'd do the DXDDP again as we left with 4 unused credits.

tiredsigh · 10-03-2009, 05:15 PM

*I* always do ADRs unless I can't get my preferred ADR. Then, I schedule a backup and keep calling until I can get in to my first choice.

Character meals really need an ADR in *my* opinion. Taking kids to the restaurant alone gets their hopes up even if you tell them that there may not be room.

Call now and see what you can get. At least then you will have a back up plan

---Disclaimer---I am anal retentive about my ADRs and meals.

guelde96 · 10-04-2009, 09:29 AM

We went during free dining a past Sept. The dining crowds are bad... I would make reservations unless you don't care if you waste the credits. We were able to change a few ADR's once we arrived.

Smiley7510 · 10-08-2009, 04:52 PM

Here's my question: how essential are ADRs? Like I said, it's been 4 years.

I am in the same boat as you, I have been down to the world several times, but never used the dining plan before... However one thing I will say is make your ADRs... On out last trip even without the dining plan we made some ADRs to ensure we got into restraunts we wanted! Without the ADRs to me it is very difficult to get to eat at the table service you want!

Danis630 · 10-08-2009, 05:15 PM

What if you can't get an ADR can you still try to walk up and see if they have room?

Smiley7510 · 10-08-2009, 05:20 PM

Danis

Yes you can still try to walk up and see if there is anything available.. don't forget there are times were people will make ADRs and not show up for them! My last time in Le Cellier we sat up towards the front near the guest check in podium and heard several people walk up and ask if there was any availability

madge · 10-08-2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danis630

What if you can't get an ADR can you still try to walk up and see if they have room?

you can ask, and sometimes they'll be able to work you in, but others they'll just say no. I saw frustrated guests last week who didn't make the ADRs ahead of time.

danielle782001 · 10-08-2009, 05:38 PM

We always book our TS credit meals...We know that ADR are a must...We have seen people turned away so upset because there were no tables...Make the ADR...And I would never travel some place on a bet that you might get in on a walk-up.

10-03-2009, 07:58 AM	#1
CyclistMom Earning My Ears Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	New to Dining Plan and haven't been to WDW in 4 yrs... Hi, We rather suddenly decided to book a trip 11/7-11/15, taking advantage of free dining, plus upgrade to Deluxe (we're not really into buffets and counter service, other than occasionally). Here's my question: how essential are ADRs? Like I said, it's been 4 years. On our last trip, we booked only our character meals in advance, and would then plan ahead about 2 days based on where we thought we'd want to be. It worked well. I have booked our favorite signature restaurants so that we'll be sure to get them, but if we're flexible (to a point), how essential is it that we book ALL our meals ahead? It just seems strange to me to book lunches, because you just don't know how your day will be going and when you'll want to stop. But, I don't know how much things have changed in the past 4 years. Back then, we'd decide to have lunch at the Mexican place in Epcot (for example), and if there was a wait, we'd hang around the general area doing things until our time slot. Has it gotten that much crazier that we really need to decide NOW where to eat lunch every single day of our trip? Breakfast is easy...most days we'll either use the CS at our resort (Port Orleans Riverside) or eat some supplies I bring from home to make up for our 2 credit Signature dinners. Thoughts?

10-03-2009, 12:22 PM	#3
laceemouse DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Louisiana, Florida, Virginia, Illinois, now Texas! Posts: 3,655	You have to understand that even if the crowds are lower (and don't plan on them being low, there are hardly any low crowd times at WDW anymore) that when free food is being offered EVERYONE in the parks will be on the meal plan. The regular plan is not just buffets, it includes sit down dinners as well, so MOST people have made their ADR as soon as they were able to (3 months out.) Get busy planning! __________________ Me and my handsome dh, 3 dds, one ds ,one pound puppy My oldest daughter is engaged and I am currently planning a grand gathering for his family and ours, 12 people in all, many who have not been before

10-03-2009, 05:15 PM	#5
tiredsigh Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 131	I always do ADRs unless I can't get my preferred ADR. Then, I schedule a backup and keep calling until I can get in to my first choice. Character meals really need an ADR in my opinion. Taking kids to the restaurant alone gets their hopes up even if you tell them that there may not be room. Call now and see what you can get. At least then you will have a back up plan ---Disclaimer---I am anal retentive about my ADRs and meals. __________________ DTD Hilton: 2004 DTD Hilton: 2006/2007 Coronado Springs: 2008 Bay Lake Tower: 2010 BEWARE: Mommy is anal retentive when it comes to her ADRs

10-04-2009, 09:29 AM	#6
guelde96 Mouseketeer Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 407	We went during free dining a past Sept. The dining crowds are bad... I would make reservations unless you don't care if you waste the credits. We were able to change a few ADR's once we arrived. __________________ ME DH DS10 DD8 DS4 2004 Off site 2006 All Star Movies 2007 Pop Century (free dining) HOT & HUMID Feb 23- Mar 2, 2009 or first of Dec 2009. Not sure where.

10-08-2009, 04:52 PM	#7
Smiley7510 Earning My Ears Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 20	ADRs a must! Here's my question: how essential are ADRs? Like I said, it's been 4 years. I am in the same boat as you, I have been down to the world several times, but never used the dining plan before... However one thing I will say is make your ADRs... On out last trip even without the dining plan we made some ADRs to ensure we got into restraunts we wanted! Without the ADRs to me it is very difficult to get to eat at the table service you want! __________________ 11/2009 - Thanksgiving at Wilderness Lodge 11/2006 - Wilderness Lodge 10/2005 - Off Site 3/1994 - Off Site 3/1992 - Off Site 3/1990 - Off Site 3/1988 - Off Site

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10-03-2009, 01:28 PM	#4
notaclue DIS Veteran Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 578	We just got back. We had free dining but upgraded to Deluxe. Had dinner ADRs except for 2 nights we ate at the resort (Capt Cooks, Poly). Didn't make any breakfast ADRs and walked in to Kona 3 times and 'Ohana once. Didn'tmake any lunch ADRs either and walked in to Liberty Tree Tavern in MK, Tangerine Cafe in Epcot, Tusker House in AK, Sci Fri Drive-In in DHS, Planet Hollywood in DTD and a couple of resorts. The only restaurants I saw people being turned away from at dinner were Chefs de France, Rose and Crown, Ohana and Narcoosee. We ate at Narcoosee and it was outstanding; we tried all the rest of our week to get another ADR there but no luck. I doubt we'd do the DXDDP again as we left with 4 unused credits.

10-08-2009, 05:15 PM	#8
Danis630 Earning My Ears Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 23	What if you can't get an ADR can you still try to walk up and see if they have room?

10-08-2009, 05:20 PM	#9
Smiley7510 Earning My Ears Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 20	Danis Yes you can still try to walk up and see if there is anything available.. don't forget there are times were people will make ADRs and not show up for them! My last time in Le Cellier we sat up towards the front near the guest check in podium and heard several people walk up and ask if there was any availability __________________ 11/2009 - Thanksgiving at Wilderness Lodge 11/2006 - Wilderness Lodge 10/2005 - Off Site 3/1994 - Off Site 3/1992 - Off Site 3/1990 - Off Site 3/1988 - Off Site

10-08-2009, 05:38 PM	#11
danielle782001 DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2,802	We always book our TS credit meals...We know that ADR are a must...We have seen people turned away so upset because there were no tables...Make the ADR...And I would never travel some place on a bet that you might get in on a walk-up. __________________ DVC Members @ AKL & SSR ? 1975- Off Property August 1988- Off Property July 2001- AKL/WL (Our Honeymoon) December 2005-WL (MVMCP) December 2006- Boardwalk (MVMCP) May 2007- BCV October 2007- WL Happy Birthday AJ! (MNSSHP) January 2008-AKL (P&PP)July 2009 SSR/AKLThanksgiving 2009-AKL July 2010 AKL CL/BLT!!! Me (36) DH (40)DS (7) DS (5)

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