A few questions...

[bayportkat]

We are heading to DL mid- August. I am still working on my plans- usually everything is done by now (we usually go to WDW), but I have been dragging my feet.

My questions are:

1- do we need ADRs?
2- are there any restaurants we shouldn't miss?
3- I have read about some special meals/desserts that get you reserved seating for a variety of shows- should we do that? is it worth it?
4-I have a RideMax subscription- how good are their plans? I usually do my own at WDW, but thought I would try this?

Thanks in advance!

Kathryn

 

[katiesmom2]

I would definitely do ADRs for any must-do places. What we did was we made ADRs for lunches (so we would be guaranteed a lunch out of the sun - we did Storyteller Cafe at the GC hotel for our CA day and Blue Bayou for our DL day). Then we picked up a CS dinner and enjoyed the cooler air outside. We were there last week and didn't have trouble getting dinner seating without ADRs.

Blue Bayou is a favorite of ours and definitely a must-do IMO (for someone new to DLR).

Sorry, but I can't help with your other questions. Enjoy your trip!

 

[mousterpiece]

ADRs are mostly for peace of mind, I think. Obviously, it depends on a lot of factors, like the time of year, which restaurant you're going to, and how many people are in your party, but I've been able to get reservations by walking up to Storytellers Cafe and Cafe Orleans, as examples, the day of or before my meal. Having said that, if you want to know for sure before heading out that you've got an ADR that's set in stone, it's not a bad idea.

Regarding dining, YMMV, but I consider Cafe Orleans, Ralph Brennan's, Tortilla Jo's, and Storytellers Cafe to be mostly can't-miss. I've heard nothing but good things about Napa Rose, also at the GCH, but I've only eaten at Storytellers Cafe in that hotel. Wine Country Trattoria is a nice restaurant, but not one of my favorites. Still, it's worth checking out (even though I'm not as impressed with it as I am with other sit-down places.

There are two major show reservations that come with meals. There's a Fantasmic dessert (helpful info is here) and either a picnic option for World of Color or a sit-down meal for World of Color at Ariel's Grotto or Wine Country Trattoria. If you scroll down a bit during the first post in HydroGuy's World of Color Superthread (found here), you'll find out more info about those. I've done the WoC picnic and have always been pleased.

Unfortunately, I've never done RideMax, but I've heard good things!

 

[HydroGuy]

We are heading to DL mid- August. I am still working on my plans- usually everything is done by now (we usually go to WDW), but I have been dragging my feet.

My questions are:

1- do we need ADRs?
2- are there any restaurants we shouldn't miss?

Need? No. Should you make them? Maybe.

Blue Bayou would be the one unique restaurant that is unique to DL and maybe worth a special visit. It is not slam-dunk-no-way-should-you-miss-it. But it is special and DL's signature dining experience.

Most everything else either does not require a res or can be made a few days in advance.

Usually I make the reservations but then cancel half of them. Do not make too many. The layout of DLR lends itself much more to a "wing it" philosophy to dining.

Also to be more clear for everyone here, I think you mean "DLR" the resort and not "DL" the theme park at DLR.

I have read about some special meals/desserts that get you reserved seating for a variety of shows- should we do that? is it worth it?

In my younger days I would say no way. In my mid-life I say definitely. So take your pick!

You do not need special dining/dessert for Fantasmic or WOC. It can make for a more magical experience. It depends on how much extra money you have and the makeup of your group.

4-I have a RideMax subscription- how good are their plans? I usually do my own at WDW, but thought I would try this?

Like RM at WDW, RM plans tend to be conservative. On our first trip to WDW in 2006 RM was a godsend as it let me "virtually tour" the WDW parks before we arrived. It allowed me to understand the traffic patterns there which do not always correspond to DLR park patterns.

RM plans are solid and, like all touring plans, are best used with a healthy philosophy of being ready to diverge from the plans. The RM plans are a tool to help you not enslave you. Use them when they help. Put them aside when they don't.