ADR Arrival Question

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

We leave for WDW on Saturday and I was wondering just how long before the ADR time we should show up at the restaurant. I've heard estimates ranging from 10-30 minutes. I'd like everyone in our party to be aware of when they should be at the restaurant and factor in travel time and all that good stuff. I'm telling them to allow one hour for travel from Point A to Point B. We're staying at POP, so we'll be able to use Disney transportation.

 

[nalabell]

I usually show about five minutes before but if your early they will often seat you early. Early is always good but don't be late.

 

[jayhjay]

I don't think you need to plan to arrive early unless you want try to be seated earlier. OTherwise, arriving on time is fine. You are wise to plan for travel time. That is usually the biggest question mark - whether you catch that bus/boat/monorail. But I don't think you have to plan to show up early.

Only other issue is if you have folks in your party who are always late. In that case, you might want to tell them an earlier time just so you all are there when you need to be. JJ

 

[hunter.deal]

Will they still seat you if not all your guests are there? I'm curious because my PIL's might go off to Epcot while we do MK with the kids. Therefore they might be late getting to Chef Mickey's. Probably not but nice to know before hand.

 

[Skwinkles]

When making ADRs, they ask you to check in 15 minutes prior to the ADR time. And, no, in my experience, they will not seat you until eveyone is there.

 

[kcashner]

Skwinkles has it exactly right. They ask that you check in 15 minutes before the stated time, and will not seat you until your entire party is present. You are correct that it takes about 1 hour to get from one resort to another. 30 minutes is usually enough to go from a park to the nearby resorts--MK to Contemporary, Poly, GF Epcot to Boardwalk, Beach Club, etc.

It can take 15-20 minutes to wait for a bus to come...or you might be lucky and have a bus or boat waiting when you walk up. Have a great trip!

 

[dmaz]

When I called today my CM said to arrive 10 minutes before. Does it depend on how busy the restaurant is or the season?

 

[Sleeping Jedi Beauty]

Thanks for the info. I also really appreciate knowing that everyone in the party needs to be there before you will be seated.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

They usually do ask all of your party to be there before being seated.