ADR for Dummies

[DutchsMommy]

It's been a WHILE since we've had to make ADRs. Is there a thread or pinned post you could refer me to for a walkthrough (in particular details on when the window opens vs. our stay etc.). I have to book over Christmas so I'm preparing for a battle TIA

 

[dorchrislen]

I was just looking for the same thing because I don’t wanna ask a question that most find to be dumb. So I’ll be following your post and hoping someone points us in the right direction

 

[jpolak]

The ADR window opens sixty days before check in. We are also going over the Xmas break. My check in date is 12/26. My adr window opens 10/27.

 

[Marc A.]

Does it have anything to do with having park tickets or park reservations??? Right now we only have resort booked in Dec.-Jan

 

[CarolynFH]

Does it have anything to do with having park tickets or park reservations??? Right now we only have resort booked in Dec.-Jan

No, you don’t need park tickets or park reservations to book ADRs. Having the resort reservation opens the 60+length of stay window for booking ADRs; without a resort reservation anyone can book an ADR 60 days before the desired date of the ADR. You do need park tickets and park reservations or hopping privileges to use an ADR inside a park, of course.

 

[RanDIZ]

I’ll add that the ADR window opens 6am EST.

 

[dorchrislen]

I’ll add that the ADR window opens 6am EST.

Ooh that’s tough for those of us on PST

 

[LisaL]

Ooh that’s tough for those of us on PST

LOL! I was just thinking the same thing!!!

 

[LisaL]

How does everyone plan for alternates? I feel like more than ever, we have to have ADRs.

 

[dorchrislen]

How does everyone plan for alternates? I feel like more than ever, we have to have ADRs.

It depends on what time of year you were going. Since we are going in January for the first time in a while, my alternates are going to be non-ADR plans, some quick service that I am looking forward to because I won’t feel the need to sit inside air conditioning for an hour or more wasting valuable attraction or entertainment time. So look at it as a bonus if you don’t get the ADR, that’s more time to enjoy the park.
I think we get caught up in the competition of wanting an ADR that’s in demand. If I don’t get the one I want, I will be happy to save some money and time.
Now for those planning next summer, you almost need an ADR every day or a resort break.

 

[LisaL]

It depends on what time of year you were going. Since we are going in January for the first time in a while, my alternates are going to be non-ADR plans, some quick service that I am looking forward to because I won’t feel the need to sit inside air conditioning for an hour or more wasting valuable attraction or entertainment time. So look at it as a bonus if you don’t get the ADR, that’s more time to enjoy the park.
I think we get caught up in the competition of wanting an ADR that’s in demand. If I don’t get the one I want, I will be happy to save some money and time.
Now for those planning next summer, you almost need an ADR every day or a resort break.

That's a great point. We are going for actual Christmas holidays, a first for us. My original thought was we will just go with the flow and land where we land, but I'm seeing now that a failure to plan is a plan to fail.

It looks to be quite crowded, so planning for dining really becomes a must.