ADR or not

[elizatish]

I wanted to see opinions on whether or not I should make any ADR's. I'm going April 30th until May 4th with my dbf. We're 25 and 26, if that makes any difference. Its going to be more of a leisure trip then anything so no schedule is planned other then which parks we'll be at on which days.

I'm sure a lot of people would say definitely make them but we don't mind waiting for a table since:
1. We aren't too sure on where we'd want to eat that day anyway or what time of day, if we're really wanting a sit down at the time or not, etc.
2. We won't do any of the character meals or fancy dinners so no disappointment if a restaurant refuses us (if that even happens

I'm really only set on doing Kona for breakfast one morning and not sure if that even takes an ADR. So basically, if you wouldn't mind giving your opinion I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks so much!!

 

[rgf207]

Waiting for a table will probably not be an option. You will most likely be turned away.

If you don't mind eating CS then don't make adrs but if you want a certain place, you need to make an adr

Kona does take ADR and is very popular for breakfast so you should probably make an ADR for that.

 

[DVCLiz]

I agree - I think "waiting for a table" is likely to be successful only in the very off hours at the very least popular restaurants. It's just too busy anymore for there to really be an "off" season. I know you will probably get others who have done it successfully, but no way would I go without my ADRs in place unless I were perfectly happy eating CS for the entire vacation - which I never would be!!!!

 

[elizatish]

Ok, thanks so much! I will make a few adr's to be safe of not having to eat cs the whole trip Thanks again

 

[asb]

2 summers ago, I was unable to get reservations anywhere at any time. Very frustrating!!

 

[maj42169]

MAKE YOUR ADRs NOW.........it may be too late even for that for many places based on what I am reading on these threads!

 

[septbaby]

Are you on the dining plan?

 

[LadyZolt]

I'd make a few just to know I had some, and then "wing it" other days. We went during Christmas week (just DH and I) and had no problem walking into Kona Cafe at the Poly and being seated in 10 minutes. We also just walked into the Sci-Fi diner and got seated immediately -- in a car! Remember, this was Christmas week -- the most crowded time of year!

We had a dinner ressie at Le Cellier one night that we ended up canceling, so some couple probably got a nice surprise that night being able to get in. I think if you had a party of three or more, or if you had small kids and you had to eat at a certain time because of their schedule, you would need ADRs. But an adult couple willing to "wing it" and eat at more off hours (like, having dinner at 9 instead of 6), you stand a more-than-fair chance of getting seated somewhere. Of course, you may not get in, so if you have the attitude of "if we do, we do and if we don't, that's OK," you won't be frustrated whatever happens. Have a magical time!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[EnnEss]

MAKE YOUR ADRs NOW.........it may be too late even for that for many places based on what I am reading on these threads!

I just made some today for that time period, got the restaurants I wanted, just not perfect times. i dont mind eating late though, got 810 for a couple, no biggy. Good luck OP.

 

[princessjilly]

when i was in florida I rarely booked my meals more than a week in advance, often booking them on the afternoon of the day i was dining, or just a couple of days in advance. I was happy to eat late and was not usually fussy about where i wanted to go.
however altho it is possible to leave it late, it would probably be safest to make at least a couple of adrs to avoid any disappointment

 

[Abharmagic]

If you don't mind CS then I wouldn't.

BUT- you may end up in the parks, want some a/c, see a neat restaurant and decide to eat there and be out of luck- so IMO I would make a few and then cancel if you end up not wanting them. Someone will happliy take your cancelled ADR and you may make a last minute diner's day.

 

[elizatish]

Thanks again for all the opinions, I called yesterday and got 4 out of the 6 places I wanted to eat so....

the two I didn't get were Le Cellier and Ohana, kinda disappointed about Ohana but maybe we'll trying going at an off time to get in

We did get kinda off times but totally ok with it, were not the type to be on a "schedule", we just go with whatever...

Thanks again for all the info, at least for the next trip I'll call sooner