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[Belleandtinker]

We are planning our first trip to DL since the ADR craze. I'm the crazy one online at o'dark hundred to get ADR for WDW 180 days out.

What is the window for ADR in DL?

How crazy booked does it get?

Any specific restaurants that get booked first/fast?

 

[Stitch35]

DLR books 60 days out. Usually you can get an ADR the day you want to eat there by calling a couple hours ahead of time! It's nothing like WDW where you have to plan and hope things are still available. I'm not sure of any that book faster then others. I'm sure someone else will chime in, though!

 

[Disney Dreams]

We are planning our first trip to DL since the ADR craze. I'm the crazy one online at o'dark hundred to get ADR for WDW 180 days out.

What is the window for ADR in DL?

How crazy booked does it get?

Any specific restaurants that get booked first/fast?

Oh how you are going to love DLR!

No need to set an alarm for o'dark hundred to get ADRs 180 days out. . Honestly. No, really. I promise. Dining is not like WDW. First, they are called PS, priority seating, no ADR term at DLR. Next, its 60 days out. And third, the only places you really need to make one for is the Blue Bayou, Fantasmic! Dessert Package, and possibly Napa Rose if it's on your list. Oh, and Character Breakfasts. Otherwise, you really don't need them. Honest.

I live locally and have never made a single PS for a DLR restaurant except Blue Bayou and have eaten at MANY of them many times throughout my life.

Oh, also, if you do decide to make a PS for somewhere, do not get worried or upset when they don't give you a confirmation number. No, really, it's okay. They will ask for your name, I think a phone number, and that's it. (Imagine that! But it's true!)

Welcome to Disneyland! Enjoy!

- Dreams

 

[BayGirl22]

Yep, you have plenty of time to plan for a March 2013 trip, based on your siggy.

Make sure you check out Hydroguy's thread on DL for WDW vets, its in the Newbie sticky at the top. You'll find that CA is more laid back than FL on many things, and deciding where and what to eat is one of them.

 

[KateDrake]

I'd add Carthay Circle and Cafe Orleans to your list of restaurants you probably want to have a ressie for. Carthay because it is new, and Orleans because you can't miss the Pommes Frites. I haven't tried Carthay yet, but it sounds like it gets a bit busy. Cafe Orleans usually has same day available, but you may have to eat at a weird time. So even calling the day before or first thing in the morning will probably be fine, and help you get a good time. So you can eat lunch at 1 p.m., and not 3:15, if that is important to you.
I've also had luck just walking up at several locations, especially if I'm with a small party. Overall, just not the level of stress that comes with trying to book our favs at WDW (I'm a 180 day booker there, too!)

 

[Spencerfamilynj]

Had the same concern (but am not one booking meals in the dark). Heading to DLR on August 5 (parks on the 6th-9th). Called a week ago and pretty much got everything I wanted when I wanted it. If you book 60 days out, doubt you'll have any trouble at all.

 

[pixiewings71]

I would definitely add Carthay Circle to your list. It's a great place to dine.
Also, instead of calling try emailing, dine@disneyland.com. Give them your party size, dates/times/restaurants requested and within a couple of business hours you'll have a confirmation email, complete with a confirmation number. Altho we have never needed to give a confirmation number when we've checked in for reservations.

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

I just made mine yesterday, including Carthey Circle Restaurant, for a last minute trip next week. The only time I have ever had to switch things up was the week between Christmas and New Years!

 

[PHXscuba]

HydroGuy also has a recent threads about Disneyland dining for WDW vets here.

I think the only reservations I would be OCD about are: the high-profile or new restaurants people have mentioned (especially things like WoC or Fantasmic packages), big groups, or wanting to eat at a very specific time (like right before or after something). Otherwise keep the Dining hotline number on your phone (I don't have it handy but someone will) and make them as you go.

... and this advice is coming from someone who logged on from halfway around the world when her 180-day WDW dining mark fell during another trip! So if I say not to stress, believe it!!

PHXscuba