ADRs in January?

[Ish&DrJones]

So how necessary are ADRs for TS during January? Besides the obvious super-popular things like Cindy's Royal Table and character breakfasts. For just your basic lunches and dinners. Mind you, I'll probably make them anyway, but just in case we decide that we're not in the mood for what we planned for, is it out of the realm of possibility to eat somewhere without an insane (1hr+) wait during an off-time?

And what places do you recommend hitting that absolutely NEED an ADR? Aside from V&A, because as much as we want to eat there, we can't justify $200+ for dinner.

 

[scottishduffy]

I am going January and already have my ADR's done. I am not how necessary they are but I figured I would have them just in case. It is a peace of mind, but I booked some popular things like HDDR, and a character meal or two.

 

[MomWith2Cinderellas]

So how necessary are ADRs for TS during January? Besides the obvious super-popular things like Cindy's Royal Table and character breakfasts. For just your basic lunches and dinners. Mind you, I'll probably make them anyway, but just in case we decide that we're not in the mood for what we planned for, is it out of the realm of possibility to eat somewhere without an insane (1hr+) wait during an off-time?

And what places do you recommend hitting that absolutely NEED an ADR? Aside from V&A, because as much as we want to eat there, we can't justify $200+ for dinner.

Last January we made reservations for all of our sit down dinners. This January we are doing the same. We did make some changes to our reservations while on property and pretty much got decent times and restaurants. I think you can make a change to ADR easier than you could during a peak season. However, remember you will have the marathon and MLK weekend.
I would guess even in January you will need an ADR for CRT or any of the really popular restaurants.
When in January are you going? Maybe will see you there!!

 

[jenb1023]

I don't know if they are necessary but I made all of ours at the 180 mark to be safe. I will say that I called back about two and a half weeks after I made them to make a few changes and had no trouble making the changes I wanted. I did have to alter one of the times I wanted to fit what was available though. I would make at least some of them to be safe.

 

[Momof2J's]

We're going January 6-11th and I made all my ADR's at the 180 day mark. I just wanted to get something in place and figured we could try to adjust if we had to when we were there. I have 2 small children, so I wanted to make sure we didn't eat our dinners too late.

I made ADR's for Chef Mickey's, PSBD Akershus, 50's PT, Coral Reef and 'Ohana's. I am a planner and like to have things set ahead of time though too!

 

[kikiV]

We visit DW every January (various dates) and have never made ADR. The one time we did, our kids got sick and we had to cancel. It's so hard to know in advance where you'll be on what day. If we get a break and the weather is hot, the kids would rather swim in the pool than go to a park. With no ADR, we have eaten where and when we wanted to. Hope this helps.

 

[wahoostampingirl]

I have already made all my ADRs for our Jan. 08 trip, but in Jan. 07 we needed an ADR on a Pirate and Princess Party Night. We were able to get into the Plaza at a reasonable time, although we did have a 30 min. wait to get seated. I think as long as you're flexible about places and times, you can wait until closer to your trip dates. One caveat: I am speaking about mid to late Jan. I think the first week of Jan. is very busy and ADRs are much harder to get.

 

[rcraw45425]

Well, I called the other day and got 'Ohana for Jan 2 & Jan 3, then called back a few days later to book a few more. DD had me check on Le Cellier (which I don't really care for) and it was booked solid for Jan 4th and Jan 5th, but I got what I really wanted, Yachstman Steakhouse. I guess as long as you don't want LC you'll be okay.

 

[disneyfan2]

maybe just plan a couple that you really want to go to, then make the rest as you go...

 

[Ish&DrJones]

Oh, I didn't realize I didn't say when in Jan. - that makes a big difference! We'll be there from the 26th-31st for our Honeymoon. We're planning ADRs (I'll be calling this week) for Cindy's table for breakfast and lunch (seperate days), a breakfast at the Poly (we've heard their character breakfast is good for vegans), and a lunch or dinner at the Brown Derby. Beyond that it's just a matter of randomly picking a place and a date. I think, based on what you've said, we'll probably make them for each day, and when we get there adjust if need be. I know WDW is always busy, but I think late Jan. is probably about as empty as we'll ever see it. Here's hoping at least!

 

[MomWith2Cinderellas]

Oh, I didn't realize I didn't say when in Jan. - that makes a big difference! We'll be there from the 26th-31st for our Honeymoon. We're planning ADRs (I'll be calling this week) for Cindy's table for breakfast and lunch (seperate days), a breakfast at the Poly (we've heard their character breakfast is good for vegans), and a lunch or dinner at the Brown Derby. Beyond that it's just a matter of randomly picking a place and a date. I think, based on what you've said, we'll probably make them for each day, and when we get there adjust if need be. I know WDW is always busy, but I think late Jan. is probably about as empty as we'll ever see it. Here's hoping at least!

Congrats!!! It looks like you should be missing all the major events (someone please correct me if I am wrong). Your game plan sounds like you should do well with your ressies!