ADR's in September

[Sora321]

Hello! I'm new here to the boards and I've been doing some research for my upcoming trip in September.

My family and I are doing two days at Disney and then a Disney Cruise. My mom has booked the cruise already, and we're going to get passes for the two days at the parks. I can't remember exactly which two days, somewhere around the 19-21.

Should we make ADR's? My mom thinks it won't be too busy, and I agree, but does anyone have any advice?

This is my coming home from Korea trip, and I'm really excited!

 

[bonne403]

Absolutely try to make ADRs! You will be visiting the parks during the Free Dining promotion so it will be very difficult (perhaps impossible) to walk into the more popular restaurants.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

You NEED aDR's thanks to free dining. There are going to be plenty of ticked off people who can't get seated because of it and you don't want to be one of them.

 

[WendyWonderland]

My family and I were there last September from the 8th - 15th during free-dining. It really depends on what kind of places you want to eat at, and how many are going to be in your party. The "Table Service" places, I'd make a reservation if you can. However, we were switching our ADRs around up until the night before and there was almost always availability to change times.

We ate at Pizza Planet and there was virtually no wait and plenty of tables.

I feel like I should note that we're going in September (17-24)this year too, and I'm finding much tighter availability for ADRs for whatever reason.

 

[Sora321]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I really only want to eat at Gaston's Tavern because I've never been before. I'm pretty sure it's table service? I have no clue. I haven't had the time to look it up really. My mom is doing all the planning because it's easier for her to do than me.

I'm going do some quick research and see if there are any other restaurants that look interesting.

Edit: Turns out it's more like a snack/quick service place. I don't even know if you can make reservations for those. Oh well. Looks good anyway!

 

[darnheather]

Korea btdt you deserve an excellent vacation after that! Gaston's Tavern is a snack shop not a restaurant. Menu

Do make the ADR's if you want a table service place though.

 

[Kristine316]

September is traditionally one of the slowest times of the year at Disney that's true... however, it is also Free Dining and that means ADR's will be difficult to get. All of the Disney resort guests will have some form of Free Dining and that means people who normally wouldn't spend $100 for dinner will fill the restaurants because its all a part of their package for no additional charge. I would mention to your mother that having ADR's is very important, even more so during September if you want to eat at the more popular places.

Places like O'hana and BOG will already be booked solid, more than likely.

It is not like there won't be anywhere to eat but, if you don't have the ADR's you will be stuck eating in restaurants that aren't all that great.

 

[Sora321]

Again, thanks for the replies!
It was Be Our Guest that I was mixing it up with. My mom is on a cancellation list for it.

We aren't too into eating at the sit down places. Every time we go it's usually the quick service places or snacks. I also don't want to spend too much on food.

We are staying at Art of Animation, so would we be eligible for free dining?

Thanks again!

 

[focusondisney]

Again, thanks for the replies!
It was Be Our Guest that I was mixing it up with. My mom is on a cancellation list for it.
We aren't too into eating at the sit down places. Every time we go it's usually the quick service places or snacks. I also don't want to spend too much on food.

We are staying at Art of Animation, so would we be eligible for free dining?

Thanks again!

Cancellation list?? With who?? Disney?? Don't mean to be rude or nasty, just never heard of a cancellation list for any Disney restaurant. I'm sure loads of people would be interested in getting on a cancellation list. Thanks!

 

[Sora321]

That's what my mom told me. She called and they put her on a list to see if anyone cancels. If they do, then the reservation goes to the next person on the list. Maybe it's new, I don't know.

I've never planned a trip in my life, so I don't have a lot of information. I have learned a lot reading these boards though.

 

[mousefan73]

OP, I'd double check on the cancellation list thing. I spoke with dining res and there is no such thing (so I was told and I have never heard of it). We are going first week Sept and Be our Guest has been booked ever since I booked my trip ( 4 weeks ago!!). Top places ( chef mickeys, any character, ohana, boma etcc) are booked out already or have limited, late late seating. Things do pop up available when people cancel.


if you do findma place younreally want and its booked, check daily many times as things open up once people cancel and they do. I have also ADRs I will be cancelling once I finalize my plans. So,there is hope once we get closer.

 

[mousefan73]

Ps. Is your mom using a travel agent? I wonder if some agents say this and keep checking for people??????????????

 

[Sora321]

Yes, I believe she is using an agent.

It's not a big deal if we don't get to eat there. We'll get to eat at the nice places on the cruise ship. When I'm at the parks, I like to eat quickly and move on. Be Our Guest just looked interesting.

I'm more interested in what it looks like than actually eating anyways. I love looking at all the details they put into things.

I'll pass on the info, and thanks for your help!

 

[focusondisney]

You might want to consider having lunch there, if you can't get a dinner reservation. Although it will require waiting in line for about 30 mins or so. We ate lunch there May 15th & I plan to again on our Sept trip. The food was very good. We ate in the room with the large figures & the portraits--it was beautiful! Many posters like lunch better than dinner. You order at a kiosk, pick your own seat & your food is brought out to you.

After you eat, you can wander around & look at all the rooms & details.

 

[Sora321]

That sounds like a great idea! I don't mind waiting a bit for lunch. Then we can look at all the details and such.

Thanks again everyone for all the advice!