ADRs necessary?

[Miffy]

Hi everyone. We usually go to WDW in January, never make ADRs, and have never had any problems with getting into our restaurants of choice. However, we're taking a spur-of-the-moment trip in 3 weeks (May 29-June 2) and I'm not sure if our usual "whatever" policy is going to work out.

If we're flexible while we're there, is it really necessary to have ADRs? We don't usually plan in advance (especially not 3 weeks in advance!) where we're going to be at a particular time on a particular day...but maybe I should rethink this.

Thanks for your input.

 

[rgf207]

Your January policy will not work at that time. It is much busier than Jan but not super busy.

The in-park and popular resort restaurants will be booked. I would suggest picking a few restaurants you want and make ADR's for them. You can try to wing it on the other nights but be prepared to eat Counter Service if that doesn't work.

Have a great time

 

[beansmom]

they ARE necessary...last october, we were unable to eat some places because they were taking no walkups that day! needless to say, I made ADRS for this year already!

 

[Greg K.]

Hi everyone. We usually go to WDW in January, never make ADRs, and have never had any problems with getting into our restaurants of choice. However, we're taking a spur-of-the-moment trip in 3 weeks (May 29-June 2) and I'm not sure if our usual "whatever" policy is going to work out.

If we're flexible while we're there, is it really necessary to have ADRs? We don't usually plan in advance (especially not 3 weeks in advance!) where we're going to be at a particular time on a particular day...but maybe I should rethink this.

Thanks for your input.

You can also try going at "off" times.

Couple years ago we took our in-laws to WDW in July. (Not exactly the slow season.) We were looking for a spur-of-the-moment place to eat dinner one night, convenient to MK, since we were going to be staying for the fireworks and parade. We went to the GF and my wife asked the hostess at 1900 Park Faire about squeezing us in. She said "Come back at 4:30, sharp, and we'll fit you in." And they did. No problem.

Try for an early lunch or dinner, and your odds are better, I think.

 

[Miffy]

You peoples are the best! Thanks so much for the fast responses. I guess I'm going to make some ADRs as soon as possible.

I just realized that if we're not in the right place at the right time and can't make it to the ADR (of course, we'd cancel ahead of time), then we'd be in the exact same situation we'd be in if we'd never made an ADR in the first place, so there's no point in not making them.

If none of that makes sense, it's because I'm in Crazy Trip Planning Mode!

 

[Paparazzimama]

Wow! I can definitely see how ADRs would cramp your WDW style but it seems like without them you may miss out on most table service places this time of year. Maybe try making ADRs just for your dinners (that way you can still wing it to whatever park however you want during the day) and grab CS during the day wherever you're at. That's my suggestion - have a fabulous trip!!! We look forward to hearing about it!

 

[choirfarm]

I've seen several posts lately of people who call in the morning to make an ADR for that night. You would just need to be flexible with what you wanted to eat. If there is a place you REALLY want to go, then make the ADR. But otherwise, once you get there if you decide you will be at Epcot, then just call that morning to see what is available. Also, others have suggested showin up for lunch when the place opens. Just a few thoughts.
Christine

 

[beccasmom]

We rarely make ADRs unless we are dying to try a new place. We have been traveling to WDW for many years and have eaten at most of the restaurants. So we are mostly spontaneous and it has worked for us. We've been able to eat a late lunch at Le Cellier with no ADRs, but that is pure luck and being flexible with regard to eating time. We usually fall back on the same places anyway - ESPN Club, Earl of Sandwich, Olivia's, or one of the park counter service places. But we did make ADRs for Raglan Road last year and for California Grill for this year because we knew it would be prudent (we usually travel sometime in June). If you really want to have your itinerary squared away and/or not be disappointed with your options, ADRs are a great idea and probably vital. If you are more spontaneous and can be happy with other choices, you can wing it. When I was younger, I went with the ADRs, now I am more of a "winger" .....but some places are too good to pass up and an ADR is the only ticket.

 

[tiger4me2]

I would make a few like the ones you really want to eat at. If you have the DDP & if you can't use all the credits you are wasting money. Sometimes you get lucky in at the resturants other times no.

 

[jimmalru80]

If you want to eat where you want to eat, when you want to eat, ADR's are imperative.