ADRs really a must have?

[Jennafoo]

Eating at character meals, BOG dinner, most in park TS restaurants, and "popular" places, and eating at normal times might be more of a problem. There are a lot of people up at 6am on their 180 day making reservations. Free dining adds to restaurants being busy.

If you are flexible with times, don't mind eating at off times (11a or 2p lunch, 9pm dinner for example), and are willing to go to some if the resort restaurants you will have much better luck.

Yes, good point. I'm an "off times" eating person, plus that's what's great about being on my own.

Again, I don't think I made it clear, but I do have some ADRs: I have BOG, Cinderella's Royal Table, Le Cellier, HBD for Fantasmic, and Sci Fi. Plus, I have the dessert party and afternoon tea at the GF (this is all over eight days). It's all the other meals that I've been stressing on, and wondering if I could just wing it...

 

[hgeisler]

This just feels alarmist to me. While these boards have been super helpful, I think they're adding to the stress for me. The idea that there will be NO TABLE SERVICE ANYWHERE IN WDW IF YOU DON'T MAKE ADRs RIGHT NOW!!!...that's the EXACT question I have. Is that REALLY true?

Maybe I'm totally off, because I haven't been, but this just doesn't feel right. Again, I'm NOT looking to walk up. But I am looking to get there and decide on a park a few days in advance, and take a look at what's available then. It seems like, if I don't have my heart set anything, I can still eat something other than counter service...no?

I said POSSIBLY eating CS, not DEFINITELY. There is a difference. I am the type of person that likes to always consider any possible scenario, and have a solution for that scenario. That way I am mentally prepared.I didn't mean it to be alarmist. Since you've already booked some TS meals, you won't be eating all CS. But as has been stated previously, it could happen in some instances, especially if you want to dine at MK. MK has a shortage of good TS restaurants, so they tend to fill up quickly.

 

[Fivemuggles]

I think as long as you have your "must-do" places booked, which you said you have, you'll be fine. Just be willing to go at off times, peak dining hours will prob be full. Have fun!!

 

[ses1230]

Yes, good point. I'm an "off times" eating person, plus that's what's great about being on my own.

Again, I don't think I made it clear, but I do have some ADRs: I have BOG, Cinderella's Royal Table, Le Cellier, HBD for Fantasmic, and Sci Fi. Plus, I have the dessert party and afternoon tea at the GF (this is all over eight days). It's all the other meals that I've been stressing on, and wondering if I could just wing it...

Oh wow, you have some good choices there! I didn't realize that you already had some ADRs. In that case I think you should be fine, especially since it sounds like you are ok being flexible with times, etc.