Advance Reservations in Feb?

[DrKnow77]

Hello all! Glad to be back to disboards after a long 7 year break. My wife and I are planning a Disney Vacation in early February 2011. What are your recommendations regarding Advance Reservations for this time of the year? I've heard that with Free Dining plan, its difficult to get into any sit down restaraunt without Advance Reservations, but wonder if that would still be the case in February?

I would prefer not to preplan every meal location, but also want to make sure we get into some of our favorites.

 

[madalex]

I would prefer not to preplan every meal location, but also want to make sure we get into some of our favorites.

If you want to make sure that you get into some of your favorites, then you should make ADRs (whether you really need them or not) to make sure that you get into those favorites.

 

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

guess it depends on when you are going in Feb since they extended free dining and feb is now included. I would absolutely go ahead and book your must dos!

 

[nancyc]

President's Day weekend is third Monday of the month, which is a busy time. Don't know if you're trip is around then -but something to consider.

 

[Nadjalu]

Good to have you back on the boards.

Now to answer your question..........YES if you want to enjoy a nice meal at a sit down restaurant you should book your adrs now if you can.
(I know early Feb is already past 180 days)
We are going the first week of Feb and already Ohana is pretty much booked, just a couple ressies out there that week.

Even though it is a slower time of year in the parks, FD is designed to fill the parks and resorts, so most people that stay offsite this time of year stay onsite to take advantage of this....therefore the restaurants are more full.

You can always cancel the ressie, but it is heartbreaking when you enter a park and see the big sandwich board that says "All TS restaurants are booked, please enjoy a meal at our CS places." People get very upset.

 

[DrKnow77]

Thanks Nadjalu and everyone. Our trip is planned Feb 6 - Feb 11. We wanted to get there before Presidents week. I think I will book some reservations now and cancel them if necessary. I never would have guessed Ohana would be booked already - thats one of the places I'd like to go! Thanks again!

 

[An_Island_Girl]

I'm not sure why, but the first week of February is blocked out for the free dining promotion. I know that is when the Cheerleading Competitions usually are, but I never dreamed it would be busy then as to black out free dining for the week. Now I'm thinking of going the second week in Feb. instead.
Decisions, decisions.

 

[Nadjalu]

I'm not sure why, but the first week of February is blocked out for the free dining promotion. I know that is when the Cheerleading Competitions usually are, but I never dreamed it would be busy then as to black out free dining for the week. Now I'm thinking of going the second week in Feb. instead.
Decisions, decisions.

The black out dates start Feb 4th which is a Friday, if you check in before that date you are grandfathered into Free Dining.