Anyone else less concerned about ADRs-

[Simba's Mom]

and making them ASAP, since joining DVC? We discussed it last night because we have a trip planned in early May. Although pre-DVC, we'd make ADRs months in advance, we're in no hurry to make ADRs. We don't know where we'll be when yet, and there are so many great places to eat at WDW. We don't have our heart set on eating any particular place, and if, as time gets closer, we decide we really want to eat at a particular resturaunt, then can't get ADRs because we didn't book early enough, "Oh, Well", we'll eat somewhere else on this trip-there's always next time. Anyone else find that they're less concerned about making ADRs as early as possible now since joining DVC?

 

[CarolMN]

That describes us. (Well, really just me since DH eats where ever I say since he does none of the planning, LOL).

I'm not sure if it's because I'm getting lazy, or if it's because I know we will be back soon due to DVC or because I haven't found it difficult to make ADRs even if I wait until we arrive.

FWIW, we usually only make ADRs for the signature restaurants now, with just a few exceptions. IMO, those are the only ones that haven't been significantly affected by the various dining plans. Seems like the food is all the same at the 1 credit places - I'd rather eat counter service or cook in the villa than pay the prices they ask for what they offer. Anyway, except for the CG, I haven't had any trouble at all making ADRs for the 2 credit places. Even the CG isn't too bad if you stay away from the fireworks times.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

and making them ASAP, since joining DVC? We discussed it last night because we have a trip planned in early May. Although pre-DVC, we'd make ADRs months in advance, we're in no hurry to make ADRs. We don't know where we'll be when yet, and there are so many great places to eat at WDW. We don't have our heart set on eating any particular place, and if, as time gets closer, we decide we really want to eat at a particular resturaunt, then can't get ADRs because we didn't book early enough, "Oh, Well", we'll eat somewhere else on this trip-there's always next time. Anyone else find that they're less concerned about making ADRs as early as possible now since joining DVC?

Hi Simba Mom.. I guess it would depend if one had a car with them on the trip. I like to plan, and one can always cancel if it doesn't fit into your itinerary. Early May is not that busy...so I hear....but I think its a popular DVC'r month. You'll probably be fine.

 

[helenk]

I will still make ADRs for the places where I really want to eat. For our trip in June there will be 4 adults and 1 infant so there are a few meals that I definately want to do. I plan to make ADRs at Crystal Palace and Norway for breakfast for all of us and dinner at the Cali Grill at the CR for my son and his wife.. Other than that we will eat breakfast and lunch in the villa and dinners will just be counter service although I would like to get over to Boma for dinner or breakfast one day.

 

[shellybaxter]

Not us - we still make our ADRs as soon as we can. We enjoy eating at our favorite restaurants in WDW and trying some new ones. Unfortunately we're running of of new ones to try

 

[Granny]

We typically don't make many ADR's since joining DVC. We are definitely more in the "wing it" camp as far as planning, etc.

I'm not sure if it's because I'm getting lazy, or if it's because I know we will be back soon due to DVC or because I haven't found it difficult to make ADRs even if I wait until we arrive.

We've found the last two years that getting ADR's when we arrive (our past practice too) is getting more and more difficult at all restaurants. I can only think that the DDP is making this so.

Instead of planning ahead more, now we just check out the ADR capability when we get to WDW. If nothing is available, we just eat off-site (we have a car). We've been finding ourselves eating off-site more and more since the DDP came about.

 

[AKV707]

We still reserve early, just as we did pre DVC.

 

[iluveeyore]

Since joining DVC, we make maybe one ADR at a favourite or new to try per trip, and then just buy groceries. That's the main reason buying DVC in the first place, to save $$$ on eating out the whole time (usually two weeks per yearly trip), and using our beautiful kitchen in the villa. Much more relaxing too, not spending my whole vacation racing to the next ressie!

 

[dgaston]

I still make ADRs -- but our last trip was Visa Free Dining in December, and I wanted to be sure to book some of our favorites. We were blessed and were able to get LeCellier for our CP, a dinner at Boma, and lunch at Crystal Palace. We also tried Mama Melrose for the first time thumbsup2 ) and Grand Floridian Cafe ( ehh!).

Now I am struggling with a Grand Gathering in Sept -- celebrating 2 birthdays, one pre-retirement, and one engagement. Pixie dust desperately needed!

 

[bobbiwoz]

If I think we want to eat at Le Cellier, for the steaks, or the Grand Californian, for the firework viewing, I do book ahead. Since we now can only book 90 days ahead, I'm in a limbo for booking.

Bobbi

 

[LisaS]

We're vegetarians so our options are pretty limited. I like to make at least a few ADRs so that we'll be sure of having a few good meals during our stay. Having said that, I took the laid back approach and waited until about 2 months ahead of our dates for our last trip and got burned when we couldn't get into some of our favorites. We managed OK going to counter service places for two nights and dinner in the room one night but we missed having some of our favorite meals that trip.

For our next trip, I got on the phone within days of our 90-day window opening up and still couldn't get what I wanted in a couple of cases ! We managed to get in but not for the dining times that would have been most convenient for us.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

No. I still don't like to cook on vacation and I get sick of counter service, so I like to have an ADR in place for every evening of the trip. Last year, we cancelled two of them ... but I'd rather cancel then be left without. It is much easier to pick up the phone at 2:00pm to cancel your 5:30pm ADR, then it is to pick up the phone at 2:00pm in order to schedule an ADR.

I've tried to schedule same Day ADR's on 2 separate trips - I found that it is possible, but the times or locations aren't necessarily that great for our family.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Unless we're traveling with a large party, we wing it. We've gotten in at Jako, Boma, and many others without ADR's. I still love to cook even on vacation, and with the economy the way it is, in June we will eat mostly at the villa except for the lunch time ADR at Le Cellier (Gotta have that soup & Pretzel Bread Stick).