Anyone not making ADR's?

[pixistix]

I'm considering the DDP for our June trip. Wasn't going to but now that we're flying and we'll be there 10 nights, I'm sure we don't want to eat counter service 2 meals a day for that long. So I told DH that if we eat at just a few TS restaurants, it's worth the DDP. I didn't add that to my package yet, I think I have some time. But is anyone NOT making ADR's?
I just don't like the thought of being tied down to a reservation. Do I need to be because of crowds?

 

[bigbabyblues]

I would say yes, especially in June. DH and I were at WDW the first week of February and we saw people being turned away at each restaurant we went to. No waiting, just no luck. I'm guessing June would be worse. If you're going to get the DDP, I would strongly advise making ADRs. You can always cancel or change them if you want to, but if you don't have any, it may be counter service all the way.

 

[n2mm]

I can't imagine going to WDW during a busy time like June with no ADRs. I too was there in early February like the previous poster and watched people get turned away at the 50s Prime Time, Whispering Canyon, LeCellier (of course), and even at Kona Cafe the walkups were told of an 1 hour to 90 minute waits. However, you can survive without ADRs. You most likely will have to choose from the not as popular places to eat and eat during odd times. Late lunch--keeping in mind that the lunch menu is often different than the dinner menu. Resort dining would be your best bet. Not too popular places like 9 dragons might be possible also. Hollywood and Vine maybe too since it doesn't get good reviews. I certainly would check with the front desk the morning of to see what is available. Hopefully you do not have children with you because the idea of taking your kids from one restraurant after another trying to get a walk in reservation, plus a long wait is not the way I prefer to spend my precious vacation time. Keep in mind that June is extremely busy, so busy that Disney even added another price catagory called summer rates just because June and July are the busiest times to go during the summer now--it closely follows Easter week and Christmas week. Good luck and let us know how it worked out for you.

 

[twinspluscade]

If you do buy the DDP, I would for sure get ADR's ahead of time...if you can.
In fact, before purchasing the DDP I would call Disney dining and make sure you can even get ADR's at the restaurants you'd want. I remember a post here a few weeks ago from someone who bought the DDP four weeks before their trip...and then when they went to make their ADR's found very few things available. So that'd be one thing to check into before you buy it.

That being said, it would more than likely be possible to get into TS restaurants without ADR's...but it may not be your first choice restaurant. For me personally, after shelling out all the money for DDP--especially since it looks like your daughters are considered "adults"--there's no way I'd take the risk of not getting into my first choice restaurant.

 

[want2bamommy]

I'm considering the DDP for our June trip. Wasn't going to but now that we're flying and we'll be there 10 nights, I'm sure we don't want to eat counter service 2 meals a day for that long. So I told DH that if we eat at just a few TS restaurants, it's worth the DDP. I didn't add that to my package yet, I think I have some time. But is anyone NOT making ADR's?
I just don't like the thought of being tied down to a reservation. Do I need to be because of crowds?

If you are going to buy the DDP I would DEFINITELY make ADR's (I would even if going during the slow season) to ensure that you aren't wasting your money. I went in September with free dining and we had ADR's for each dinner and we saw people waiting for a very long time (that didn't have ADR's). We had young children (my nieces) with us and I couldn't imagine waiting for our ADR's with them.

Good luck!!

Missie

 

[hojolo]

Family of 7 on DDP total just back from OKW Mar 10 - 17. Only made 1 ADR before we got to the park. That was for CP in the MK on early open day (Thurs). Had late lunch @ 2:30, called it dinner and went home early.

While we were at the park made same-week ADRs for 1) Hoop Dee Doo 5pm, 2)Princess Storybook Breakfast in Norway @ 10am, and 3) Mama Melrose dinner Fantasmic package. Remember, this is a party of 7.

Were we lucky? Yes, but my point is that even large groups are not going to be completely shut out of popular options. Be flexible, relax and enjoy your vacation.

 

[Nala2007]

I always loved to be spontaneous on WDW trips, but the last couple of years you really find it is MUCH more efficient to do some planning and YES make ADRs. Trust me, I would much rather be spontaneous and decide where I want to eat and when. June will be crazy, I would definitely recommend the ADRs. It is actually fun! Remember if you are going to make them, do it ASAP!

Have fun!

 

[aubriee]

I haven't been in June, but we did see people turned away last May, which of course is a much slower time. We also saw people turned away Sept '05 and Sept '06 during the free dining period. For June I'd definitely make ADRs--you can always call the WDW dining # programmed in my cell phone for just that reason.

 

[The Sweetness]

If you do decide to get the DDP, just make your ADR first. That way, you know that you'll be able to enjoy some sit down meals, instead of only CS, which would be a waste on the DDP.

Just for the record, Im having my first trip since '99 coming up, and I do have the DDP (made my ADR 180 out at 7 a.m. like a good little compulsive planner. But since then, I really wish I hadnt committed to daily TS. My 2 year old has a scarce appetite, and even less patience to sit in restaurants. The high- chair is her sworn enemy, just like the crib

Unfortunately, I already promised DH a TS dinner daily. This is the one thing that he gave me ANY input on for the whole 9 day vaca. He didnt even look at the menus or suggest any TS restaurants to try He just said it would be nice if there were some seafood available. This leaves almost everything wide-open for me (most places have at least 1 SF ap or entree) W/ the exception of LTT, where they dont have any seafood for dinner

But with my 2 y old being a combo of and in restaurants, its going to be a circus act trying to keep her content, and get DD15, DH, me, and a guest (twice) fed. At least I planned 6 of the 9 meals as either buffet or fam style, I think it will be easier to *take turns* eating these meals (hopefully)

If I happen to be dining at the same place/ time as any of you, and dd2 is putting us through the wringer, I apologize . Between the 3 of us, we truly do usually manage to keep her roar down to a minimum (we do usually dine out one every week or 2)