Are ADR necessary?

[Disneyfan71]

The last time I went which was 1995 it was HIGHLY suggested we make ADR's for several restaurants and soooo glad we did. The last day we were there, we didn't make ADR's until later in the day and everywhere we wanted to eat (table service) they were all booked...So we ended up at Le Cellier (which then was a cafeteria style restaurant.)

If you don't want table service meals, then there's no use in making ADR's...however IF you want to eat at say Teppan Edo (Japanese) or Le Cellier or any of the other popular restaurants, then take the ADR's.

 

[G's mommy]

I would not chance it in June with a party of 8, especially if you are planning on eating inside the parks. The popularity of the dining plan has made ADR's a must for table service dining most anytime of the year.

 

[fla4fun]

OP, I know how it feels when you want to be spontaneous, and you feel ADR's will restrict you. I go to Disney frequently, and seldom make ADR's far in advance. However, I go solo most of the time, and I also go during slower seasons. I also don't mind eating CS if I can't get in a TS restaurant.

In your case, with 8 people, I think you have a few options.

If you intend to eat TS in the parks or at nearby resorts, I would at least call the day before and get an ADR set up. I'm not saying you need to book 90 days out, because as you said, you don't know what you want to do at that point. But I wouldn't go into the park with a party that size and try to wing it. Many of the restaurants have very limited numbers of tables that hold more than four people - so at the very least you risk not being able to sit together if you don't plan ahead. Character meals are an ADR must - don't try to walk in unless you're prepared to be disappointed.

Another option, mentioned by a pp, is to dine off property. On days when the parks close a little earlier, this could be a really viable option for you. There are dozens of decent quality restaurants just outside Disney that won't cost nearly as much as eating TS in the parks. This may not work for every night, but you might do this a few times.

You could also just snack your way through the day and plan to eat back at your villa. This would save you time, money, and aggravation, and you could be as spontaneous as you please. I know when I do day trips to the park, I eat a substantial breakfast at home, snack at the park during the day, and then have my other meal when I get back home.

Of course, there is always the option of just dining CS. It's not so bad as it used to be - there's a lot more selection than just hot dogs and hamburgers. Disney has even started a new CS only dining plan. I was on a strict budget Christmas trip last December, and ate only CS for five days. I didn't feel like I missed out on anything, and I could be as spontaneous as I liked.

So go to Disney, with or without your ADR's and have a great time!

 

[AuntBot]

If you want anything other than counter service, I would highly recommend it. If you want to eat in any of the popular places or have a character meal, you must have them. We were a party of 8 the last week in May 2008, and they were absolutely necessary. You can always try to change them if your plans change. If I'm not mistaken, party of 8 qualifies for Grand Gathering, right? They were extremely helpful last year with planning ADRs.

 

[Tina G]

At AK you can always do Rainforest as they don't take ADRs anyway.

It's the DTD location that doesn't take the ADRs through Disney's system. You can make ADRs at the Rainforest Cafe at AK. I think you can also make reservations by phone directly to the restaurant at the DTD Rainforest Cafe.

I agree with the others who have said with a party of 8, it will be unlikely that you will be able to get seated at any TS restaurant without an ADR.

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I would not go to WDW without ADRs. I find that having them helps me structure my day and touring plans. That way there isn't a whole lot of standing around trying to decide what to do. Not to mention the fact that in June, without ADRs, you will be eating counter service the entire trip.