Are ADR's a Must

[Britt7]

Just booked our vacation for January 2008. I decided against the dining plan and I really doubt that we will be doing too many "sit down" meals with our 2 year old. I am planning on making reservations for two character meals - Chef Mickey and the princess one in Norway. Do we really need to worry about reservations for the rest of the trip. It will be difficult to know exactly when we will be able to eat each day since we will be dealing with our toddlers unpredictable nap schedule, frequent refusals to eat at normal times, etc. We are planning on just "winging it". Is this a BAD idea??

 

[Lynne M]

If you want to eat at a TS restaurant, especially in the parks, you need an ADR. The Dining Plan has made it pretty difficult to walk up and get a table at any time of year.

It sounds like you're leaning towards more CS meals with your little one, anyway. WDW has a good variety of counter-service food; it's not just hamburgers and chicken strips anymore. I've done entire trips without setting foot in a TS restaurant, so you'll do just fine.

I've had pretty decent luck calling for TS reservations on the morning of the day I want to dine. If the little one seems to be doing OK, and you think you'll want at TS lunch or dinner, just call 1-407-WDW-DINE around 10 AM and see what's available. If things go downhill during the day and you want to cancel, just call back and cancel.

Good luck!

 

[MissSha]

I'm with Lynne M. Having a couple of ADR's for the restaurants you're sure you want to go to is great. But if you overbook your vacation with ADR's, you'll be looking at your watch the whole time, leaving parks to get to lunch or dinner. Allow time for being spontaneous!!! If you decide that there is a special place you'd like to dine, your resort consierge can help you. Plus, January is historically a quiet time to visit

 

[abt426]

Having been several times with toddlers I always planned for at least one and usually two sit down meals a day. I leaned towards buffets for those - no wait for food and 2 and under eat free. My main reason is that i have always found that we are all happier if we take a break and rest and eat. I usually make them a little early in the day. Yes I had to cancel and change some, but even for my january 2007 trip i was not able to change things last minute like i used to be able to. I would really reccomend Crystal Palace.

 

[Christine]

It cannot hurt to have them and if you don't use them, just call the dining number from the park.

You may be able to wing it, you may not. It doesn't cost to make an ADR, so why not just have a few more.

I also agree with the poster above about the buffets. Some downtime is good, the buffets are quick, kids usually love them, and for a toddler they are FREE aren't they?