Are ADR's absolutely necessary?

[PrincessK]

I always go to WDW during Value season. I have been twice in September during free dining and once in December. I have NEVER made an ADR! I am planning a trip for Dec 07 which be over 2 years since my last visit. Have things changed a lot because of the DP? Do you think people are making ADR's more because of the DP? I am a big planner but it's always been more about the airfare, resort, tickets etc. Once I get to WDW I don't like to be tied to a schedule. Do you think it's too big of risk to go without any ADR's the first week in December?

 

[Christine]

I don't think it is a big risk at that time.

However, if you want to have dinner at one of the REALLY popular places (Le Cellier, breakfast at the castle, etc), I would probably book those to be on the safe side.

Even if I were going during value season, I just probably make the ADRs even if I wasn't going to use them. It never hurts to have a back up.

 

[Luv4Disney]

Better to have them and need to cancel than not have them and be stuck with CS.

 

[PrincessK]

What's the cancellation policy? Sorry, I'm sure it's on these boards somewhere!

 

[The Sweetness]

CS isnt so bad. There are options out there now, far more than there was when I was there last (in '99)

You may run into a problem though, if you dont like burgers, dogs, ch strips, premade salads, OR pizza

 

[Christine]

What's the cancellation policy? Sorry, I'm sure it's on these boards somewhere!

You just pick up the phone and cancel. There is no penalty at all. Just like any other restaurant reservation you might make.

 

[clkelley]

If they don't ask for a credit card when you make the ADR, there is no cancellation policy. However, it is polite to cancel them, so they can accept other ADRs for that time or allow walkups.

If it is prepaid, then it is usually 48 hours to get a refund of your purchase price.

If it is a credit card guarantee, then it is usually 24 hour cancellation or $10.00 charged per guest to your CC for no show.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

CS isnt so bad. There are options out there now, far more than there was when I was there last (in '99)

You may run into a problem though, if you dont like burgers, dogs, ch strips, premade salads, OR pizza

I agree with you 100% about your comments. If guests just want counter service food there is nothing wrong with that, so there are a lot of places for the foods you mentioned. However a lot of the counter service locations also serve more then your typical Cheese Burgers, Hot Dogs and etc. Check out menus from any location and you will see there are a lot more items to choose from.

 

[OKWMom]

We have been in value season in the early part of December for the past four years. Each year, the parks and restaurants have gotten more crowded. However, with the DP, as other posters stated, the more popular places are all but impossible to get into without ADRs.

During our trip in December '06, we were waiting for our table at LeCellier and heard the hostess tell a guest without ADRs that the only restaurant in Epcot with any availability that night was Marrakesh. My experience last year was that the "one credit" TS restaurants were booked for dinner, but there was some wiggle room at the signature dining places. Mid-trip, I changed from one restaurant to Jiko with no problem and I also added a lunch ADR for The Plaza and GF Cafe.

YMMV.

 

[micksterlee]

We were at WDW 4/7-4/11 which was Easter week and we did it with no ADRs. We enjoyed not being tied down to a dining schedule. We found plenty of variety at the CS places including ribs, roasted chicken and various wraps.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We went this past Dec, the first weekend in the month for 5 days. We had reservations for breakfast and dinner everyday. DH was not happy about it because he doesnt like to be tied down and rush around but boy was he happy I did make the reservations.

We were at Kona for breakfast one day and the CMs were turning people away that did not have an ADR. Le Cellier for dinner was full but the CM's were trying to help people find a reservation at another country, I overheard them say England and Morocco had a few late seatings open. We did 8 am seatings at CP and Donalds and both were very busy, the CM said they were sold out for breakfast.

I guess it depends where you go, character meals will probably fill up no matter what time of the year you go. From now on we will always make reservations, better safe with a seat then left out in the cold.

 

[A_NY_Outlaw]

I would suggest making ADR. We planned our trip down for next week back in February and I didn't start making ADR until 3 weeks ago (I procrastinated). Needless to say everything (or almost everything was booked solid). We were extremely lucky in getting into some of the places we wanted, but had to settle for less than desired times. As for CRT, no b/l/d was available for the entire week next week. Being a picky eater, I wasn't willing to just go to any restaurant.....not a good combination.

 

[disneykid4ever]

I would definitely make ADRs for your favorite "can't miss" restaurants.