Are ADRs necessary for the first week of October?

[centurythree]

I'm spoiled by going in January when you can just walk in to any restaurant at any time. Should I be making ADRs at the 180-day mark or on arriving in each park, or is it safe to wait until lunch/dinner time?

Thanks in advance, I haven't been at this time of year since middle school.

 

[Mr. Pig]

I am surprised that you were able to walk into restaurants even in Jan. Oct. has Food & Wine festival which brings more people. I would recommend making ADR's if you have a favorite restaurant that you really want to go to. The popular ones (Le Cellier, CRT, and the like) will probably not be a walk in at any time in Oct.

 

[OKW Lover]

The answer depends heavily on where you want to eat and how flexible you are. If you've got your heart set on a particular place (especially a very popular place), then book ADR's as soon as you can. If you don't mind taking whatever is available, don't bother - there will be someplace you can eat.

 

[Brian Noble]

It is better to have and not need than to want and not have.

I typically make a set of ADRs for where I think I will be, but I don't feel as though I have to use any of them. If I think I'd rather be somewhere else that morning, I just call and cancel. There are few places that need you to cancel earlier, so I don't book those unless the plan is pretty firm.

 

[DreaGirl]

We went last October and made ADR's for around 5ish each night. We made them early so our DD's schedule wouldn't be that interuppted. Anyway, MOST of the restaurants we went to looked to have empty tables. The exception was WCC. It was packed!

We ate at mostly restaurants outside of the parks in the resorts. I would make ADR's just to make sure you have a spot, otherwise you may be restaurant hopping to find a meal, especially if it is after 5:30.

 

[centurythree]

Thanks guys!!

 

[Bev J]

We have been in October and saw many upset people trying to get into resturants without ADR's. Make ADR's for where you want then if you end up wanting to try and change you can call disneydining and see what else might be available, but at least you will have your originals to fall back on if changing does not pan out.
We were able to change an ADR for LeCellier to the Coral Reef, the CM was very surprised we wanted to change and even more that there was a spot for us at CR! We enjoyed our meal there very much and were glad we changed.

Bev

 

[mbcary]

I would highly suggest making ADR's. I also suggest it for any time of year, but especially in October with the F&W festival (as a PP mentioned). Have a great time and eat well!!

 

[twoeeyy]

Yes, especally since there will still be people there on bounceback free dining ( like us ).

As others have posted you can take a chance but for the ' biggies ' you might want some ADR's. But on another note last year at MNSSHP I saw a family walk up to CP without ADR and they got seated, we on the other hand had made our ADR's at the 180 day mark.