Are ADRs Really Recommended????

[BlueFairy]

If time is of the essence, getting from 1 resort to another is not fun. It can take AT LEAST one hour by bus. I hear that taxi is good but it costs around $15. I would say do the resort dining if you have time or if it is a "Must do" but be sure to allow the time, especially for those hard-to-get ADRs like Boma, Chef Mickey, Ohana, California Grill, etc.
Otherwise, if you're going just to go, then I would say skip it if you're doing a park that day. We schedule our resort dining for arrival and departure days and our no park day. That way we have lots of time to get there.

 

[aterriq]

You need ADRs even in the slow season. When we went to H and V, we waited about 30 minutes after our ADR time. The restaurant was half empty but they only had enough CMs to serve half the restaurant.
Remember there are less CMs working during the slow season. So some restaurants will not have full seating and there will be less chance to eat there.

 

[jackmac]

I was just there from Jan 26 to 30 and I had only 1 ADR booked prior to arriving and had no problem.

If you have a special occasion or a special restaurant that you want then book ahead. I made a ADR for the Rose and Crown for Sunday night of that weekend for 7:40. This was made so that we could get an outside table and see the fireworks. This worked out great, we were outside and had a great view.

If you want to go to LeCellier or the California Grill then you will need to make advanced ADR's. Everything else you can make the day of.

On this last trip we ate at the Yachtsman on Friday (ADR made that morning), Palio at the Swan (no ADR, just walked in), Ragland Road on Saturday night (no ADR, just walked in).

I'm down at WDW about 3 times per year (January, May and October) and have never had a problem with ADR's, although I tend to eat around 8 and this helps.

Have fun.

 

[Azure]

Hey,

For Chef Mickeys, yes I recommend definatly having ADR due to the fact that it is one of the more "popular" character buffet's and does tend to fill up faster. But for anywhere else use you're best judgement. For me we book 2-3 meals that we think we should book early. Though, at Kona Cafe we were fortunate to be able to sneak by without ADR. Sit down meals that are more popular with people and that tend to be bit busier than other restaurants I do recommend ADR.

Have Fun!
Azure

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

The Dining Plan has had a major impact on the sit-down restaurants. Do yourself a favor and make reservations. You can cancel them later if need be. FYI all the WDW menus are listed on allearsnet.com....dining....menus.