August ADRs ..... Should we just (chicken) wing it?

[CrabbyPatty]

I'm driving myself crazy re-thinking the ADRs I've already made! We're doing regular DDP and have ADRs for LeCellier (lunch), WCC, Teppan Edo (DD's fav), 50's PTC, Tutto, dessert party, Artist's Point, and one more.

In 2009 and 2010 when we went in late August for free dining, we thought the crowds were very light in the parks, and at the restaurants as well. For example, the night we ate at Ohanas in 2010, there were empty tables around us. We had lunch that same trip at Le Cellier and they were accepting walk-ups.

For those who have gone in late August other years (especially 2011), was the situation similar? I'm asking because I'm trying to decide if I just keep my ADRs (except for the ones with the $10 reserve charge) and then just play it by ear and try getting reservations or walk-ups. For example, one day we may want to go to Kona for a late breakfast rather than an early lunch at Tutto. I realize that there isn't going to be availability across the board for most restaurants, but in your experience, will there be enough restaurants with availability that we can do ADRs that morning or the day before?

Thanks for any advice or words of wisdom!

 

[mommyof3princess27]

I havent gone in late august just Oct/Nov and I wouldnt dare try to do that LOL. Opinions vary but I have seen tons of ppl turned down as places were full

 

[CanadianPaco]

We have done a number of Free dining trips in August (incl this Aug) and recall seeing boards in the parks showing TS restauants that have no dining availability. I wouldn't be cancelling at ADRs or wing it ... you are right, while parks numbers may ease at the end of Aug, restaurants will be busy.

 

[3pletprincesses]

I found last year to be busy. We often had to wait 15-30 minutes to be seated afte our ADR time. There's 2 free dining in August, canadian free dining starts on Aug 19 and the US on the 26.

 

[MYD714]

I would make ADRs before the trip so that you at least have something if it's busy.

We've been to WDW every August for the last 10 years, all at different weeks and sometimes during free dining. It's always different.

One year I witnessed a man screaming at the hostess at San Angel Inn because he hadn't made ADRs for his family's entire vacation and he hadn't been able to get into any restaurants to use his TS credits (or at least, not the places he wanted). He hit his breaking point and unleashed on her. I remember thinking that I was glad to have made ADRs ahead of time.

Other years, we've had luck changing ADRs once we got there.

Last summer I was in WDW from Aug 17-24. I had to switch a few ADRs around because of family members changing their minds. I was able to change everything and everyone was happy. I think I was able to get every restaurant I wanted as long as I was flexible with the time.

I find it easy to either call or visit an info desk to make changes. As long as you're flexible and are ok with taking what's available.

 

[CrabbyPatty]

MYD714 - thanks for the tips about your August trips - I really appreciate it! When you were able to change your ADRs, do you recall if it was generally easier to get ADRs at the resort TS locations, or in the parks?

I think I'll leave the ADRs I have for now, and when we arrive, we'll just see if we are able to change anything around the "day of". Our trip is low-key enough that we'll be fine eating wherever we end up. Man, there's just something about the whole process of planning your food you're going to eat XX many days out!