Basic questions about ADR's........

[amelia1]

We are taking our 2 DD's ages 4 and 2 at the time of trip to WDW for the first time. I have already booked lunch at CRT. I haven't made any other ADR's. It is really necessary if you don't plan on eating at "nice" restaurants for dinner? Anyone gone without ADR's and just played it by ear. We are going in Sept. and I just don't think we will be eating a planned dinner each night. Will we wither away to nothing or worse yet....starve to death if I don't make ADR's?!

 

[laceemouse]

Well, September is usually a slow time of year, but if free dining is announced look out! I guess if you don't have any real preferences you will be okay, just remember that if you DO decide you want some sit down meals you may have a hard time just walking in and getting what you want when you want it. How about scheduling some nice lunches? That way you will be able to get out of the heat and get off your feet for a little while, and then if the kids are pooped later in the afternoon you can go back to the room. Or, do you plan to take lunch/nap breaks mid-day at your resort and then go back out to the parks later?
I say you will be fine with no ADR's unless free dining comes out. I take it you have not bought the dining plan?

 

[CrzyforPiglet]

We went right after Labor day a couple of years ago and other than being hot it was sooo slow! We walked onto splash mountain several times in a row and even had a car all to ourselves. We did have a couple of ADRs but really didn't need them - I'm just an overplanner! That being said I agree that you should watch out for any free dining announcements to see if it overlaps your dates. We haven't been during the promotion but I've seen a lot of posts that say even though it doesn't affect the rides that it can be hard to get into some of the more popular places to eat. You could always make a couple of ADRs at places you were already thinking about eating at and then cancel them later if need be. Some people may disagree but I say better safe than sorry. Plus some of the more popular places (like Crystal Palace) fill up for lunch even without free dining so it isn't just dinners you should be thinking about. What we do now with our son is plan on sit down lunch and then grab a light dinner later either in the parks or at our resort. If you decide not to make any ADRs, you'll probably still be okay. Have a great trip!

 

[ndgqccmiller]

Went in October, I know its busier than Sept, but when I was at the front desk I heard a cm say there were alot of resturants booked up for the week. You could always make a couple adrs and then call and cancel or not. They always have people who don't show up.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you want to go to any character meals, you'll definitely need ADRs for those. Unless you don't mind eating dinner at 9:45PM (maybe).

 

[amelia1]

to see if free dining comes out. At least I don't think we did? I need to clarify that with my TA. She booked it for me.
I will have to sit down and think about a couple days anyway to book ADR's for I guess. We plan on taking a nap break mid day and heading back out in the late afternoon.

Well, September is usually a slow time of year, but if free dining is announced look out! I guess if you don't have any real preferences you will be okay, just remember that if you DO decide you want some sit down meals you may have a hard time just walking in and getting what you want when you want it. How about scheduling some nice lunches? That way you will be able to get out of the heat and get off your feet for a little while, and then if the kids are pooped later in the afternoon you can go back to the room. Or, do you plan to take lunch/nap breaks mid-day at your resort and then go back out to the parks later?
I say you will be fine with no ADR's unless free dining comes out. I take it you have not bought the dining plan?

 

[tjmw2727]

I would:

Definately book character meals and other more popular restaurants in advance.

When our kids were younger we always made at least one ADR per day, usually late breakfast or late lunch. This way I always had the option for one nice meal where we could all sit together, relax, cool down and be waited on. If you find you don't want the meal just cancel the ADR.

Counter service is much better than it used to be but it can still be a hassle. Fortunately there are many more great choices for CS esp at AK and Epcot.

Just take a peek at the menus at allears and see what suits you.

TJ

 

[brymolmom]

I've been recently with kids about those ages. I agree - sometimes you can't stick to a plan...depends how quickly everyone tires....if anyone naps in the stroller...etc. BUTTTT...the other thing is the last thing you want is tired and HUNGRY kids and trying to find a cool , out of the sun(inside) place to rest and eat dinner and then finding nothing available and having to walk to a few places or wait a long time to get in.

If you don't mind counter service every night or plan accordingly and get there really early - you'll probably be fine.

If it was me - I'd go ahead and schedule a couple/few late lunches or early dinners and if you it doesn't end up working out....skip it (obviously call ahead if possible). Except for CRT and a couple others - you don't have to pay anything so no problem if you're a no-show. BUt you'll have the reservation just in case.

 

[disneyfanfamily]

The 1st year we made NO ADRs. Didn't even know what those were! LOL. Our kids were 2, 6 & 8. Last time we only made Cinderella's Castle ressies. We don't eat at expensive places usually. We were able to get Crystal Palace ressies for the next day through POR conceirge.

This year the only ressie we have is for Rain Forest Cafe. I would like to also eat at Sci Fi, but haven't decided if I want to fork out the money. We eat at our resort alot, breakfasts in the room and counter service.

Good luck!

Angela