Better to show up "early" or "later" for ADR?

[gharter]

I would take the 11:45 and show up early. While rare, if you show up late, you run the risk of being turned away. We always show up a few minutes early. sometimes we get seated earlier, sometimes we don't/

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I tend to arrive early, since there used to be something several years ago at the time of ADR booking that said arrive 15 minutes before ADR time. But these days, email confirmations say that you should arrive at least 5 minutes ahead of time, and I can see this was the language used in both our 2016 and 2017 dining reservation confirms. I can also say that from our trip this past December, the staff checking us in felt we were on the early side for doing check in when we got there 15 min ahead ...and in only one case (out of 14 ADRs last trip) did it result in us being seated early. In past trips as well as the most recent, we found some spots wouldn't permit us to check in more than 15 min in advance and very few seated us early. We also had a few where we got there before the 15 min mark where they were either running on time or behind. While we made the choice to check in 20-30 min early, you waste a lot of time sitting there if they are running 20-30 min behind. So, whenever we return to WDW...IF we do any more TS meals, I'm just going to aim for that 5 min before window.

 

[Nancyg56]

Early.

If you are late at all, they hold the right to cancel the reservation and mark you as a no show while charging you the fee.

You are told to show up 15 minutes before your reservation time anyway.

Exactly. I have been a few minutes late and was worried. We were told we woudl be placed at the back if there was still availability. Thankfully there was, however it was made clear it was a kindness.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I'd book the later time and be early/on time. Even if you're a bit behind you don't really need a FP for the sing-along anyway.

 

[DizneyMommy]

I just went up and said I was checking in for a 5:35 ADR (it was 4:45ish). He handed me a pager and we sat in the cover of the building for about 2 minutes and then he paged me. The restaurant was half empty too though.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

We show up 5 minutes before. Never late.

 

[Lorelai]

I would agree with those who say to arrive 15 minutes prior to your ADR...if you're late, you can absolutely run the risk of having to wait longer because now parties who were on time for an ADR (even just a little later than your original ADR time) have now been seated prior to you.