Booking an ADR that you don't really want to use??

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi, following on from a previous thread about arrival nights. I am flying out on the first VA flight and taking the Magical Express bus to the Beach Club next December.

I am concerned about the children eating when we get there, and I am considering booking an ADR at Cape May Cafe as a 'back up' plan. Ideally we would like to eat at Beaches n Cream but not sure how busy they will be on a Sat evening!

How long has anyone had to wait for a table at Beaches??, and were you able to entertain two small children?? (can one person wait for table and then fetch the others when their name is called??).

Plus - do you think it is 'bad form' to book an ADR at Cape May and then cancel it possibly only a few minutes before you are due to attend, should we be able to get in to Beaches??

Are there any other easy/quick options with the children, if we don't book CMC and then find that the wait is too long at Beaches??

I want the first night to be as enjoyable as possible, even if we are all tired and hungry!!


Thanks for any ideas!!

 

[CustardTart]

TBH I'd opt for room service - but I'm always a fan of the least stressful option...

Of course, you could walk round to the Boardwalk and eat over there...

Or depending on time of arrival, maybe you could go to Hurricane Hanna's Grille which is poolside but I don't know how long that remains open for...

 

[Cyrano]

IMHO I would only book an ADR that I felt we would use

 

[madmumof2]

Hi. I do think that is bad form personally. Booking two restaurants for the same time, then cancelling a few minutes later is one thing, but booking a reservation some other family are desperate for, knowing you never intend to use it is not fair.

 

[gemmybear83]

Yes got to agree.....

I would just eat counter service or room service the first night. We never make any plans - and we dont have kids!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

TBH I'd opt for room service - but I'm always a fan of the least stressful option...

Of course, you could walk round to the Boardwalk and eat over there...

Or depending on time of arrival, maybe you could go to Hurricane Hanna's Grille which is poolside but I don't know how long that remains open for...

thanks Custard Tart!!

Steve (DH) thinks we should just do room service, I am just concerned that last year when we did that, we all fell asleep at about half past six and were up in the middle of the night!!

What sort of options, can I go for on the boardwalk?? Is there still a take out pizza window?? Or possibly a place to grab and burger/chicken nuggets and fries for the children??

That would be a great alternative to Beaches n Cream, if we can't get in there. And a little walk in the fresh air before bedtime wouldn't hurt either!!

I am not going to book Cape May Cafe, I didn't think it was a good idea either -I was just trying to find a solution to two grumpy/tired/hungry children if the queue at Beaches is !!

 

[Shooby doo]

Amy if it helps they don't call your name but give you a pager/bleeper so you can wander about just ask when they give you it what the range is.With a few exceptions we normally only had a 5-10 min wait.
SD

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Amy if it helps they don't call your name but give you a pager/bleeper so you can wander about just ask when they give you it what the range is.With a few exceptions we normally only had a 5-10 min wait.
SD

thanks Shooby!! I think I will plan on Beaches (a pager and a bit of freedom will be a lot easier with the boys!!) and if it is a really long wait, I'll take a stroll around the boardwalk to sees what else I can find!!

Many thanks!

 

[T16GEM]

Hi Amy
Personally I would rather chop off my own feet than attempt a sit down meal with our two after they have been up and flying for such a long time!

This year the kids just wanted to sleep and have a nice bottle of milk, it was the first time I have ever seen DD get into bed willingly and go straight off, I cannot imagine that they would enjoy a meal or feel much like eating after the flight. Obviously you know your kids better, but from another Mum of two little 'uns I would take the easy option too and either order in or plonk them in their pushchairs and grab something quick.

Gems

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi Amy
Personally I would rather chop off my own feet than attempt a sit down meal with our two after they have been up and flying for such a long time!

This year the kids just wanted to sleep and have a nice bottle of milk, it was the first time I have ever seen DD get into bed willingly and go straight off, I cannot imagine that they would enjoy a meal or feel much like eating after the flight. Obviously you know your kids better, but from another Mum of two little 'uns I would take the easy option too and either order in or plonk them in their pushchairs and grab something quick.

Gems

Hi Gems - feels like I haven't 'spoken' to you in ages!!

I don't really know what to expect from them next year - Kai was fine to eat out last year (we ate by the pool at the Beach Club at HRH, and it was lovely!!), but Lucas was only 9mths, so really hard to tell how he will be when he next goes (he'll then be over 3!!).

We are already planning to go to Beaches n Cream for lunch on our first proper day, so it won't matter if we don't make it that first evening (although I had hoped to make it there twice, as there are two desserts I am dying to try!!) - but i'm sure takeout from the boardwalk will be lovely and then they can have a little run around before bedtime!!

thanks again for all the posts everyone!!

 

[T16GEM]

Hi Gems - feels like I haven't 'spoken' to you in ages!!

I know!!

We have a hilarious video of Harley sitting on the bed and DH is commentating on the fact he has been up for 23 hours and now he has 3 hours sleep before getting up for Epcot, and as soon as DH says that Harley just freaks out and flops himself on the bed! (obviously DH was joking about the 3 hours sleep - we had 4! )

What puddings are you fancying at B&C then? I want to try a Kitchen Sink, but DH and Harley arn't really into ice cream and I think it would be too much for just Shelby and I! May have to drag along out friends for that one!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

I know!!

We have a hilarious video of Harley sitting on the bed and DH is commentating on the fact he has been up for 23 hours and now he has 3 hours sleep before getting up for Epcot, and as soon as DH says that Harley just freaks out and flops himself on the bed! (obviously DH was joking about the 3 hours sleep - we had 4! )

What puddings are you fancying at B&C then? I want to try a Kitchen Sink, but DH and Harley arn't really into ice cream and I think it would be too much for just Shelby and I! May have to drag along out friends for that one!

It took us almost a week to get used to the time difference last year - two nights I ended up falling asleep before the children - and it was only half past six!

I think I like the idea of the kitchen sink more than I'd like the reality of it!!

I want to try the mudslide (I think thats what its called - its the HUGE chocolate brownie type sundae with oreos!!!), but I also fancy the strawberry sundae - the one with the pound cake - yum yum!!!

If I do make it to Beaches twice, I will probably put on about half a stone in the first 24 hours alone!!

 

[MrsJobba1]

TBH I'd opt for room service - but I'm always a fan of the least stressful option...

Of course, you could walk round to the Boardwalk and eat over there...

Or depending on time of arrival, maybe you could go to Hurricane Hanna's Grille which is poolside but I don't know how long that remains open for...

Hi I would opt for beaches or a walk round the boardwalk.

Just a word of warning - I beleive using room service on the Dp counts as 2 table service -

 

[torsie24]

Amy - you are such a model DISer! I love it!!!!!

Normally if people asked about meal times and reservations 17months in advance they'd get looked at like they were mad!!! But on the DIS it's perfectly normal

(I'm wondering if I'll want Ohana or WCC as a group meal in 2011!!! I daren't mention this to my family - we'll jsut keep i between us!)

In answer to your question though, we won't be having any ADRs for our first or second days as I find the jet lag means we can't eat properly for a day or two. We'll just grab something from the Mara when we arrive (although I am SO desperaate for a Hawaiin BBQ Sandwich from the Earl that if we aren't dead on our feet we may go to DTD!)

 

[Peebee]

Not sure if it's still the case, but DW and I are fairly certain that you used to be able to get a burger or hot dog as take out from Beaches and Cream - only issue was that you couldn't get the fries to go as well, only a packet of potato chips or a cookie.

Not sure if it's still the case - the online menus seem to suggest otherwise - but if it's all backed up when you arrive it might be worth asking.

Paul

 

[UKDEB]

It's probably not wise to book an ADR for your first night, regardless of the ethics surrounding double booking. Any number of things could cause you to arrive later than anticipated and until you actually arrive it's so difficult to imagine how you'll feel when the time comes.

The good news is that staying at the Beach Club gives you a million and one options. Although not widely acknowledged on the internet, Crew's Cup Lounge at the Yacht Club (next to the Yacthsman Steakhouse) will serve you from the YS menu from around 5.30pm if you ask nicely (and tip well ). There are some great kids options. At the BoardWalk, both the ESPN Club and the Big River Grille and Brewing Works offer the usual burgers and hot dogs, amongst other things. And, if that's not enough choice, there are further options at the Swan and Dolphin or even Epcot if you're not limited by the tickets you've chosen. If the worst comes to the worst, you can grab chicken tenders or pizza for the kids from Martha's Vineyard at the Beach Club.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi I would opt for beaches or a walk round the boardwalk.

Just a word of warning - I beleive using room service on the Dp counts as 2 table service -

I think thats what we will do - take a stroll and see where we end up!!

Amy - you are such a model DISer! I love it!!!!!

Normally if people asked about meal times and reservations 17months in advance they'd get looked at like they were mad!!! But on the DIS it's perfectly normal

(I'm wondering if I'll want Ohana or WCC as a group meal in 2011!!! I daren't mention this to my family - we'll jsut keep i between us!)

In answer to your question though, we won't be having any ADRs for our first or second days as I find the jet lag means we can't eat properly for a day or two. We'll just grab something from the Mara when we arrive (although I am SO desperaate for a Hawaiin BBQ Sandwich from the Earl that if we aren't dead on our feet we may go to DTD!)

Do I now only have 17mths left?? - I'd better get a move on, I still haven't worked out where I am going to spend the snack credits during our 5 days on the DDP - so much to do, and so little time!!

Not sure if it's still the case, but DW and I are fairly certain that you used to be able to get a burger or hot dog as take out from Beaches and Cream - only issue was that you couldn't get the fries to go as well, only a packet of potato chips or a cookie.

Not sure if it's still the case - the online menus seem to suggest otherwise - but if it's all backed up when you arrive it might be worth asking.

Paul

Thats an interesting idea - now as long as they will let me take out the Chocolate fudge sundae - I am all set!!

It's probably not wise to book an ADR for your first night, regardless of the ethics surrounding double booking. Any number of things could cause you to arrive later than anticipated and until you actually arrive it's so difficult to imagine how you'll feel when the time comes.

The good news is that staying at the Beach Club gives you a million and one options. Although not widely acknowledged on the internet, Crew's Cup Lounge at the Yacht Club (next to the Yacthsman Steakhouse) will serve you from the YS menu from around 5.30pm if you ask nicely (and tip well ). There are some great kids options. At the BoardWalk, both the ESPN Club and the Big River Grille and Brewing Works offer the usual burgers and hot dogs, amongst other things. And, if that's not enough choice, there are further options at the Swan and Dolphin or even Epcot if you're not limited by the tickets you've chosen. If the worst comes to the worst, you can grab chicken tenders or pizza for the kids from Martha's Vineyard at the Beach Club.

Thanks Debs! I think I have totally abandoned the ADR idea (just isn't going to work, is it??!!)

I hadn't thought about the Swan and Dolphin, they might be a good option for us too - I'm off to allears to check out their menus - as I said before, so much to do and so little time!!

 

[torsie24]

Hope you fit all your planning in!!

Blue zoo at the swan/dolphin has some of the best reviews I've seen for WDW dining! Might make it a honeymoon option!

 

[mantismad]

Not sure if it's still the case, but DW and I are fairly certain that you used to be able to get a burger or hot dog as take out from Beaches and Cream - only issue was that you couldn't get the fries to go as well, only a packet of potato chips or a cookie.

Not sure if it's still the case - the online menus seem to suggest otherwise - but if it's all backed up when you arrive it might be worth asking.

Paul

They no longer do burgers etc., from the take out side of Beaches & Cream only ice creams and drinks.
We are at the Beach Club at the moment and arrived on Saturday the same as you are planning. We went to Beaches & Cream about 6pm and was told that there was a 45 minute wait. We were given a pager and our table was ready a bit sooner after a 30 minute wait. We often find they over estimate the wait. You cannot wander far with the pager or it will be out of range but it works fine around the poolside which is always nice to stroll around whilst waiting.
Just incase you don't know they no longer fill the refillable resort mugs in Beaches and Cream sit down so you will need to get them filled from the take out side in advance.
They do a salad bar and cibatta rolls in the Market place shop in Beach club if you are very tired and want to grab something quick to eat. It is very good although maybe not what young children would like. You can eat at one of the tables inside or take it back to your room.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

They no longer do burgers etc., from the take out side of Beaches & Cream only ice creams and drinks.
We are at the Beach Club at the moment and arrived on Saturday the same as you are planning. We went to Beaches & Cream about 6pm and was told that there was a 45 minute wait. We were given a pager and our table was ready a bit sooner after a 30 minute wait. We often find they over estimate the wait. You cannot wander far with the pager or it will be out of range but it works fine around the poolside which is always nice to stroll around whilst waiting.
Just incase you don't know they no longer fill the refillable resort mugs in Beaches and Cream sit down so you will need to get them filled from the take out side in advance.
They do a salad bar and cibatta rolls in the Market place shop in Beach club if you are very tired and want to grab something quick to eat. It is very good although maybe not what young children would like. You can eat at one of the tables inside or take it back to your room.

WOW - thanks ever so much for posting while you are there!! - I am VERY jealous!! Have a wonderful rest of your stay!! (If you happen to see Teena in the Beach Club lobby, please do say hi from everyone at the DIs and tell her that we miss her!!)