CRT arrival time?

[Lizziotti]

what time do you guys usually arrive before your reservation time?

 

[Robo]

what time do you guys usually arrive before your reservation time?

At the park?
30+ minutes early.

At the restaurant check-in desk?
Rule-of-thumb: 15 minutes before the ADR time.

 

[BudgieMama]

We checked in at 15 minutes before at all restaurants. When we went to CRT, we were asked to go away and come back 5 minutes before. I don't know if that is standard, or if they just had a really busy day and were doing that as a one off. I would sooner arrive 15 minutes before and be asked to come back than be late!

 

[figment_jii]

My family also aims to arrive at the restaurant about 15 minutes before our scheduled ADR time. I've arrive 15 minutes ahead of the ADR at CRT and weren't told to come back 5 minutes before the ADR, so it might just depend on how behind schedule they are.

 

[Robo]

My family also aims to arrive at the restaurant about 15 minutes before our scheduled ADR time. I've arrive 15 minutes ahead of the ADR at CRT and weren't told to come back 5 minutes before the ADR, so it might just depend on how behind schedule they are.

That, for sure.
In fact, it is stated by Disney reservations info for guests to check-in at a restaurant's desk by 15 minutes before an ADR time.

 

[figment_jii]

In fact, it is stated by Disney reservations info for guests to check-in at a restaurant's desk by 15 minutes before an ADR time.

It's funny...I know we all say that (I say it when folks ask too), but I went back and looked through every reservation confirmation I've gotten for the last few years and it's actually no longer included on the reservation confirmation emails. When I looked at the fine print in the Guest Policies section of making an ADR, they've actually changed it to five minutes.

REMINDERS
Reservations must be cancelled at least one day prior to avoid $10 per person cancellation and/or no show fee. Plan to arrive 5 minutes prior to your reservation time to check-in and allow up to 1.5 hours to travel to your destination when using Disney Transportation.

 

[JZCubed]

what time do you guys usually arrive before your reservation time?

I have had the experience at CRT, on multiple occasions, being told to not arrive before 15 minutes prior to reservation time.

As I understand the ADR system, many families have the same ADR time. The sooner your family arrives, the sooner you are seated prior to those who arrive after you with the same ADR time.

What seems to bother some people - a family with an earlier ADR that arrives after you may likely be seated before you.

Personally, I don't see the need to ever feel as if you have to arrive early for an ADR (and I am the type of person who is never late), and most of our experiences included a young child/toddler.

We typically arrive on-time unless we're just 'running early', but never 15 minutes too early. With maybe one exception the past dozen trips (75 ADR's +/-), we've never spent any large amount of time waiting to be seated. Most often, we are waiting for a Cast Member to bring us to a table where many tables remain empty. But I will admit, we typically avoid the ADR times most in demand, in part, to avoid some of the problems of having to wait a long time for tables to open.

 

[Quellman]

Most times the check-in hosts will not even check you in until 15 minutes prior. So showsing up sooner than that could be a waste of time.