dining advice

[FARMGIRL]

We are going to WDW Jan. 19-26 for the first time, we are buying the dining package, what I was wondering, do we have to make advance reservations for this time of year, I don't know for sure where we will eat, I know we will do at least one character meal, DD BD on the 23rd so I will get reservation some where for that. Does it matter what time of year you are there as far as making ressies or is required at most places? I would appreciate any input on this. Some ideas on where to eat would be nice also, 12 yr old son, good eater, 9 yr old daughter very picky eater! Thanks!

 

[Frantasmic]

I think you will get a lot of opinions on this. The dynamics have changed since people visited with the dining plan from last January, so their experiences may not have a lot of weight.

The dining plan seems to have caught on and is being purchased by many.

Past history would indicate that you are probably correct in that this should be a very light time, attendence wise, thus negating your need to do too much advance planning. However, with Disney offering codes to fill up their rooms and stuff, I don't know if it is safe to assume a "dead" time of the year attendise wise.

Whatever you choose to do will probably be opposite: if you make ADRs, you might be disappointed when you arrive and the crowds aren't there and you feel "trapped" by your advance planning; if you don't, it will be busy and you will be upset at not getting to eat where you want. It is a Catch 22.

 

[Fast Pass]

We went the two weeks after Labor Day. We made ADRs because with the dining plan we were afraid not to. We didn't need ADRs for 1900 Park Faire or Liberty Tavern Inn. We were glad we had them for Le Cellier,Chef Mickey's,Chef de France,50s Prime Time. We went to Concourse Steak House twice. The first time was on a Wed. and we didn't need an ADR and the second time was on a Friday-we were glad we got one. Oh yeah,we needed an ADR for CRT.

I would rather have an ADR and not need one then take a chance of wanting one and can't getting one.

You can always change your mind and cancel ADRs and then make new ADRs as your plans change. However,remember the dinner shows and CRT will need to be cancelled within 48 hours if you decide not to go.

Any buffet will appease even the most picky appetite. My favorite is Ohana's(breakfast). Concourse was excellent also-I don't know if the 9 year old will like it because I saw very few kids. 50s Prime Time is a blast we went for lunch and had both Mom and Joey wait on us.

The only place that doesn't take ADRs is CaptnJacks and of course all counter service places.

If you need any help PM me and I can go into detail about some of the restaurants.

 

[mtdevine615]

We usually go in January and next year we'll be there from the 12 until the 23rd. We usually only make a few ADR's because it is so slow and have never had any problems getting in to a restaurant. This time however I am making ADR's for every day. If our plans change and it doesn't fit I'll cancel it and try to make a new one that day. It's nice to have the ADR's as a backup. Maine

 

[3littleHalls]

We are going the end of Jan, and we are planning on making ADRs. We have 3 small kids and everyone stays on their good behavior as longs as they don't wait forever to be seated! We aren't expecting big waits, but this helps curb the grouchies!

 

[RCBlackburn]

Given the fact that you can use the dining plan for Character Meals, you should schedule one of those for each day. Personal experience warrants they're not good for breakfast but an excellent value for lunch and dinnertime - especially those at the nicer restaurants! Go to Wilderness Lodge for dinner one night - very cool and upbeat. The Fantasmic Dinner package at MGM is also very nice because you get preferred seating for the show that night. I'm one to agree that Cinderella's Royal Table is "iffy" - you might enjoy it or you might hate it - depends on what the wait staff is capable of that day!!!

Enjoy - that's why you're going!!!!!

 

[FARMGIRL]

Thanks so much, I love getting input from all of you. One of you said that for a dinner show you have to cancel 48 hrs. ahead, what about the other ones, table service, is there a time frame on cancelling? If we have a ressie and change our plans that day, can I just call and cancel? My husband is leary of me making ressies, but I would rather have some and be able to cancel than not and everyone get grumpy including me if we have to wait or go some where we really didn't want to. Thanks for the help!