Do I have to make ADR's?

[klwdisney]

I just booked our anniversary trip for next november (2007). I took a chance and booked the dining package. We are staying at POR. I HATE making advanced plans, I hate being on a schedule once we're at WDW. I figured at that time of year it's slow and we wouldn't have any problems walking in for a table restaurant meal w/o an ADR. Plus we'll probably use most of those credits at Boatwrights anyway.

So today I read a post from someone who'd just returned from WDW and they said people on the dining package were being turned away from table restaurants for not having an ADR.

Im starting to panic!! Does that mean I have to make ADR's???????? Is that one of the rules of this plan? Because if that's the case I think I might cancel the package and stick with a room only reservation!

 

[Armandocme]

You don't have to make ADRs. However, if there is a certain restaurant that you definitely want to go to, I would suggest making an ADR well in advance. For all your other meals, you can call to find out what is available for that day and go with the flow. I would not suggest walking in without an ADR unless you have 2 to 3 hours to wait.

 

[Bev J]

For a slower time in November (away from Thanksgiving week) you could probably call the day you want to go to a resturant and get in. If you have dining try some of the wonderfull resturants in the resorts and the parks, don't limit yourself to Boatwrights every evening..

Bev

 

[Ms. WDW]

Personally speaking, if there is a particular restaurant that I really like I make ADR's. Many here don't, especially after the busy seasons. But I'd hate to risk having that one time where I want to eat somewhere and can't get in.

 

[klwdisney]

Ok WHEW! So it's not a rule? I won't be refused a table without an ADR?

I don't really have a favorite restaurant and in the past we've always felt that if a place we want to try is booked then oh well and we try another place instead. Then it's something else to try on a next trip. Or we'll usually walk in and try and get a seat before we're starving and then we don't mind putting our name in and going off to ride a few more rides before it's time to eat.

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to get there and find out that we can't eat at any table places without an ADR. Whew!

Our anniversary is during our stay so I'll probably make a reservation somewhere for that night, but that's the only one I could think of that I'd do in advance.

Thanks for making me feel better!!

 

[DVC Grammy]

If the Food & Wine Festival is still on during your trip, and you want the more popular restaurants in Epcot, or special character meals, you might want to consider making those at 180 days out. If those are not your preference, you could be more spontaneous, and book closer to your vacation. Remember, making an ADR doesn't mean you're tied to it.........if you decide to try a last-minute ressie and you get it, you can always cancel the first one.

 

[klwdisney]

The last trip I made 2 reservations - 1 a FDP and 1 for our last night at WDW- and both times they required a credit card. i was told if we didn't show up or give a 24 hr notice i'd be charged. they were cracking down on so many people blowing off their ressies. that's why im so nervous!

i think that if the F&W Fest is going on we'd eat there... but i think it'll end either before or at the very beginning of our trip. i think i may just read up on what restaurants i'd like to try and make them when we're there the day we'd like to eat there. we usually get up and decide where we want to go that day - not plan things out in advance.

Thanks!