Do you NEED ADR's during Jersey week?

[marciemi]

I know this has been asked before for every conceivable date. Have friends who are going that week (first week of November) and I'm trying to convince them they need to book their ADR's now. They haven't gone recently and are insisting to me that they'll be fine just dining "on the fly" since it's off season and they're okay eating at non-peak times (4pm or whatever).

However, I keep reading about everyone on the boards not even being able to get the ADR's they want. Do they need them? Do all the restaurants hold some tables for "standby" diners? Should I try harder to convince them to book NOW?

Thanks!

 

[Dorisk3]

I don't think its ever a good time to go without ADRs- at least not anymore. You could refer them to allearsnet.com to go look at the menus - it might make it more fun for them to plan ahead. You are a good friend for telling them the facts- I hope they listen to you!

 

[MomofKatie]

I know this has been asked before for every conceivable date. Have friends who are going that week (first week of November) and I'm trying to convince them they need to book their ADR's now. They haven't gone recently and are insisting to me that they'll be fine just dining "on the fly" since it's off season and they're okay eating at non-peak times (4pm or whatever).

However, I keep reading about everyone on the boards not even being able to get the ADR's they want. Do they need them? Do all the restaurants hold some tables for "standby" diners? Should I try harder to convince them to book NOW?

Thanks!

Disney restaurants DO NOT hold out any tables for standby seating!! Your friends might get lucky if they arrive at the earliest dinner time, but I personally wouldn't chance it, especially at the in-park places. They might have more luck at the resort restaurants.

I'd tell them if they want to eat at any particular places, they should go ahead and make ADRs- they can always cancel if they decide not to go there, but at least they will have somewhere to eat if they can't get in anywhere else.

 

[ReggieB]

We had real trouble the main Jersey week weekend a couple of years ago. Epcot was particularly bad.

 

[Disney MAINEiac]

IMO u need ADRs every week

 

[jimmalru80]

I often sound like a broken record on this subject but....If you want to eat where you want to eat, when you want to eat, then make those ADR's!!!!

 

[byoung]

I don't think its ever a good time to go without ADRs- at least not anymore. You could refer them to allearsnet.com to go look at the menus - it might make it more fun for them to plan ahead. You are a good friend for telling them the facts- I hope they listen to you!

I agree make those ADR'S

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

They need ADRs no matter what the day. We are going Jersey Week and I called at my 180 day mark and got what I wanted. Then I called back about a month later to add Mama Melrose Fantasmic Package- all sold out. (So we are H&V).

Our neighbors are going the same week we are and I called the mom to discuss meeting with them one night for dinner. She said "It's 6 months away. Do we have to book now?" Uh- yeah!! I got her to decide on dinner with us, but she has no plans to book anything else. I tried to tell her but she said "I'm not making any reservations. I'm sure they'll let us in. They can't book everything." Uh- yes they can. Well, maybe she'll get Grand Floridian Cafe at 5:00.

What can you do?

 

[Eeyore2003]

A resounding YES if they want to eat at a sit down restaurant. We were there a couple years ago at the end of Jersey Week, we've also been there in July and August and it rivals that if not worse. The one night we didn't have ADR's we almost didn't eat. We were going to eat at the Food and Wine Festival and it was such a zoo that we left and tried to find a place to eat. There was nothing open if it weren't for the concierge at the Beach Club getting us into what they said was the last spot at Cape May I'm not sure what we would have done.

 

[andreadoiron]

I know this has been asked before for every conceivable date. Have friends who are going that week (first week of November) and I'm trying to convince them they need to book their ADR's now. They haven't gone recently and are insisting to me that they'll be fine just dining "on the fly" since it's off season and they're okay eating at non-peak times (4pm or whatever).

However, I keep reading about everyone on the boards not even being able to get the ADR's they want. Do they need them? Do all the restaurants hold some tables for "standby" diners? Should I try harder to convince them to book NOW?

Thanks!

we went during april break (that has to be more crowded than jersey week) and we went to the rainforest cafe for a late lunch and just walked in. we had adr for the princess breakfast but that was it. if your friends live for sit down dinners, then they probably will be disappointed but we like to do what we want when we want to and had no eating problems.

 

[momtoccc]

We are going Nov 1-7 and my DH didn't understand why I was booking ADRs 6months in advance... I'm sure glad I did! I've even made a few changes and so far I've been able to get what I want... (we are leaving before the heavy Jersey crowds arrive)

 

[andreadoiron]

We are going Nov 1-7 and my DH didn't understand why I was booking ADRs 6months in advance... I'm sure glad I did! I've even made a few changes and so far I've been able to get what I want... (we are leaving before the heavy Jersey crowds arrive)

when do the jersey crowds get heavy? we hope to be there nov 3 -7 (southwest isn't booking yet) and I'm thinking we'll be leaving as many of the jersey crowds get there?

 

[marciemi]

Thanks everyone for the replies! You've confirmed what I thought, and I'll try to force her to make some!

As far as Jersey Week, it sounds from my friend that most schools are off November 8th & 9th, with some off the 7th as well. However, many families make a week of it and head out the previous weekend (Nov 2nd/3rd) so you'll probably encounter some of them!

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Back in 2004, I went during "Jersey Week" with a family who didn't plan anything ahead of time, and really did no trip planning at all! They were staying at the Polynesian. So what happened almost every night? They would return from the parks around dinner time, then try to eat at the Poly as a walk-up at Kona Cafe. Then they would wait almost TWO HOURS for a table! They really thought they could just walk up and get seated quickly but nooooo. By the time we were seated, the kids fell asleep in their chairs! This happened three nights of our trip!

Fast forwards to 2006 - we all go again, and this time, we plan every restaurant in advance! And it worked out SOOO much better! Lesson learned! Make those ADRs!

 

[Treacle44]

Yes yes and yes!

O booked all mine at 180+10 but rang back to change some at about 176 days out and they only had 4.20pm for dinner at Le Cellier for example.

T
x

 

[Cindy B]

Just an FYI, some NJ schools are off also for election day and also the teacher convention that same week. So you may see the crowds beginning earlier than later that week.

 

[momtoccc]

I've read that the Jersey week really isn't that bad as far as crowds go.. definitely better than summer or spring break time... I think we will be fine.

 

[Dorisk3]

I've read that the Jersey week really isn't that bad as far as crowds go.. definitely better than summer or spring break time... I think we will be fine.

I'm not sure where you read that- but living in NJ and judging from what people I know have told me- it is pretty busy- not as busy as spring break- but not quiet by any means.

If you aren't on the meal plan and don't mind eating more counter service stuff- then that's cool- but if you want to sit down anywhere it's probably not a bad idea to do a little planning.

Maybe I'm just missing the point and you were being sarcastic? Its hard to tell in writing!