Explain ADR to me

[pixiewytch]

Okay, so I've been keeping up with these boards for a little while but I still for the life of me don't seem to understand exactly what this "ADR" is. I know it has something to do with a reservation but what is it? Is it something exclusive to the dining plan?

I'm asking because I have an upcoming trip to WDW in Sept and I'm reading that people can't get these ADR's for then. So I'm a little worried since I haven't narrowed down our dining choices just yet. We aren't on a dining plan so I'm hoping maybe this is something that excludes us. Can we just call up and get a good old fashioned reservation or do I have to set up this ADR thing?

 

[Squirlz]

ADRs are what pass for reservations at Disney restaurants. They are for anyone who wants to dine there, not just Dining Plan users.

 

[ougrad86]

An ADR is Advanced Dining Reservation. These are for the TS places. You call Disney Dining, reserve your times and get a confirmation number. Show up a little early, about 10-15 minutes and let them know your name and that you have an ADR for such-and -such a time. Unlike normal reservations, you can't guarantee to get seated right at that moment, but it usually is a short wait. You will be before any walk-ins.
You do need to decide now what you want, and try and get them. Since free dining is in effect it will fill up fast. You may need to adjust your itinerary if there is a place you just need to eat at. You can always cancel, most without penalty, and try and get something else. You can also call trying to get a specific reservations. Sometimes there are cancellations and you can slide in.
Good luck!

 

[pixiewytch]

Okay, so what is the difference between an ADR and a "normal reservation" as you put it?

I'm just a little confused because I live close to WDW and we have recently dined there with reservations that we made within less than a week before our visit. I know we ate at Ohana's last month with only a few days notice. That's why I was wondering if there is some sort of priority difference with these reservations. In other words, does each restaurant set aside so many spots for ADR's, "normal reservations", and then walk ins? I hope that makes sense.

 

[mareed]

Okay, so what is the difference between an ADR and a "normal reservation" as you put it?

I'm just a little confused because I live close to WDW and we have recently dined there with reservations that we made within less than a week before our visit. I know we ate at Ohana's last month with only a few days notice. That's why I was wondering if there is some sort of priority difference with these reservations. In other words, does each restaurant set aside so many spots for ADR's, "normal reservations", and then walk ins? I hope that makes sense.

An ADR is just Disney's version of a reservation. Each Disney restaurant does set aside so many spots for ADR's, but I've heard recently that many times they completely fill up with ADR's and don't take any walk-ins. Due to the free dining that was offerred, I suspect you'll have trouble getting dinner ADR's in Sept., but might have better luck with lunch. I think some of the resort dining can be easier to get than dining in the parks. Good luck!

 

[ougrad86]

Sometimes the line and wait for walk ups is very long. An ADR says that you will get the next table available before any walk ups (unless someone else is waiting with an earlier ADR). They also will turn away walk ups if their ADR's show that they will have no room that evening.
A "normal reservation" as I put it is at a set time, and you usually get seated pretty quickly (depending on the restaurant). With an ADR at WDW, it is the next available - you may have to wait for a while. We did not while we were there in March, but I have read of some people waiting 20-30 minutes. But no walk ups will get in before you, and if you don't have an ADR, you may be turned away if they are too full.
Some people say they have no problem getting into where they want to, but I was ultra prepared before we went on our trip. Rose & Crown and Le Cellier were turning people away, and although it was a quiet time of year, the restaurants were pretty full.

 

[pixiewytch]

Okay, I guess that makes sense. We will be making most of our TS meals for lunch time to save a little money so I'm hoping that will work in our favor. So far I'm looking at Rose and Crown, Chefs De France, Akershus, and Kona. We will only be there for four days and I think we will do counter service for other meals so I can probably be a little flexible with times.

 

[Ploppy]

Just back from AKL and...... ate at Boma and other various places and had no problems getting a table at all. Reserved a table in the morning for evening and always got within 30 mins of our wanted time. We even walked in to Boma at 7.00 one evening and got a table.

 

[kaytieeldr]

A "normal" restaurant reservation means that at a table will (or should) be ready for you at the prearranged time.
An ADR, or Advance Dining Reservation, means that you will be seated at the next available table for your size party at or after your ADR time, ahead of walkins (if the restaurant is even accepting any) but after any other party requiring the same size table who checked in ahead of you. It's sort of like call-ahead seating at many chain restaurants.
I'll use the 99 as my example, because that's where I first encountered this practice.
I call and tell them I'm coming with a total of four people.
We arrive, and there are six parties of three or four walkins waiting.
We get the next four-person table, ahead of those other six parties.

 

[Aimeedyan]

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ADR AT DISNEY ANYMORE.

That term lasted a very short time at Disney and they are just called "reservations." If you call Disney Dining and ask for an advanced dining reservation from a CM, they may not have a clue what you are talking about unless they happened to be working the few weeks they used that term way back when.

Pixie, what you made a few weeks ago is a reservation - there are no ADRs anymore. That term "stuck" on this board and people still call them ADRs even though no Disney information uses that term anymore. Sorta like those of us that still call them PS (priority seating) We just can't deal with change well! LOL

Just call and ask for a reservation just like you have in the past. Reservations are open to anyone, as you know, and I would highly recommend making some since free dining has filled many of the restaurants. Disney is going as far as calling free dining guests and reminding them to make reservations because they anticipate crowds being so full. Disney restaurants do not hold any tables aside for walk-ups.

 

[ougrad86]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1194919&page=1&pp=15

The above thread is a current one about getting reservations - the basic line is keep on calling .
ADR - reservation - it doesn't matter what they are called. OP just wants to get in to eat. I called them ADR's in March, and they knew what I was talking about and that is all that matter's.
Good luck !

 

[pixiewytch]

Thanks! I just made all of mine for my trip in September and got everything I asked for.

 

[Mickey1122]

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN ADR AT DISNEY ANYMORE.

That term lasted a very short time at Disney and they are just called "reservations." If you call Disney Dining and ask for an advanced dining reservation from a CM, they may not have a clue what you are talking about unless they happened to be working the few weeks they used that term way back when.

Pixie, what you made a few weeks ago is a reservation - there are no ADRs anymore. That term "stuck" on this board and people still call them ADRs even though no Disney information uses that term anymore. Sorta like those of us that still call them PS (priority seating) We just can't deal with change well! LOL

Just call and ask for a reservation just like you have in the past. Reservations are open to anyone, as you know, and I would highly recommend making some since free dining has filled many of the restaurants. Disney is going as far as calling free dining guests and reminding them to make reservations because they anticipate crowds being so full. Disney restaurants do not hold any tables aside for walk-ups.

When did they stop using the term ADR.

 

[Aimeedyan]

When did they stop using the term ADR.

Months ago. They honestly used ADR for a very very short time. It just stuck on this board

 

[kaytieeldr]

Interesting... especially since a reservation in the restaurant industry means a table is held for you at the previously-arranged time - which is NOT how Disney Table Service restaurants operate.
From Allearsnet.com http://allearsnet.com/din/reserv.htm : "NOTE: As of May 2005, Disney reverted to the use of the term "Advance Reservations" instead of "Priority Seating." The process has changed in name only -- make reservations just as you made Priority Seating arrangements in the past. " and "What is an Advance Reservation (was called Priority Seating)?
Advance Reservations is a system Walt Disney World uses to manage their restaurant seating flow. In essence, unlike a true reservation where a table is saved for your party at a particular time, the advance reservation guarantees your party the next available table. It's recommended that you check in about 15 minutes before your time. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and restaurant but usually averages between 15 and 30 minutes." And that's just for starters.
And from Mousesavers.com http://www.mousesavers.com/advancedres.html, most recently updated 5/15/06 (a full year after the information posted at Allearsnet) "If you are planning to try some of Disney's excellent table-service restaurants and/or dinner shows while you are vacationing at Walt Disney World, be sure to make Advance Dining Reservations (formerly called Priority Seatings) at (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)."

 

[ougrad86]

Thanks! I just made all of mine for my trip in September and got everything I asked for.

Congratulations! With free dining going on it can be worrisome...I'm glad you have the one's you want.
Now you have to be like the rest of us, and second guess and change your mind until you go!
Have a GREAT time!

 

[Aimeedyan]

Interesting... especially since a reservation in the restaurant industry means a table is held for you at the previously-arranged time - which is NOT how Disney Table Service restaurants operate.
From Allearsnet.com http://allearsnet.com/din/reserv.htm : "NOTE: As of May 2005, Disney reverted to the use of the term "Advance Reservations" instead of "Priority Seating." The process has changed in name only -- make reservations just as you made Priority Seating arrangements in the past. " and "What is an Advance Reservation (was called Priority Seating)?
Advance Reservations is a system Walt Disney World uses to manage their restaurant seating flow. In essence, unlike a true reservation where a table is saved for your party at a particular time, the advance reservation guarantees your party the next available table. It's recommended that you check in about 15 minutes before your time. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and restaurant but usually averages between 15 and 30 minutes." And that's just for starters.
And from Mousesavers.com http://www.mousesavers.com/advancedres.html, most recently updated 5/15/06 (a full year after the information posted at Allearsnet) "If you are planning to try some of Disney's excellent table-service restaurants and/or dinner shows while you are vacationing at Walt Disney World, be sure to make Advance Dining Reservations (formerly called Priority Seatings) at (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)."

I'm certainly not going to argue something this silly but I'll offer a bit more explanation since you did some research - you'll notice that the Disney website, dining information, and the dining plan brochure mention "reservation" numerous times and rarely use advanced dining reservations. Neither mousesavers nor allearsnet are official Disney websites. Furthermore, advanced dining reservations is redundant - of course a reservation is advanced. It means the ssame thing. Disney dropped the advanced dining portion because it was redundant to say that. Why bother? Using advanced dining reservation still implies a reservation - priority seating did not. Shortening ADR to reservation still says the same thing. I have no clue why they changed it to imply it's a reservation in the first place but they did...

I know many of the Disney dining and CRO cast members and they all said that the term was changed to reservation shortly after ADR and ADR is NEVER used in training, their computers, or information they are given. Several people on this board have mentioned that the CM didn't know what an ADR was and that would explain why - new CMs wouldn't know what it is.

HTH

 

[corie161]

I happened across this thread,while looking for information on when I should make ADR's and thought I'd point this out. Not trying to argue, but the Disney site does still refer to them as Advance Dining Reservations:

Advance Dining Reservations are available at this dining location. Most Walt Disney World® Resort dining locations allow reservations up 180 days in advance.

Took this directly from the site under one of the restaurants.

Regardless, I would think that CM's taking the reservations should know no matter how they are referred to. Reservations or Advance Dining Reservations. I can however, see how if you asked for an ADR they might not know exactly what your referring to.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I happened across this thread,while looking for information on when I should make ADR's and thought I'd point this out. Not trying to argue, but the Disney site does still refer to them as Advance Dining Reservations:



Took this directly from the site under one of the restaurants.

Regardless, I would think that CM's taking the reservations should know no matter how they are referred to. Reservations or Advance Dining Reservations. I can however, see how if you asked for an ADR they might not know exactly what your referring to.

Yes, notice I said that they rarely use the term anymore.

Taken from their site as well ( i have no idea how to quote from other sites, sorry)
-------------
1900 Park Fare

Dine with a Princess, a magical English nanny or Characters from the rabbit hole at this enchanting restaurant.

Restaurant Info:
Facility Type: Restaurant
Meals and Prices:
Breakfast, Dinner: Buffet, $$
Disney Dining Plan Restaurant

Reservations: recommended, please call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463) †

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/dining/diningFinder?id=DiningFinderPage
----------------
Another quote:
For each night of your package, the Disney Dining Plan includes the following meals for each Guest in your
One (1) Table-Service Meal
Includes appetizer, entree, dessert or full buffet and non-alcoholic beverage as well as gratuity (children ages 3-9 must choose from the children's menu if available; dessert not available at breakfast)
One (1) Counter-Service Meal
Includes entree, dessert or one complete combo meal, and non-alcoholic beverage (children ages 3-9 must choose from the children's menu if available; dessert not available at breakfast)
One (1) Snack
Choose from a frozen ice-cream novelty or fruit bar, popcorn scoop (single serving box), single piece of whole fruit, single serving Grab Bag of Frito-Lay's Chips, 20oz. bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or 24oz. Dasani Water, medium fountain soft drink or apple juice. Available at select counter-service and snack-cart locations.
As an added benefit, you may exchange 2 table-service meals for either 1 Signature Dining Experience at one of our finest restaurants, such as the acclaimed Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or for 1 Disney Dinner Show, such as Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
Select Downtown Disney® restaurants may require a surcharge for certain entree items.
Reservations are strongly suggested and can be made up to 180 days in advance. Please call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).† Reservations are required for Disney dinner shows.

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/tickets/packageDetail?id=PackageDetailMYWDiningPkg06Page
----------------
"Reservations" is used all over the DDP brochure for 2007:

Your Table Service Meal includes one (1) single serving:
Guests ages 3-9 must order from the child’s menu where available. Reservations are strongly suggested.

Disney Signature Restaurants provide unparalleled cuisine served
in elegant and relaxed surroundings. Private Dining offers the
comfort and convenience of dining in your room. Choose from a
selection of menu offerings including children’s favorites.
Two Table Service meals for each person dining at a Signature Restaurant or Private Dining will be redeemed from your meal plan
balance. Guests ages 3-9 must order from the child’s menu where available. Reservations are strongly suggested.
------------
e International Dinner and IllumiNations Dessert Reception – Enjoy a sumptuous dinner buffet including storytelling for the kids,
followed by VIP viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot®.
e Safari Celebration Dinner – Take a VIP journey across the rolling savannah. Then enjoy a family-style, African-influenced feast and
entertainment from Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.
e Good Morning Gathering – Begin your Magic Kingdom® day with a unique Disney Character Breakfast filled with surprises followed by
reserved seating at Mickey’s PhilharMagic.
Two Table Service meals for each person participating in a Grand Gathering Experience will be redeemed from your meal plan
balance. At least eight persons in your party must attend the same experience. See bottom of page 4 for more details. Reservations required.
The Disney Dining Plan can be used for parties of eight or more for the following Grand Gathering Experiences:
Grand Gathering Experiences
❷

http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/m...agespecific/eng/nontheme/tickets/07Dining.pdf
--------------
If you click on the DDP page on Disney.com, it says right in the corner "Call for Reservations
(407) 939-7675†"

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/tickets/packageDetail?d=PackageDetailMYWDiningPkg06Page
------------------
In the Q&A section of the brochure:
Q. How do I make reservations?
A. Just call Disney Dining at 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). An accepted
major credit card guarantee is required at certain locations. Reservations must
be cancelled at least 48 hours (6 days for Grand Gathering Experiences) before
the scheduled seating time or a cancellation charge may be incurred (charge
varies by location). Please indicate any special dietary needs at the time of
booking. We are happy to discuss with you and attempt to accommodate any
dietary or special needs.

http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/m...agespecific/eng/nontheme/tickets/07Dining.pdf
-----------------
Disney uses the term "advanced dining reservation" only when explaining the reservation refers to a dining reservation and not a hotel reservation. Which makes sense to explain what the reservation is for, which is what you pulled up. Just like they say "hotel reservation" in information referring to a hotel. Obviously "advanced dining reservation" means the same thing as "reservation" so why use the longterm? Again, it's redundant.

Not arguing or anything

Edited to add: LOL at the "party" clipart that showed up when I typed that word!