Few questions about our upcoming WDW trip in February 2023!

[DaviVascaino]

Hi everyone,

We will be staying at a Disney Resort for the first time. We are super excited. We were able to rent DVT points here and we will be staying at Boardwalk Villa from Feb 11th to Feb 18th 2023. WE have never experienced a Disney resort before, so looking forward to.

I have a few questions.

1. Our first day will be Feb 11th (check in). I requested the DVC owner (the one who rented the points) to make a room request (we wanted a studio that is not connected to another room). If I check in in the app, do I lose that request? I was wondering if I should just go to the Front desk to make sure they fulfill my request (if available, obviously).

2. When can I start to pick ADR? I know is 60 days out, so December 13th right? (first day is Feb 11th).

3. When does Disney release the schedule for the extended evening hours for Deluxe guests? I need to know that by December 13th since the ADR will be based on park reservations and that is based on EEH.

4. What is the best strategy to snag the ADRs? I will be 60+7 (will stay a week at BWV). Do I focus on the last day (hence more available spots), or the first day (less available spots, but I might be losing precious time looking for those) ?? Do I focus on restaurant popularity? I hear different things from different people, kind confusing Also, I heard few restaurants might not release the spots at 6AM, might take a bit longer for some reason. When do I "give up" and go to work lol? can't stay all morning trying to snag ADRs.

5. based on your experience, it is easier to snag ADR for lunch or dinner? we want to do one sit down meal a day, does not matter when.

6. Any ADR in the parks that are a must do, even if once in a lifetime? I was thinking CRT, sci-fi, Be our guest

Thank you!

 

[focusondisney]

1. Never stayed DVC. But you can do online check in without making requests. There is an area for requests, but just skip that part.

2. Yep, December 13.

3. Deluxe Extra Hours were new this year for WDW’s 50th anniversary. There Is no information about them for 2023. They may or may not be offered. There are now paid After Hours events offered at MK & Studios on Monday (MK) & Wednesday (DS) nights. Same nights but different parks that Deluxe Hours happened. So deluxe guests might have to choose, Disney could change deluxe hour nights or just stop them altogether. Absolutely no news or rumors out there.

4. It’s best to put the harder to get ADRs later in your trip. As for how long to keep trying, that’s really up to you. Sometimes people get everything done in 20 minutes, sometimes it takes longer. I’m not usually in a rush & it’s just 2 of us. I can sit there for an hour or 2 playing with it.

5. Depends on the restaurant. Sci Fi seems easier to get for dinner. Heavier meals, like Chefs of France, Le Cellier, seem easier for lunch.

6. I like all 3 of those restaurants. Kind of depends on your party make up. Sci Fi doesn’t always get the best reviews. Some people don’t like not being able to talk to their companions while they eat. But there’s really nothing like it anywhere else. We love it & go almost every trip. And the food really is decent.

There is a dedicated Restaurant Forum. Try reading & posting over there for restaurant questions. Lots of current posts & good info.

https://www.disboards.com/forums/disney-restaurants.14/

 

[CarolynFH]

Hi everyone,

We will be staying at a Disney Resort for the first time. We are super excited. We were able to rent DVT points here and we will be staying at Boardwalk Villa from Feb 11th to Feb 18th 2023. WE have never experienced a Disney resort before, so looking forward to.

I have a few questions.

1. Our first day will be Feb 11th (check in). I requested the DVC owner (the one who rented the points) to make a room request (we wanted a studio that is not connected to another room). If I check in in the app, do I lose that request? I was wondering if I should just go to the Front desk to make sure they fulfill my request (if available, obviously).

As above, you can check in online, just skip the Requests section.

2. When can I start to pick ADR? I know is 60 days out, so December 13th right? (first day is Feb 11th).

As above, December 13.

3. When does Disney release the schedule for the extended evening hours for Deluxe guests? I need to know that by December 13th since the ADR will be based on park reservations and that is based on EEH.

They’ve been posting park hours and DEEH hours about 70-75 days in advance. So hours for your visit will probably be posted in early December.

4. What is the best strategy to snag the ADRs? I will be 60+7 (will stay a week at BWV). Do I focus on the last day (hence more available spots), or the first day (less available spots, but I might be losing precious time looking for those) ?? Do I focus on restaurant popularity? I hear different things from different people, kind confusing Also, I heard few restaurants might not release the spots at 6AM, might take a bit longer for some reason. When do I "give up" and go to work lol? can't stay all morning trying to snag ADRs.

I try to book the hardest to get ADRs first, and I try to put them later in my trip. As above, you can get lots of advice on the Restaurants forum, especially on the Dining Reservations subforum.

5. based on your experience, it is easier to snag ADR for lunch or dinner? we want to do one sit down meal a day, does not matter when.

Early or late is easier! Like 11 AM or 2 PM for lunch, 5 PM or 9 PM for dinner. Obviously, adjust snacks — times and items — to compensate.

6. Any ADR in the parks that are a must do, even if once in a lifetime? I was thinking CRT, sci-fi, Be our guest

Sci-Fi is one of our favorites because it’s unique. The food isn’t fine dining, but we like it, and we enjoy the movie clips and cartoons. It’s a great place for late lunch or early dinner, especially on a warm day when you can enjoy relaxing in the cool darkness. CRT and BOG are unique too, but due to cost we don’t go there very often.

Thank you!

Have a great trip!