First timer here-- with ADR questions.

[rbolbach]

We'll be heading to Disney in late October with our 2 and four year old. I understand that this is a less crowded time of the year. Will it still be neccessary to make ADRs? As first timers-I am not familiar with the restaurants. I also hesitate because I am not sure what kind of schedule the kids will be on when we get there. Would it make a difference if we planned for an early dinner (3:30 or 4:00)? Just wondering.

TIA

 

[Tricia1972]

I feel your pain. It is so hard to plan a vacation when you just don't know what to expect. To make matters worse there is SO much to do at Disney.

You probably want to make some ADR's, especially if you're looking for character dining experiences such as Princesses, Mickey, Pooh and Friends.

Thankfully everyone here knows a LOT about Disney. We can help you out with suggestions if you let everyone know what kind of experience you're looking for.

Are you using the Disney Dining Plan? Are you fine eating at mostly Counter Service restaurants and doing just a few sit down experiences?

Most places serve dinner beginning at either 4 or 5, you can get the last lunch at just before 3 pm at some places.

 

[goofyinohio]

My thoughts are this. If it's your first trip to the World my view is to not worry about getting ADR's. Get feel of the place and do the counter service thing. It also ties you to one park and to be at a certain place at a certain time which is tough on first timers especially. I do have an exceptions, If you want to take your kids to character dining then you would want to have an ADR.

Just my Opinion.

 

[rbolbach]

Thanks for your replies so far.

I had already planned to make ADRs for character dining (I certainly don't want to chance those!!)

We were planning on getting the dining plan just for convenience-- so we will have one sit down meal a day (Can I use a CS meal in the place of sit down meal in case we can't find any sit down resauraunts with openings?)

 

[Jack&Ryan'smom]

We are going to WDW to 4 weeks with a 2 year old. Our plan is to do 1 character breakfast- early so to get us in the park early- at Crystal Palace. Our dinners we booked for around 5:30-6pm so as to allow for a nap from 2-4. We have a Chef Mickey, Ohanna's, 5o's Prime Time and Boma. I tried to pick mostly buffets thinking they will be quicker/more enjoyable meals for our little one.

 

[goofyinohio]

Thanks for your replies so far.

I had already planned to make ADRs for character dining (I certainly don't want to chance those!!)

We were planning on getting the dining plan just for convenience-- so we will have one sit down meal a day (Can I use a CS meal in the place of sit down meal in case we can't find any sit down resauraunts with openings?)

Just wanted to add GO BUCKS!!!!

Anyway, I don't believe you can use the TS as a Counter Service.

 

[scottishduffy]

I would make the character experience ressie ASAP. As a longtime Disney goer I have been shocked about how quickly these experiences book up. I am currently trying to book a particular restaurant for dec and found all the ressies gone! Breakfast would probably be best for your little ones, that way if they are tired later in the day you don't have to hang around a park waiting for dinner to roll around. Also, seeing the character breakfast will get you in the parks early and get your little one super excited for their day!

 

[diznyfanatic]

Thanks for your replies so far.

I had already planned to make ADRs for character dining (I certainly don't want to chance those!!)

We were planning on getting the dining plan just for convenience-- so we will have one sit down meal a day (Can I use a CS meal in the place of sit down meal in case we can't find any sit down resauraunts with openings?)

First of all, Welcome to the DIS!!!

Since you indicated that you will be using the Dining Plan and going in late October, I'd definitely recommend making advanced reservations. You are going to be there during the Epcot Food & Wine Festival as well as Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Also, I'm not sure when the last of the Free Dining Period ends, but you might be up against that as well where there will be very little, if any, walk up seating available .

Without advanced reservations during this time, you really run the risk of losing some of your Table Service credits (which is the most expensive portion of the plan that you will have already paid for) if you can't get in anywhere. You can always call and cancel your reservations if your plans change but at least you'll have them if you do need them.

Have a great trip!

 

[rbolbach]

Just a side note-we aren't going this year. We're planning for October 2008. I know that I am asking early but I just want to be prepared and do some restaurant research if I do need to make ADRs.

 

[binky1]

Can I make a suggestion?!? Make ADRs for lunches instead of for dinners. Having previously travelled with a 4 year old and currently planning a Christmas (!) trip with 2 - 7 year olds, a 5 year old and 2 year old, I have made ADRs for all the lunches, as well as 2 character breakfasts.

We would grab something for breakfast (bagels, fruit, muffins, etc.) at our hotel (or have some in our fridge) and head off to the parks and then by lunch time we were ready for a nice sit-down meal. After lunch, we would head back to the hotel for a little rest (maybe even a nap), or a swim and then head back out to the parks for dinner & the fireworks. We usually used counter service meals for dinner (not as busy as lunchtime) although I do recall having made a couple of ADRs for restaurants that we just absolutely had to try.

Have fun planning your trip - it's half the fun!!