First timer question (re: dining)

[utopia74]

Hello,

Will be going on our first DL trip in May (9-15). Just booked the hotel at the Candy Cane Inn (chose that over Doubletree Suites due to location, and less expensive. Hope I made the right choice!).

As far as dining goes, we're planning on hitting some of the Disney owned restaurants in DL (namely, Napa Rose, Steakhouse 55, Blue Bayou, possibly a couple in DTD). I know how it is in WDW where you almost need to make an ADR for every single meal, and make them as far in advance as possible. I would still expect a reservation is needed at a place like Napa Rose, but how far in advance is necessary? Can you pretty much call up the morning of, and get a reservation with no problems? (FYI, it would be a party of 2, and generally prefer eating around 8 or 9 PM)

Any input would help. Thanks

 

[8lovesmickey]

In our experience, Blue Bayou needs ADR's most of the time - I would call as soon as you can. Napa Rose tends to be crowded on the weekends, but during the week you shouldn't have too much trouble. We've never tried Steakhouse 55, so no thoughts on that one.

You can also try calling 714-781-DINE and just ask how busy they look for that week - they should be happy to tell you if you need a ADR and how early.

Have a great time! Things will seem smaller compared to WDW, but DLR is my "home park" and I love the nostalgic feel and the fact that you can get anywhere rather quickly. We have never stayed at the Candy Cane Inn but have heard really good things about it.

 

[Disney Dreams]

It is not like WDW in terms of demand; however, for the more popular places (like the ones you mentioned), I would not wait until the day of.

Eating late, like you mentioned, and being a small group of 2 helps, but why not make a PS a little in advance just to be safe?

- Dreams

 

[franandaj]

You absolutely need the PS for Blue Bayou, that place is very popular. I would imagine it is probably very similar for both Napa Rose and Steakhouse 55, weeknights you could probably get a table pretty easily maybe even a walk in, but weekends would be booked. Steakhouse 55 will be closed on the 14th for a Winemaker Dinner and it is sold out as well.

I'm going to be staying over for a couple different weekends during F&W and I've already got my reservations in for Steakhouse 55 & Napa Rose, but these are for Friday and Saturday evenings, and I'm sitting at the Chef's Counter at Napa Rose, which only has 8 seats total. Although I was there in December and one gentleman who sat next to us said he did walk up for the Chef's Counter three times that week! If you're a real foodie, I highly recommend sitting there, they have two seatings 5:30 and 8:30, you have to call the restaurant directly to book it. Chef Sutton comes over and talks to you, sometimes he even gives you little treats, in December we got a complimentary serving of their Signature Mushroom Cappucino.

If you have an idea of which days you want to eat at these two restaurants it wouldn't hurt to make a PS for late in the trip, then if you decide you want to eat there earlier, you can always try a walk up, if you can't get in that night, you know you have a later night in your trip.