How early can you show up for an ADR?

[WayTooExcited]

Hello, all!

How early can you show up for an ADR? Reason for asking: My daughter's first trip is in November. We have a FoF dining package, with lunch at 1:15PM. I'd like to get to our seating area at least 45 minutes before the parade, as it will be her first time seeing it (mine, too). If we show up at Tony's at like, 1:05 or 1:10, will they seat us or will we have to wait?

Thanks!

 

[disneyfantotheend]

I have had hit and miss luck with showing up early. We always go during slow times. Many places have seated us extremely early, other places tell you to come back no earlier than 10 minute prior to your ADR. I have never been refused to checkin a few minutes early, like you are looking to do.

 

[AngiTN]

You should be fine. We routinely check in 15 min early. Earlier than that we've been told to wait to check in.

 

[SurferStitch]

It all depends... we always show up 15 minutes early for an ADR. If we have a specific request (like a window seat facing MK at Cali Grill, or a particular server), we usually show up 30 minutes early. We've never had to wait to check in.

Even if you show up right at your ADR time, there's no guarantee you will be seated right away (if fact, you almost never are), so showing up early is always a good idea.

 

[Uncleromulus]

There is no good answer to your question.

You might get seated early--you might get seated on time--and once in awhile you might get seated AFTER your reservation time.

In many WDW trips we've experienced all 3 scenarios.

I would show up as you suggest and hopefully you will get seated at that time!!!

 

[addiln]

we always show up about 10-15 minutes early. a few times we have been about 30 minutes early and have been seated right away. i think it all depends on the restaurant and how busy they are. The only time i have been turned away from checking in early was Le Cellier and they told me they do not check people in til the time of the reservation.

 

[Uncleromulus]

We waited for over an hour AFTER our reservation time on several occasions to be seated at California Grill on a Saturday night--

But most times at most restaurants we've been seated at or near the actual times...

 

[Hopefully]

We usually check in 15 minutes early. We are seldom seated early. Usually 15-45 minutes late.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

It's suggested that you check in 5-15 minutes prior to your ADR.
So really you should be checking in exactly when you described above.
However that does not guarantee that they will seat you right away.
I have not had experience with that restaurant in particular but I have had experiences where I have been seated right away and other times I have had to wait upwards of 30 minutes to be seated after my ADR time.

 

[Dizzydisney2016]

I've heard no more than 15 minutes depending on the restaurant. I know BOG is very strict about time. No so sure about Tony's!

 

[Babs1975]

It's just hit or miss. You show up. You check in. But you never know when you are going to be seated.

 

[DisneyLove2015]

Granted this isn't inside a park but we showed up to Whispering Canyon tonight an hour ahead of our ADR time (had to take a bus and then the boat so we left with lots of time to spare) and they sat us within 3 minutes. There were a lot of tables open but I had been told we may or may not be able to be sat early. We were very thankful that we were able to be sat early. Definitely didn't expect it but glad we asked!

 

[disney k family]

I agree that it doesn't hurt to try showing up early. We had luck at a couple restaurants last year(Tusker House and Boma) At Boma we showed up almost 1 hour early. We politely asked if we would be able to be seated early and they were able to seat us 5 minutes later. Your experience may vary depending on the restaurant. Good luck!!!

 

[MinnieMSue]

You should be fine as that is well within your check-in time. As for when you will be seated - results will vary. If it is raining people stay way too long and thus delay other settings. Most of the time we have had luck getting seated early at most restaurants. We have never eaten at Tony's sorry. I will add that they reserve plenty of space at parade reserved areas so don't worry too much about being here super early.

 

[TikiMan0228]

Can't hurt to ask. We had 1:50 BOG lunch ADR over Labor Day week. We pre ordered and showed up at 1:10 and they took us right in.

 

[figment_jii]

We also usually try to check-in about 15 minutes before the ADR time and have usually been able to check-in at that point, but, like others have said, we've been seated anywhere from within minutes of checking in to an hour after our ADR time. There is really no way to know in advance if you'll be seated when you check in, at your ADR time, or after your ADR time.