How long before an ADR can I check-in?

[Cando86]

Title says it all. I think I have read 15 minutes but just wanted to ask here to be sure. Also, does checking in early make a difference in regard to when you get seated? This question is probably based more on individual experience. I'm mostly interested in checking in early to BOG to try to get seated in the West Wing for dinner.

Thanks!

 

[Missyrose]

Title says it all. I think I have read 15 minutes but just wanted to ask here to be sure. Also, does checking in early make a difference in regard to when you get seated? This question is probably based more on individual experience. I'm mostly interested in checking in early to BOG to try to get seated in the West Wing for dinner.

Thanks!

BOG will only let you check in 15 minutes before your ADR, its the strictest of Disney restaurants in this regard. They once let me check in 20 minutes early and that felt like a victory. They will tell you that requesting the West Wing could result in a longer wait, but our wait for that room has never been much longer than any other non-request wait at BOG.

 

[lizard1]

I have never had a restaurant at Disney let me check in earlier than 15 minutes before the ressie. Checking in earlier, in my experience, doesn't necessarily mean that you will be seated any earlier, it just depends on when the next table becomes available.

I have one warning about the west wing....while it is a very pretty room and there are some neat special effects, beware if there are a lot of people coming through (as they are encouraged to do) just to take pictures. It is so dim in there that by the time I was done eating a meal, I had a headache from all of the flashes in my face.

 

[purple figment]

Title says it all.

1. I think I have read 15 minutes but just wanted to ask here to be sure.

2. Also, does checking in early make a difference in regard to when you get seated? This question is probably based more on individual experience. I'm mostly interested in checking in early to BOG to try to get seated in the West Wing for dinner.

Thanks!

1. About 15 minutes is the norm. If you try checking in 30 minutes, 60 minutes early or more most places will ask you to come back at the time of your reservation.

2. Seating is based on next available table for your size group. If you request a specific location (e.g the West Wing) you might be allowed to wait for it or you might be told you'll have to take the next available table because they are not taking requests.

If the restaurant is allowing requests, after you check in you will be put in the seating queue, and once your name comes up, you will have to wait longer until a WW table opens up. It doesn't mean you bypass the check in queue by getting the first WW table that opens up.

Two things to be aware of - while the effects in the WW are impressive it is dark in there and some of the effects are noisy so it has the potential to upset some young children. Also, guests in the other rooms are encouraged to tour the whole restaurant so many will come in and use their flash to photograph the WW.