How necessary are ADRs?

[artinlife]

We will be at Disney a week after Easter and have mostly just made dining reservations through My Disney Experience as it is just two of us and we tend to have dinner at the high-end places like Narcoosee's, Citrico's and Il Mullino. No kids, no character dining and no reason to really make advance plans. Is this still applicable? Or should I make advance reservations when the window opens up? We really like to keep it spontaneous but I will make rezzies if I have to in these strange times. What do you folks say about this?

 

[Pumbaa_]

If you want ts make the adrs. Even if you do it that day.
enjoy!

 

[Marthasor]

We will be at Disney a week after Easter and have mostly just made dining reservations through My Disney Experience as it is just two of us and we tend to have dinner at the high-end places like Narcoosee's, Citrico's and Il Mullino. No kids, no character dining and no reason to really make advance plans. Is this still applicable? Or should I make advance reservations when the window opens up? We really like to keep it spontaneous but I will make rezzies if I have to in these strange times. What do you folks say about this?

I think it depends on whether or not you will be disappointed if you don't get in. We just ate at Il Mulino a few weeks ago and made a reservation as we wanted to eat at peak meal time - if you are ok eating later in the evening or just sitting in the lounge, you will probably be ok. Day-of, the prime time reservation times were gone. With Citricos - you will occasionally see it on the MDE "walk-up" list, but you have to be on the grounds of GF to join. You can also just sit in the lounge and order off the menu. Narcoosee's was also on the walk-up list when we stayed at GF. If you want to keep it spontaneous, you just run the risk of not getting in or not getting an actual dining table and, perhaps, waiting for a seat in the lounge.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

It's a bit less predictable right now with some restaurants being restricted with staff and menus. Maybe don't get crazy and try to identify an ADR each night, but if you have a favorite spot or two you might like to be sure of getting, pick one or two nights for making ADRs and just see what happens with the other days and nights. Kinda split the planning difference! Enjoy your trip! Sounds nice.

 

[artinlife]

I think it depends on whether or not you will be disappointed if you don't get in. We just ate at Il Mulino a few weeks ago and made a reservation as we wanted to eat at peak meal time - if you are ok eating later in the evening or just sitting in the lounge, you will probably be ok. Day-of, the prime time reservation times were gone. With Citricos - you will occasionally see it on the MDE "walk-up" list, but you have to be on the grounds of GF to join. You can also just sit in the lounge and order off the menu. Narcoosee's was also on the walk-up list when we stayed at GF. If you want to keep it spontaneous, you just run the risk of not getting in or not getting an actual dining table and, perhaps, waiting for a seat in the lounge.

Waiting in the Lounge is part of the experience! We always like to have a drink at the bar before dinner, to continue to soak up the ambiance, and all of the bartenders are very interesting people and some have very interesting things to say. They all know a lot about Disney and are always fun to talk to, if they are not too busy.

 

[artinlife]

I think it depends on whether or not you will be disappointed if you don't get in. We just ate at Il Mulino a few weeks ago and made a reservation as we wanted to eat at peak meal time - if you are ok eating later in the evening or just sitting in the lounge, you will probably be ok. Day-of, the prime time reservation times were gone. With Citricos - you will occasionally see it on the MDE "walk-up" list, but you have to be on the grounds of GF to join. You can also just sit in the lounge and order off the menu. Narcoosee's was also on the walk-up list when we stayed at GF. If you want to keep it spontaneous, you just run the risk of not getting in or not getting an actual dining table and, perhaps, waiting for a seat in the lounge.

Waiting in the Lounge is part of the experience! We always like to have a drink at the bar before dinner, to continue to soak up the ambiance, and all of the bartenders are very interesting people and some have very interesting things to say. They all know a lot about Disney and are always fun to talk to, if they are not too busy.

It's a bit less predictable right now with some restaurants being restricted with staff and menus. Maybe don't get crazy and try to identify an ADR each night, but if you have a favorite spot or two you might like to be sure of getting, pick one or two nights for making ADRs and just see what happens with the other days and nights. Kinda split the planning difference! Enjoy your trip! Sounds nice.

Thanks. I am recovering from a hip replacement and am sooo looking forward to some Disney Magic.

 

[Moliphino]

Depending on the restaurants, you may not need to worry about making ADRs right away when the window opens. I don't think the ones you listed usually book up right at 6am 60 days out. I'd book the ones you really want ahead of the trip, then figure it out as you go. We've had decent luck with day-of ADRs.

 

[Lunchbox66]

Waiting in the Lounge is part of the experience! We always like to have a drink at the bar before dinner, to continue to soak up the ambiance, and all of the bartenders are very interesting people and some have very interesting things to say. They all know a lot about Disney and are always fun to talk to, if they are not too busy.

100% agree for us, we always show up 30ish minutes early for 1 or 2 drinks in the lounge prior.

We also have no kids yet and very much enjoy the fine dining. We just did reservations at Citrico's and Mulinos and it was pretty booked at 7am right at the 60 day mark, so I'd recommend making ADR's for any fine dining. You can always make a bunch now and just cancel within the window if you aren't sure. I personally don't like to chance it when it something we are getting dressed up for and have been looking forward to. And like you I tend be to very spontaneous on vacations, I only do ADR's for our fine dining but would recommend right now.

 

[artinlife]

It's a bit less predictable right now with some restaurants being restricted with staff and menus. Maybe don't get crazy and try to identify an ADR each night, but if you have a favorite spot or two you might like to be sure of getting, pick one or two nights for making ADRs and just see what happens with the other days and nights. Kinda split the planning difference! Enjoy your trip! Sounds nice.

That's a good idea. Thanks!

 

[artinlife]

What is the best way to book? On the phone or on the my Disney Experience app?

 

[thanxfornoticin]

What is the best way to book? On the phone or on the my Disney Experience app?

Booking ADRs? Only call as a last resort! I book 95% of my ADRs on the Disney World website. You can easily do it through MDE, too. Booking can be done online/app at 6AM ET 60 days out (plus the length of your stay if you're at a Disney resort). They start taking phone calls at 7AM ET.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

What is the best way to book? On the phone or on the my Disney Experience app?

They have asked for them to be booked on the app. They discourage phone calls for ADR

 

[MarkS2112]

Best to book popular ADRs in advance or you could be disappointed.