Importance of ADRs in mid-Sept?

[Missoutandabout]

I'm feeling a bit "planned out" already.

Is it a necessity to have every meal planned? We're only there for 4 nights (hubby and 3 year-old); I've reserved for a character breakfast and a dinner. I think I'd feel a bit trapped if we had every single meal planned.

Not that we'd be going to any fancy restaurants. But for the more casual places, can you walk up and get your name on a waiting list or somesuch?

 

[srferson]

I can't tell you for sure, but my Dreams Unlimited agent strongly suggested making reservations soon because free dining is going to mean things get filled up. So we've set our reservations.

 

[purple figment]

Well, you will be there during free dining so a lot of Table Service restaurants will be booked up. If you have the dining plan, I would strongly recommend that you make reservations or you might end up at a lot of counter service or off the beaten path TS restaurants.

When you say "more casual places" I assume you're not planning to eat at the Signature restaurants. Counter service places are walk up so no ADRs there, but if you're thinking of character meals, dinner shows or TS restaurants, make ADRs for the ones you really want. Yes, you might feel "a bit trapped," but I'd prefer that to frustrated or disappointed.

Some people have said they've had luck when they walk up at an off time, such as just at the restaurant's opening or just before closing and you might be lucky, but there's no guarantee that you'll be accommodated.

Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[catne]

I'm feeling a bit "planned out" already.

Is it a necessity to have every meal planned? We're only there for 4 nights (hubby and 3 year-old); I've reserved for a character breakfast and a dinner. I think I'd feel a bit trapped if we had every single meal planned.

Not that we'd be going to any fancy restaurants. But for the more casual places, can you walk up and get your name on a waiting list or somesuch?

Basically, ALL Disney restaurants are "casual", except the few that are "signature" restaurants. If you're willing to go to resort restaurants (non-character places) right when they start serving a meal you MIGHT be able to get in...or if you're willing to eat late (in the 8-10:00 p.m. range). Since you only have 2 more meals that would be at a Table service (in addition to the 2 you already reserved) this may be workable...but with your little one, I'd go for the early dinner seatings for the best bet.

If you prefer to eat in the usual dinner time of 6-8:00 p.m., though, you better have reservations unless you're willing to go to the outlying resorts like CSR, POR, OKW, SSR, etc...chances are you won't get in at the monorail resorts or the Epcot resorts

 

[paxsarah]

If you are not using the dining plan and don't feel the need to have additional table service meals beyond what you've reserved, then no - you don't need to reserve more meals. There are a lot of good quick service options beyond the burgers and fries you might expect.

If you're on the DDP or definitely want more sit-down restaurant meals, then I'd make my best guess at what I want and reserve something now just to be safe, even if you end up modifying it or canceling later.

 

[AJA]

any time you go during free dining you need to have ressies (even if you aren't on the free dining plan). You might not use them all, but you have it if you want it, if you don't have a ressie you might not be able to get in to any TS at the time you want.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

If you are using the dining plan (except quick service) DEFINITELY have the amount of TS meals planned using all your TS credits before you go. You can always cancel or rearrange them if anything is available but you'll be glad you have them all set so you won't stress about using your credits.

If you are not using the dining plan, I would suggest having at least a couple of ADRs so you have some options to sit down. But you don't have to plan all your meals if you don't want to. There are lots of quick service spots that are really good!

 

[MHSweb79]

During free dining, most table-service restaurants will have signs posted saying "No walk-in's accepted."

Now, you certainly can eat well at the many counter-service restaurants so ADR's are not really necessary unless you are trying to use dining plan credits.

 

[mcd2745]

If I go next year around the same time again (during FD), I'll opt for the room discount instead if they are offering that as well - particularly if I book inside of 180 days (as I did this time). I though the FD would be very convenient, but it's turning out to be the opposite. It's becoming stressful and inconvenient as the only TS options available are at inconvenient/undesirable times or locations.