Is it crazy...

[Kerri10]

to forgo ADR's and eat CS? I just really feel like being spontaneous. DH prefers it too and DS4 doesn't have the patience long meals. We'll be there during F&W at epcot so it seems like there will be more choices than normal. And, we're staying at the YC so epcot will be close. I also probably wouldn't mind just calling in the morning and seeing what's available (if anyting) on days we might want to eat TS.

I just want a relaxed vacation and to kind of have DS4 lead the way since it's his first trip.

 

[Enchanted]

I think in all of the years that my family's been going to the World, we've only had three, maybe four, ADRs ever. And I'd say all of those were made AFTER we got to the World. Granted, we usually go in September and October when crowds are down, but still. If you're not picky eaters, I'm sure CS would be just fine. You could try to grab a few ADRs after you've arrived, or even just walk in and ask if they've got tables open. (Worked on our last trip for lunch at LTT and Sci-Fi) Or you could just eat snacks all day! Turkey legs and popcorn and Dole Whips galore! Sure it may not be the healthiest choice, but it's tasty and fun right?

 

[disneycake]

Are there any places you really want to eat at? If not, then I don't think it's crazy not to have ADR's especially if you are ok being spontaneous and grabbing whatever you like. That is how I've done WDW every time we visit because we like being spontaneous and seeing where our stomach's lead us.

 

[ransom]

It really depends on you! And, I'd say, on the length of your stay.

I don't think we could do 2 weeks of CS, but we could definitely do CS for 4 days.

We prefer not to, though...but that's just us! We like to have sit down meals when at home, and when we go out it's almost always to a sit down restaurant. So we just do the same when on vacation.

I don't see any reason why not to do CS all the time if that's your style. There certainly is a good variety available, if you do your research before hand. For example, while you can find burgers at lots of places, you can get a really nice sandwich at Columbia Harbor House. And the chicken strips at Mr. Kamal's in AK are great. Several selections at Tusker House (AK) and Sunshine Seasons (Epcot) are fantastic. And the CS locations in most of World Showcase do a great job.

It's all up to you.

 

[ShannonN]

I think that it would be fine to be spontaneous and eat whenever you decide but, you may want to consider making one ADR for a character dinner for your DS. Last year was our first WDW family trip with our DS and he really enjoyed being able to eat with the characters . It was a great way to get autographs, pictures, and make some wonderful memories. The food was good too. Have fun planning!
DH DS ME

 

[HopperFan]

We do it all the time. Lots of trips with all CS......there are plenty of choices and we have our favorites....
.....but we always stop into Rainforest Cafe

 

[PoohsFan1]

Is it wrong?....No, definately not, especially if your DS doesn't have the patience to sit and wait for his food. However, we always have to have at least 1 TS a day while we are there, there are so many options that we want to try and is sometimes hard to without the ADRs. Besides, TS allows you to rest and recharge while having a great meal.

 

[Kerri10]

Thanks everyone! I am planning on a character breakfast for DS. I was also thinking of making an ADR for our first night and then just wing it. I'll have to ask DH what kind of trip he wants, spontaneous, or one with sit down restaurants. I figure if we're going to do ADR's and a sit down place everyday we'll need to get the dining plan as well.

I do like the idea of snacking all day instead.

 

[LilGMom]

We have never made ADR's. If you are going during the Free DDP deal you might want to consider making one or two depending on where you want to eat. Some of the really popular restaurants book up months in advance. We have always gone during off peak times and have never had a problem walking up to a restaurant and either getting right in or getting an ADR for later that day. The one time we went during a busy time that wasn't possible so we learned our lesson of either sticking with off peak season or making at least one ADR for our trips.

The resort restuarants don't usually book up like the park restuarants.

 

[Kerri10]

Forgot to mention that we are going October 13th-20th. Is that a busy time?

 

[Befferk]

That's our plan for next year. I *might* make one or 2 ADR's, otherwise it's CS for us! I think it will actually save us money, we aren't doing the DDP and we are usually so absorbed in the day, we will just snack throughout. If we had a lot of ADR's, we would definitely spend more money. And our son is 5, so I agree, he doesn't appreciate the TS restaurants and the wait.

Beth

 

[Kerri10]

I'm trying to save a few bucks as well. DH and I took a big trip a few weeks ago to an all inclusive in the Caribbean so this will be our 2nd trip this year. We're splurging on the hotel. I'd rather stay in a great place and eat CS.

 

[Harambe]

You're in a great place for CS type meals, too. You have some choices at Swan/Dolphin (Picabu, in particular, as well as Splash, and The Fountain).

Beach Club has the marketplace, Beachs & Cream, and Hurrican Hannah's.

At Epcot, great CS at most of the worldshowcase.

At Boardwalk, Spoodle's window, the Bakery has sandwiches.