Is PS necessary?

[motaei]

I'm going with another family that when they go on vacation, they wing everything. Never plan ahead - and I have been put in charge of our WDW visit. DH is more the laid back type too. I am afraid if I make PS's, then the vacation will be too "scheduled" and I want it to be fun for both our families. I'm the kind that likes to plan everything so we don't miss any of the good stuff, especially since this may be the one and only trip either family ever makes to WDW. I guess what I want to know, will we be eating at just the counter restaurants all week if I don't make PS's? I was hoping to eat at 'Ohana's and Coral Reef at least - they both look so good. And I thought that the Fantasmic Package looked like a really good idea too. Now, we are going in mid-Decmeber. How worried do I have to be, or is it possible to just "wing-it" at that time of year? Gee...six months away, & I'm already stressing.

 

[GlennandAnn]

I don't think I'd worry too much about PS if you're going mid Dec. If it was a June or July trip, different story. My experience has been that you can pretty much eat wherever you want by just walking up at odd times, like 2 or 3 in the afternoon- the off peak for meals times. This has worked for us at non-busy times. Happy planning!!

Ann

 

[lucysdad]

We just got back and DH (Lucy's Dad) planned two ressies a day at nice restaurants. We had wonderful meals, but I felt rushed at times to quit what we were doing to make our ps. I'm taking our daughter back in July and I'm not planning any ressies except character meals that always book up. I just want this trip to be more laid back and casual. If you have some special restaurants that you really want to try, book them. But, perhaps in deference to your friends' traveling style, and so you won't get disappointed, don't book so many that you wind up being too scheduled.

 

[chamonix]

If you mean early december, then you will have no problem, but if you mean close to christmas, forget it. (or so I have heard) We are the laid back types who don't like to plan ps'. We were there last year arriving the Saturday after Thanksgiving and stayed until December 11th. We walked up and had a wait of maybe 45 inutes- to an hour to get into Ohana's, but since we anticipated the wait, and planned for it, it was no big deal. I think if we go again at that time we will call for a ps each day in the morning, or maybe the night before, and hopefully the wait will be even less. I feel like I can plan that far in advance where we will be, but not months ahead, so I can relate to your style. (or your friends/dh style) LOL
If you will be there closer to christmas I would make ps as best you can, perhaps just for dinners? (or just breakfast or lunch, whatever) I plan to do that next time, because I can tell you--eating counter service food for a week would be awful.
I would try making at least a ps for every other day or something. I don't think anyone will make a big deal if you plan one or two meals. Can they commit to which park they plan to be in which day? Good luck, this is something we struggle with too.

 

[phyllis1966]

I make the PS's so that I definitely have them. Then, if we're not in the mood or don't want to stop what we're doing, we don't have to go. Or you can call to cancel. I just like having a PS so that I don't have to wait too long with my young DD.

 

[motaei]

Wow...chamonix, I didn't even know I could make a PS that morning for the same evening. I am going from the 12th - 18th. So it's right in between the Holidays. I was just under the impression that I had to make my PS months in advance or I would not get them. ('Ohana's & Coral Reef have got a 120 day window) If I can make my PS while I am at the parks, that would take a LOT of stress off of me & allow us to "wing it" more - which, when you have 8 people, I would prefer to do. I can also do what Phyllis1966 suggested & make the PS's (but shortly before we leave), & if it doesn't look like it will happen, then I can cancel. The counter meals are OK for lunch, but I thought it would be nice to have a few good dinners to end the busy days. Thank you so much!! A little less stress in my life.

 

[chamonix]

Well, just to clarify--you can make ps close to your actual visit *if there is still space available*. (and 8 people is a lot to seat)
I think you will be ok for those dates, but I would go ahead and make those dinner ps' for at least the first and last nights. Have fun, maybe we'll see you there! We love going at that time of year.