It's been a year since I visited...Are ADR's A must for everyone now?

[GOOFYsince71]

My last few trips were all with the Free Dining.
Is it now a "must" to make Adr's for just casual,
last minute dining? Does that exist anymore,,,or will
I mosey up to a host and be told there is no room without an ADR?

 

[jodywgirl]

I think it depends what time of year you go. If there is free dining or it is during the busy season yes if you want to go to one of the more popular places you need an adr. Even during the off times I thinkg some of the high demand places are hard to get into without an ADR ( Le Cellier, CRT ).

 

[TDC Nala]

Depends on the time of year and the restaurant. Peak attendance times, yes. During any general public free dining offer, yes.

If it's not peak attendance or free dining, then it'll depend on which restaurant. You have very little chance of getting seated if you walk up to Le Cellier, Chef Mickey's, CRT, 'Ohana dinner or California Grill within an hour to two hours of the MK fireworks. Other slightly less popular restaurants (any character meal, especially those in the parks, for example) will be nearly impossible to walk into at peak dining times.

 

[Marci]

We booked the trip about a week before we planned to go in January and I have been unable to get ADRs at any of my preferred restaurants. We will try walking up and see what happens.

 

[GOOFYsince71]

Thanks for the responses...
We are going just after VAlentines day.
I have been lucky enough to stay at all the
resorts except Animal Kingdom. The last time
we visited we stayed at Wilderness Lodge and it was during the
Free dining. We had made all our ADR's before we left,,but were surprised that even the Resort restaurants were ALL booked for days we wanted to switch
meals.I guess we will make some for the few places we want to go to.
I have to say though........With our last 4 trips being FREE dining,,
I am NOW just noticing the Prices on the menus!!!!!
NOw I know why I go during free dining..I find it hard to justify
14.99 for a turkey sandwich.....Being a trip without any "plans"...we will
at least be able to try all the snacks and bakery items we wanted to the last few years,,,but couldn't because of being way too full!!!!

 

[danielle.st]

Thanks for the responses...
We are going just after VAlentines day.
I have been lucky enough to stay at all the
resorts except Animal Kingdom. The last time
we visited we stayed at Wilderness Lodge and it was during the
Free dining. We had made all our ADR's before we left,,but were surprised that even the Resort restaurants were ALL booked for days we wanted to switch
meals.I guess we will make some for the few places we want to go to.
I have to say though........With our last 4 trips being FREE dining,,
I am NOW just noticing the Prices on the menus!!!!!
NOw I know why I go during free dining..I find it hard to justify
14.99 for a turkey sandwich.....Being a trip without any "plans"...we will
at least be able to try all the snacks and bakery items we wanted to the last few years,,,but couldn't because of being way too full!!!!

That sounds like February recess/ President's week. I'd think it would be very busy that week because there is no school.