Jan 11-18 - Do I need ADR's?

[lagasan]

We will be at Disney in January. I would rather not plan our days in advance. From your experience, do we need ADR's Jan 11-18?

 

[DonaldTDuck]

YES
If there is any sit down restaurant that you want to eat at, ADR's will assure you eating there. There are deals out there to get people in the parks, and they all will be eating. If you can live with counter service or whatever restaurant others aren't booking than don't. But if you think you're going to feel hungry and walk up to the next place and get in, you've got another think coming.

 

[PatsMom]

I think it has gotten to where you need ADRs at any time of the year if you want to be sure of getting into a table service. If you don't want to plan in advance, you could try making ADRs just a day ahead after you get there but I'd be prepared to eat counter service if nothing is available. I wouldn't ever count on just showing up at a restaurant and getting in. Although you would probably have a better chance at some of the resort restaurants than the park restaurants.

 

[itchin2go]

If there is a particular place you want to eat, then the answer is YES. If you just want to be able to eat somewhere, if any old place will do, then the answer is no. You'll be able to call Dining the day of and get an ADR for many places, so you won't go hungry. Plus, there's always counter service. You won't be able to call the day of and make an ADR for LeCellier, Chefs, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Ohana, Cindy's Royal Table, Cali Grill, 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey's, etc.

I will also say that even if you don't want to make ADRs before you arrive in WDW, you should call and make an ADR before you show up to a restaurant. There will be lots of things available the day of. Not the most popular dining locations, but something will be available. If you just show up and hope for the best, you may be disappointed.

I never understand why people don't just go ahead and make ADRs just to have a back-up if nothing else. Then if you don't feel like going to the restaurant, cancel the ADR. At least you'll have an option....

Edited to add: 2009 will be our third year straight going to WDW in January. We always make some ADRs. Some of them we keep, some inevitably get cancelled. We routinely call Dining on at least one or two days of our stay to see what's available. We've gotten Artist Point, San Angel Inn and Rose and Crown by calling the day of. You will not go hungry, but your dining options will be limited.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

YES
If there is any sit down restaurant that you want to eat at, ADR's will assure you eating there. There are deals out there to get people in the parks, and they all will be eating. If you can live with counter service or whatever restaurant others aren't booking than don't. But if you think you're going to feel hungry and walk up to the next place and get in, you've got another think coming.

I couldn't agree more!!!

 

[blanq]

Since your trip is bumping up against MLK day, I would say that you would be wise to make ADRs, especially the weekend of the 17th/18th. I have been to WDW quite a few times over the MLK holiday and have seen people turned away from restaurants during that weekend, or told that the next available time to eat is many hours away.