Need help with ADR times

[tinkerbell_1977]

Hi all. I am new to the boards and I just love your wealth of info you all have. Here is my question of the day
I am going in Sept during free dining. The parks are only open until 8pm. We plan to be there first thing in the morn, CS lunch around 11-12, back to the hotel from lunch until about 4 then head back to the parks. We are using our TS meals for dinners. What time should I do those? I was originally thinking early dinner (5-6 ish) however I have seen many people say the dining took two hours! That would really cut into how much time you have left in the park that evening. I asume the buffet would be quicker but on normal TS meals what time should I go with? Early dinner or dinner right before the parks close?

 

[Dizneydaz]

I would get an ADR for the lastest time they'll take it for. That way you can do all the park stuff first, and then finish up the day with a relaxing dinner. For me, it's a no-brainer since we are from the West Coast and eating at 8 p.m. EST isn't a hardship for us. We usually eat around 7 p.m. PST anyway. If you are used to eating earlier, than it may be harder for you-I would grab a mid-day snack then.

and yes, buffets are quicker than sit-down. Unless you have to wait for all the characters to come around.

Have fun!

 

[Tink888]

We also do the later dinner ressies for TS in the parks. I try to make my ADRs anytime between 7:30 and 8:30. We like to maximize our time in the parks doing attractions and the other nice thing about later reservations is coming out of dinner to a nearly empty park. Even though you're heading straight for the park exit, there's just a special feeling you get seeing the park so quiet and uncrowded.

 

[disnut8]

I'd go with dinner right before close. You will NOT have to rush through your dinner. Even if the park hours are until 8:00 PM, if you are seated in a restaurant, you will be able to finish your meal at the pace you want.

The only concern would be that you are eating a relatively early lunch around 11 or 12. You might have to spring for a snack back at your resort during your rest time.