No ADRs Any options?

[figmentgirl]

How do ADRs work? Does Disney completely book a resturant or do they leave some tables open for people who have no ressies and are just dropping in hoping to get lucky?

 

[dawnedwards]

You might get lucky at some of the less popular restaurants, but for many of the popular ones and a lot of the character dining it is ADRs only.

 

[figmentgirl]

Thank goodness. We booked ADRs for Victoria and Alberts, but as to the rest we were planning to dine wherever available. We have no kids with us so no charater dining. I suddenly became afraid that we'd only find counter service
I don't care where we eat but was hoping to sit down now and again.

 

[geenerbell]

When are you going? Why aren't you making ADRs?

 

[dawnedwards]

Honnestly even this late I think it would be a good idea to make some ADR's, even if you don't use them.

 

[Aliceacc]

Why not call and see what you can get?

You can always cancel if you're not in the mood or if something better comes up.

 

[catne]

as long as you're not looking for the most popular places, you should be able to get in a number of places -- I see your countdown says you'll be there in less than 2 weeks, so you're there before Memorial weekend, right? We've been to WDW the week before Memorial Day for the last 2 years and there were tables available almost everywhere we ate if you're willing to eat early or late. Prime dinner time (say 6-7:30 or so) tends to be full most places though)

I would suggest you call Disney Dining each morning & see what's available -

If you're totally winging it, the resort restaurants are more apt to have tables open for last minute walk-ups.

 

[figmentgirl]

as long as you're not looking for the most popular places, you should be able to get in a number of places -- I see your countdown says you'll be there in less than 2 weeks, so you're there before Memorial weekend, right? We've been to WDW the week before Memorial Day for the last 2 years and there were tables available almost everywhere we ate if you're willing to eat early or late. Prime dinner time (say 6-7:30 or so) tends to be full most places though)

I would suggest you call Disney Dining each morning & see what's available -

If you're totally winging it, the resort restaurants are more apt to have tables open for last minute walk-ups.

This is my plan. To answer previous questions, I'm leaving in 12 days. I did call a month ago to make reservations at California Grill, Jiko and Le Cellier but was turned down (i didn't even ask for a time, just gave them my dates and was turned down). So I let it go. In truth, I've been to WDW many many times and never set ressies for anywhere but Victoria and Alberts. It's always worked out. The only place I couldnever get into is the Brown Derby. Then I joined the Dis and ADRs are this HUGE requirement, so I got scared and posted this thread.
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I will call once I'm in Disney and see what I can get.

 

[marivaid]

They do not keep tables for last-minute guests but there are a few places where you can walk in without a reservation.
Since you're staying at the Poly, Kona would be a good option. As long as you avoid the main dinner hours (5-7) you should have no problem getting a table. Also close to you is the Grand Floridian Café. For the most popular places like Chef Mickey's or 'Ohana it will be harder. You might want to visit the concierge desk when you get to the Polynesian and see what they can do for you

 

[patpaxton]

If you have the time, call every day if there is somewhere you really want to eat. They get cancellations all the time...it's all timing. I've also found that the CM's at the resorts sometimes find ways to find tables that the CM's on the phone wont give you. For example, parties of 3 don't know that there may be a table for 4 available, unless they ask. The CM's at the resort seem to work the system a little better.

 

[figmentgirl]

Thanks Marivaid! Those are great suggestions!

 

[marivaid]

Thanks Marivaid! Those are great suggestions!

You're welcome We're going ADR-less too this trip. There's one thing I have to book, the gospel brunch in DTD, but for the rest we'll just play it by ear. I just don't feel like playing the ADR game this time. Don't think anyone ever starved in Disney anyway

 

[PHXscuba]

Once you enter a park for the day, check at Guest Services -- they usually have a board listing what TS restaurants have openings that day. We found last fall (during free dining) the CMs at the restaurants seemed to blanketly tell everyone they were full up (one even said "til the end of the month") and not taking any walk-ins at all. I think it was to discourage people from hanging around waiting for hours hoping for a table.

PHXscuba

 

[amandelba]

Also, if you are staying on-site, you can check with the hotel concierge. I have had a lot of luck getting ADRs this way during my trip.