Not interested in making ADRs, will I still be able to eat table service?

[ShannonMB]

As for making ADRs, this is our first trip and I have no idea where I want to eat 4 months from now.

OP, I can't recommend the table service experience enough! Not only do I love some of the restaurants and can't wait to try more, but that sit-down experience, having someone wait on you is SO RELAXING AND RECHARGING!

When we went in October, 2007, it was my first trip in 25 years. Luckily, I had heard about making reservations, and each of us picked something that sounded cool. My sis had been, and told us of a couple they had tried this was before I found the DIS!). My family liked very much or LOVED all the places we try, and we can't wait to try new ones this time!!!

It sounds like maybe you don't really know where to start with restaurants to pick and don't want to stress about it? It can be really fun to look around at the posts and menus to find out what you might love! But then, I'm really into food, so I enjoy that sort of thing!

 

[Nancyg56]

A family that my DGD goes to school with went to Disney with no ADR's, they did not know that they may need them in order to have sit down meals. They did not starve, they got into restaurants. Fortunately, they did not know too much about the restaurants on the property so they were not disappointed in the choices that they had.

I think that if the OP is not setting high expectations on any restaurant in particular, and it does not sound as if she is, she should be fine. This would not work for me or my family, but not everyone vacations in the same manner. What is relaxing for me may be stressful for her. I do not make detailed touring plans and never worry about hitting all of the attractions, this may make her stressed.

 

[joy13]

I think the jist of this thread is - if you don't want to make ADR's now - you probably don't need to. But I wouldn't wait until you are starving at 6:30 in the evening to start looking for table service either. I would do as some suggested and each evening - decide where you are going to be the next day and call to get a ressie at a table service if that's what you think you will want that next day. If you have the dining plan, however, I would say you should definately make an ADR for each day so you don't risk losing credits. NO dining plan - then don't stress about it. We don't know if you are taking kids with you - but if you are, definately try and get at least one character meal ADR though - those are priceless with kids.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

We don't know if you are taking kids with you - but if you are, definately try and get at least one character meal ADR though - those are priceless with kids.

I agree with this!! I've been on the "go with the flow if that's your thing" side, but it's so much nicer meeting characters in an air conditioned restaurant, complete with cold drinks and food than outside in the heat with 20 other families who are inches away from losing it, and God forbid the character take a two minute break!!

 

[fla4fun]

You have the luxury of writing this because, like me, you're a veteran, with no pressing need to visit every attraction. We live in Miami and have visited WDW twice a year, sometimes more, since 1972; we often don't make ADR's, but then again, we confine our dining to resort restaurants.

But the OP is a first timer, and has no clue what might await him/her. Telling a first time to "relax" and "wing it" only works off-season.

I think maybe you misunderstood me. In the last paragraph, I suggested making ADR's for any character meals or restaurants they didn't want to miss. I didn't suggest winging it entirely, and never would to a first time visitor. But if you are a person, like me, who doesn't like to be tied down to an itinerary, it can really cut down on the enjoyment of the trip if you feel you have to be at a certain place at a certain time every day of the trip. Even when I go somewhere for the first time, I seldom make plans ahead of time for more than about a third of the time I'll be there, because to do more than that will ruin the trip for me. It sounds like the OP is of a similar personality, so I was suggesting a compromise between planning 100% and not planning at all.

 

[Nancyg56]

I agree with this!! I've been on the "go with the flow if that's your thing" side, but it's so much nicer meeting characters in an air conditioned restaurant, complete with cold drinks and food than outside in the heat with 20 other families who are inches away from losing it, and God forbid the character take a two minute break!!

I think maybe you misunderstood me. In the last paragraph, I suggested making ADR's for any character meals or restaurants they didn't want to miss. I didn't suggest winging it entirely, and never would to a first time visitor. But if you are a person, like me, who doesn't like to be tied down to an itinerary, it can really cut down on the enjoyment of the trip if you feel you have to be at a certain place at a certain time every day of the trip. Even when I go somewhere for the first time, I seldom make plans ahead of time for more than about a third of the time I'll be there, because to do more than that will ruin the trip for me. It sounds like the OP is of a similar personality, so I was suggesting a compromise between planning 100% and not planning at all.

On our first trip back to the World since my kids were children I was ready to try to do everything. I researched, planned, and started to make touring plans. My DD had been there several times with her aunt and she reminded me tht there is really a lot to do, no way to get it all done. My DH told me I was looking for a huge letdown if I kept that up so I regrouped.

I planned where we would eat and which park we would be in on any given day. I also made a little list of things I would like to do or see with my DGD. That was it.

Now I had no idea that I would be going back, it had been close to 20 years since I had a real visit but I wanted to enjoy my family in a magical place, sharing my DGD's wonder. We were those folks who veteran DIS'ers shake their heads at, it looked like we were wanderers and we honestly did not make the most of our park time on some of the days but we all had the best vacation we all had ever had.

I think that a Disney vacation can be an expensive vacation and one that is overwhelming and overstimulating so every family really needs to determine what they are looking for and what they want to do. If dining is important then they need to make some ADR's. If getting the most out of the attractions is important and you do not mind eating counter service then go with that. If there is a TS opening when you want it you go, if not you eat at Cosmic Rays. The food is still good, but it is not a character meal and it is not a sit down meal. There is no wrong way to go but not being honest with what you want to accomplish can be a disaster. These are the folks who are bitter and angry with their vacation experience and with Disney.

I think the OP knows what she wants she just wants to know if it is doable without ADR's. I am not sure and would never chance it but dining is important when I vacation. I would never run from attraction to attraction but there sure are a lot of folks who thrive on that so as long as the OP is ready to be flexible then she should be fine.

 

[tndisneyfan]

Here's how you have to look at ADRs. Remember when you lived at home with mom? It was you eat what she made and that was that? Well take a look at the menus, pick some restaurants you might like and then make your ADRs. Then when that day arrives- you eat there and that is that . And remember you are picking from a whole menu that day-not deciding you want the pork 4 months from now.

Make the ADRs -you can always cancel or change when the time get nearer. Just please remember to cancel and not just not show up .

To the OP, most likely you will be able to find a sitdown somewhere. It may just be really late, really early, or really out of the way.

We are only doing three or so sitdown meals on our next 10 day trip. I don't mind working my schedule around two or three meals.

 

[mollygirl13]

A friend of mine went to WDW (1st trip) May 2008. I politely advised her to make ADR's before she left and told her I'd be happy to help her with her dining decisions.

Well, she decided just to "wing it' and get ADR's on her own time. She told me she didn't need to make any reservations and will make do with what she could get. Well, that plan did not work too well for her and her family as she could not get any ADR's for the restaurants and times she wanted/needed (she has 2 kids ages 6 and 2) & unfortunately ended up eating "fast food" all week.

When she returned, all she did was complain about how she didn't get to eat in any of the good restaurants and especially was angry that she couldn't get a ressie at Cinderella's Royal Table, 'OHana or Chef Mickeys!!

I really tried to warn her.......


Anyway, to the OP, if you are very flexible w/ your choices, dining times and have a good attitude, you'll be fine. If you go to WDW expecting what my friend expected, you may come back disappointed.


I have been to WDW 35+ times and I always make ADR'S. That is just our preference to be able to eat when and where we want. There are certain restaurants that are must-do's for us and we would be very unhappy if we couldn't eat in those places. And if we decide not to use an ADR, we politely call and cancel.

 

[jordancej]

I found this off another web site. I thought it offered great advice along with all the other Disers that have voiced their opinions.

"Walt Disney World is 47 square miles, which makes it larger than many of our nations biggest cities. It totals an area twice the size of Manhattan Island.

The more you know the more you will see.....
The more you understand about this vast entertainment and resort complex the more you will be able to see, do and ultimately enjoy. Now if you are still not entirely convinced that a thoughtful plan will serve you well, or maybe you have a travel partner that insists they want wing it or self discover, here's a word of caution. You will be joining the other countless free spirits who can be easily spotted hovering over a park map or waiting in line at a restaurant hoping for a table that doesn’t exist."

Just my humble opinion.... Bottom line, if you dont plan and just wing it.. your gonna be missing out on alot of stuff... Disney has so much to offer and did i say that i just think you will be missing out if you dont start planning now?... and to me planning is one of the best parts...as other posters have said would you rather put the time in planning now or when you are at the parks? Now we are not saying to have every minute planned out, but just to have a general idea of what parks you are going to be on a particular day... and when you get that down you make your reservations around that. It just makes me sad when i have tried to tell my friends about the in's and out's of Disney planning, (which they think im crazy) they come back from their trips disappointed, and vow to never go again.... and this could of all been avoided with a little planning and research. Just my 2 cents!

 

[mollygirl13]

I found this off another web site. I thought it offered great advice along with all the other Disers that have voiced their opinions.

"Walt Disney World is 47 square miles, which makes it larger than many of our nations biggest cities. It totals an area twice the size of Manhattan Island.

The more you know the more you will see.....
The more you understand about this vast entertainment and resort complex the more you will be able to see, do and ultimately enjoy. Now if you are still not entirely convinced that a thoughtful plan will serve you well, or maybe you have a travel partner that insists they want wing it or self discover, here's a word of caution. You will be joining the other countless free spirits who can be easily spotted hovering over a park map or waiting in line at a restaurant hoping for a table that doesn’t exist."

Just my humble opinion.... Bottom line, if you dont plan and just wing it.. your gonna be missing out on alot of stuff... Disney has so much to offer and did i say that i just think you will be missing out if you dont start planning now?... and to me planning is one of the best parts...as other posters have said would you rather put the time in planning now or when you are at the parks? Now we are not saying to have every minute planned out, but just to have a general idea of what parks you are going to be on a particular day... and when you get that down you make your reservations around that. It just makes me sad when i have tried to tell my friends about the in's and out's of Disney planning, (which they think im crazy) they come back from their trips disappointed, and vow to never go again.... and this could of all been avoided with a little planning and research. Just my 2 cents!

I agree. Just like my friend who was a first timer and didn't plan at all-she came back very disappointed and actually vowed to never go again. Had she done a little research and planned, I feel that her Disney experience would have been a positive and enjoyable one.

 

[septbaby]

My mother has been to WDW many times, on and off site. In 2007 we decide to book a trip and she left the planning to me, though I did try to get her "blessing" as I selected restaurants. I planned the meals and booked the ADRs, made plans for each park that simply included a list of the things we wanted to see or ride. I was given the best praise and stamp of approval that I can think of during our afternoon at AK. We had just come out of the Lion King performance and were about to head to our next stop. We were looking at my one page spreadsheet which was folded down to pocket sized she says "it is so nice to have a plan and rather than standing in the middle of a hot park not knowing what to do next", she'd done that before.

This was on a day when we totally changed plans for the AM: cancelled a breakfast ADR, ate CS at the resort and lounged at the pool. We arrived at AK early PM and still hit the things we wanted to see there, including the parade. We had plans, made adjustments, took time for impromptu charaacter meetings stopped for ice cream and made our dinner ADRs on time. We planned, made reservations, but were still flexible.

The only ADRs you need to be really careful to make on time or cancel a couple of days before are those with a CC hold. You will get charged as a no show, ouch.

 

[J3nn78]

Definitely make some ADRs. It will be VERY crowded that week, not quite as bad as Easter week, but still very crowded. It is highly unlikely you could walk up to someplace and get seated. There are so many awesome places to eat in WDW too.

 

[Markstudy]

bump...

 

[divawife]

Wow, I haven't read all the posts but to the OP-you need to super duper flexible about your dining times if you don't make ADRs or you need to be comfortable eating in quick service places during your entire vacation-which is fine. Yes, it is possible to get into some sit down reserved restaurants but at off times. Example, last year during Easter break we had our ADRS but didn't have any for Boma or Tusker House so we walked up to Tusker House in AK around 10:30 am and asked if they had any lunch or dinner time open. They had a lunch at 2:30 which we took, enjoyed and had late snack dinner. But you will have no luck at all in super popular places like Cinderella's Royal Table (CRT) in the castle.
Have a wonderful time!

 

[jordancej]

After reading 5 pages..... seems we all fall into a few categories

The Beginner - The Veteran - The Disappointed -
The - "Don't Worry, Be Happy" - The Math Wizzard - The Bargain Hunter

So true!! - Great perspective!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I went at about the same time of year that the OP is going, and we never had a problem finding places to eat. Other times of the year when it's more crowded, it may be harder. And there's certainly no point going place to place when you can call WDW's reservation number.

Did you follow this family all around Epcot?

Although the PP replied already. I will reconfirm, I've overheard a few dissappointed people on the DP (especially during free dining) complaining that there all of the WS restaurants were booked during dinner. One in particular sticks out because she thought the DP meant she could walk up to any restaurant and get a seat. She had no idea about ADR's at all and was pretty vocal at Le Cellier with the hostess.

My experience has been during peak season, CS takes longer and I hate wandering around looking for a table. It is much easier and faster to walk up with an ADR sit at a table. This is a big time saver if you're doing a Buffet. And if your a BIG planner, we have already looked up the menu for non-buffets and can place our order as soon as the waiter appears.

One thing I didn't see mentioned in the thread if you want one TS a day and are dead set against ADR's you will have a much easier time at lunch. With the exception of the most popular, you can get a table if you walk up AS SOON AS THEY OPEN for lunch.

 

[Markstudy]

After reading 6 pages..... seems we all fall into a few categories

The Beginner
I'm not going to bother with planning. "GO WITH THE FLOW" works in other places, so why wouldn't it work at Disney World?

The Veteran
I've been 35 times and I love the ADR system... I eat at the best restaurants and watch tons of people turned away while my table is prepared.

The Disappointed
It was our first trip...and we vow we'll never go back to Disney!
Our friend, who goes all the time, told us to make ADR's (but we didn't listen)... thought we'd wing it

The "Don't Worry, Be Happy"
We go with the flow, sometimes we get in, sometimes we don't! But we've been so many times, we don't care if we miss the Best Restaurants, we'll eat anywhere that's open. And if we really want California Grill ....we'll eat dinner at 10:55pm.

The Math Wizard
You've got 2 million people who want to eat dinner between 5:00pm-8:00pm but you only have 20,000 seats in the parks

The Last Minute "maybe going off-site might work?"
Everything is full and busy, so maybe we can leave the parks real quick, and eat at Red Lobster, 5 miles away, and save a lot of money. (Not good idea if you have to wing-it..) It could take over 3 hours from the time you leave the park, find a place, eat, drive back, and get back into the parks.

The Lucky One
We got into Coral Reef once in 1994 without a reservation. They said it was sold-out, but we just walked in anyway. So don't worry you'll be fine! It happened again once in 2003 when we got into Chef Mickey's just by a freak stroke of luck. When they say its sold-out.... try anyway, you could get lucky.

The "Pay to Play"
We stay club level, and Disney charges us a pretty penny. So let the staff worry about getting us last minute reservations... that's what we paid them for. Seems only fair option for people who can't plan long-term

The- "Food is not that important to us"
We are here for the parks and the rides. No time for fancy restaurants or laying around at the resorts. We have 100 rides to go on, and only 5 days.

The College Kid
Eating Hotdogs, pizza, and french fries for 7 days straight? Sounds like fun to me!

The Smart Budget Spender
We bring water from home, ship extra snacks, eat breakfast in the rooms, and plan off-site meals at restaurants we know, as part of our well organized plan, to budget wisely

 

[joy13]

After reading 6 pages..... seems we all fall into a few categories

The Beginner
I'm not going to bother with planning. "GO WITH THE FLOW" works in other places, so why wouldn't it work at Disney World?

The Veteran
I've been 35 times and I love the ADR system... I eat at the best restaurants and watch tons of people turned away while my table is prepared.

The Disappointed
It was our first trip...and we vow we'll never go back to Disney!
Our friend, who goes all the time, told us to make ADR's (but we didn't listen)... thought we'd wing it

The "Don't Worry, Be Happy"
We go with the flow, sometimes we get in, sometimes we don't! But we've been so many times, we don't care if we miss the Best Restaurants, we'll eat anywhere that's open. And if we really want California Grill ....we'll eat dinner at 10:55pm.

The Math Wizard
You've got 2 million people who want to eat dinner between 5:00pm-8:00pm but you only have 20,000 seats in the parks

The Last Minute "maybe going off-site might work?"
Everything is full and busy, so maybe we can leave the parks real quick, and eat at Red Lobster, 5 miles away, and save a lot of money. (Not good idea if you have to wing-it..) It could take over 3 hours from the time you leave the park, find a place, eat, drive back, and get back into the parks.

The Lucky One
We got into Coral Reef once in 1994 without a reservation. They said it was sold-out, but we just walked in anyway. So don't worry you'll be fine! It happened again once in 2003 when we got into Chef Mickey's just by a freak stroke of luck. When they say its sold-out.... try anyway, you could get lucky.

The "Pay to Play"
We stay club level, and Disney charges us a pretty penny. So let the staff worry about getting us last minute reservations... that's what we paid them for. Seems only fair option for people that can't plan long-term

The- "Food is not that important to us"
We are here for the parks and the rides. No time for fancy restaurants or laying around at the resorts. We have 100 rides to go on, and only 5 days.

The College Kid
Eating Hotdogs, pizza, and french fries for 7 days straight? Sounds like fun to me!

The Smart Budget Spender
We bring water from home, ship extra snacks, eat breakfast in the rooms, and plan off-site meals at restaurants we know, as part of our well organized plan, to budget wisely

 

[Cindy F]

After reading 6 pages..... seems we all fall into a few categories....................

I agree completely! For what it's worth....I don't even know how many times we've been to WDW over the last 8 year but: We went to our first on-site resort this Dec- Fort Wilderness Campground, we've never been to or seen any of the other resorts, we've never made a dining reservation, the only sit down restaurants we've been to on property is Liberty Tree Tavern, Sci-Fi Drive In, 50's Prime Time Café, San Angel Inn, and Rain Forest Café. All the rest have been counter service.

Our vacations have not been destroyed by staying off site, not making dining reservations, not doing BBB (that just started recently didn't it?), driving to the parks, or not staying concierge level at the Poly

We've always had a great time regardless but I think part of that has to do with the personality and state of mind of the visitor. If you think you have to have ADRs or your trip will be ruined....then it will be if you don't have them. See what I mean?

 

[kent285]

Honestly, I think we've scared the OP to death and she's packed up and gone to Universal!!