planning to eat in room so no ADR

[cropper]

We are not doing any dining plan and there are 7 of us (my fam of 4 plus 3 guests)
We are going to try to do most meals in the villa to save $$.

I know some don't accept ADR anyway, like Big River Grill, but without an ADR, can you even get in places like Beaches & Cream, DTD locations like Planet Hollywood, Bongos, etc should the 'cooking in the room' idea fail?

 

[Deb & Bill]

We are not doing any dining plan and there are 7 of us (my fam of 4 plus 3 guests)
We are going to try to do most meals in the villa to save $$.

I know some don't accept ADR anyway, like Big River Grill, but without an ADR, can you even get in places like Beaches & Cream, DTD locations like Planet Hollywood, Bongos, etc should the 'cooking in the room' idea fail?

A table at Beaches and Cream can be hard to get without an ADR because it is so small.

You'd have access to all the counter service dining.

 

[davale4]

We are not doing any dining plan and there are 7 of us (my fam of 4 plus 3 guests)
We are going to try to do most meals in the villa to save $$.

I know some don't accept ADR anyway, like Big River Grill, but without an ADR, can you even get in places like Beaches & Cream, DTD locations like Planet Hollywood, Bongos, etc should the 'cooking in the room' idea fail?

I have been to Planet Hollywood and Bongos without reservations with no problems and no wait. I don't know if maybe it was low season but we just walked in.

 

[Msmithmd]

You can get in to a surprising number of places without ADR. Don't expect to walk in to Le Cellier or California Grille, but the majority of restaurants in Epcot will take walkups, as will many places in other parks and resorts. Easier if you have a small party, of course, just like any restaurant at home.

 

[Geomom]

You shouldn't have a problem at most Downtown Disney restaurants. For any others, you could either try to make an ADR earlier that day, or try to do a walk up on the early side. Epcot has a very good variety of counter service restaurants, so that's an option for you as well.

I'd also suggest making 1 ADR now for mid-trip, giving all the chefs a break!

 

[cropper]

My kids want to take their friends to Whispering Canyon so I have made that ADR already

 

[Micca]

I think in-room dining is one of the highlights of DVC. We still make ADRs and eat at TS restaurants, but with a bunch of kids, you can do fine with a grocery store run or delivery service.

I'd stock up on cereal, protein bars, chips/dips, soft drinks, & sandwich makings. Maybe add some frozen pizzas or wings. It will cost you a fraction of what you'd pay at CS. Not only is it cost effective, but you'll likely meet or surpass the quality of food you'll get in the parks.

The adults can also have caffeine and alcohol at prices that are much more sensible. Trust me, you'll want this

Of course you should try some Disney dining and get some Mickey bars and Dole Whips. Saving money & time is cool, and eating at the resort can be a lot of fun

 

[Sammie]

And Flippers has really good pizza and delivers.

 

[keishashadow]

OP if you have an car, there are so many options right outside the parks, no ADRs required & prices are more reasonable.

 

[CarolMN]

If you are staying in the EPCOT resort area, don't forget about the Swan & Dolphin restaurants. We've had very good luck getting into those without ADRs or reservations. Almost never had a wait over 10 minutes or so. Plus your DVC member card will get you a 20% discount at most of them.

 

[happymommy]

We are totally with you on this! The only ADR we make is often for Sci Fi for a late lunch or dinner - spring break is always the week of DD's birthday, so that's what she picks.

Other than that, we enjoy the flexibility of just eating counter service when at parks, and ordering from Garden Grocer for simple things in the room. It's just more relaxing for us than trying to make a reservation at a specific time. At least once or twice I make a big breakfast and we sleep in.

Having a kitchen (and washer/dryer) is so nice!