Please help me plan!!

[missy522]

Okay, this is my first post on this forum. My family is going to Dis in May, the 23rd thru the 29th to be exact. I have res at POR, but have not yet purchased tickets. We're thinking seriously about doing the Dining plan. So here's my dilemma: Do you plan in advance which day to do which park? I know that's probably a good idea, but what about adjusting according to crowds? And does the dining plan lock you into your plans? Do you need advance dinner res in order to get a seating? Is one or two days early too late for dinner res? Sorry about running on and on, it's just that I'm afraid of planning out the entire trip, down to meals each night, and then finding we need to adjust due to crowds. Oh, and one last thing. Our last 2 days are Memorial Day weekend (didn't realize that at booking time). Please tell me it won't be that bad!!! TIA

 

[GarrettJD]

Hello! Welcome to the DIS!

First thing-- relax and don't stress.

Second thing-- yes, it's a good idea to plan in advance which park you'll want to do on which day. That way, you'll be able to plan out some dinner reservations in advance. I would go ahead and make some early ones, and you can change them later if need be. It's usually not too tough to get ADRs (advance dining reservations) a couple of days beforehand, or even in the morning same day, except for a few places like Cinderella's and a few of the other popular character meals. So, if you need to adjust, you probably can.

That's why I (even though some others will disagree) reccommend the Park Hopper option. That way, if the park you're at is particularly crowded, you can try another that may be less crowded.

Anyway, I would go ahead and try to plan which park you're going to go to each day, then make a few ADRs based on where you'll be. If you need to change it around later, there's no penalty for doing so with 99% of the restaurants.

Also, yes it will be busy Memorial Day weekend-- but not nearly as busy as high summer season or Christmas. If you pace yourself, keep reading these boards, and relax, you'll have a great time!

 

[dis4fun]

First thing, just remember in order to do the dining plan you will need to purchase a MYW package including tickets and accommodations.

Second, I do plan which days we want to be where before I make any ADRs. I do this as soon as the park hours are posted.

Remember that, for the most part, you can still be flexible. With a few exceptions, you can still cancel an ADR up until the time of seating, and find something else if your plans change because of crowds or whatever. I wouldn't even attempt to go, especially that time of year, without plans for the table service meals.

With careful planning and patience, you will be fine. Have a wonderful time at my favoriate place.

 

[nicolemarie]

I am planning our trip for the end of March which will be a busier time than we have ever gone. This is the first trip I have felt like we "need a plan" for. And a plan do I have! I subcribed to TGM and planned every day according to his recommendations for crowds for that day. I made my dining reservations accordingly, and know that we will have ample time for rides, relaxing at the YC and enjoying dinners and shows at night. I was concerned about my "dependence" on him for the success of our trip. But after reading many, many posts by satisfied customers, I am convinced that I am making the right move.

As for your concern about dinner reservations, I would definitely try and make some initial plans as to what park on what day so you can make reservations. I have gotten MOST everything I want for our trip, but even one month out, there were times I couldn't get. Especially for things like Hoop Dee Doo, Fantasmic Dinner Packages and California Grill - I got times, but not ideal ones. So I would not wait until you get there to book. You can cancel the signature type meals up to 48 hrs beforehand - even if it is prepaid. The others can be cancelled that day if you see you won't make it. At least give yourself the option. Nothing worse than wanting a sit down meal in the AC and everything too full.

Anyway, try out TGM - I think you'll be pleased in the help it is for your planning. Then go ahead and book some meals!

Have fun!

 

[airtime]

Consider doing some research on which parks to visit on which days before planning your overall itinerary. This really makes a big difference, as traffic patterns really do vary. You can get this for free at TouringPlans.com. Fit your restaurants into your itinerary, not vice versa. (One exception is CRT - if you're going there for breakfast or lunch, get your ADR first - it's infamous for its ability to fill ADRs - then plan to be at the MK then!)

In May, I wouldn't try doing walk-in at table-service restaurants. Try to plan it out, make your ADRs, and then if you don't use them, just cancel them.

Planning ahead will make it unlikely that you will need to adjust for crowds - you'll be one step ahead!


Tim, who agrees with the Unofficial Guide about visiting WDW: "Have a plan, or have a frontal lobotomy!"

 

[crazy4disney01]

Everytime we have been, we have planned our days going to which park in advance whether we were on the dining plan or not. We haven't ever adjusted our plans according to the crowd levels and have never had any problems. There may be places that you really want to eat and if you wait until 1-2 days before you won't be able to get in like Chef Mickey's, upscale restaurants, and places like that. We have changed around on the dining plan like one night we missed our ressies, I think we were too tired to go, so the next day at lunch we ate at Garden Grill (character dining) because there only was a 15 minute wait, so you aren't really held to anything. Somehow, everything worked out the way we wanted. But, we feel that if we made ressies in advance it is something we can count on. If we want to change it once we are there, we try and just go with what we want to do. I guess it really depends if there are places that you really want to eat at while you are there, because if it doesn't really matter it may not be necessary. Places like Cinderella's castle and the Princess Storybook in Epcot (Norway) want a credit card # to hold your reservation and they do require I think a 48 hour notice or your card is charged a fee (I think $10 a person). So, in cases like that you are held to it but I can't think of any others that require that. (We do lots of character dining and snack places when we go.)
I have to say I always cancel if we don't go so I don't get flamed.

I hope this helps!! Sorry so long!!!!

 

[missy522]

Thanks to all of you for your great suggestions! It is a BIG help to know that I can make changes in dinner plans once we're there if necessary. I'm really excited about trying the Dining Plan, just didn't want it to lock us into anything. Plans are good, but after all, like everyone said, it's a vacation - relax! Thanks again!

 

[noladave]

my only caution to people about the DP is that if you travel with extended family, in different rooms, different plans, the waiters and waitresses can (and probably will) screw up the plan at least once. We had it happen twice in 3 days. One more trip to the hotel lobby to get it straigtened out, and I would have screamed!

 

[Amirah95]

I 2nd the TGM suggestion if you want to learn how to beat the crowds during your holiday stay.