Preferred Dinner Time?

[fatalysis]

Just curious what time most people look for when booking ADRs for dinner. First time trip to WDW for me and the family, so I'm trying to look for times around 4 or 5 PM even though it's kinda early so we could try to plan for any special festivities at night like MVMCP. Seems like having a sit down dinner around 7 or later means that you forego nighttime activities. Am I thinking about that right?

 

[MarBee]

If you are going to MVMCP I would go as close to 4 as possible. You'll miss so much waiting for dinner. (In fact, I'd suggest eating a really big late lunch and then just snacking during the party of possible. Most of the restaurants are closed anyway.)
On other nights it really depends on what you want to do- are you a late night crew? Or are you in bed early?
We are normally the type that closes down the parks, so we will get an early dinner then go crazy on rides. However, when we went with another family, we used dinner as a way to end our night and wind down.

 

[fatalysis]

Good to know, thanks! Something that I haven't taken into account, if my ADR is for 4 pm, are they pretty good about getting people seated at that time if I get there 15-20 mins before?

 

[MarBee]

Good to know, thanks! Something that I haven't taken into account, if my ADR is for 4 pm, are they pretty good about getting people seated at that time if I get there 15-20 mins before?

Where are you looking? It really depends on the restaurant and the day honestly. Getting there 15 mins early though should definitely help!

 

[fatalysis]

Where are you looking? It really depends on the restaurant and the day honestly. Getting there 15 mins early though should definitely help!

I was able to get a 4:30 ADR for BOG one day and a 3:50 ADR at Hollywood and Vine on another.

I also have an 8 pm ADR at Akershus. I'd like to catch the IllumiNations show, but I think I might be cutting it kinda close there.

 

[Hopefully]

I was able to get a 4:30 ADR for BOG one day and a 3:50 ADR at Hollywood and Vine on another.

I also have an 8 pm ADR at Akershus. I'd like to catch the IllumiNations show, but I think I might be cutting it kinda close there.

If you want to eat, and see all the princesses, and enjoy your dinner, I do not believe you have time to do all of that and be outside to find a spot for Illuminations with an ADR of 8PM. It is likely you will not be seated right on time.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

We like making dinner ADRs between 5-6pm...earlier for in park, later for Disney Springs. It's our usual dinner time and it tends to be less busy.

 

[Marissa227]

We are only doing dinners two nights, the other three days we're doing to do brunch buffets and counter service dinner. The two nights we're getting dinner, I have actually booked later times (7:45 and 8:30). My reasoning is that if my kids get tired and cranky in the afternoon, they have enough time to either nap in the stroller or we can go back to our resort for a little while and get freshened up before dinner. I know that my kids are not usually up for sitting nicely at the 5:00 hour, especially after a long, exhausting day.

 

[Hopefully]

We are only doing dinners two nights, the other three days we're doing to do brunch buffets and counter service dinner. The two nights we're getting dinner, I have actually booked later times (7:45 and 8:30). My reasoning is that if my kids get tired and cranky in the afternoon, they have enough time to either nap in the stroller or we can go back to our resort for a little while and get freshened up before dinner. I know that my kids are not usually up for sitting nicely at the 5:00 hour, especially after a long, exhausting day.

I think buffets are only available on weekends

 

[Marissa227]

I think buffets are only available on weekends

Chef Mickey's is available during the week. The other ones (Park Fare and 'Ohana) are actually "breakfast" but we're doing them at 10:35 and 11:10am so I was considering them brunch-time! Sorry for the miswording.

 

[Hopefully]

Chef Mickey's is available during the week. The other ones (Park Fare and 'Ohana) are actually "breakfast" but we're doing them at 10:35 and 11:10am so I was considering them brunch-time! Sorry for the miswording.

Good to know about Chef Mickeys
Brunch is a specific type of meal, with a broader menu which includes "lunch" foods. I didn't want to mislead others trying to plan and have them disappointed.

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

Just curious what time most people look for when booking ADRs for dinner. First time trip to WDW for me and the family, so I'm trying to look for times around 4 or 5 PM even though it's kinda early so we could try to plan for any special festivities at night like MVMCP. Seems like having a sit down dinner around 7 or later means that you forego nighttime activities. Am I thinking about that right?

Every time I make late reservations such as 7-730p I regret it. We usually prefer to eat between 5-6:30p.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Depends on the daily plans and EMH. If we do a dessert party we will do an ADR at 2 or 3. If the park is open late we will do 7.

 

[Hikergirl]

Its just dh and me on this upcoming trip so we are eating late. Most are between 8 and 8:30 but I have one for 9:30.

 

[Lisa F]

when i eat depends on the rest of my plans but I try to eat on the earlier side - my earliest is 3:30 ohana before MVMCP (assuming there will be a snack later) and 6:20 is my latest.