Question from a DL newbie.

[luvthemouse71]

DL vets..a question from a DL newbie(not a WDW newbie though). I'm planning my first DL trip in May..do I need a dining plan and ADRs or not? We'll be there for 5 or 6 nights..are there enough counter service options where I dont have to go crazy with dining? I usually do the DDP at WDW but I've heard that DL isnt so intensive on the restaurant expreriences.

What are the prices like, generally speaking?

 

[LavenderPeach]

Here's a link to the menus at DLR to give you an idea of what is there and also the prices. http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm#dl

You can make reservations (not called ADRs at DLR) for restaurants but it really isn't as intense of an issue as it is at WDW. We're local so we often make reservations within days of going and we've never had a problem getting the time we wanted. There are exceptions to this like if you're going during a very busy time but in general it's really not a problem to get the reservations you want.

There are lots of counter service restaurants and i've heard some people say that the counter service places are better at DLR but the table service places are better at WDW. I've only been to WDW once so I don't have enough experience to compare myself.

The dining plan at DLR isn't recommended by most people because it doesn't save you money and you may end up losing money. Basically you get vouchers that are in different amounts ($5, $10, etc) but you don't get any change back from them. So if you buy something that is $8 you can either use a $5 voucher plus $3 cash or use a $10 voucher and lose $2. You don't get any discount for buying the vouchers.

Hope that helps.

 

[skiingfast]

There are a handful of in park areas that need ADRs (Somtimes called priority seating now just reservations) If you want to eat at these you will want to get a reservation just to ensure you will get in when you want. It is far more easy to walk up at DLR than at WDW though. There are a couple places in each of the hotels and lots in DTD.

There is tons of CS though.

 

[mrsxsparrow]

DL vets..a question from a DL newbie(not a WDW newbie though). I'm planning my first DL trip in May..do I need a dining plan and ADRs or not? We'll be there for 5 or 6 nights..are there enough counter service options where I dont have to go crazy with dining? I usually do the DDP at WDW but I've heard that DL isnt so intensive on the restaurant expreriences.

What are the prices like, generally speaking?

Reservations are a good idea at Blue Bayou, or if you want to do one of the WoC dining packages. Possibly the Minnie breakfast or some other Character Dining, but I've never had a problem. Also, for most places you can walk up that morning and make a reservation for later in the day. I showed up at Cafe Orleans for lunch yesterday but instead of waiting 40 minutes I made a reservation at 6:40PM for dinner. Did the same thing after the marathon memorial day weekend.

 

[raftislander]

I agree with the advice above. Dining plan not the same at DL and not worth it. I do not think that DL has the variety of food options that WDW has (no World showcase), but it does have some good options. Sometimes it is knowing what to order (what to stay away from?). I've had good salads and pasta at Redd Rockets Pizza Port- but the pizza is not good. Depending on the time of year you are going, you can usually get reservations for where ever you want to eat. Since you are staying 5 days, if you see a place that looks good to you, you will probably have no difficulty getting a reservation during your stay. Walk ups are not uncommon. It's kinda of nice not having to decide where you want to eat 6 months in advance. Besides the parks, hotels and DTD, you are a short distance from the Garden Walk that also has several places to dine.

 

[luvthemouse71]

Thanks all. Very excited to see the place that was truly Walts baby..I'm such a Disney nerd!

 

[jimreuter]

Reservations are a good idea at any of the table service restaurants (Blue Bayou, Cafe Orleans, Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue, Carnation Cafe). They all often have substantial waits for walk ins (45 minutes to 1 hour), which can be avoided by having a reservation. Sometimes the Blue Bayou goes hours at a stretch without taking any walk ins at all.

If you are really thinking about eating at one of those four, make a reservation. If you change your mind and don't show up, someone walking in will have a shorter wait. The reservation number is 714-781-DINE. They can make reservations up to 60 days ahead for any of the table service restaurants in the parks, or Downtown Disney (xcept Rainforest Cafe) and at the hotels (not sure they can do Napa Rose tho).