reservations for dining

[spa101]

so this is my first time planning a trip to disney. Would you suggest reservations be made for every restruant you want to eat at. I didn't want to have a set schedule for my vacationa and I am wondering if it is nessasary. We will be staying in AKL Feb 12 - 17.

 

[DonnaDuck]

I normally don't, but this time, I am making ADRs for all my sit-down restaurants. With the new dining plan, the restaurants seem to be a lot busier. I am afraid if I don't have an ADR, I won't get to eat where we want.

It is tough to decide when the hours aren't out yet...I just try to hope for the best. Good Luck on whatever you decide.

 

[solferino]

That's presidents week, which is traditionally a high-volume week. Last year we went that week and didn't make ADR's. We had a hard time getting in for sit-down dinners. It was so frustrating on the first day especially, after a day of travelling and park visiting to not be able to get a place to eat. Thankfully MamaMelroses was able to help us out. Sure, we could have done counter service, but having a served meal is so much better.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

Many restaurants back in June were turning away people without reservations. The previous poster noted that President's weekend is very busy so you should make at least some ADR's. Try looking over the menus on allearsnet.com for ideas. One thing we have learned over the years is not to make a dining reservation far from where you will be at that day and time. For example, don't plan on eating at any restaurant in the Disney Studios if you plan on being in the Magic Kingdom for that day or that part of the day. Make your dining plans go along with whatever theme park you will be visiting at the time. Also consider the resorts close the that theme park. From the Magic Kingdom you can easily get to the Contemporary, Grand Floridan, or Polynesian.....ps Kona Cafe at the Poly is GREAT!.
From Epcot or the Studios you can easily get to the Boardwalk, Beach and Yacht Clubs, and Swan and Dolphin.
Happy planning and keep reading these boards for great ideas.

 

[Leota]

I'm afraid the days of not having reservations is over. This year I saw so many people turned away from the sit-down restaurants. I had never seen that before.
If you know you want to eat at specific restaurants, you should make reservations right at the 90 day mark. I had trouble booking the more popular Character Meals 79 days out from our Dec. trip. And we're going early Dec, which isn't as busy as the week in Feb that you are going.

 

[lenore1]

Definately make ADR's. I was there last week and if you did not have an ADR you were not having a sit down meal! There were a lot of frustrated people. I was fortunate to make an ADR for each day and I used them. Do your best to plan your days in advance so you wont be left without enjoying a sit down dinner sfter a long day.
Have a great vacation!