Reservations for two - don't worry about it

[jacklynnsteven]

My husband and I just returned from our trip to WDW. We like to add the premium dining plan because it's just the two of us, and we like to try different cuisines. We made all of our reservations prior to leaving for our trip, but it really wasn't necessary for all of the restaurants. If you are eating at a resort restaurant (say Spoodles or Captains Grille or The Wave) you really don't need a reservation, if you have a small party. There were so many open tables! We asked at one of the restaurants as we left and they told us they do keep some tables available for walk-ins, and of course there are always no-shows. So if you are enjoying yourself and you are going to miss your lunch reservation, don't sweat it. Having reservations set in stone made our trip less enjoyable, so the last three days of our trip we just ate where we wanted and didn't have more than a 5 minute wait. These restaurants have good food, and not all the hustle and bustle as say The Brown Derby or Le Chefs.

 

[Cee]

We never make advanced ADRs for this very reason. We've never had a problem eating anywhere we want. Go with the flow!

 

[disneyjunkie]

My husband and I just returned from our trip to WDW. We like to add the premium dining plan because it's just the two of us, and we like to try different cuisines. We made all of our reservations prior to leaving for our trip, but it really wasn't necessary for all of the restaurants. If you are eating at a resort restaurant (say Spoodles or Captains Grille or The Wave) you really don't need a reservation, if you have a small party. There were so many open tables! We asked at one of the restaurants as we left and they told us they do keep some tables available for walk-ins, and of course there are always no-shows. So if you are enjoying yourself and you are going to miss your lunch reservation, don't sweat it. Having reservations set in stone made our trip less enjoyable, so the last three days of our trip we just ate where we wanted and didn't have more than a 5 minute wait. These restaurants have good food, and not all the hustle and bustle as say The Brown Derby or Le Chefs.

I think it really depends on when your trip is scheduled and which restaurants you pick.

Most of our(my son and I) trips are during spring break. There's no way I would pay for the dining plan, then wing it. I'm sure we would be able to get into the less popular places. However, we would be locked out of our favorites.

 

[Kimberle]

I think it really depends on what time of year you are going and where you want to eat. I've been turned away from many restaurants w/ a party of 2 before and have seen many others turned away as well.

WDW has changed over the past few years. More and more people are are booking the dining plans now. Just a few years ago, I'd only book a couple of ADR's. Now I book everything, even b/fast.

If you're coming during Free Dining. You'll need ADR's or you won't get a table.