Reservations in February

[safetybar]

Hello-

Does anyone think dining reservations are needed for a trip during the first week of Feb? Do the crowds warrant having to plan ahead for dinner?

I'm not a huge fan of having to plan my day around a reservation.

Thanks!

 

[LJSquishy]

I would strongly suggest making ADRs if you are wanting any table service meals while you're there. Many restaurants are already picked over pretty well, at least for the dates I'll be traveling in Feb. A few don't have any availability at all.

Sometimes you can get in as a walk up, but it is not likely, especially since free dining is being offered in Feb. your best chances of getting seated without a reservation is going during off-peak times of the day, such as a late lunch (3pm) and late dinners (8pm).

 

[safetybar]

Thanks for the info. We generally eat "off-peak" anyway, so that might work out.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I don't think you'll need reservations, but you might have long waits at the more popular restaurants. If you want to make a day-of decision, you can always call the dining line a few hours ahead and see what's available day of. We've had pretty good luck doing that during low season.

 

[Hooked On The Mouse]

I would have reservations, but then I want to eat in certain restaurants and would be devastated to miss them. I guess it depends if you're willing to risk it and to be highly flexible.

 

[aggielawyer]

I'll be there 2/1-2/5, and when I made my reservations a month ago I had a hard time getting all my first choices. I would made ADRs (obviously) if it were me, but if you are willing to take the risk that you will have to wait or east at a counter-service place, then go ahead. I think a big factor is what restaurants you are interested in.

 

[B-Ride]

I wouldn't take a chance unless you are willing to eat at CS restaurants or off property.

 

[no capes darling]

If having a sit-down meal with a server is important to you, I'd do it. I may not be able to figure out what I'm making for dinner tomorrow, but I sure as heck have no problem arranging adr's 180 days in advance. That's as crazy as I get with planning, everything else is pretty much fair game.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I'll be there 2/1-2/5, and when I made my reservations a month ago I had a hard time getting all my first choices. I would made ADRs (obviously) if it were me, but if you are willing to take the risk that you will have to wait or east at a counter-service place, then go ahead. I think a big factor is what restaurants you are interested in.

We'll be there 2/4-2/11 and we made all our reservations at 90 days out. We had no trouble getting the restaurants and exact times we wanted, but we don't do some of the more popular options like buffets and character dining. You're right that which restaurants interest OP's party will be a big factor.

 

[sharadoc]

At MK or DHS you might get into trouble at certain times. Epcot should be a breeze unless you want Le Cellier or Coral Reef. I have found it easier to call Disney Dining from my cell phone in front of the restaurant than going to the podium FYI.

 

[MicRac]

I usually make ADRs for the first few days since I know what park I am going to be at on those days then I leave a few days open to whatever we want to do. Then if we decide to go to EPCOT I will call the dining line and see what they have available for that day.

 

[bowbat]

Hello-

Does anyone think dining reservations are needed for a trip during the first week of Feb? Do the crowds warrant having to plan ahead for dinner?

I'm not a huge fan of having to plan my day around a reservation.

Thanks!

We were just at WDW during a similarly slow time (post-Thanksgiving). I had made some ADRs, but we ended up canceling them all several weeks before the trip because we didn't want to be tied down. After that, I just sort of kept an eye on availabilities on the Disney website. Our first day, we were in HS and went to the Brown Derby around 4pm as walk-ups. We were seated immediately, had a great meal & fantastic service. As long as you're flexible about where/when you eat, I'd say you can do without ADRs.

 

[tlenzendorf]

I have been checking out availability redoing my ADRs just a bit and there is tons of availability from 2/5-2/10. I think you'd be ok without them if you don't want to do the very popular meals.