Reservations???

[first time at 40]

My DH hates to plan anything when it comes to travel. After 3 years of talking him into going to disney he now says he is not planning meals a month in advance let alone 3 months. So we did not make any advance seating. We don't plan on character meals. Do you think we will have problems getting seating for dinner meal? The other meals we plan on counter service.
Please help calm my nerves.

 

[slp87]

It could be if you're wanting to eat at some of the more popular restaurants. Since Disney started the dining plan there have been many reports of people being turned away from restaurants. If I were you, I would make some. For most, there is no penalty for not showing up, although it is best to cancel if you aren't going to show up. Better safe than sorry!

 

[Skylarr29]

Yes I think you can have problems. Due to the popularity of the dining plan it may be impossible to walk up and be seated especially at a popular table service. If you are able to walk up the wait can be very long ... even 2 hours. I wouldnt chance it. Make you reservations and if you dont make it you dont make it but its better to be safe than sorry. Oh and now ressies can be mase 6 months in advance not 3 months!!

 

[Buzzfanmom]

Why don't you pick a few restaurants that you would really like to try and make the priority seatings. You don't have to tell him! There are so many things that I don't tell my husband! That way, you don't run the risk of not getting a seat and if you are sure that you won't use them, you can always call early that day and cancel them. I always make a few not knowing where we will be each day. As long as you cancel them, you give someone else an opportunity to take your place.

 

[Pryncess'mom]

Depending on what time of year you go, you might be OK. Also, it depends osn where you want to eat. If it is one of the more popular places, you might be out of luck. However, I would have a list of places I might like to eat, and be flexible.

have you showed him the menus listed here on the DIS? My DH and 2 DS love to sit and look at the menus, then pick out places they want to try!!

Maybe you could generate some excitement for a certain place, then make an ADR for it. If you could try to get one or 2 ADR's, you could wing the rest!

Good luck, and have fun!

deb

 

[CDSTapisRouge]

If you plan to eat early or late you would have a better chance as a walk in(that all depends on time of year too though). We find if we get to a restaurant right as they are opening for dinner we are usually able to get seated right away. So we usually do a light breakfast, early lunch and then an early dinner with a quick snack later in the evening. If you are trying to eat during peak dining times you may have a long wait if they can seat you at all.

 

[Allison]

When are you going?

 

[first time at 40]

Feb 01 to Feb 8 is our trip. I am reading my DH these posts and I think he is caving in and will let me make the reservation.

 

[zachnlucy]

Come on, first time's hubby! Let her make those ADRs. You'll both be happy about it later.

 

[Judique]

My DH hates to plan anything when it comes to travel. After 3 years of talking him into going to disney he now says he is not planning meals a month in advance let alone 3 months. So we did not make any advance seating. We don't plan on character meals. Do you think we will have problems getting seating for dinner meal? The other meals we plan on counter service.
Please help calm my nerves.

If you are going at a busy time you will need ADR's if you want to eat at a reasonable time at some of the popular places. Make some ADR's and then when you get there and it's time to eat, tell him where you are going! He'll probably be happy not to make the decision.

 

[zachnlucy]

Uhhhh, he's listening.

 

[bigbabyblues]

My DH wasn't thrilled about making ADR's either on our 2004 trip, but he just rolled his eyes and I took care of it. The third time we saw people turned away, he told me he was really glad I had made the ressies or else we might not be eating. For our 2005 trip, he was happy to help decide where/when to eat, and he made the calls to WDW dining.

We went during September the first time, and the last week of August last year, so not terribly crowded either trip, but people were being turned away.

 

[lclark0621]

Why not make the ADRs you want? That way you know they are there. Why risk being dissappointed because you miss a place or not being able to eat at a table service at all?

I never go to WDW without the ADRs I know we want. Sure we can wing some of it (depends on time of year & when we want to eat). But since we know we have the ADRs we want, we know we wont miss anything.

If you want any of the popular places, you need an ADR no matter what time of year.

Book now, you will be happy you did. If you dont...you only have yourself (or your DH) to blame when all you can eat is counter service.

 

[first time at 40]

Well we did it Thanks to your advice he let me make an ADR for Crystal Palace dinner meal. I feel better now at least one sit down meal is guaranteed.

Thanks again

 

[The Sweetness]

Yes, I think if you dont make ADRs which can now be made 6 months in advance for onsite guests, you may be waiting a painfully long time or eating CS.

 

[Alexa19]

It's always good to make some reservations at some places and leave some of the days open. You can always cancel the reservations too, it is really simple to cancel. However, some places for example: Le Cellier and Cinderella's Castle I would book in advance if you'd like to go there. Other places you may be okay to walk into and get in without a problem.