Same day ADR for Character meals , possible?

[yaya74]

Is it possible to snatch an ADR for a character meal dinner on a Sunday in mid August?

We will be driving down to WDW from NJ. It's our first time driving there so I have no idea what time we will get there. It will be a two day driving with an overnight stayin NC or SC. If we arrive before 5pm, kids may want to hit the park. We have DDP so I would prefer have a TS dinner.

Should I just make the ADR now and cancel the night before if we won't arrive on time???? Any suggestions? TIA!!

 

[ibela]

There's a lot of what-ifs in your situation. You may hit traffic, kids may be tired, etc. For that reason, the first night I typically plan on DTD or staying at the resort and we make it a pool day. Not sure where you're staying but there's plenty of character meals at resorts too. Enjoy your trip!

 

[LovePug]

I drive from Northeast PA and we are usually tired when we get there. Normally we don't hit the park on arrival day and just get rejuvenated at the pool instead. That being said, I do intend to hit MK on arrival day this trip. It is not inconceivable to get a walk-up seat (we've been lucky quite often, actually). I'm rambling.... Sorry about that...I think I'd just wing it when you get there and see how everyone feels rather than put pressure on yourselves to get somewhere at a certain time.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

It is pretty rare to get same day character meal seating. If there is something you want, book it.

 

[Nancyg56]

I think you are between a rock and a hard place. You should book your ADR if you really want it, but then you may eed to cancel the night before if it looks like you will be tired.

I love the first night character meals, but honestly in your case, I probably would skip it. If the kids know you have one in place they probably will want to go no matter what, and if your kids are like mine were, this could be a mistake. If they are tired, point them towards the pool, let them relax and then have dinner at Boatwrights or the food court. You will have better luck with a same day ADR at Boawrights than any character meal, and you do nto need to travel.

If the kids are loaded for bear and ready to go, take the boat to DS. There are plenty of choices downtown and the kids might enjoy the ride. YOu could even book TREX via open table, and there is no cancelation fee if you don't ake it.

 

[Misha72683]

I booked Akershus the morning we ate there. I was checking MDE and noticed an opening for that night and grabbed it. I also changed our H&V frok breakfast to lunch the night before. There are cancellations, though I think you pretty much have to take what you get.

We drove (from Ontario) and we still did MNSSHP our first night. We didn't need to relax and it was awesome going traight to the magic. Everyone is different.

 

[Eastern]

It will be very difficult. I would book ahead and cancel if you are running behind.

 

[Meech Loves Mickey]

I was able to get Chef Mickey's day of during our 2014 trip. Lots of people cancel during that 24 hour window so they don't get charged. There are NO GUARANTEES that anything will be available, but it is always possible! I would just wing it if i were you. Definitely have a backup plan for dinner, if you can't get the ADR you want the day of. Good Luck!

 

[DisMommyTX]

While I was standing in line to check in for lunch at CRT in July, I struck up a conversation with the gentleman in front of me. He didn't have a reservation, but thought it would be nice to eat in the castle. I smugly responded that we had made our reservation months in advance and I didn't think they would take walk-ins, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. When he asked the CM if they had available for a party of 6, the CM didn't bat an eye. He turned and asked the manager who responded that they could only take parties of 4 or less. They offered to seat his party as 4 and 2, which the gentleman declined saying that they would just find another restaurant. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself.

So, moral of the story, it doesn't hurt to ask! Especially if you have a small party, you might just get lucky!