should I make dining reservations?

[Tony]

Hi,

Sorry all if you're going to be innundated with questions from me... Although i've made a bunch of trips to WDW in Florida, our first trip to DLP has just been booked for the end of the month!

Just wondering if I should try making dining reservations in advance. I know in Florida it seems that not doing this is a recipe for disaster as the restaurants are under so much pressure, but we're going to be with two young kids and I don't really want to be trying to work to any kind of structured day - just take it as it comes & go back to the hotel when the tiredness gets too much.

However would it be worth having reservations in place that I can then cancel on the day if it's clear we aren't going to be using them?

If so, any suggestions where we eat? Would be looking for two table service (or possibly buffet) places, most likely in the Disneyland Park.

Thanks

Tony

 

[wendybird7]

Hi Tony, and welcome to the boards!!

I hope you're looking forward to going to DLP - you'll have a great time!

It really depends on what days you are going and which restaurants you want to go to.

Personally, I would recommend Cafe Mickey - great food, not too pricey, and it's a character dinner! Loads of fun. I also enjoy Planet Hollywood, their lasagne and cocktails are amazing, but it gets rather hot in there. If you're NOT going with kids, I'd recommend walts, though kids enjoy it here too, but Auberge de Cendrillion might be more up the kid's alley, as they do a Prince and Princess menu thing...hopefully someone who has actually been to this will be able to tell you more!!!

I would probably make reservations a day or so in advance...even if you book the evening meals then you have a wee bit of structure to your day without being tied down. Check the park hours and book round them?

Hope this helps!!

 

[wendybird7]

Apologies, I didn't see the 'most likely in the Disneyland Park' bit - score cafe Mickey and Planet Hollywood if you aren't interested, as these are in Disney Village!

 

[Cubitus]

I'd generally recommend dining reservations, even in advance or short term. Here's why (and also which restaurants I'd suggest

When we booked Inventions for a "final dinner buffett" on our last day (impossible to get seated without reservation) we also enjoyed to use the Disney Hotel's parking service. Luxury. (We've been back to the hotel late afternoon for a refreshment, so we returned to the resort by car.)

Once we spontaneously wanted to eat at Plaza Gardens (great buffett!). A real long queue seemed to be normal in peak times. But you know what? We got a reservation made for just 30 minutes in advance! When we returned to Plaza Gardens, the queue was even longer, but we could easily bypass it. Strange, but great (as we felt really hungry!).

So I'd say: plan ahead for the 'big events', and at least do a quick reservation for instant eatings (when you're flexible in time). The reservation desks are at Town Square/City Hall and Studio 1, but you can even go to every Hotel's reception to do reservations for all the restaurants!

You might also want to check the »reviews thread. My personal suggestions:
- Cafe Hyperion for a little bit of fast food (you can watch Lion King from there without any reservations)
- Silver Spur steakhouse for nice table service and atmosphere

Oliver ••••

 

[meeko cat]

Like you we are more used to travelling to WDW so I was a bit apprehensive NOT doing ADRS for recent first trip to DLRP. For our New Year trip to WDW we were on the phone at the 180 day window and couldnt get Le Cellier !!

As it was a new experience we wanted to go with the flow and not be tied to set times.

Considering it was end of July/beginning of August we walked in to be seated straight away at Blue Lagoon.Admittedly this was early evening.

Two days we popped in to City Hall on the day of wanting reservations to be given the choice of restaurants we wanted.

I would highly recommend the Lucky Nugget. Great buffet and LOTS of characters (8 in all I think) . Once again we popped to the restaurant at 530pm and were given a 630pm reservation. We tried the Plaza` Gardens but werent impressed.

Also really enjoyed Walts and if you time it right you can see the parade pass by too.

Advice I would give is if you specifically want to eat somewhere it may be worth an ADR after all you dont need to turn up.However as I said peak season we got to eat wherever we wanted.

Happy planning

 

[Tinkerbell_1989]

hi we jst cum back we didnt think we would bother but now having been i deffintly would it was so busy jst to book a table was half hour then 40 mins waititng for a table then by time they take your order and serve your food it was a long wait

 

[Tony]

OK, thanks for the advice, but where should I book???

Lucky Nugget on one night and Blue Lagoon the other maybe? Does that sound good? Would likely be a 6pm/7pm sitting as DS will need food about that time. Am reluctant to book Walt's if we can't see the parade - seems kind of wrong to be so close but yet so far...

We'll then maybe try Hakuna Matata for lunch (no reservations, right?) & catch a bit of Lion King, then that leaves just one other meal. I like the sound of Mickey's so if we're in the park for EMH, a break at lunchtime probably isn't too bad an idea!

 

[Cyrano]

The only restaurant we've ever booked in advance was Inventions on a previous summer trip. Booked the restaurant at City Hall in the morning and restaurant couldn't find the booking at 6pm Should have taken this as an omen as we're the dissenting voice on this restaurant as it is the only restaurant that everyone has said let's not come back.

We booked (if 1 hour advance counts as booked )the Lucky Nugget. Which was on day 4 (still to post up). Booked at 5.00pm for 6.00pm sitting

If your plans are not flexible then book, otherwise I think you'll be fine

 

[Everything Eeyore]

Does anyone know how far in advance you can make dining reservations?

Thanks

 

[Ware Bears]

Up to 60 days in advance on 00 33 1 60 30 40 50

 

[Ware Bears]

We'll then maybe try Hakuna Matata for lunch (no reservations, right?) & catch a bit of Lion King

It's the Hyperion in Discoveryland that you can watch the Lion King from. Hakuna Matata is the other side of the park in Adventureland. These are both counter service.

I think you've got good choices in Lucky Nugget, Blue Lagoon and Cafe Mickey. In fact, I've not had a bad meal anywhere at DLRP, although I found Plaza Gardens and Rainforest "not so good" I still enjoyed them.

 

[Tony]

OK, just a quick update for you all..

Called today and got first choice of both restaurants (Silver Nugget and Blue Lagoon) at the time we wanted and the trip is in less than 10 days time.

How envious must the people who struggle to book at WDW be about that sort of record!

Thanks for the tips.

 

[Everything Eeyore]

Yes, that's really good going considering the fight to make a ressie at some of the WDW restaurants!

Geeze I was thinking of making a booking for Walts 60 days in advance too...think i'll leave it nearer the time now

 

[Bexx]

How envious must the people who struggle to book at WDW be about that sort of record!

Yes, it's one of the things that makes a trip to DLP a little more relaxing!! I don't think the people on the dining reservation line can be particularly busy!!

It's still good you to know you have got those reservations sorted out for your trip