Solo travelers: ADRs necessary?

[kabbie]

In my upcoming solo trip to Disney in late Sept/early Oct, I was planning on eating at the following restaurants: Brown Derby, Boma, Kona Cafe and the Garden View Lounge (for afternoon tea). Is it necessary to have an ADR for 1 or can you usually walk in?

 

[DaisyDuck001]

You might be able to walk into the Brown Derby, but all the others are very popular and you would probably need reservations.

 

[aubriee]

The Bounce Back and UK Programs offered free dining from early August through Sept 29th. People checking in Sept 29th will be able to get the free dining for their entire stay. If free dining is offered for the general public it will probably be for around the same time frame. I've been the last two years during free dining and have seen ALOT of restaurants turning people away. As a solo you would probably be seated at a table for two and at quite a few restaurants those tables are few and far between. If I was you I'd go ahead and make ADRs--you can always change them once you get down there.

My mom and I will be down there Sept 29th-Oct 7th and already have free dining via the Bounce Back Program. We will definitely be making ADRs trying to get some of those tables for two.

 

[spiceycat]

with those choices you should be able to walk in.

except for the Brown Derby - they are all resort restuarants - which do less of a business than the theme parks.

that say you might have to wait unless you go during lunch. these places are pretty empty doing lunch.

but that say I am not sure that Boma does a lunch.

and no nothing about Garden View Lounge that is at the GF - but other than that don't know.

 

[spiceycat]

you would need a car to get around easily. otherwise I would choose something besides Boma - love it - but without a car it is gonna be costly time wise.

Kona Cafe at the Polyn is easily to get too so is the GF - both along the resort monrail at the MK.

but you would have to take a bus to AK then transfer to AKL. there is no short cut to AKL - no pathways, no boats - nothing.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

with those choices you should be able to walk in.

except for the Brown Derby - they are all resort restuarants - which do less of a business than the theme parks.

that say you might have to wait unless you go during lunch. these places are pretty empty doing lunch.

but that say I am not sure that Boma does a lunch.

and no nothing about Garden View Lounge that is at the GF - but other than that don't know.

Boma is not open for lunch, and I've found them very busy at dinner time. Depending on the time of year, you might be able to get an ADR a few days before, but I wouldn't count on being able to get in there without an ADR. They are extremely popular and crowded.

As for the afternoon tea at the Garden View Lounge, when I tried to make an ADR about two months in advance, they were fully booked for the entire day I wanted (in early December) and I had to switch to a whole other day to get in at all. So I really recommend an ADR for this one also.

Kona Cafe usually has space at lunchtime, but there can be a wait for breakfast or dinner. I once waited an hour there to get in for breakfast without an ADR, so I do recommend an ADR -- or a lunchtime visit.

When I've been at Brown Derby, they seem to have plenty of empty tables, so this is the only one on your list where I'd say the ADR may not be necessary.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

you would need a car to get around easily. otherwise I would choose something besides Boma - love it - but without a car it is gonna be costly time wise.

Kona Cafe at the Polyn is easily to get too so is the GF - both along the resort monrail at the MK.

but you would have to take a bus to AK then transfer to AKL. there is no short cut to AKL - no pathways, no boats - nothing.

You can get a direct bus from any of the four theme parks to Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[solotraveler]

I'm actually going to disagree a touch with the other posters... I'd make the ADRs just in case.

With the possible exception of Kona Cafe, all of the restaurants you want to visit can get very busy indeed. I have seen folks turned away from Brown Derby and Boma dinner without reservations. My understanding about the afternoon tea situation is that it can get very busy-- the place is kind of small and they will get good sized groups booking there from time to time (think wedding parties).

Whatever you decide to do, have a wonderful trip!

 

[spiceycat]

I have gotten a breakfast reservation at both Boma and Kona Cafe by walking up.

Now I do seem to start alot sooner than most guests - maybe that is why?

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

On past solo trips I've tried to get into the GFL Tea once I arrived at WDW and was told every time that it was booked solid for the duration of my stay (so you bet I made an ADR for my upcoming trip!). I also make dinner ADR's for Boma just in case - it's always been very busy every time I've gone, and I'd be heartbroken if I were turned away! I know I'm anal, but I'd make ADR's for every meal that you really want.