Spontaneous on the Plan?

[bunkkinsmom]

OK, so I PROMISED my DH that I would only plan 2 meals for our Grand Gathering with his family. We are 6A/3C in the last week of January, so we will just pray that we can get tables somewhere. His family is totally spontaneous and I am totally the PLANNER!

So, 1 meal will be the Grand Gathering function (anybody? Safari or Illuminations?) and I would like one to be our last night at The World. I was thinking OHana, good for everyone, kids stuff, adult stuff, can see the fireworks. Granted, the only place I have eaten that I remember from 01 is Maya. It was OK, I didn't think worth the $$$, and wouldn't go there with the kids.

Any suggestions?

 

[HM]

I would secretly make ADRs for each day. Then, if you find that being spontaneous works on a particular day (cancel that ADR) and if you find that it's not working to be spontaneous, then you have a fall-back and your group will LOVE you! Good luck.

 

[bonzarella]

I would secretly make ADRs for each day. Then, if you find that being spontaneous works on a particular day (cancel that ADR) and if you find that it's not working to be spontaneous, then you have a fall-back and your group will LOVE you! Good luck.

yeah, what she said . You don't want to be w/o a backup plan but just make sure you cancel if you find it won't work for you.
Happy travels

 

[bunkkinsmom]

Ya'll are hysterical!!! AND WHAT AN AWESOME IDEA!!!! Do we get charged for ADRs if we no show? And is that rude? in that case, any other suggestions?

 

[Pumbaa_]

Are you planning to have the DDP? If having a TS meal daily important to your family?

You will find it very difficult to get a same day ADR for a group that size. I had a family trip last September and was hard pressed to get what I wanted at 4 months out.

It is hard to be spontaneous with a crowd that size and TS. I understand their wanting to just do what they want, and there is merit to that, but Disney TS Dining is not suited to that style of touring.

 

[bunkkinsmom]

Yeah, I think the previous 2 posters have a good plan, make the ADRs in "secret" and then play it by ear with a backup. Any advice on my two choices? Are there restaurants that are "don't miss" spots?

And yes, we are on DDP.

 

[Unca_Scrooge]

Nine people without reservations isn't very smart. Don't expect to eat where you want when you want.

If it'll help enlighten your in-laws, spontaneously pick a steakhouse to eat some Saturday night with them and act shocked when there is a two or three hour wait. Make sure the kids are good, hungry and cranky beforehand. Then add a I hope this doesn't happen at Disney, maybe I should make reservations.

 

[HM]

Ya'll are hysterical!!! AND WHAT AN AWESOME IDEA!!!! Do we get charged for ADRs if we no show? And is that rude? in that case, any other suggestions?

For almost every restaurant, there is no charge for an ADR. It is best to cancel when you know you aren't using one, so someone else can take advantage of your spot, but it's not the end all if you forget.

 

[Markstudy]

Nine people without reservations is......

... mission impossible (we couldn't even do it with a party of 2... which you should be able to sit anywhere) I don't think most restaurants have more than a few tables large enough for 9 people...they will be booked months in advance. Most tables are 4-tops so you would need to displace two sets of diners with a party of 9

 

[suzimar57]

spontaneity and the DDP don't mix!

 

[Markstudy]

spontaneity and the DDP don't mix!

Spontaneity for a large party at Disney, looks a lot like this.....