What Happens If I Don't Make ADR'S?

[ronandannette]

We're off to WDW for the first time August 23 - 27. We've only got 3 full days there as travel will take up most of the first and last. We're staying at AKL, but really can't fathom the distances between all these resorts and parks and the time it will take to get from place to place using Disney transportation (I understand AKL has only bus service). Because of this problem I'm reluctant to start making dinner reservations and then have the logistics be all wrong once we get there. If I don't make ADR's are we (party of 3) likely to end up without a place to eat our table-service meals? Is there anyone out there who would recommend just winging it?

Annette

 

[jenr812]

I have heard of and seen pictures of a sign that Disney has that lets patrons know that all TS restaurants are full for the day if you don't have ADRs. You run the risk of not being able to use your TS credits if you do this, esp. during free dining when everyone and their brother will be on the plan and wanting to dine at TS. JMHO Good luck!

 

[ronandannette]

That's good info - thanks. Can you tell me what's the difference between ADR's and PS?

Annette

 

[TSM1993]

That's good info - thanks. Can you tell me what's the difference between ADR's and PS?

They are the same up to I think last year they were known as PS(priority seating but are now known as ADRs(Advance Dining reservations).

 

[aubriee]

I would definitely make ADRs. We were there last Sept for the free dining. The parks were not crowded, but restaraunts everywhere were turning people away if they did not have an ADR. We saw quite a few unhappy people arguing that Disney offered them free dining then wouldn't let them into a TS restaraunt to eat. This happened at Le Cellier, Mama Melrose, Hollywood & Vine, Crystal Palace, and CRT (of all places ).

 

[Debbie]

Hi Annette!
My sister and I were in WDW last year at the time that you were going. We were NOT on the free dining (didn't make sense for us with our dates), and so we did not have ADRs. We were able to get a couple of table service meals, but they were at off times. Crystal Palace had a 4:40 and an 8:50 p.m! Mostly we did counter service.
This year, I am taking my two youngest teenagers. I have booked ADRs for the time being. I figure, if we don't make it, and can get a walk in, that would be okay, so I'm not worried. I'd make some, if not all, ahead of time. Don't forget, you can call Disney Dining when you get there to add what you don't have.
Oh, and drop on over to the Canadian board too!

 

[Evil Queen]

I have another question in this area.

WE usually always eat at off times while at the parks to help avoid the crowds so that is not a biggie to us.

What I would like to know, say we are in MK, and want to make ADR's for somewhere in there (can you tell I'm still really new to this?). And say the park hours are 9-8, what would be the lastest time they would except a reservation for?

I'm really trying to sell my group on the Free Dining Plan and staying at a value. We originally had picked the cabins, so we could cook ourselves, and we love to camp. But I really want to sell them and need some examples of how things work on this.

Thanks so much! **To original OP, not meaning to highjack your thread, just figured I would expand on it**

 

[kcashner]

First, do not even consider not making ADRs. We were there May 5-13. On 2 occasions there were signs up at guest services showing that there was NO availability for dinner (TS) at that park that day. An ADR means that you will have a place for a sit-down meal. You can change it (if available) if you desire. We changed several after we arrived at the park....but an ADR means that you will have a place to eat. You are going during free dining--MAKE ADRs

Timing--if a park closes at 8, the last reservation is generally at 8. The parks are actually "open" after the stated closing time. In fact, if I park is listed as closing at 9, the fireworks start at 9. The busses run about 1 1/2 hours after the listed closing. The last reservation will be scheduled at a time so that you have enough time to eat comfortably before the park closes.

We also find that eating at odd hours reduces crowds and frequently gives a better experience. However, I'd still make ADRs.

As to camping vs. Value and DDP--that's really a personal experience. As the mom, I don't like to be responsible for cooking while on vacation. We frequently do breakfast in our room, but never dinner! DDP also gives each person some flexibility--my teen would go to Disney Quest with instructions that she could use one CS meal or one snack if desired. That way, I knew that she had food available. She frequently didn't use what I told her she could "spend," but she liked the freedom. At Epcot, if she wanted CS in Japan and I wanted Fish & Chips, it was fine.

 

[ronardo]

We were on last september with DDP and no ADR´s...but we found place in all the TS that we wanted (except CRT)....well, spanish ones have the advantage of having lunch about 2-2:30 pm and dinner about 9 pm....

Venga,salu2.

 

[jackmac]

For the most popular Park TS restaurants you will need ADR's. CRT, LeCellier, etc. For the resort restaurants you will be able to make ADR's on the day that your dining. Also, many Epcot TS restaurants do not fill up. I've never been disappointed with Chef's de France, Marrakesh. If you will be in Epcot a lot then the Epcot resort restaurants are always available. Yachtsman is a favorite, as is Flying Fish and ESPN for casual TS. At DTD there is Raglan Road.

 

[MEK]

I would definately make ADR's. I was there last August for the free dining. You definately needed ADR's for table service. If you don't want to be tied down to an ADR every night, then use 2 TS credits and make reservations for a dinner show or a signature restaurant. Do the fantasmic dinner package one night. Just do your best to figure out where you will be each night and pick a place. You can always cancel later. Don't miss the opportunity to eat at some great restaurants. Have fun.

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