What is the earliest ADR you would make on day 1?

[QueenQueso]

It looks like I may have to cancel my ADR for a late lunch on day 1 as our early morning flight has been changed to late morning. I had a 2:30 ADR and our flight is now due to arrive MCO at 11:30. In another thread, I asked if it was still do-able and the only response was that it was too tight.

So, with getting in at 11:30, picking up a rental car, driving to Ft. Wilderness and checking in, then getting to EPCOT, what is the earliest time you would feel comfortable making a reservation for?

 

[LilyWDW]

If it is a CC guaranteed ADR, I would not make it at all on arrival day.

If it is not, then I would say 4ish hours after landing.

 

[QueenQueso]

Would it be best if I just cancel the ADR altogether for day 1 and just do counter service to be safe? We are planning on EPCOT for day 1 so our first full day can be at MK. Is Sunshine Seasons or Electric Umbrella any good?

 

[LilyWDW]

Would it be best if I just cancel the ADR altogether for day 1 and just do counter service to be safe? We are planning on EPCOT for day 1 so our first full day can be at MK. Is Sunshine Seasons or Electric Umbrella any good?

That is what I usually do (plan CS for arrival day). I don't usually go to the parks that first day so I normally eat either at the resort or DTD. As for Epcot (my FAVORITE PARK), Sunshine Seasons is pretty darn good. I, however, prefer heading to World Showcase and "eating around the world".

 

[QueenQueso]

That is what I usually do (plan CS for arrival day). I don't usually go to the parks that first day so I normally eat either at the resort or DTD. As for Epcot (my FAVORITE PARK), Sunshine Seasons is pretty darn good. I, however, prefer heading to World Showcase and "eating around the world".

I think EPCOT is going to be my favorite too, I set aside another whole day for it and planned on eating around the world then!

Thanks for your recommendations, I think that I am going to go ahead and cancel my ADR.

 

[purple figment]

You could plan on a dinner reservation instead of a lunch res for that day. If you choose a restaurant that doesn't have a credit card guarantee you could cancel it on that day if your plane arrival gets pushed back even more.

Another option is to see what's available when you arrive at the airport and make a reservation then. My rule of thumb is it takes about 3 hours from getting off the plane to walking through a park turnstile, but I usually allow 4 hours for a dining reservation.

If you decide to do counter service, Sunshine Seasons has a very good variety of selections. Electric Umbrella is more typical hamburger type fare. More fun is eating around World Showcase. Kringla (Norway) and Les Halles (France) are really good choices. We also like Sommerfest (Germany).