We tend to book our ADR's for the restaurant's opening times. For example, we have 5pm at Narcoosee's, 11am at LTT, 11am at Plaza etc so arrive about 5-10 minutes before the opening times, we've never been late so can't say what happens in those circumstances. I suppose it depends on the restaurant and how busy it is.
Disney requests that you be 10-15 minutes early to your reservation to make sure that you are checked in on time. More then that and you may be requested to check in closer to your time.
As for late, you may or may not be seated. It all depends. I have seen both happen. So it is a risk.
We usually arrive 10 to 15 before our time. If we have an ADR about 20 to 30 minutes after the restaurant opens we may show up about 5 or so minutes after they start letting parties sign in case we can get in early. Sometimes it has worked , other times it hasn't
Also about 15 min. early if I knew the restaurant. But if I never been there before or don't know the location too well/at all, I will show up 30 min early just in case.
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