Why so freaked about ADRs?

[CathieArms]

I'm trying to understand why people are so freaked out about making ADRs. I've been reading this board for a while, so I assumed I'd have a tough time making ADRs if I didn't get them right on the 90-day mark. I left it to MIL to make the reservations, but she dropped the ball and so I didn't get around to doing it until about 65 days out. Since then, I've made 7 or 8 reservations and called 3 times to "tweak" those reservations when I've changed my mind about where/when I wanted to be certain places. I've had absolutely no problems with getting reservations for the times/days I was interested in.

Have I just had extremely good luck, or are people overreacting a bit? I'm just curious because my experience has been very positive. We're going in mid-July.

Just curious and would love some feedback.

 

[LAS321]

There are certain restaurants that are just really difficult to get ADRs for. If you want one of those places at a certain time then you need to plan to make your ADRs in advance so you won't be disappointed. For some of us the planning is as much fun as going so I think the excitment is seen as freaking out!

 

[CathieArms]

For some of us the planning is as much fun as going so I think the excitment is seen as freaking out!

Ahhhh...Gotcha! I could certainly feel the excitement of the planning and reservation process.

 

[TillyMarigold]

I mostly agree with LAS321, but also, free dining changes everything. Mid-summer you can still probably even get decent meals by calling the same day. But when *everyone* is on the dining plan, it's harder.

Plus I don't want to finish scheduling other things (like tours and La Nouba) until I know when I was able to get ADRs (esp. the Fantasmic! package) so I know where I *have* to be on what days, so I want to make my ADRs the first day I can.

 

[MelanieC]

I agree - certain ones are harder, plus the free dining just started. It's also complicated with the new reservation system and the new 90 days booking system. I think there is also confusion from CM's about people who are staying more than 10 nights and being able to book each additional day (by calling each day when the new 90 plus 10 day would be) when they have more than 10 days or a split stay.

 

[sherabby]

I called at our 90 day mark and did get every restaurant that we wanted but our times are not what we wanted. We have to have dinner on two nights at 4pm. Good to beat the dinner rush but a bit early for dinner considering we are on the dining plan and get that big counter service lunch. Guess we will have our lunch at 11am!

 

[tlenzendorf]

I called at our 90 day mark and did get every restaurant that we wanted but our times are not what we wanted. We have to have dinner on two nights at 4pm. Good to beat the dinner rush but a bit early for dinner considering we are on the dining plan and get that big counter service lunch. Guess we will have our lunch at 11am!

We're going to use our CS credit for breakfasts and then use our snack credit for something to hold us over in between breakfast and dinner. Then if we want a snack after dinner we'll just buy something. Another plan we have is to split meals, then we'll have extra CS left to eat again if we're hungry later or to spread the magic with others who may not be on the dining plan.

 

[GoofyKidd]

Another reason a lot of people get so worked up about getting their desired ADR's is because dining is as big of a part of a trip as the rides and hotel. We look forward to going back to an old favorite restaurant or trying somewhere new. I love the planning, so having to wait 90 days rather than the old 180 is excruciating for me!

 

[jimmiej]

Another reason a lot of people get so worked up about getting their desired ADR's is because dining is as big of a part of a trip as the rides and hotel. We look forward to going back to an old favorite restaurant or trying somewhere new. I love the planning, so having to wait 90 days rather than the old 180 is excruciating for me!

IA. Eating at a TS in World Showcase is as much fun to us as riding Splash Mountain.

 

[fall08CP]

I have been trying for 5 weeks to get Ohana with no luck. I wish I had been able to book my trip sooner so that I could get it, but it simply wasn't possible due to work restrictions. We're hoping for a walk-up but have Italy as a back-up. So yes, things do fill up early.

 

[pavil]

Some places and or/dayparts fill up really fast. Le Cellier for example seems to fill up almost right at the 90 day window. If you have your heart set on being at a certain restaurant at a certain time, ADR's can make you twitch. If you are flexible, they aren't as big of a deal. I have never gotten all the places I wanted in a trip, close, but no cigar.

 

[RMulieri]

Free dining really changes the dynamic...lots more people on the dining plan, and they all want to get their moneys worth and utilize the credits..It makes it more challenging.Especially with the more popular places that are booked most of the time anyways.

 

[jmkrat]

I called to make ADR's for my DD yesterday and could not get a reservation for Garden Grill . She is leaving on June 18 ( a graduation present from me). I was able to get most of the reservations, but had to move it around so she could go to Sci-Fi ( there were limited time slots available) and could not get the Garden Grill. If you don't make the reservations ahead you kind of get stuck with whatever time slots are left. So, if a certain time is important to you or a certain restaurant is important, it is best to make the ADR's as soon as you can. I do remember going to Disney and not having any ADR's, but that was many years ago. Oh, I am also purchasing the dining plan for her and want to make sure she can get all her table service meals, otherwise it would be a waste of money.

 

[sherabby]

We're going to use our CS credit for breakfasts and then use our snack credit for something to hold us over in between breakfast and dinner. Then if we want a snack after dinner we'll just buy something. Another plan we have is to split meals, then we'll have extra CS left to eat again if we're hungry later or to spread the magic with others who may not be on the dining plan.

That is a good idea! Breakfast usually doesn't fill me and I don't care much for breakfast but we could do just that on our early dinner days.