ADRs vs Guest Services

[Tall Todd]

Hi All,

It has been quite some time since I've been to the parks, all most eight years in fact. Even worse than that I won't be back for another two; but for some reason I'm actively planning the return trip now.

Back in the day DDP didn't exist but ADRs did, not sure if you could acquire them as far out as you can now though. We would always get our dinner or lunch reservations in the morning as we walked into the park. Stopped off at guest services with an idea of where we wanted to eat, found out what time was available and went along with our day. We've always been very flexible with when we ate, lunch at 2 or 3, and dinner much later 8 or 9. We rarely if ever had a problem finding a time to get into the restaurant if we were flexible.

Fast forward eight years. I read on the board about DDP and ADRs being made as soon as possible, people posting their lists, or talking about not being able to make a reservation. Is it imperative to be making all these plans? Or can flexibility still win out?

Important to note: I'm not talking about the top level signature venues. i.e. CG, Le Cellier, or other fill in the blank place. I'm speaking about most sit downs at WS, Sci-Fi, or 50's.

Any thoughts?
T T

 

[DisneyJoe]

Depends on when you travel and how flexible you are.

 

[disneygirl76]

It really depends on how you want to travel and if there is some place you really want to go. I was in a similar situation back in 2005. My DH and I went for our honeymoon. This was pre-boards for me. When we went, we for the most part just winged it. We didn't know about ADR's and the like. And we always found some place to eat even though it might not have been our number 1 choice. There were two nights though, we couldn't find anything that sounded good to us (this was at Epcot and i'm not a big fan of Moroccan food which is usually where you can always get a seat). And we were bummed. Over the past 7 years, I have been every year and I make those ADR's ahead of time. I get up early and call and try and get everything I want. The reason? For my DH and I, dining is part of our trip. So we want to make sure we get ADR's for where we want to eat. If you don't really care where you eat, you don't have to make ADR's. Just be prepared that the most popular places might be booked and you may not get to eat there.

I hope this helps with your planning! :wave:

 

[Lucky]

Yes, you should make the ADRs, 6 months before your trip.

 

[MaryJaneP]

Without ADR, it is unlikely that you will be able to get a meal at a table service restaurant in WDW.

It is not impossible, and some may say they never ADR and always get a walk-up, but reality is that such a scenario is unlikely.

You will not, however, starve, as there are plenty of other counter service and quick service choices.

Bottom line, ADR if it is crucial to you, or live on the edge and try walk-up but understand you may not find an opening.

For family reunion in 2010, me and two sisters made ADRs 180 days out, by calling that exact morning, and we encountered a few instances of "no openings" anyway.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I think it all depends on where and when, as well as free dining.

If you wind up going during a time when free dining is offered...the options available to you will be slim. I mean, even easier places can get packed during those periods.

You mention WS spots...a handful of them will be gone by the time you travel, but if you're willing to dine during Illuminations (i.e. miss the show) and arent' looking for a place like Rose & Crown, you may find openings at a variety of avg to moderate popularity places. We found on our last two trips that everything w/o a view that had a decent pre-Illuminations cushion was snapped up at least a month or two (or more) in advance.

As for 50s and Sci Fi, I noticed no availability at these just before our last two trips. i.e. these are ones that may not require booking on day 180, but you also have reduced chances of getting walk ups or same day bookings at these. I'm not saying it's impossible, but they are popular.

Obviously certain times of year will also lower or boost your odds. If you go around a holiday or special event, it's going to be really tough to go w/o ADRs.

With all this in mind, I would recommend making ADRs for the places you really want to do and winging the rest if you don't want to do ADRs for everything.

 

[bethymouse]

If there is free dining then...

You definitely need to make ADRs 180 days (6months) in advance!
The free dining offer has made it nearly impossible to book any restaurant you really want at the last minute!:goodnevil
We've tried many times just to be a "walk-up", but that never worked (summer).
I tried 2 months ahead and made reservations, but not necessarily the restaurant I wanted! Good Luck!

 

[Tall Todd]

Amazing how a few years changes everything. Thank you all for your input. We'll be going the week before Thanksgiving, so I imagine it will be a busier time for reservations. I'll just have to buckle down and plan the whole trip ad infinitum.

It's too bad really... Instead of being able to walk around and watch my daughter marvel at seeing these places for the first time, then be able to say that we'll be going there for lunch/dinner later on in the week if you'd like to. Now we need to do a virtual tour, check out menus go the whole nine yards before hand.

Hard to complain about planning a vacation and where and when to eat, guess that's what I'm doing. Pains me to feel old and say 'I remember when...'

 

[disneygirl76]

Amazing how a few years changes everything. Thank you all for your input. We'll be going the week before Thanksgiving, so I imagine it will be a busier time for reservations. I'll just have to buckle down and plan the whole trip ad infinitum.

It's too bad really... Instead of being able to walk around and watch my daughter marvel at seeing these places for the first time, then be able to say that we'll be going there for lunch/dinner later on in the week if you'd like to. Now we need to do a virtual tour, check out menus go the whole nine yards before hand.

Hard to complain about planning a vacation and where and when to eat, guess that's what I'm doing. Pains me to feel old and say 'I remember when...'

It is absolutely imperative you make an ADR for Thanksgiving Day. To say they book up fast is an understatement. We wanted Liberty Tree when it was character dining (the last year it was offered) and I called the moment I was 180 days out, the moment the phone lines opened and it was booked for Thanksgiving. We ended up very happy at 1900 Park Fare but it was not my first or second chance. It was still a wonderful amazing experience but it was an adjustment to get used to having to plan this way.