Booking ADRs the day of or a few days ahead?

[fireworkz]

Just wondering if anyone knows how easy or hard it is too make dining reservations anywhere from the day of to 48 hours in advance. Generally speaking of course, I know character meals are likely out, but how bad are in-park restaurants? We have some things booked for dining, but don't want to be tied down to a schedule too far in advance.

Our trip is early May. While I have been to WDW before in May, which had light to mid attendance, but that was early 2000's before the recent upswings in attendance and the popularity of the dining plan.

 

[Monty]

A lot depends on when you'll be there.

During free DDP? Forget anything other than resort restaurants and even there, expect not-ideal times.

High season, not free DDP? Forget most popular restaurants, others with not-so-great times.

Slow season? Forget the hard-to-gets, Le Cellier, CRT, etc... Most everything else should be possible, but prepare to be flexible.

The exception to all of the above is Restaurant Marrakesh, which is almost always available, despite having quite good food. :shrug:

 

[ImaYoyo]

Agree w/Monty. As a local/cm, I'm always making last minute ADRs. Le Cellier, California Grill, a lot of the character dining, Cindy's, ect are difficult to get, but there are certainly options. My wife made one for tomorrow (Monday) today at Teppan Edo. Off-beat dinner times are easier, as-is lunch.

 

[fireworkz]

I think my best bet might be doing what we did last time, kept our meal routine fixed to the time we would eat at home. That way we always ate early by around 4:30/5:00.

 

[erstwo]

I do agree, but there are walk ups/ ADR's available day of. You just have to be willing to risk it.

Our last trip (November 2009) we were able to get into Cape May (character breakfast) the morning of just by calling Disney Dining from our room.

On past trips, we've also done walk ups at 1900 Park Fare for Breakfast and Dinner. Ohana for breakfast and dinner, Crystal Palace, Coral Reef, and a few others. Each time we just told them we were willing to wait and each time we waited about 15 minutes to 45 minutes.

There have also been times when they wouldn't even let us wait. I just think you can always try and if you don't get in you just have to be prepared to settle for Counter Service or a less popular place.

 

[Soundstage'95CP]

As mentioned, the trick is to be flexible. Last trip, on days where we didn't plan in advance (meals that were out-of-pocket and not part of our DDP), I would call Disney Dining from my cell and just tell them where I was and ask what was available in the area and go from there. Disney Dining is a great help in that regard.

 

[LowesChevy]

I have also been there during the beginning of May. That is a really nice time to go-the crowds are pretty light as many guests will be arriving near the end of the month for Memorial Day and the end of school.

Your best bet is to call dining and see what is available-again being flexible. Grab a few adrs to at least have something-you can cancel them later. Keep calling or using the online system to see what comes available. People cancel trips or change their plans all of the time-you may score a few good ones.

If there is a place you really want to eat at, it doesnt hurt to show up early in the dinner service to see if they could squeeze you in at some point.

 

[slappy magoo]

Keep expectations low, and you won't be disappointed. You may wind up getting lucky and snagging a recently cancelled reservation. Just don't be one of those schnozzles who start thumping their chest demanding that someone seat them because of all the money they've spent to go to WDW, discounting everyone who spent like amounts of money AND made reservations