Does anyone else go to WDW without ADR's??

[MacRtst]

Wife and I stopped doing ADR's for every night of our trips for a couple reasons. 1 It got to be really expensive, and we like to shop while we are there, so that money is now going to souvenirs. And 2, It got to be such an investment in time. We'd lose an hour or so getting to the ADR. doesn't seem like much, but when you go for 7 days, you looking at 7 hours lost. I realize that some of that can be whittled down by better planning, making ADRs in the park your going to be in that day but that is just too much planning for us. Disney has also stepped up their counter service game, the past few years as well. So, we don't necessarily feel like we're eating budget crap.

 

[eliza61nyc]

Somewhat related question - what is everyone's go-to restaurant when you don't have ADRs? Those restaurants that you really enjoy but are rarely so busy that you can't get in at the last minute, or even the last second?

Mine include The Wave (Contemporary), Turf Club (Saratoga), Artist Point (Wilderness) and to a lesser degree Kona (Poly - and I use the term "lesser" because sometimes they DO book up solid). Also Marrakesh (Morocco in World Showcase, but you kind of have to be in the mood for their cuisine).

So we adore the Turf club at Saratoga springs for dinner and Olivia's at okw.
Shulas steakhouse is also a great meal but dang it, its expensive lol
I've recently had great luck at the boathouse @ Disney springs

 

[ecranos]

Rarely make reservations, feel too tied down. We just figure it out when we are at the parks.

 

[Mickey5150]

The best restaurant without an ADR is definitely Raglan Road. They put you outside where they always have live music and dancers. As long as it's not raining it makes for the perfect evening.

 

[NeedMoreMickey]

We make a few and wing it the rest of the trip. I’ve found it easier to get something the the next day now since Disney charges if a reservation isn’t canceled and you don’t show up

 

[Dr. Ludwig von Drake]

Until our last trip we had done only three or four adr's in 12 trips. It all depends on how big your party is and if you are able to be flexible with dining times.

We are a group of 7 and rarely find a place to accomodate us without ADR. So, we always make them when we all go.

 

[Hockey89]

Always have lunch and dinner set up....

 

[Nottamus]

We hated planning meals 6 months in advance - so we stopped. We go twice a year, maybe plan 1 or 2 adrs for the week...then just wing it.

Usually we find open tables any night of the week for great places.

We are also both happy just grabbing QS too. Get just as full.