Are ADR as necessary in January

[apatt64]

We are leaving next Sunday for Disney. I know I'm late on getting ADRs, but is it as necessary to have them in January as opposed to Peak season? We are wanting to eat at places such as Ohana, 50's Prime Time, Sci-Fi diner, Rainforest cafe.... Thanks for your help?

[AlecK]

I would try and make a couple and see how it goes :thumbs: at least then you have some backup :)

[uscwest]

It is difficult to say. With the popularity of the DDP ALL restaurants are busier than before the DDP. My suggestion is that if you really want to eat in a particular restaurant try and get an ADR, even if you wait until you are on site. One of the restaurants you mentioned '50s Prime Time is frequenstly VERY BUSY and I have seen them turn folks away.

[KAT1811]

I would most certainly make ADRs wherever you know you want to dine. If there is somewhere you won't be disappointed in missing take a chance and try to just walk in. But if these are places you know you want to dine I'd make sure that you get an ADR. You can always cancel without penalty if you change your mind. Many of the restaurants that previously had stand by tables avaliable are getting completely booked up because of the popularity of the DDP. Good luck.

[traceyjhope]

As we have just returned and was also told January isnt a busy time i would definitely advise you to book some dine ins before you go.While waiting for our table at Sci-Fi we saw lots of people being turned away also the same at 50's Prime time.We did manage to book the princesses in Norway while we were there but most of the restaurants were saying that the earliest tables available were in 4-5 days time.So glad we booked all of ours from the uk before we left

[Steven]

Actually, I went to WDW in July with no ADR (except for character breakfast- which is an absolute necessity), and had no real trouble getting into a restaurant. Sometimes you have to go early to put your name in, but that's not a big deal. We got into some very nice - and popular venues.
Despite the DDP being so popular, it's still the same amount of people eating there. They're just paying for it differently.

[JuniorMickey]

You'd be surprised Steven. in September, you couldn't get in just about anywhere for dinner. Didn't matter if you put your name in at 9 AM. They were booked solid. Lunches were a tad easier (On Monday I was able to get a table for 2 at 50's PTC at 1 PM) but on day of, even for lunch, they were turning away walk-ups.

DDP has many more people who wouldn't do a sit-down meal making ADRs for them since the plan is such a good value. If I want to do a sit-down meal, I'm making ADRs. I won't arrive without them now.

[kiltedwarrior]

I think with the DDP in full flow these days, its best to make ADR's for the venues you most want to eat at, save disappointment if theres nothing available. Walk-ins, even during low season can be pretty hit and miss. Quite often places will open up due to cancellations but its best not to leave it up to chance.

[Steven]

I'm glad we had a better experience. One can also try eating at off times - late breakfast, early or late lunch or dinner. That can make it a little easier, too.

[dan1508]

i am going on june the 8th so how do i make adr`s before i go

[AlecK]

i am going on june the 8th so how do i make adr`s before i go

Make a list of the locations, dates and times you want to try for then call 407-WDW-DINE (0014079393463 from the UK) and ask the operator to make your ADR's. Take a note of the booking reference your are given for each one :thumbs:

If your are from the UK and are asked for your phone number drop the first zero and give the 10 remaining digits :)