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proudnavymom
09-28-2009, 05:08 PM
I'm a total rookie when it comes to dining reservations at WDW. The last time I was there was in 1998, and it didn't even occur to me to make a reservation anywhere. (Of course, I didn't have the funds to do table service meals back then...) Anyway, my DH and I are going to WDW Jan. 24th-Feb. 2 (staying at the Poly-for my birthday), and I'm wondering if people who are not on the DDP are allowed to make ADR's? :confused:
oregontraveler
09-28-2009, 05:11 PM
YES, YES, YES
ADR's are essential these days, but the DP is not required.
KJSJpipe
09-29-2009, 04:38 AM
Definatly make ADR's. The ADR window is going back to 180 days on October 27.
petesimac
09-29-2009, 06:53 AM
One really good one is right there at the Polynesian -- the Kona Cafe, if only for the bread, but keep in mind, they don't serve the bread at lunch, much to my mom's dismay.
TinaMouse
09-29-2009, 07:54 AM
But they will bring seconds if you ask! My husband and son begged for more and devored the second loaf (it was the butter that sold them). So embarrassing.....:rolleyes:
proudnavymom
09-29-2009, 05:49 PM
YES, YES, YES
ADR's are essential these days, but the DP is not required.

Good to know! Thanks!
proudnavymom
09-29-2009, 05:50 PM
Definatly make ADR's. The ADR window is going back to 180 days on October 27.

I will mark this day on my calendar! Any suggestions for where to book an ADR (any park is okay with me)?
proudnavymom
09-29-2009, 05:51 PM
One really good one is right there at the Polynesian -- the Kona Cafe, if only for the bread, but keep in mind, they don't serve the bread at lunch, much to my mom's dismay.

The Kona Cafe sounds great! We'll try to make it to dinner...DH loooooves good bread.
proudnavymom
09-29-2009, 05:52 PM
But they will bring seconds if you ask! My husband and son begged for more and devored the second loaf (it was the butter that sold them). So embarrassing.....:rolleyes:

Tina, can you tell me which restaurant is at the top of your must-do list? They all sound great, but would love to hear about some faves!
TinaMouse
09-30-2009, 07:23 AM
Sure! My favs are as follows in no particular order (I don't like buffets, so there's no buffets listed):

AT RESORTS:
Poly--Kona
Grand Floridian--Gardenview Lounge (for tea)
Contemporary--California Grill
Ft. Wilderness--Trails End (for breakfast)
Wilderness Lodge--Whispering Canyon (but it's very loud)
Boardwalk--Flying Fish
Beach/Yacht Club--Beaches & Cream
Dolphin--Fresh (for breakfast)

AT DOWNTOWN DISNEY:
Earl of Sandwich (CS)
Wolfgang Puck's Express (CS)

MAGIC KINGDOM:
Plaza Restaurant
Liberty Tree Tavern

EPCOT:
LeCellier
Boulangerie Patisserie (CS)
Le Chefs de France
Cantina de San Angel (CS)

ANIMAL KINGDOM:
Pizzafari (CS)
Flame Tree (CS)

STUDIOS:
nothing really great here IMO....These are "pretty good":
Mama Melrose
Backlot Express (CS)
TinaMouse
09-30-2009, 07:28 AM
Forgot one:

Teppan Edo! (Japan/Epcot)
Drince88
09-30-2009, 09:34 AM
Have you ever eaten at The Wave (Contemporary), or Raglan Road (DTD), Tina?

If you haven't yet, I REALLY think you should try The Wave - and if Irish food sounds appealing, then Raglan Road, too.
proudnavymom
09-30-2009, 12:42 PM
Great list, Tina - Thanks! Looks like I'll be hovering over my phone on October 27, waiting for the moment when it's okay to start scrambling for ADR's! (You're from Minnesota? I was there last February for a conference with my husband, just across the street from the Mall of America...'bout froze my arse off!;))
TinaMouse
10-01-2009, 06:11 AM
Have you ever eaten at The Wave (Contemporary), or Raglan Road (DTD), Tina?

If you haven't yet, I REALLY think you should try The Wave - and if Irish food sounds appealing, then Raglan Road, too.

CRUD! How can I forget Raglan Road??? You've GOT to try Jus Chicken. It was INCREDIBLE. I haven't tried the Wave yet, Cathy. I'll have to add it to my "list." The menu looks good.
TinaMouse
10-01-2009, 06:12 AM
Great list, Tina - Thanks! Looks like I'll be hovering over my phone on October 27, waiting for the moment when it's okay to start scrambling for ADR's! (You're from Minnesota? I was there last February for a conference with my husband, just across the street from the Mall of America...'bout froze my arse off!;))

I'm about 15 minutes away from MOA. Yeah, it gets a little cold here. ;) Jan and Feb really get rough. I love it here, though
mom22gls
10-01-2009, 09:15 AM
There are two, great, restaurants at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Boma is a buffet, but they serve some really different soups and sides. I can make a meal of the soups. Jiko is more upscale, but wonderful food and atmosphere. Other upscale places I would recommend is Artists Point at Wilderness Lodge, and the California Grill at the Contemporary.
KJSJpipe
10-01-2009, 01:13 PM
I ditto Jiko as a great restaurant! My husband and I just ate there for the second time last week. The food is so good and the staff are very friendly and answer any questions you may have about the menu.
Drince88
10-01-2009, 01:26 PM
I'm excited to try Saana (sp?) and Kouzina (sp?) in November.

And, not necessarily for the food, but the atmosphere, Whispering Canyon in October. (October trip food is mostly reserved for F&W Fest, so the one ADR is the only one - and that's with 10 other people, 6 pre-teens and their parents!)
adriennek
10-01-2009, 03:20 PM
(October trip food is mostly reserved for F&W Fest, so the one ADR is the only one - and that's with 10 other people, 6 pre-teens and their parents!)

It's more like 2-pre-teens, 2 tweens and 2 little kids. ;) It's gonna be a little chaotic... ;) :~D

Adrienne