Walt Disney World: It's Not Just for Kids

I just used the new beta online Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) system at Disneyworld.com.  I was pretty happy with my experience, but I really didn’t use the old online system.  On my 2009 trip, I had my travel agent make my ADRs, so the only time I used the old system was for my reservation at TRex Cafe on my Universal trip last year.


I have to admit that I was a little nervous about making these ADRs.  Firstly, as I am staying at the Swan, the 180+10 day window did not apply to me, meaning that other guests were feasibly making their ADRs for my dates ten days before I could.  Secondly, I was a bit nervous about using something which was still in Beta mode.  Additionally, a glitch had appeared in the ADR system about a week prior to that allowing anyone to make ADRs for 190 days out (of course, it had been fixed by the time I got home from work).

I made one ADR yesterday (Cape May Cafe character breakfast), and one today (Chefs de France lunch).  I was able to get both close to times I requested.  I liked how yesterday I was able to put in parameters as to which one I wanted.  Today, I just selected Epcot and the time, and selected Chefs de France accordingly.  It was really quick, and I like how you get the  confirmation e-mail (which I then forwarded to Tripit) with your confirmation number.

One thing I did find interesting is that they offered check boxes with common allergens (Soy, egg, gluten) at the end of your reservation with the following disclaimer:

All Walt Disney World Resort table service restaurants that accept reservations may accommodate special dietary requests if made in advance. To ensure that we are aware of those needs, please indicate food allergies or sensitivities in the check boxes. Next, email us atSpecialDiets@DisneyWorld.com with your dietary needs at least 2 weeks before your dining reservation date. When you arrive at the dining location, please confirm your dietary requests with the chef or manager on duty.

Interestingly, the only check box they had for “other,” which I checked.  However, there was not an option to indicate what your other was.  They also gave pretty clear instructions on how to order Kosher meals, but I think either a) a “Vegetarian” tickybox (or even better, a “Vegetarian” tickybox and a “Vegan” tickybox) or b) A couple of quick words on Vegetarian dining at Walt Disney World could improve this system.  Even pointing out resources may help a person with little experience plan their vegetarian friendly-meals with ease.  I’ve been a vegetarian for 10 years, so while I am familiar with asking about ingredients, I still indicate my vegetarianism on every Opentable reservation I make.

Have you tried the new ADR system?  What do you think?

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