ADR times w young kids

[sheluk]

Never travelled with kids before - my two will be almost 3 and 4.5 years when we go in May.

What time would you book your evening ADRs for?

Hoping they’ll have a nap mid afternoon to keep them going a bit later but also conscious jet lag will be grim the first 3 days or so.

*subject to availability of course*

[petit-pois]

When we took ours at that age we only booked table service for breakfast or lunch, if we were in the parks later we’d grab counter service. With the most patient, agreeable kids in the world, asking them to wait patiently for characters to come around whilst trying to get them to eat something after a long day is a tall order.

[LauraE]

We took ours at 4.5 and nearly 2, so a bit younger, and had ADR breakfast and lunches mainly, we did have a couple of on site hotel reservations for 5pm which were fine, but probably wouldn’t want much later than that unless you had had a very relaxed day. We’d also get counter service for dinner most nights. Mine loved all the variety for buffet breakfasts and lunches, we tended to find buffets worked best for us, and they are quite fussy (and the nearly 2 year old didn’t have the dining plan).

Not sure how it’s changed with covid, but we did amend a few whilst we were out there, so you could always do that if you find one time of day suits your family more than another.

Enjoy your trip, it’s a great age to go! We’re hopefully heading back in 2023 with a 9,6 and 3 year old.

[fluffychicken]

Definitely breakfast or lunch. If there is a dinner you particularly want to do make it later in your holiday so they have adjusted to the time difference.

[ely3857]

When our kids were younger we almost always had lunchtime ADR’s (a couple of breakfasts and maybe one or two 17:00 meals towards the end of the holiday). The hour or so break in air con was a blessing all around and even kids (& adults) that had gotten tired and cranky were generally revived a lot. Gave us all time to review the plan for the rest of the day as well. Never underestimate the power of a real break midday.

[All-smiles]

I've not been to florida with small children but have been on quite a few uk holidays with them... we always opt for lunch time meals out and then do a light 'tea' in the evening at where we are staying. Our children get cranky easily and as a result both are upstairs in bed by 7pm/7.30pm (my new baby has done this since 6 weeks old). So for lunch times it is much more enjoyable and not rushed to get home before they get grumpy.

[Shooby doo]

Ok not recommending times but I am recommending getting a Landry's card, T-Rex & Rainforest ( if the kids will like them) can be difficult to get but with the VIP card you can just walk up & get next available table- great for last minute plans
SD