Too many rumors. Need facts.
Meal plan or no meal plan?
Do I really need to make reservations 6 months in advance?

We will be going in May - 2 couples. No kids.

Thanks

The meal plan is good if you are big eaters and plan to have a sit down meal on every day. That being said, some of the nicest restaurants are not included or take 2 credits. Personnally, we don't do the meal plan b/c we don't want to be compelled to eat that much to get our money's worth. I would start by going to the website and seeing where you want to eat and then seeing if they are included in the meal pass. If so, go for it.

As for reservations, you may not need them 6 months in advance for May but you should definately make them at least a few months out. For example, we're going in early December and didn't get our first choice on times making reservations about 4 months out. If you wait until you get there chances are you won't get what you want.

For 2 couples, I'd highly recommend California Grill-ask the reservation host what time the fireworks are at the MK that night and book for then-they turn down the lights in the restaurant, pipe in the music and you can watch the show from inside or on their observation deck.

We went to Disney earlier this year with our two adult children - we did not do the meal plan and we make reservations about several months head of time - because that was when we decided to plan the trip - and still I could not get those reservations swalter518 mentioned above which is exactly what I had wanted!! We did have a great dinner at California Grill and I highly recommend it.
Link to my trip report if you are interested
in what parks, rides, restaurants, we enjoyed -

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34938272

I just found my original thread, where some excellent restaurants were recommended, some fo which I could not get reservations for in October for January - the thread also had a lot of good Disney info in general that you might find helpful.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34889482

Starting in 2008, the meal plan is changing. Last I heard, instead of appetizer, entree and dessert with the table service meal, you only get entree and dessert-and the price is to go down a grand total of $1 per day. The plan also used to include a tip and it won't starting in 2008.

To make an informed decision, do this:
1. Go to allearsnet.com and look through the menus.

2. Pick a few of them and pretend you are ordering...choose how ever many courses you would typically order.

3. Tally up the average price for a counter service meal and a table service meal (noting that some required two credits). If the price of what you would normally order is more than the cost of the dining plan, go for it; if not, don't do it.

As for early reservations, it's insane, but make them as soon as you can. If you have any desire to go to Le Cellier in Epcot, call on the 180th day.

Ditto all the advice already given regarding meal plans and reservations plus my 2 cents.

Personally, we do not do the meal plans. They are not worth it for the way I prefer to eat.

Definitely make reservations!!!!!! On our last trip we did the California Grill/Fireworks thing and it was fantastic. The show was nice and the restaurant is one of the best I've ever been to. I also recommend Le Cellier. We also timed our Rose and Crown meal to coincide with Illuminations at Epcot - also very nice. Time your reservations about 30 minutes prior to the show.

Check out www.disboards.com for great info as well.