Requirement to pre book?

J

Johnny Silver

Earning My Ears

Joined

May 31, 2010

• Mar 27, 2015

• #1

we're a family of five going to wdw in July. We have pre booked a number of meals but want to keep our options open for where we want to eat and at what time on at least a few days

What's our chances of getting walk up reservations for table service at that time of year? Zero???!!!???

 

Sargeant Tibbs

DIS Veteran

Joined

Jan 9, 2015

• Mar 27, 2015

• #2

At popular restaurants you really take your chances. You can set up a separate account under your spouse's name if you want to book more than one restaurant within a couple hours of each other. That's one way to keep your options open. Just be sure to cancel what you don't want so you don't get charged the no show fee.

 

NJlauren

DIS Veteran

Joined

Nov 6, 2014

• Mar 27, 2015

• #3

Instead of walk up use the app and see what you can book an hour out... I moved things around same day so it is possible to do but not a guarantee.

 

kastoney

Disney foodie served with a side of sarcasm

Joined

Jul 18, 2010

• Mar 27, 2015

• #4

NJlauren said:

Instead of walk up use the app and see what you can book an hour out... I moved things around same day so it is possible to do but not a guarantee.

Click to expand...

This is the way to go. As long as you are flexible on location and time, you will likely be surprised at how many same day openings there really are

 

minnie mum

Unapologetic Disney Fan(atic)

Joined

Mar 8, 2011

• Mar 27, 2015

• #5

Just realize that restaurants inside the parks during high crowd times are likely to have little availability. You may have to eat later, or go to a nearby resort.

I agree that its a waste of time to go from place to place trying for a walk up. Use the app and try not to wait until everyone is hungry before looking.

 

L

Ladcassidy

DIS Veteran

Joined

Oct 16, 2012

• Mar 27, 2015

• #6

I always sit down when I get back to the resort from a park and juggle/ update the next day's schedule. Cancel any ADRs that we are not going to use, make others as appropriate, and coordinate my FP+ times. I've always been able to move things around, so hopefully you will have the same experience.

 

mrzrich

DIS Veteran

Joined

May 13, 2005

• Mar 27, 2015

• #7

Another strategy I use when I'm loosey goosey with my plans is to stop at the front desk at my resort before I hop on the bus on my way out and check ADR availability. Or I hit Guest Services at the park if the line isnt too long. Sometimes they have different availability then what shows up on the app.

 

Dis703

DIS Veteran

Joined

Aug 24, 2010

• Mar 28, 2015

• #8

Agreed you will be taking a chance. I also think using the app a few hours out is a better choice than trying to walk around and find a restaurant with availability. You unfortunately really can't just decide you want Italian today and hope that Tony's or Via Napoli will have a table. Very rarely will that work out in your favor.