access to resort restaurants

[gardener14]

I discovered this forum while trying to answer a question for my family, so I hope someone here can help us. We are planning a trip to Orlando next month, and although we are not staying at a WDW resort, we would like to try some of the resort restaurants for our dinner meals. We would especially like to dine at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Coronado Springs . We would be arriving by car and we are wondering if the resorts are open to "outsiders" for dining or are the Disney resorts gated and the restaurants only available to guests? Thanks for your assistance.
-Greg

 

[arminnie]

Non-resort guests can eat at the resort restaurants. I do it all of the time. The resorts are gated, but I always just tell the guard that I am going for dinner/lunch, etc.

You might want to make PS (Priority Seating) reservation ahead of time, but given when you are going in January is a pretty slow season you probably don't have to. I often travel during slow times and if I do make a PS I often do it only an hour or two ahead of time.

 

[gardener14]

Arminnie, thanks for the info. We might also try the All Star food court just for an inexpensive meal and to see the oversized scenery. Thanks again.

 

[disney queen]

even though you are going at a slow time, i would suggest PS arrangments especially for AKL. you might need the confirmation number upon entering the resort. but then maybe not. better safe than sorry. we always arrive by disney transportation; therefore, i am not sure of the procedure at the gate.

 

[arminnie]

Yes, the restaurants at AKL are very popular and it never hurts to have a PS.

When I was at WDW a couple of week ago we took the monorail to see the Grand Floridian's Christmas decorations and while we were there went up to the hospitality desk and asked the CM to make a PS for Boma at AKL.

We definitely were not staying there - I think she asked us if we were "day guests" - ie just visiting and looking around - but was very happy to make the PS.

 

[KevinFSU]

Without a doubt, get a PS. I would set it for the latest possible time you want to eat if you aren't exactly sure what time you might be able to or want to get over to eat. If you end up getting there early you can see if they can get you in sooner, but if not, then you are still covered with the PS.