ADRs and walk ups - a tip!

[snykymom]

We got back last week from Disney, and thought this tip might help folks lookinig for last minute dining.

There were several days on which we decided at the last minute where we wanted to eat. (We weren't on the dining plan so if we didn't get an ADR it wasn't that big a deal.) We were flexible with our timing.

I went onto the mobile website to make a reservation, selected the restaurant or locations (like Epcot), and meal I wanted (in our case, it was always lunch or dinner). I was always able to find something, even at popular restaurants like Prime Time and Rose & Crown.

While we were waiting at the restaurants after checking in, people would come up to ask if they were taking walkups. The answer was invariably no, they had nothing available for the rest of the day. Out of curiosity, I checked the mobile website and there were still reservations available (I checked for parties of 4).

Moral of the story: If you want a last minute ADR, try the mobile site before doing a walk up. You may be surprised!

 

[Koda]

Thanks for the tip!

 

[gypsydoodlebug]

When you say mobile site, are you using a phone app or the WDW web site? thanks!

 

[Pakey]

We did walk ups all week (got home today) just by walking up to the restaurants. I was surprised at how empty most places were, more so than any other trip.

 

[kathyell]

When you say mobile site, are you using a phone app or the WDW web site? thanks!

I'm not the OP, but I find that using my mobile web browser and m.disneyworld.com works the best of anything I've tried.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

One time we walked up to Le Cellier--just out of curiosity and then there was a downpour. Ooops. So we ducked inside. They had nothing, but they were able to pull up who had pretty much immediate seating and they put us in for an ADR at Rose and Crown. (There were other options. That one appealed to us at the time.)

So if you don't have a phone handy--I would "hope" that perhaps other hosts or hostesses at nearby restaurants could assist you. Not sure if they are supposed to or not, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[tobikaye]

For those that do not have cell phones without mobile web ability, make sure to program the WDW#s for calling for reservations. This way you can also call and check as well. I've done this when traveling without the mobile web option.

Also, don't forget to check with guest relations at the front of the park, if you happen to be near them. I've stopped in and checked when I've gotten to a park where I know I will probably want to eat and didn't make reservations ahead of time. About 60% of the time, I've been able to get a reservation somewhere.

 

[snykymom]

I'm not the OP, but I find that using my mobile web browser and m.disneyworld.com works the best of anything I've tried.

Yes, this is the one I used on my iPhone. The apps I have don't allow you to make ADRs.

I did have the phone number in my phone; I just found using the app easier. Then I didn't have to deal with the automated answering machine!

 

[rt2dz]

For those that do not have cell phones without mobile web ability, make sure to program the WDW#s for calling for reservations. This way you can also call and check as well. I've done this when traveling without the mobile web option.

Also, don't forget to check with guest relations at the front of the park, if you happen to be near them. I've stopped in and checked when I've gotten to a park where I know I will probably want to eat and didn't make reservations ahead of time. About 60% of the time, I've been able to get a reservation somewhere.

Guest relations can pull off miracles. We've gone online and called and tried walking up and told nothing. Walk into guest relations and they get you and ADR like it was nothing. I don't know how, but I'm happy about it!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Sometimes outside Guest Relations they will put out a sign with the various restaurants in the parks and it will say if they are accepting walk ups, so that's something else to look for.

Now if my family and I ever needed a last minute ADR we can always ask in the Club Level lounge of the resort we are staying since we like to stay Club Level. Even though they have access to the exact same ADR system as everyone else and can't work mircales for restaurants located in the parks and other resorts, I was told if we tried getting an ADR for a restaurant where we were staying usually they can get one even if they were sold out. For example when we stay at the Boardwalk Inn if we wanted a last minute ADR for dinner at Flying Fish or Kouzzina and the online system said they were sold out, when the Club Level Cast Members look on their computer it knows they are doing it from a Club Level lounge and can get us an ADR since those restaurants are located where we are staying at.

 

[walkdmc]

I'm not the OP, but I find that using my mobile web browser and m.disneyworld.com works the best of anything I've tried.

Thanks! I just checked this out with my iphone and it looks great. At first, I thought you were missing some of the address...what's with the "m"? That's a new one for me but not surprising since I'm not at all tech savy.

 

[snykymom]

Thanks! I just checked this out with my iphone and it looks great. At first, I thought you were missing some of the address...what's with the "m"? That's a new one for me but not surprising since I'm not at all tech savy.

"m" stands for "mobile." It's the site that optimized for use with mobile phones rather than the full website one would use from a computer.

 

[DCL rookie]

I'm not the OP, but I find that using my mobile web browser and m.disneyworld.com works the best of anything I've tried.

It is m.disneyworld.go.com. I'm sitting here at work looking for the site. That's what I found.

12 days til we're there!!