Any TS restaurants that don't need ADRs?

[kla]

I'm tentatively planning our annual visit and nearing the 180-day mark, but haven't quite talked everyone (me included) into free dining yet if it's offered. Was thinking it might be nice to have a list of TS restaurants that typically don't book up right away so that I can make some reservations if we decide late. We go during the start of the FD period, and we did have problems getting into a few places last year. We're not typically TS types, so don't know much about these restaurants except what I've read on the boards. Are resort restaurant ADRs usually easier to get? Buffets? Are there any TS places that we can just walk up to or call for reservations earlier in the day? Seems like with FD everything's booked all the time!

TIA!

 

[graceesmom]

You can check with the front desk dining reservations at your resort any day to see if something is available. We have done this several times. In March, I was even able to snag a same day morning ADR at Cape May for a character b-fast on a very rainy morning. I went down around 7:45 a.m. to check and was able to get a 9 am ADR.

Some others that I've been able to get on the same day are:

The Wave
Captain's Grill
Liberty Tree Tavern
Les Chefs de France
Biergarten
Kona
AND YES -- In July 2010 I was able to get OHANA, party of 4 at 6:30 p.m. the morning of the dinner reservation!!!! That was a last minute trip and I really snagged some good ones.

 

[figment_jii]

That's a tough question to answer with a single, definitive answer. Sometimes I've found day of reservations at very popular places, while other times nothing is available.

In general, I would say that the TS venues at the Moderates are easier to get day of reservations than places at the parks or Deluxe resorts. I think this is because of transportation issues. I've seen ADRs for places like Olivia's come up fairly frequently.

Character meals are probably the hardest to get day of or walk-ups to, but you might get lucky. Again, I would try for resort restaurants first.

Epcot has the highest concentration of TS restaurants, so you probably have the best chances there.

Also, you'll probably have more luck if you're willing to eat at off times (like after 2 pm for lunch or after 8 pm for dinner).

 

[Missyrose]

Don't forget the TS places that don't accept ADRs to begin with... ESPN and Big River Brewery at Boardwalk.

 

[kla]

Thanks, you guys! This is exactly what I needed to know!!

 

[mrzrich]

I have had good luck getting lat minute ADr's at Turf Club at SSR. It was a great meal. I went to DTD and took a leisurely boat ride to SSR.

 

[btk2333]

Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club also does not accept ADR's

 

[aubriee]

Don't forget the TS places that don't accept ADRs to begin with... ESPN and Big River Brewery at Boardwalk.

Big River Grill does accept ADRs. You just have to call them direct.

 

[Lisa71]

My parents got a same day TS reservation for Artist Point and the woman in front of them at the desk got one for Crystal Palace for breakfast. It was during Free Dining in September. Each day is differant but if you are open to anything you can get what you want. I would rather have a ressie and cancel than not, but there are great examples.