are ADR absolutely necessary?

[jbrnhrt]

We are staying off site and our resort includes all meals so we don't want to have to pay for them in the parks. if we decide while at WDW to just have a meal there instead of driving back to the resort is it possible to just get something to eat without an ADR? i know all the popular places to eat are gonna be near impossible to get into, but i'm just talking about getting a burger or hot dog and sitting down to cool off for a little. can you pop into a table service restaurant to see if there is gonna be a table available? we're going in october

 

[RMulieri]

We are staying off site and our resort includes all meals so we don't want to have to pay for them in the parks. if we decide while at WDW to just have a meal there instead of driving back to the resort is it possible to just get something to eat without an ADR? i know all the popular places to eat are gonna be near impossible to get into, but i'm just talking about getting a burger or hot dog and sitting down to cool off for a little. can you pop into a table service restaurant to see if there is gonna be a table available? we're going in october

With the advent of the dining plan, spontaneous/no adr dining is kind of hard ..October has the Free Dining promotions and that means lots of people have booked dining well in advance.You may score a walk in, you may not.You can call on the morning you wish to dine and see what, if anything is available for the day.You can also see if the restaurant is taking walk ups.Alot of the themeparks put out a sign that says what if anything is available for the day.CS options are always available if you can not get any TS dining.

 

[Jedi]

you need to just avoid the normal "meal times" Now....there are alot counter service places that typically have a wait of a few...and many have AC

 

[bleeps]

We are staying off site and our resort includes all meals so we don't want to have to pay for them in the parks. if we decide while at WDW to just have a meal there instead of driving back to the resort is it possible to just get something to eat without an ADR? i know all the popular places to eat are gonna be near impossible to get into, but i'm just talking about getting a burger or hot dog and sitting down to cool off for a little. can you pop into a table service restaurant to see if there is gonna be a table available? we're going in october

When in October? It matters because free dining is going on during most of the month (check dates on the WDW site if you're curious) and it is pretty difficult, if not impossible, to get a walk-up at a table service restaurant during free dining times....

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

You can always check at any TS place in the park for walk ups, during free dining it is rare you will find one inside the parks, but at the resorts you might have better luck at the not so popular places (read non charecter, no Boma, no O'hana, no signature dining). You can also always check at 407-WDW-DINE or with guest services in the parks for openings. Many counter service restraunts are indoors w/ a/c and have tables available most of the day for your burger/hot dog fix.

 

[pooch]

We are staying off site and our resort includes all meals so we don't want to have to pay for them in the parks. if we decide while at WDW to just have a meal there instead of driving back to the resort is it possible to just get something to eat without an ADR? i know all the popular places to eat are gonna be near impossible to get into, but i'm just talking about getting a burger or hot dog and sitting down to cool off for a little. can you pop into a table service restaurant to see if there is gonna be a table available? we're going in october

a burger or hot dog, many Counter Service places have indoor seating with A/C and don't require ADRs

MK: Cosmic Rays - Columbia Harbor House - Pinnochio Village Haus

Epcot: Sunshine Seasons - Electric Umbrella - Liberty Inn

DHS: Abc Commissary - Pizza Planet

AK: Pizzafari

and there are probably more, just what comes to mind right now.

 

[CanadianPaco]

I have to think that if there was a restaurant we had to go to or wanted to go to, ADRs are necessary.

 

[jbrnhrt]

it's sounds like if we do decide to just catch a bite CS is the best option. sometimes my son doesn't eat much if he's hot, so it's good to know that there's air conditioned places we can sit down, cool off, and fill our bellies.

 

[aurorae]

and if you really want table service, it is usually better to go to one of the resorts anyway. Other than World Showcase, most of the resort table service is better than the park table service, and during the day the resorts are less busy and you can usually get a table.

 

[Pip-a-dee-doo-dah]

We were there the end of September last year and although we had ADR's for various places, we walked up and got into Teppen Edo twice and Tony's the one time we tried, all for dinner. We ate around 4:30, I think. Just be flexable with your times and give it a shot. You've got nothing to lose by asking.

 

[Art 1]

No, they are not.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

It depends on when you are going and whee you want to eat.

Last year, one day during Christmas Week when we were anticipating 99%+ of capacity at DHS I was Map Greeter, hanging around the map boxes inside the turnstile area. Abou 1:00 a person came up to me and asked "where would be a good place here to eat today". They were not happy at all with my response that there was no way they would get into any Table Service, and that all the quick service locations would probably have at least 30 minute lines all day long.

But on slow days you generally can find something. One thing to do is go into Guest Relations as soon as you enter the Park and look at the board inside which indicates availability and they may be able to make a reservation for you.

 

[OhioDisneyDad]

One thing to do is go into Guest Relations as soon as you enter the Park and look at the board inside which indicates availability and they may be able to make a reservation for you.

I just learned something new! Good to know.

 

[DisMN]

When in October? It matters because free dining is going on during most of the month (check dates on the WDW site if you're curious) and it is pretty difficult, if not impossible, to get a walk-up at a table service restaurant during free dining times....

Really off topic so my apologies .............

Bleeps...I really like your hat!!
(The person in the middle)

 

[TLinden16]

I'm going to move this to our restaurant board.

 

[LilyWDW]

One should never count on getting walk ups. If one wants to try to do so, they need to realize that it could be quite difficult. Possible? Maybe... but not a sure thing.