Bar Seating at WDW

[EpcotPhoenician]

I plan to visit a number of the bars/lounges during my upcoming trip (specifically California Grill, Citrico's, and Narcoossee's). What is the best strategy to "secure" a spot? Is it necessary to show up prior to the dinner seating and waiting? Do lines typically form early in the evening for the bar seating areas?

I'm assuming an ADR is not needed, since it's first come first serve... but I will be up early in the morning and make them, if necessary.

 

[kwdw]

You might ask this on the Solo Travelers thread.... lots of those folks do lounge dining.

I've only tried CG - and "peak" time - no luck. I tried about an hour later - maybe 8 pm? - and got a seat. Note - I think fireworks were at 11 that night - so those wouldn't have been a factor that evening.

If you really want to eat at any of those - try for an ADR. You can order a drink and an appetizer at a table!

 

[gharter]

Not sure how that works with the "new normal".
In the past for CG, you needed to be there early as the lounge filled quickly. Most were having a full meal in the lounge area. We still saw that in April.
We didn't see many at the bar at Narcoossee's in April.