Best resort TS without ADR?

[birthygirl]

I currently have breakfasts booked early at Ohana and Kona before we head to Universal for two days, but most of the ADRs I've made are for breakfast. So I thought I would change it up a bit. I don't want to commit to a time to be back though so where would be the best resort TS to go without an ADR fairly late in the evening? We talked about going to DS but I'm not completely sold on that idea.

 

[ElizaDoesDisney]

I would consider the Boardwalk area. I've walked up to Trattoria al Forno a couple of times with no problem and enjoyed a nice meal there. Big River is an easy walk-up and I love their beer cheese soup, but it's less formal/nice than Trattoria. If you want something higher end, you might be able to get into Flying Fish late, but that seems far less likely.

Bluezoo and Shulas at the Swan/Dolphin (is it bad that I think of them as one giant hotel and can never remember what is actually in which) are both great meals that I've had good success at walking up to without reservations (especially later in the evening).

Honestly, if it were me, I'd probably just look at what's available on MDE when I was leaving Universal and had a decent idea of when I'd be back to make a reservation. If you think you'll be there at 9, for instance, make any reservation after nine --- I've had great luck showing up early to a late reservation and getting seated early, though of course YMMV.

 

[birthygirl]

I didn't think of just checking at the end of the day! I'll probably just do that (or we'll be too tired and end up back at the resort grabbing a slice of pizza! lol)

 

[Ed J]

we found olivia's at Old Key West to be a good no ADR option. good grub and was never an issue getting a seat.

 

[Fangorn]

Olivia's at Old Key West.

Arguably the best hidden gem of all the Resort Restaurants. The Prime Rib is excellent!

Steve

 

[kastoney]

Totally agree with @ElizaDoesDisney. Just wait until the day off, see what (if anything) you're up for and see what reservations are open that night. We book most of our dinners in this fashion and there is quite literally no restaurant we haven't seen open at some time. As long as you won't be there at Christmas or another really busy time of the year you'll have a ton of options available to you