Can you just 'show up' for the Epcot Character Ice Cream Social?

[westjones]

We are going to WDW in March. I didn't make reservations for the Ice Cream Social at Epcot because I don't want to have to worry about 'time'.....BUT if we just happen to be close to the place around 2:30/3:00, can you just show up? Or is it usually booked full?
DJ

 

[mickeysaver]

You know, that's a great question, but I don't have a good answer. We were at WDW in late September of 2002. I made arrangements prior to our arrival for the Ice Cream Social, so we could go. The place wasn't that busy, but there were still people eating lunch in the restaurant also. I do highly recommend that you consider making time for this. We had such a good time with the characters there. Dale was a hoot when he found my walkie talkie and pretended to be talking to Mickey. Mickey made Gabby kiss his nose. Pluto was Pluto. Chip and Dale really stole the show though. We had a really great time. The ice cream was good too. lol Mickey

 

[poohgomez]

During our last trip I didn't want to make a P.S. for the ice cream social because I didn't want to commit. We happened to be in the area at 3:00 so we stopped by. They were completely booked, but told us to wait around in case there was a no show. Lucky for us there was and we had a WONDERFUL time. It isn't very big, so the attention the kids received from the characters was the best! We will definately go back in May. It is a great break in the middle of a hot day.

 

[Ms. S. White]

I can't believe that I never heard about this!! Where is it and how much is it? What characters are usually there?

 

[westjones]

Here is what it says on Mousesavers:

http://www.mousesavers.com/meals.html#cheap eats


Least expensive character "meal" at WDW - well, okay, it's not really a meal. It's even better, as far as I'm concerned -- ice cream! Every afternoon at 3:00 (and in high season, also at 3:15) there is an "Ice Cream Social" at the revolving Garden Grill restaurant in The Land at Epcot. The price is $6.99 plus tax and tip per person (same price for kids). You get to enjoy a massive and delicious ice cream sundae while Mickey and friends visit the tables and interact with the guests. A great way to get out of the heat and relax in the mid-afternoon. Priority Seating through (407) WDW-DINE is highly recommended. (By the way, if you inquire in advance, a diabetic/sugar-free version is available.)

 

[SpottyDog]

We've been three times in March and it's never been full. We always make PS's but arrange our day so we WILL be there - we use it as a mid-day snack that keeps us goin 'till dinner that night.

This is defo a 'must do' treat ,especially with kids. The character interaction is second to none IMHO - presumably coz it's always been so quiet.

 

[heymom]

My understanding is that a PS is required. The reason for this being they have the ice cream treats made up for that many people. The kiddie ice cream is different from the adults. I think they ask how many adults and children in your party when you make your PS.

That being said, if there was a no show I would think they would have extras made so they could give the PS time to a walk up.

 

[SpottyDog]

You know, that makes sense Heymom. The Ice Creams are little works of art.

 

[DisneyObsessed]

Thanks for this thread guys, you talked me into it. I just made a PS for our trip. This is something we've never done before. I'm psyched now

 

[Ms. S. White]

Me too! I love trying new places! Thanks for your info!!

 

[westjones]

OK, I just called and made my reservations too! We were going to do the Princess Breakfast, but I asked my kid which they would want to do, and they picked the Ice Cream Social with Mickey and Friends! Great for us because that is a lot cheaper than the breakfast!!!

Now *I'm* excited about this too! Can you believe the CM who took my order had never heard of it! She got excited and said she wanted to go too and was calling a friend to see if they would go with her! Isn't that funny!!!
DJ