Can't repeat last year...

[numberonenole]

Last year we had the free dining plan and we waited at least 45 minutes to get a table every where we had reservations. All the reservations were for between 4:50 and 5pm. This was the second week of December. I was ticked that I had make reservations 180 days in advance to have to wait that long. Two preschoolers did not make the waiting easy either. So this year we decided the free food wasn't worth it and will do mostly counter service, but we do want to eat at Garden Grill and see the characters. What would be the best time to get an ADR to not have to wait? I've seen didn't opening times. 4, 4:30, and then the online reservation site had seatings for 3:35! Any idea what time it really opens? If we make it for opening time, would we be waiting for everyone to be seated who also picked their opening time? Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[somethingblue]

Are you certain that "Garden Grill" is still a character meal? It seems when I was there last March it had been changed, as had Liberty Tree Tavern, but I could be wrong.

December is going to busy no matter what time you book your dining because it's so close to Christmas. I would reccomend potentially doing a late lunch/early dinner or a very late dinner...with little ones, probably the former...perhaps 4:30?

 

[disnut8]

From Allears menu, it says the Garden Grill opens at 4:30. Lunch is no longer served. I'd get the earliest seating time available. But be warned - service could be slower if everyone is seated at the same time. It's difficult for a server to have all tables at the same point in ordering.

 

[TDC Nala]

Garden Grill dinner is still a character meal. It's Liberty Tree at MK that no longer has characters. But as noted above, GG has stopped serving lunch.

WDW has extended the opening times at many of their restaurants while free dining is being offered.