Crowded restaurants at WDW

[Davey Jones II]

I know the restaurants are always pretty busy, but around what time of the day do they really start getting crowded? 4 p.m.? We would like to be a little contrarian and eat dinner when the rides have the longest waits, and the eateries (counter service) are less busy. We will be there the last week of October. Thanks!

 

[holden]

If you are talking counter service, I'd say they are most crowded from 11:30-2 and then probably 4-8. That's just a guess though. I think counter service restaurants are more crowded at lunchtime than dinner. It really depends on the park and restaurant.

If you want short waits for counter service, eat at 11am, around 3pm or later at night (after 8pm).

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I think 4 pm is fine. I would highly recommend using the DME app to pre-order your QS food. It will cut down on ordering and pick-up time considerably.

 

[ShadeDK]

I think 4 pm is fine. I would highly recommend using the DME app to pre-order your QS food. It will cut down on ordering and pick-up time considerably.

1000x This for QS. I used mobile ordering from the MDE app several times last week and never had a wait. Placed my order on the walk over and it was ready when I got there - even though the lines to place orders were swamped. No one was using the dedicated mobile order pick up bays - and I appreciated the comment from one person way back in line complaining "how'd that guy get his order already? He just walked in!" It won't help you find a seat, but you also won't waste 15-20 minutes behind the group of 12 people who don't look at the menu and decide that they don't really like the options until they get to the register.

As for best "off" times - I've had most success before noon, around 3 to 4:30pm and then after 7:30pm. A little different for MK since the 2pm parade can clear out rides and restaurants from 1:30 to 2:30, but then send those crowds back in with a vengeance right after that (I usually go for rides over eating though for that time).

 

[marcyleecorgan]

I think 4 pm is fine. I would highly recommend using the DME app to pre-order your QS food. It will cut down on ordering and pick-up time considerably.

Unless you're on the Dining Plan, then you can't use Mobile Ordering!

 

[hmcater]

Unless you're on the Dining Plan, then you can't use Mobile Ordering!

I think you got that backwards, you can't use mobile ordering if you're on the Dining Plan.

 

[hmcater]

Unless you're on the Dining Plan, then you can't use Mobile Ordering!

Totally read that wrong, sorry lol

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I've never heard of mobile ordering, is that an option now for all CS locations?!?

 

[rosiebean]

I've never heard of mobile ordering, is that an option now for all CS locations?!?

Not for all CS locations. For many in MK, most in AZ and the Studios, very very few in Epcot.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Not for all CS locations. For many in MK, most in AZ and the Studios, very very few in Epcot.

This is most excellent news, I will give it a try in February, thanks.

 

[Davey Jones II]

Thanks for the advice!