December 7-14: Taking chance by not reserving?

[Bokehman]

Hi all - First post here.

It has been many years since I did an all-out WDW vacation. My GF and I did one day at Epcot a couple of years ago.

I remember going to Epcot many times in the 80s and just booking a resto for that day when we walked in (in Communicare I think). I'm guessing it's the dining plans that are making the restos that much busier.

While we are purchasing the Park Hopper option, I don't necessarily want to be locked to a schedule just for a restaurant.

Basically, my question is, are my chances of a walk up half-decent by going in early December? Or will they all likely be booked up?

Thanks in advance.

 

[momplus3]

I personally would not take a chance. That time frame is when the Pop Warner Superbowl takes place at WDW and even though the kids are playing games most of the time, there are plenty of families and friends there and ity gets pretty crowded.

 

[maxiesmom]

You can usually find a table service place to eat at if you don't make ADRs. However, they may not be at a restaurant you would like when you are hungry. If you are in the Magic Kingdom you may end up having to leave and go elsewhere--to a resort, or even to Epcot. Or you may luck out and score a great ADR.

If you don'tmind taking the chance, or don't mind eating counter service if you can't get an ADR, the don't stress about them. But if you know you will want a table service meal, and fussy about where you eat, you need to make ADRs.

 

[LilyWDW]

Do you like to eat at "normal" meal times? If yes, make reservations. If you don't mind eating early or late, you should be able to find something.

Are there specific restaurants that you want to try? If yes, make a reservation. This way you know you will have a chance to try it, especially if it is a popular location.

Are you willing to travel to get to a restaurant that has an opening? If yes, then don't worry about reservations. You may have to travel to a resort or another park to find something.

Do you mind eating CS if it comes to that? If yes, then make reservations. If you don't mind, then you can try and walk up and then you would have a back up plan.

What it comes down to is this... there WILL be places you can get into without a reservation. However, it may be a long wait or not exactly where you WANT to eat. You may have to travel to get someplace with an opening. You may waste a lot of time looking for somewhere to eat. You may have to take what you can get... and it might not be your first choice.

Disney does not hold back any tables for walk ins. They will fully book a restaurant if they can. So, sometimes you can get in and sometimes you can not.

If there is anywhere you MUST eat, make a reservation. Maybe make reservations for a few nights and then try and walk up the rest of the nights. Keep the dining reservations number in your cell phone so you can call and see if there are any openings. Have a backup plan in case you can't get your first choice.

 

[dzneelvr]

I'd never do WDW without all ADRs made at 180 days, especially at that time of year.

 

[aubriee]

I'd never do WDW without all ADRs made at 180 days, especially at that time of year.

True! I'll be at WDW about a week before the OP is going (Nov 26th-Dec 4th). My 180 day mark is this coming Monday. I'll be online at 0600 ET sharp making ADRs. I was there last year the exact same week the OP is going and saw walkups turned away almost daily. I was on the DXDDP, so did alot of TS restaurants that week. Most were turning walkups away.

 

[Meandyou]

We have always made ADR's for that time of year Our Date is coming up this Friday.

 

[Bokehman]

So what happens if you make a reservation and don't show?

 

[maxiesmom]

So what happens if you make a reservation and don't show?

If you have to give them your credit card number in order to make your ADR you will be charged a no show fee. Otherwise if you know you are not going to make a meal, call and cancel. That way some other family will get lucky and get your spot. Please don't just not show up.