Dining at a resort when not a WDW guest?

[Crash1207]

Ok, some co-workers and I are heading to Orlando for a work conference. Rather than eating the same old boring food near where we're staying (Sea World), I thought it would be cool to drive over and hit up one of the restaraunts at WDW.

I basically have two questions...
1. Can I make PS arrangements while not being a WDW guest?
2. How do I handle the parking?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Stiff]

I dont know about making the PS...Im sure its not a problem

but we went to ohanas by car last week....drove up the gate, said we were eating there...they never asked if we were staying on property...just gave us a tag to drive in

 

[princesstommi]

Yeah, you can call and make PSs. When asked if you are staying on property, tell them you are a "day guest". Because you are a guest of whatever resort/restaurant you plan to visit.

If you eat at a resort restaurant, you should already be on the list at the gate if you have a PS. Just tell the guard that you have a PS at the restaurant and you will be given a 3 hour parking pass.

If you are eating at Downtown Disney, parking is free.

If you want to eat at a restaurant in a park, you will need park admission and will have to pay for parking.

Check out the menus on www.allearsnet.com. I would suggest you check out Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, or 'Ohana at the Polynesian resort. They are two of my very favorite restaurants on property.

Have fun on your trip!

 

[Crash1207]

Great! That's just the information that I needed. It's great to know exactly where to go to get a quick answer. Thanks!

 

[ncbyrne]

Anyone can eat at any resort restaurant, you do not have to be an overnight guest. And yes, you can make a PS at any WDW restaurant. They will ask you where you are staying - just tell them the truth - there won't be a problem or any questions asked. When you make the PS you will be given a confirmation #. Bring that with you as you MAY need it. When you drive to the gate at the resort tell them you have a PS at whatever restaurant. Depending on the resort, you may be asked for the #. Most of the non-monorail resorts will let you park for an indefinite amount of time. The monorail resorts usually give you a 3 hr. parking permit - especially the Contemporary. Parking is free.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you have to go through the MK toll plaza to get to one of the restaurants, take your parking pass in with you and you should get a credit for the parking fee.

 

[tiggrbaby]

How about if you are planning on eating at a restaurant that does not take reservations? We were thinking about going some place in the Boardwalk/Beach Club area for a late dinner on July 4th; would we have problems driving in?

 

[Grumpy92]

You may have a problem getting into the parking lot (Try to valet) and you will have a lengthy wait. I would suggest a restaurant where you can make a PS. You probably will be looking at a 60min or longer wait on the 4th of July to get a table.

We have an annual conference in Orlando and the first night we always go over to Disney for Dinner.