Dining for NON-Resort Guests

[Woodland1]

Hello everyone,
We are heading to the World in just over a week and renting a vacation home nearby. We are purchasing our park tix via AAA, and now I'm wondering if we are "allowed" to eat at certain restaurants b/c we are NOT "Resort Guests." I have been to the World in the last few years but have stayed "on site" and this time we're going with all of our [many!] kids and figure on eating some meals in the park itself. Previously, we have enjoyed Trails End having stayed at the Wilderness cabins/campsites but are we unable to go to that restaurant (or, to check out the campground to see if it is worth bringing our trailer next visit, for that matter!?) b/c of the need to use Disney transport? Staying "off site" we are not permitted to use the ferry/monorail system, or the internal buses-- is that correct?
Can anyone give me an idea of where we can eat and where we canNOT eat? Thank you!

 

[SeaSpray]

You can eat at ANY restaurant at WDW. As long as you have a park ticket to get in, you can eat at all of the restaurants in the parks. And you can go to any resort and dine there as well. Have fun

P.S. You can use Disney's transportation, too.

 

[DisneyCatMom]

You can eat anywhere-just make an ADR-may be hard to get at this late date.
You can use monorail and boat. Buses not suppose to, but it's not like they ask to see anything to prove where you are staying.

 

[Woodland1]

Thank you! I had no idea that we could still use Disney transport. I'm glad I asked! . Last time we were there, we got in to the Trails End same-day without an ADR. We have gone back & forth SO many times about the character dining, so I guess at this point it's a done deal-- we're not going to get a reservation!

 

[SeaSpray]

Thank you! I had no idea that we could still use Disney transport. I'm glad I asked! . Last time we were there, we got in to the Trails End same-day without an ADR. We have gone back & forth SO many times about the character dining, so I guess at this point it's a done deal-- we're not going to get a reservation!

You still have a week, don't give up! Keep calling and hopefully something will open up for you

 

[JAZ2525]

You can eat at any Disney Resort. We have relatives in Orlando who meet us for dinner at the resorts all of the time and they are always allowed in. Enjoy your trip!

 

[winterman]

Disney is willing to accept money from anyone. We are staying offsite on our upcoming trip and I have made 8 ADRs. Good luck getting ADRs for your trip. Even with short notice it is worth a try.

 

[disnut8]

Heh. We once were next to a family at Illuminations and started to talk to them. They were staying at the Beach Club and were having all of their meals at that resort. They were on the dining plan but said the buffet was getting old. They didn't know they could eat elsewhere. So your question is not that unusual.

You can get reservations even this late. Try the Captain's Gallery at the Yacht Club. Or the Grand Floridian Cafe at that resort. No characters but good meals and nice resorts. Also, the ESPN Club and the Big River Grille at the Boardwalk don't accept reservations so everyone is a walk up. Same way with Beaches and Cream.

The one thing you won't do at Disney World is starve.

 

[septbaby]

I've only done 2 Disney character meals: first was 1900 Park Fare as an off site guest. I called and made the ADR with no problems or hassles. We loved our dinner then (about 5yrs ago) and I remember feeling that it was a good deal and we paid full price, no dining plan.

Last trip was my first on site and I'm not sure I could do Disney off site anymore; I'm spoiled. We just did Chef Mickey's and really enjoyed it.

 

[OhioGrumpyGirl]

Thank you! I had no idea that we could still use Disney transport. I'm glad I asked! . Last time we were there, we got in to the Trails End same-day without an ADR. We have gone back & forth SO many times about the character dining, so I guess at this point it's a done deal-- we're not going to get a reservation!

I just called last week and got ADRs for Wed (4/9) at Whispering Canyon !
Try it..........you'll never know until you call!