Dining Reservations Needed?

[Willow25]

Are there any restaurants in DLR that really require an advance reservation?

 

[DisneyCaliCouple]

We have only needed one at the Blue Bayou, but that was in the summer time when the parks were busier. That being said, we have walked up twice without a reservation, and they've been able to find us a time both times. (Once wasn't until late that night, and the other was right away)

 

[Willow25]

What about for the character meals? Are you better off having a reservation?

 

[FlameGirl]

What about for the character meals? Are you better off having a reservation?

Definitely...there is never a guarantee that they'll be able to seat you as a walk-in.

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

On a Friday or Saturday nite, I would recommend get a reservation. We were there in an off time in May, and endured a 45 minute wait for a hamburger at Hungry Bear because we didn't have a ressie somewhere... never again!

 

[Dizneydaz]

It will depend on the restaurant and the crowd levels. Since we have AP and go quite often we usually don't plan ahead and get an ADR before we go. I have called Disney Dining while at the parks for the same day and gotten in at WTC several times with no problem. You have to make ADRs at least one hour before you want to arrive.

One time we were in line at GRR and I called Disney Dining from my cell phone. We were able to get an ADR in one hour and after we got off GRR went straight to WTC. We checked in and only waited 2-3 min. for our pager to go off. As we were being escorted to our table I overhead one guest ask "why didn't they have to wait?" She was told we had made reservations. I loved it!

I've also called from home the morning of and was able to get a table for dinner at WTC, in June, just in time to watch the EP after we ate (it was my birthday ).

In May last year I called the day before and got ADRs at New Orleans cafe the day CELEBRATE premiered. Had to take 4:30 but it was still a good time. The weather was nice and the food was good.

Conversely when we go to WDW (with free DDP) I will make at least one ADR for each day. We do end up changing some of them but it's nice to have at least one option set. It's not as important at DLR but if there are places you really want to go, (Ariel's, Goofy's, etc) go ahead and make the call. Couldn't hurt.

HTH.

(Note-I use ADR (advanced dining reservation) for both WDW and DLR. I think it's actually called PS (Priority Seating) at DL. Same thing, different terminology)

 

[Willow25]

Thanks for that, we usually go to WDW on the dining plan so it makes me nervous not having priority seating. I will probably plan and book PS's and then change as we need when we get there.

 

[samkj]

I called and changed our same day reservation without any problems last week. I like to have reservations, but enjoy the flexibility you have with changing them, unlike at WDW where you have to know months in advance EXACTLY where/when you want to eat in order to eat where you want.

 

[LuLusApple]

I have not made any in months not since last October. I have been able to call and walk up same day for any ressies, on weekdays. Now I havnt tried NapaRose lol but anything in the parks has been easily had even BB. This upcoming trip in March I am leaning towards calling just because I am nervous of spring break.

 

[blackjackdelta]

We always go during the summer and we always make PS for the places we want to eat. If we do not make it, we call and let them know we won't show.

Jack

 

[Sara*s_Mommie]

The dining at WDW is insane....I haven't had any problems walking into Character meals without a ressie at DL my last 4 trips (Minnie & Friends and Ariels Grotto) I love Minnie and Friends and last month, there wasn't hardly anyone in there so the kids (dd, niece, nephew) got a lot of time with the characters. I just wanted to eat!!!

 

[glendalais]

Reservations are always recommended at all Disneyland Resort Table Service Restaurants.

At the same time, most of the restaurants do not even begin to approach the demand levels that have become par the course at the Walt Disney World Resort.

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

I do notice if I'm going during spring break I have a harder time getting my PS for Ariel's Grotto. The past spring trip I didn't get the exact times I wanted for dinner (and I called 60 days out or so). But it could just be my bad luck

 

[pixiewings71]

For us, if we definitely want to eat at a sit down place we make a ressie. It's just easier. Yes, we've walked up and been seated at most places but those were spur of the moment, let's see what they have, moments. The only place we've never been seated as a walk up is Carnation Cafe, and they told us we could get a seat but it would be a 90-120 min. wait. We didn't wait. We have been turned away from Cafe Orleans and Blue Bayou but we've also been seated at both places. At Ariel's Grotto we were told to come back in an hour for a table and we did. So it really goes both ways. My advice is, if you know you want to eat somewhere make a reservation, if not then play it by ear but be sure to give yourself plenty of options and time.