Dining without reservations??

[SherryG]

We are leaving for Disney in 9 days!! (single digit dance) We have not made any dining reservations so what are the chances we would still be able to do a character meal?? (if we went early before peak dining times??) Am I dreaming?

 

[Qiana]

I am wondering the same thing. My parents went to Disney about 6 yrs ago and whenever I talk about making ADR's they just laugh and say we don't need them...

Someone set me straight...I am sure things have changed in the last 6 yrs. So what should I do???

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

In the past my parents and I have gone to Chef Mickey's for dinner without any ADR's and we tried to get one but none were available. So we were told to go without them because it was our only other option and we got in, so anything is possible. I am sure others will tell you that you need ADR's would be true with how popular the DDP is, however all I am saying is that it has been done before.

 

[Surfingstitch]

ADRs help with a plan, but walk ups are always a possiblity if the place you want to eat at, isn't busy.

 

[phyllisva]

we are going in 10days and I can not get a res ANYWHERE !!! Everything is booked !!!!

 

[lustergirl]

I wish you great luck!!

 

[Mickiethepooh]

We are leaving for Disney in 9 days!! (single digit dance) We have not made any dining reservations so what are the chances we would still be able to do a character meal?? (if we went early before peak dining times??) Am I dreaming?

You most likely are dreaming but instead of posting here get on the phone and TRY to make them and keep trying up until you leave then go to the guest services or concierge desk and try some more once you are there.

 

[phyllisva]

I have done walk up at CP lots of times - you just have to be flexible on the times you can eat

 

[everylastbreath]

We were in WDW in August, and I tell you, I think your chances of a Character Meal are pretty slim without ADR, we did eat at other places on off times without ADR's but the character meals, the crowds were pretty bad and the only people on line to check in were with ADR's, Chef Mickey's was not even accepting anyone without one. I would keep calling and see if you can at least book one before you leave, and keep trying once you get there.

 

[DisLUV]

Disney with no ADRs... Man I am not that brave!

 

[twoeeyy]

we were ther oct 4 - 15. We saw people ask at Sci-fi dine in and were told not tables for 3 days . We also saw at 4:45 on a MNSSHP night people at Crystal Palace get in without any ADR's.

We missed our ADR at 8:30 at BOMA for breakfast and ended up going at 10:00 and got in without a problem.

I would say if you went earlier or later than the ' usual ' time you might have a better chance.

 

[lpizzuro123]

You might have luck with the breakfast buffet at Cape May Cafe. We love this breakfast - great food and great characters - Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale in their beach wear. Alot depends on when you go. We will be down Thanksgiving week so we have made alot of ADRs.

The best thing to do would be to call to see if you can get anything. If not try the day before or the day of to check for any cancellations.

Linda

 

[TMB1203]

I tried switching around some ressies for next week. Not alot available during "peak hours". I would start calling NOW and then call everyday until you get something. I would also be ready to settle for "off peak" times.

I also have had luck walking up, but it gets harder and harder each time we go.

 

[jmkrat]

You used to be able to walk up easily a few years ago, it isn't so easy now. It also depends on how crowded it is when you go. If it is a slower time you may get lucky with walk up. Sometimes people will cancel at the last minute,too. We had to cancel an ADR last March, we were there and just were too full to eat. We walked up to cancel ( it was about 30 minutes prior to our ADR) they thanked us and someone who walked up was able to take our spot. I would keep trying for something, resorts are more than likely the best bet. You can try to walk up, but have a back up plan. Good luck.

 

[travlnman1]

I had friends return last night from 5 days at DW.
They were on the dining plan but did not make any ADR's.
She said she was on the phone for over 1 hour in her hotel room with dining reservations. They could not get in anywhere for dinners!! They were staying at the Poly and ended up going over to Boatright's at POR one night because that was the only place left to have dinner! (I'd never do that - but they did)
If you do not make any ADR's, I think you will be very sad.
Especially if you are wanting a character meal.!

 

[Joan1]

I am wondering the same thing. My parents went to Disney about 6 yrs ago and whenever I talk about making ADR's they just laugh and say we don't need them...

Someone set me straight...I am sure things have changed in the last 6 yrs. So what should I do???

6 years ago was 9/11 - which means if your parents went right after that tragedy they could have walked in at almost any restaurant. That isn't the case anymore, more and more people are making advance reservations, especially since message boards like this have been very popular

 

[themudd4]

Can I ask why you didn't make ADR's? Not flamming...just curious if this was a last minute decision or something. In the future I would stronly suggest ADR's for any TS meal during even slower times of the year!

Let us know if you end up getting anything!

 

[7165red]

I wish you luck!

Keep calling everyday you may be lucky.

 

[crisi]

6 years ago was 9/11 - which means if your parents went right after that tragedy they could have walked in at almost any restaurant. That isn't the case anymore, more and more people are making advance reservations, especially since message boards like this have been very popular

We were at Disney in Febuary of 2002. It was our first trip with kids, so we made very few ADRs. And we got turned away or told two hour waits at a lot of places - even during that slow time. Other people have had better luck, but we were cursed - even in those "slow tourism, pre-dining plan" days.

 

[canwegosoon]

If you go without and ADR's you have to be VERY flexible with the dining. I think you will end up getting a lot of CS...but I totally understand. If you do decide to do the dining plan, you might want to check with Big River Grill at Broadwalk....I think they take it and only take ADR's 30 days out....I agree with everyone-check constantly with concierge, WDWdine, and guest services at the parks----People do cancel. Just don't think you are going to be walking in places and grabbing a seat. Since the advent of the DDP it has really stepped up the need to plan those ADR's