Dinner at resorts with no reservation?

[traveljunkie]

hello,
Is this doable--we're not going to wdw (only Universal this trip)but I want to have late dinner at either Animal Kingdom resort or Wilderness Lodge (hubby and dd have never been to either). I dont really want to make Adrs b/c I can't commit to where and IF they would want to go. Will I need reservations (going Sept 23-26). I'm willing to take the chance on a wait but do they only let you park if you have and ADR OR Room?
Thanks!!!

 

[Quellman]

There are two reservation restaurants at both of those properties. Boma/Sana and Whispering Canyon/Artists Point. You might want to consider looking now and seeing if any reservations are currently available for the places you think you will dine during the time you are there. I would suspect that since you want a late dinner likely 8PM, you might have some particular good luck as seating comes to a close.

 

[supersnoop]

Try to make a reservation while you're on your way there, or before you leave. I bet you'll be able to get something later at Artist Point or Jiko.

 

[vettegirl]

You should be able to score something the same day I do it all the time with the app.

 

[brinkley07]

We have had good luck with Jiko walk up, and we have been there when they have had an off night and we waited for an excessive time with a reservation. I would just check the morning of or day before and see, or call on the way over. Heck, we were able to do a walk up to Ohana one night without a wait, so anything is possible.

 

[Hopefully]

Artist Point at WL and Jiko at AKL are both Signature Restaurants. As such they are expensive and they have a resort casual dress code. Just an FYI as you look for a same day ADR. I personally wouldn't drive all the way to either hotel without an ADR

 

[sotoalf]

It can't hurt to get an ADR, but I doubt you'd have trouble if you eat late (you didn't mention what time of year you're visiting). If all else fails, you can always eat at Territory Lounge or Victoria Falls -- not the full menu, but close enough.

 

[traveljunkie]

Thanks for all the replies! We're in town Sept 23-26 (fly back 27th) slow period I think. I Looked and there are openings. I don't have a problem walking up because I want to mostly show dh&dd the resorts for future possible stays. I'm more worried about the parkng since based on past experience they ask for an ADR or parking pass. Guess I'll have to see what happens. I may do the adr on the way as suggested--just don't want early firm plans since we'll be at Universal thurs-saturday and may be too tired to attempt. I may try to visit one or both on our arrival day. Decisions, decisions!
Thanks again for the input!

 

[rwdavis2]

Befor eyou leave Universal check for an ADR on the MDE app. Might save you a trip. But there ought to be something open.

 

[shortnsassy730]

You should be able to park at Animal Kingdom regardless of ressies for sure. Just tell then you're coming to see the animals and view the resorts. The hardest are the monorail resorts and during that weekend, Boardwalk/Yachtsman/Beach Club since it is the first weekend of Food and Wine.

 

[traveljunkie]

Oh yeah forgot about Wine and Food since I haven't been researching WDW for this trip. I wonder if Wilderness will be an issue since people could ride the boat to MK to monorail if they really wanted to work hard to get to Epcot!

 

[Apopper74]

With the app it is real easy to make last minute reservations on the fly and with the 24 hour cancellation policy there tends to be a lot of last minute availability. I have scored same day Chef Mickey's and BOG. You may need to be more flexible but something you are interested in should show up even if not at WL or AKL.