Dinner for two with no ADR?

[wrighter]

DH and I are headed down for a child-free getaway over the Memorial Day holiday. We have decided to totally wing it - no firm plans other than hanging out together and relaxing by the pool.

I'm cool with this plan for many reasons, but my only concern is that we'd like to get out to a nice dinner at least twice, and with no ADR's I'm concerned that we'll be shut out.

My plan as it stands right now is to call during the day to see if there are any last minute openings at our favorite places, and even some new ones. You never know when people might cancel, right? We're probably not going to the parks at all (I know - crazy!) so we're limited to resort restaurants and DTD.

I was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions for us. I'd love to get to California Grill, but is that a pipe dream without a ressie? Are we just plain stupid to do this?

 

[lpizzuro123]

We were down in Disney 2 weeks ago and did have some PS but we were able to get a few by calling either that day or a day earlier. We were able to get 'Ohana for 4 people on March 31 (a Tuesday) by calling around 11:00am that morning. We had to take a 5:00 seating but we were able to get served. We walked into The Plaza in MK around 12:30 on March 30 (a Monday) for two people with a 10 minute wait. We checked for Crystal Palace but they were completely booked up. We also got the buffet for a 3:00 lunch in Germany on April 3 (a Friday) for 4 people by checking at Guest Services in Epcot at 12:30 that morning. We wanted that time in Germany - this way it was before the dinner price increase. This worked out great. We had a great meal and were out by 5:00. We were able to walk around for a while and then got in line for the first show for the Flower Power Concert.

We will be down Memorial Day weekend and I am making a few PS (it is my birthday and I want to do a special meal or two) but we will also try just walking up for some. If you are willing to do early times for your meals you will have a better chance. Also, as it is just the two of you it will be easier. I do not think you will be able to get Chef Mickey's or LeCellier or some of the character meals but other should be ok. The best would be to call either the day before the that morning.

Linda

 

[RMulieri]

As long as you are very flexible about places and times , you should be able to call each morning and get something.

 

[princssdisnygina]

I went last year over Memorial Day and could not get in any where. I think you are taking a chance. I am sure you can get in somewhere but Memorial Weekend is a very busy weekend. Even now if you called you would have a hard time. BUT... my suggestion would be to call and make reservations for the places you may want to go and cancel if you change your mind, that way you wont have any problems. Just my thoughts.

Gina

 

[TDC Nala]

If you are really sold on California Grill, go up to their check in desk (it is on the 2nd floor of the Contemporary) a bit before they open at 5:30 and say you want to go up to the lounge. The lounge has a few tables and chairs, some by the windows, and you can order from the full menu there. If the lounge is crowded just before they open, wait around at the bar until they start seating people who have reservations - it should clear out pretty quickly.

 

[MickeyNicki]

I think it is harder to get in with just 2 even with ressies...seems they do not have that many two seater tables.

Try to get in when a restaurant first opens, you may have some luck then

 

[Uncleromulus]

Just remember that those are lounge tables at the California Grill--low to the floor.
And remember that they MAY tell you they are completely full and are not letting anyone up w/o a reservation. That's a holiday weekend you are going and will probably be even more busy than usual.