Dinner Reservations in September?

[Jaybee1]

Wife and I will be visiting in mid September. We'll be staying at POR. We regularly vacation in mid September to avoid the usual summer crowds. However, I fear that rule may not apply to WDW. That's really the nature of my inquiry. Looks like there are many dining options in DD-accessible via the ferries on the Sassagoula River. Will we need to book some dinner reservations there at that time of year? I'd naturally prefer not to-so that we don't pre-commit to a restaurant/dining time that we can't fulfill, for a number of reasons.

Anyway, looking for the advice of folks who have experience with this situation. Thanks in advance for responses!

 

[deakam]

There are some places at Disney World where you always need a reservation.
However, mid September and a party of 2 should not have a problem getting a walk-up.

 

[sleeperclan]

I would definitely make ADRs for the places you really want to eat. You are going during free dining, which is a busy time for restaurants, and people made their ADRs months ago. It may be possible to walk up to the not-so popular places or try walking up as soon as the restaurant opens. We usually go in Sept (without FD) and have seen people turned away because they didn't have a reservation! With that said, even with FD it's a great time to go. The restaurants are packed, but the parks are not

 

[Cafeen]

Park crowds are very low at this time, it's true. Due to promotions though, restaurant crowds are much higher than you would expect. If you have any "must-dos", I'd certainly make ADRs for those. If you're planning on "off-plan" restaurants, or are flexible with where you want to eat and what time you want to eat, then you can call the morning of to see what's open. There WILL be openings, just the more convenient, accessible places may be booked up.

 

[Jaybee1]

Thanks to the responders. Kind of a mixed bag. I spoke with my wife about making some reservations. We decided we'd probably be better off without complicating our first WDW visit with "must be here at this time" dinner reservations. So, I think we'll just do the "walk-up" dinners.