Disney dining plan...reservations?

[Kaleigh1]

Hi!

Do I have to plan out reservations for every dining experience for everyday ahead of time at the park? Or do I do it for that day? I'm not that organized! Can't we just walk in and eat where we are when we're hungry? Hmm...*whining* this is hard! We are going in Nov. and I really don't want to plan our every step with 3 small kids before I even get there to decide where to eat.

Thanks!
K

 

[Karel]

Make a plan or run the risk of not eating anywhere.

OK, you won't starve but you may have to wait a long time or eat counter service all the time. You will be overwhelmed every day, especially if this is your first time, so it's nice to at least know where you are eating.

Make a basic plan - ie have a table service booked for each day - and change as needed. Don't cancel until you have something else in place. We went at a very busy time but found that we had some wiggle room.

I think it's especially important with three young kids because everyone will be exhausted at 6 pm and you don't want to hear the dreaded words "we're booked for the rest of the night'.

 

[BluOrchid2]

It's good to have a plan. You can always deviate from it, but it's good to have a plan.

 

[bicker]

I wouldn't say you could end up not being able to eat "anywhere" -- FWIR, there hasn't yet been a day wherein at 5PM there wasn't a single reservation to be had, at any restaurant participating in the Dining Plan, in any park, hotel or at Downtown Disney. However, do keep in mind that you could find yourself taking a few busses (or rushing to find a taxi) to get you to some less popular restaurant, at some remote resort.

With reservations, you know there is at least someplace you've pre-screened that you can go and get a meal. If that place doesn't fit into your plans on a certain day, you can call central reservations and try to change to some other restaurant. If you cannot find a better option, then at least you can stick with your original.

 

[Lostgirlz]

When I called Dining and asked what if we wanted to just pop in somewhere say in WS at epcot or something along those lines without having a adr they told me that it is possible that I will get turned away as some will not take walk ups if they are busy. Most of the popular places stay booked pretty much. I would make a plan if all else fails you can do Counter service, or you may find a place that is open. Nov is a holiday travel month and with mvmcp and things going on it maybe busier than you anticipated.

 

[Kaleigh1]

Got it. THanks for the heads up on this. I will plan a table service everyday.

Have a good evening!!!
K