Disney Dining Res and MDE does not reflect availability.

[Pipkin]

We were looking for last minute Disney Springs dining reservations for tonight. Choices were extremely limited. We decided to take our chances despite DS being extremely busy tonight. We noted that there was no wait line outside of Paddlefish despite "no availability" on the App. We were seated within five minutes. This is a great restaurant with excellent service and food. If one NEEDS a reservation to be comfortable with their planning they are on Open Table. Why we weren't given Paddlefish as a choice despite it being listed on the App is very concerning.

 

[purple figment]

Many of the restaurants at DS release only a percentage of their reservations to the Disney system so when all of those are booked, it will show "no availability," but you can go to Open Table or the restaurant's website where additional reservations can be booked.

 

[OasterP]

I found that with the dinosaur one when we went a few years ago. I just called the restaurant and was able to make the reservation through there - the previous poster is correct - they release a very small (according to what I was told and have read) percentage of their reservations to Disney and the rest they book themselves.

 

[Texas Hannah]

This is good to know, thanks!!

 

[Pipkin]

I got the strong impression from the server and the hostess that Disney "unfairly" limits availability. Personally I am glad because it's a nice restaurant and being able to book on Open Table doesn't require a deposit.

 

[Shanti]

Yes, one of the nice things about some Disney Springs restaurants is that you can make reservations with them outside of the MDE system. We once made reservations for T-Rex directly with the restaurant and preferred handling it that way.