Disney Springs and Epcot without Reservations

[mkmomto2]

My husband and I are going to WDW in early March. He is not a Disney person at all, so I am trying to make the trip as laid back and relaxing as possible. Most trips I plan are very planned out with lots of reservations. For this trip, we are staying 5 nights (I may squeeze one more in) and am thinking about getting just the 4 day ticket that is on special now (1 park per day-$279). That way, we will go to each park one day and have one day to lounge at the pool/Disney Springs, etc. Anyway, here are my questions for dining:

1. On our Epcot day, I would like to have hubby try a couple of different things, so I thought about just snacking around the world that day and not making a reservation, what do you think? Stressful or Stress-free?

2. On our off day, I thought about doing the same thing at Disney Springs in the afternoon/evening: stopping by Raglan Road for a beer and apps, doing the same at Jock Lindsay's, maybe a roll or two at Morimoto? Is this doable or will it be frustrating?

3. I have California Grill reserved for one night so we can see Wishes (I know he won't want to stay and watch fireworks/parades/shows, etc) Was hoping to do Highway in the Sky, but there is no availability)

4. I have Sanaa booked, which I love, but he wants to do Boma, which I can't get a reservation for the entire time I'm there that was his only request as he had heard my brother in law talking about it- any ideas on getting in there?

Thanks in advance for all of your knowledge!

 

[alex9179]

My husband and I are going to WDW in early March. He is not a Disney person at all, so I am trying to make the trip as laid back and relaxing as possible. Most trips I plan are very planned out with lots of reservations. For this trip, we are staying 5 nights (I may squeeze one more in) and am thinking about getting just the 4 day ticket that is on special now (1 park per day-$279). That way, we will go to each park one day and have one day to lounge at the pool/Disney Springs, etc. Anyway, here are my questions for dining:

1. On our Epcot day, I would like to have hubby try a couple of different things, so I thought about just snacking around the world that day and not making a reservation, what do you think? Stressful or Stress-free?
Even with 3 kids in tow, we find this fun. If a line is long, just move on or come back later.

2. On our off day, I thought about doing the same thing at Disney Springs in the afternoon/evening: stopping by Raglan Road for a beer and apps, doing the same at Jock Lindsay's, maybe a roll or two at Morimoto? Is this doable or will it be frustrating?
We're doing this on arrival day, with our kids. Not having a schedule does make it more relaxing.

3. I have California Grill reserved for one night so we can see Wishes (I know he won't want to stay and watch fireworks/parades/shows, etc) Was hoping to do Highway in the Sky, but there is no availability)
I haven't dined there but it's absolutely worth a try. It gets enough good reviews and uncrowded fireworks is a huge bonus. Another option is scheduling the brunch, if it works into your plans, and then returning in the evening for fireworks.

4. I have Sanaa booked, which I love, but he wants to do Boma, which I can't get a reservation for the entire time I'm there that was his only request as he had heard my brother in law talking about it- any ideas on getting in there?
You can check the canceled ADR thread here and sign up on touring plans for their reservation finder (free). It will notify you by text/email when your day/time is available to book. Also, people cancel 1-2 days prior when their plans change so it's possible you'll be able to book when you're there.

Thanks in advance for all of your knowledge!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

My husband and I are going to WDW in early March. He is not a Disney person at all, so I am trying to make the trip as laid back and relaxing as possible. Most trips I plan are very planned out with lots of reservations. For this trip, we are staying 5 nights (I may squeeze one more in) and am thinking about getting just the 4 day ticket that is on special now (1 park per day-$279). That way, we will go to each park one day and have one day to lounge at the pool/Disney Springs, etc. Anyway, here are my questions for dining:

1. On our Epcot day, I would like to have hubby try a couple of different things, so I thought about just snacking around the world that day and not making a reservation, what do you think? Stressful or Stress-free?

2. On our off day, I thought about doing the same thing at Disney Springs in the afternoon/evening: stopping by Raglan Road for a beer and apps, doing the same at Jock Lindsay's, maybe a roll or two at Morimoto? Is this doable or will it be frustrating?

3. I have California Grill reserved for one night so we can see Wishes (I know he won't want to stay and watch fireworks/parades/shows, etc) Was hoping to do Highway in the Sky, but there is no availability)

4. I have Sanaa booked, which I love, but he wants to do Boma, which I can't get a reservation for the entire time I'm there that was his only request as he had heard my brother in law talking about it- any ideas on getting in there?

Thanks in advance for all of your knowledge!

1. It really depends on how you like to eat. If you like getting smaller things here and there, that's a good way to do it and it's definitely less stressful than being tied to an ADR. If you decide you would rather sit down for a TS, you can always check the MDE app while you're walking around to see what is available. We always have good luck getting last minute reservations at Spice Road Table and it's really good. We've even simply walked up a few times.

2. It's doable. The bar at Morimoto's is fun and the cocktails are great. Again, if you would rather get an ADR, you can typically find some last minute. I use opentable to find reservations at Disney Springs. There are a lot of DS restaurants on there including The Boathouse and Raglan Road and you don't need a cc hold when you make a reservation through opentable.

3. Cali Grill is really lovely and the fireworks viewing is really nice. Keep checking for Highway in the Sky as there may be cancellations. If not, you could always put your own monorail crawl together.

4. Touring Plans has a new reservation finder service available and I've had some luck with it. You can find it here: https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/reservation-finder

 

[mkmomto2]

Thanks for your replies! I had signed up for the touring plans reservation finder, but hadn't gotten anything back yet, so wasn't sure if it was working. I have been checking daily as well.