Disney w/o dining plan

[blum74]

How easy/difficult will it be to walk up to counter service places for dinners? I'm going in November, but not over Thanksgiving.

I realize DDP isn't related to wait times. I just meant since I won't have the DDP, I won't be making ADR's. We are hoping to do all CS meals.

Thank you for so many great restaurant suggestions. I haven't been to WDW in 6 years and a lot has changed.

 

[jeff_h]

That's the way I've normally done it and never had an issue, but since decided to try a few ADRs as well -- and should have started planning sooner so maybe you should put a reminder on your calendar for 6 months out, in order to make reservations for places that are really important for you.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

How easy/difficult will it be to walk up to counter service places for dinners? I'm going in November, but not over Thanksgiving.

Having or not having the dining plan has no impact on how easy it is to get counter service meals, or even table service meals for that matter. The more important factor is when you choose to dine. If you eat at peak meal times, expect to wait in longer lines than if you go before or after the rush. It's been several years since I've been there in November, but I believe the crowds aren't too bad. Certainly better than Christmas or Spring Break times.

 

[sherlockmiles]

We've never gotten a DDP. We usually only have 1 ADR, maybe 2 per trip. But we don't like to "sit and eat" and don't like being having to plan when we'll be hungry. We have never had any issues. We might bypass a specific QS place that looks too crowded or if we don't see any seats.

 

[Hopefully]

As stated, the DDP has nothing to do with QS availability.
It is time of day and time of year that matter. In park QS will be busier than resort QS but you should be able to find a table to eat.

 

[danielocha30]

Dining Plan has not impact on waiting time either counter or table service restaurants, for ADR bookings your DDP is more about not being charge for a meal that it's included under DDP like the Luau Dinner show, but you will wait the same, actually having DDP doesn't even guarantee you will secure a reservation on any restaurant

 

[Nancyg56]

Others have pointed out that DDP and CS are not intertwined, so no impact one way or another.

If you avoid peak dining times you can pretty much walk up to any CS restaurant and find a table in a timely manner. If you try at noon or at 5, and the parks are crowded, the CS lines will be as well.

 

[Harambe]

Disney has really upped their game as far as QS food goes, so there will be plenty of choices for you. It is nice to have one or two special ADRs planned per trip, but all the rest of the meals as QS is very doable. We, too, have strolled right by a crowded QS and had no regrets, since there will be another tasty place just around the corner! There are QS's that we love and will go at off times so that we don't have to fight the crowds.

 

[North of Mouse]

CS is always extremely easy - a little busier sometimes than others (excluding holidays - next to impossible, at times then).

 

[bcarey2k]

If you'll be there during the F&W festival ... go to Epcot and enjoy the non DDP options!

 

[Pmlocke]

I've done this in the past, especially when the crowds at at a lower count like early November. In the morning, if you kinda know where you want to dine that evening go to the Concierge at the hotel (disney hotel that is) and ask for a reservation for the spot you wish to dine. I never had any problems getting a reservation. If you want to try a walk up, you may have to wait a bit so getting a reservation in the morning may be the way to go.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

You shouldn't have a problem. In past years, Disney has really stepped up its game. It's no longer your typical "theme park food."

Here are my top picks around the world:

Disney Springs: DS has become a hotspot for foodies. Tons of great offerings for fickle eaters and adventurous foodies:

Wolfgang Puck Express—pizza is good (coming from a NY'er) and can easily serve two people. They also have a stellar selection you wouldn't expect from a "fast food joint" such as bacon-wrapped meatloaf, Oven-Roasted Salmon and Half-Rotisserie Chicken.

D-Luxe Burger—A burger spot? Yeah.. a burger spot. These burgers carry a hefty price tag, but you really get a bang for your buck. The burgers are colossal in size, juicy and topped with an array of fresh ingredients.

Magic Kingdom: Columbia Harbor House is great for lunch and/or dinner. BOG will likely require an ADR for lunch/breakfast

EPCOT: So many options to choose from. A favorite here on the DIS is Sunshine Seasons, which is known for its fresh and above-average offerings. We also enjoy the QS in Japan.

DHS: Skip it. Head over to Boardwalk Bakery, instead. On top of all the delicious baked goods and confections is an assortment of freshly prepared sandwiches. Such a good spot for breakfast or lunch.

Resorts: We really enjoyed Landscape of Flavors over at AoA. Contempo Cafe at Contemporary, Capt. Cooks at Poly and the food court over at POR is also very good.

Really, timing is everything. If you go for dinner at 5pm, you're gonna wait for a table. Always secure a table and leave a family member (if possible) at the table before ordering. We've all been stuck, tray in hand, scanning the room for an open table. It's not fun.