do you NEED a reservation?

[james88]

i just booked a last minute trip to disney for july 4th weekend. obviously its going to be very crowded, will i be able to walk into any of the restaurants (like Tutto Italia) and wait for a table? or will it only be reservations accepted? would it be too late to try to make reservations now? Thanks for any help, of course start calilng places but i have on idea where i want to go yet as i just planed the trip at the last minute.
edit: by the way its only 2 people, me and gf

 

[ms_missy66]

When we were there last September (a less crowded time of year, obviously) we practically begged the hostess at Le Cellier in Epcot to let us wait for a table and if they are booked, they simply won't do it. If they aren't, they'll make you schedule a reservation for whatever time they have open.

 

[annie1995]

I've never been over the 4th of July, but I would say yes. To guarantee a spot to eat, make an ADR. Good Luck!!

 

[texasgirl73]

I am going around that same time (July 6-12.) I made my ADRs a few months ago but decided to make a change a few days ago for one of my dinners. There were openings at some restaurants (Chefs de France, Tokyo Dining) but not at others (couldn't get Tutto Italia unless I was willing to eat really late.) So I'd call and make a few ADRs if I were you.

 

[LadyZolt]

We were there Christmas week (very crowded) and were able to walk-up and get into several table service places. We did have ADRs for the places we really wanted, but thought we'd try, and we got in both times we tried. It was just two of us -- DH and me, and we were eating at "off" hours. So, try making ADRs, and call every day because you never know when a cancelation will occur. Then, when you're there, you can call and say "What's available in Magic Kingdom" (or wherever you are) and see if anything is open. And also try eating meals earlier or later than the usual times -- like dinner at 8:30 or 9 instead of 5 or 6. Also, don't forget the resort restaurants. Even if all the restaurants in a park are booked, you might be able to get seated at one in a resort. Good luck and have a great time!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt

 

[SnwflkCts]

It sounds like you MIGHT get a table ... but are you prepared not to be disappointed if you don't??? That would be the only question. If you are a hang loose kind of couple and ending up eating at a CS would be ok (EPCOT has some wonderful CS places in World Showcase) -- then you will be ok. But if heart set on a nice sit down -- I wouldn't chance it.

But that is me. I am not that much of a hang loose kind of person when it comes to my meals. Have fun!

 

[Lynne M]

You're going at one of the busier times of year; the parks will be packed and so will the restaurants.

Theme park restaurants will be very difficult to get into without an ADR even at slow times of year. As the PP said, they won't let you wait for a table if they're booked, they'll just turn you away.

Call for ADRs now and see what you can get. Your choices will likely be limited, calling on such short notice for a holiday. But, you'll get something, it just may not be at your first choice of restaurant, and it may be for a very early or late meal.

Keep calling, even after you arrive on property. People do cancel ADRs, sometimes at the last minute. The key is, don't try walking up to a restaurant without an ADR. Even if you have to call in the morning for lunch that day, you'll want an ADR.

 

[TDC Nala]

You're going over a major holiday weekend. I can't imagine that you'll be able to walk up to many theme park restaurants and get seated. If you want to be sure you have TS meals, make some reservations. Otherwise, you will probably be sticking with counter service or eating very late. You can change or cancel them later.

(Or - go to a restaurant that serves food at their bar/lounge and eat at the bar - will only work if you are not using the dining plan)

 

[ntsammy5]

You can always try, but........

 

[eeyoresmomthree]

We were there two days this past week, spur of the moment and even calling two days ahead could not get a reservation at a full service rest. until after 9 pm.