Eating at the Bar in Downtown Disney?!?!

[Withacy]

OK - I'm a planner. My friend & I are at WDW for 10 days, on the Deluxe Dining Plan - all the ADRs already made.

Because of a changed flight (& other stuff), we're going to arrive a day early. We'll be getting there sometime in the evening on December 9th - a Thursday - then going to DTD to see a movie. Obviously, we have no idea what time the movie will be. We have no exact idea when we'll even arrive. So obviously ADRs are out of the question. Plus we may be short on time.

My idea was to maybe go to one of the restaurants and just get something (appetizers even).

So - can we do that? Get into one of the restaurant bars there without reservations - without waiting (or waiting much) and grab something to eat?

On a Thursday? Around 7:00? Or do we have a better chance after the movie around 10:00?

Which bar is the best bet?

Preferably NOT Raglan Road - nothing against them, on the contrary - we have ADRs there the next day, so I'd like to try something else. Maybe T-Rex?

HELP!!!

 

[Withacy]

So - no one eats in bars?



Oh well. I guess we'll figure something out.

 

[CamColt]

Paradiso 37 has a nice bar where you can eat at. They actually have one indoors and one outside too. We did this in May and it worked out well.

 

[Withacy]

Thanks for the info.

Hmmm...looking at their menu (on my handy dining app), it looks like they have some really interesting appetizers. Indoor & outdoor seating sounds like they have plenty of room (if the weather cooperates).

There are also some good ones at T-Rex & House of Blues - but I don't know if they have bars you can easily get into during the height of their dinner service & get fed.

That's why I was asking.

 

[ugadog99]

What about House of Blues? It's not far from the theater, either. We really like HOB.

 

[Withacy]

What about House of Blues? It's not far from the theater, either. We really like HOB.

I've eaten there, and enjoyed it (Dinner and Gospel Brunch) - in the restaurant. But how's the bar situation? I don't remember anything about it (it's been a few years). Is it someplace we can easily just walk in, get a seat and something to eat?

 

[cjsm&d]

I ate at Ragland Road in the bar, and it was good.

 

[Forever Fairy]

My DH and I always sit at the Sushi bar in Wolfgang Puck's (West Side). Even if you don't eat sushi, you can always order anything off the menu. We've had the best luck sitting here and have had excellent service.

Based on your times, it may be easier to get in at the 10PM time instead of the 7PM, which is prime dinner hour. Of course, it will also depend on the time of your movie.

I've also been to Bongo's and Paradiso 37 and know they have a small bars - so that may also be an option.

 

[Withacy]

Based on your times, it may be easier to get in at the 10PM time instead of the 7PM, which is prime dinner hour. Of course, it will also depend on the time of your movie.

That's true. With so much up in the air it's impossible to truly plan - but I'm collecting options. I suppose there's always one of the quick service places, if we're really hungry.

We're hoping to see Tangled while it's still on the 3D screen.

 

[HelenParr]

We like the lounge at Fulton's for an unplanned dinner. With only 2 of us, we've never had more than 5 minute wait for the lounge.

Used to like Portabello's next door, but have not have a chance to go back since they changed menu.

I think 7pm will be the most crowded everyplace at DTD.

We liked Paradiso 37 for apps and margs.

 

[JCMHutch]

DH went to the HOB and ate at the bar last trip while I was at a conference. He really enjoyed it and is looking forward to going back on our next trip.