eating out

[tonysgal34]

Do you have to have reservations for EVERYWHERE you eat at Disney? Several people have mentioned PS, which I understand is preferred seating. DO we need this? Don't care where we sit or about characters, just want sit-down-like buffet or something-at least once in awhile when we're there. Thanks.

 

[2MuchOhana]

PS are recommended for a lot of the places; but that doesn't mean you can't get a table without one. We were there in July on the FTP and my parents were seated within 10 minutes at LTT without PS. Depending on the time of year you are going can make a big difference; so, If you are going to be there for Christmas I would suggest making ressies. Also going at non peak eating times can greatly enhance your chances and lessen your wait time.

Hope this helps. It can be done!

 

[QJ411]

Hi!!

I think PS are great, it's a sure shot you get a seat during Peak Seasons. It's rare that you get seated on the time you had PS for, but I think it shortens the wait time.

To be sure, we made PS for all the restuarants we definetly want to dine at (even buffets) for our trip in Dec.

Have fun!!!

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Originally posted by QJ411
I think PS are great, it's a sure shot you get a seat during Peak Seasons. It's rare that you get seated on the time you had PS for, but I think it shortens the wait time.

A PS will insure that you get to dine at the specific restaurant.
Even if there is a "wait" the PS Wait will be much shorter than the Non-PS Wait. (example: 20 minutes vs. 60 minutes)

And during Peak Times, the restaurant may not be accepting "walk-up" diners due to the amount of PS on the books.

Finally, a lot depends on the size of the party. Some nights it is easier to squeeze in a party of two as opposed to a family of 6 or more.

 

[arminnie]

I rarely make a PS. I usually go during the less crowded times and I tend to eat at off times also - say lunch at 3 pm. It's usually 1 or 2 people, and I rarely have to wait at all.

This past week at Epcot during F&W festival - it was very easy to get into restaurants as everyone was eating from booths. Lots of empty tables inside.

I did have to wait at sci-fi drive in one time and one time I could not get in for tea at GF but those are the only times that I can think of that I've had a problem in the past several years. I go the first or second week of Dec. every year.

 

[tonysgal34]

We are arriving on Nov 2nd, Sunday(God willing)and are hoping that since this is supposed to be the "slow" time of the year that we won't have to wait very long for service. We will take the advice though, that eating at different times might help the wait. Thanks.

 

[arminnie]

I think I got used to going to lunch at 3 pm since I was coming from the West Coast. I lived in the San Francisco area for about 15 years until I retired. 3 pm at WDW was really still noon in CA so it was a natural fit.

 

[MELSMICE]

I honestly don't think you'll have a problem getting tables while you're there. If there is a long wait, walk around & enjoy the sites in the immediate area!

A great place to eat that doesn't even take PS's is Trail's End Buffet at Fort Wilderness. It's a "comfort food" buffet - fried chicken, ribs, etc. We enjoy it. They also have an AWESOME breakfast buffet.