Epcot Dining Reservations!

[DizGirl20]

The new dining cancellation policy with the credit card is making me nervous. Especially when it comes to Epcot dining. It always seems as if we are on the opposite side of the park from wherever we need to eat. So I am thinking of making no Epcot dining reservations for the 2 days we plan to spend there. This will be on days where the crowd level is expected to be 7-8 (according to TouringPlans). I am realistic in that I don't expect to eat at Le Cellier at 7pm but what if we walk up to a table service restaurant b/w 3-4pm?

FYI: I am the anal planner who typically makes reservations at 180 days so this is not how we typically operate. All the other non-Epcot days we have reservations... am I crazy?!?!

 

[minnie mum]

Over the years I have come to believe that if you want to eat at a TS restaurant in a park, especially if there is free dining or if the crowd levels are high, that you need an ADR. Is it possible that you could find a walk up? Sure, anything is possible. But I'd rather walk across the park to an ADR than walk from country to country to country trying to find a walk up. And then giving up and eating CS anyway. JMHO.

 

[gabzee]

I 100% agree with PP. If you know that you have an ADR in Japan at 7pm, don't continue to stroll through Canada at 6:45. I would just plan to leave where ever you are at a specific time so you can get to your ADR on time. It is the same as any other ADR. For every ADR you need to leave time to get there and it is no different in this case. It is a lot easier to walk around the park to your ADR than it is to search for a restaurant that will take walk-ups when it is crowded. It is better to be safe than sorry!

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

I also agree with PP's....

Here's a thought... remember there ARE The Boats which can take you around the WS circle...

OR if you are not sure where you'll be... try for dining somewhere in the middle.... Mexico? (if not Le Cellier)

Our usual trek was Land...then Clockwise FW all the way around to Test Track. Then we'd grab the boat and be at Teppan Edo for 2pm. Then we would do WS Counter clockwise. Worked like a charm but our plans are changing in May... (But we still have our ADRs!)

(HUGS)
Have a magical visit !
Mary

 

[mlittig]

OP, from roughly checking your trip countdown, it looks like you will be there some time around Easter?? If that is the case, I don't think you will have much luck with walk ups

 

[sharonabe]

The new dining cancellation policy with the credit card is making me nervous. Especially when it comes to Epcot dining. It always seems as if we are on the opposite side of the park from wherever we need to eat. So I am thinking of making no Epcot dining reservations for the 2 days we plan to spend there. This will be on days where the crowd level is expected to be 7-8 (according to TouringPlans). I am realistic in that I don't expect to eat at Le Cellier at 7pm but what if we walk up to a table service restaurant b/w 3-4pm?

FYI: I am the anal planner who typically makes reservations at 180 days so this is not how we typically operate. All the other non-Epcot days we have reservations... am I crazy?!?!

If you truly are nervous about the cancellation, then only make ADRs where that is not in play. The new policy only applies to character and signature meals. In Epcot, you could still do Rose & Crown, Teppan Edo, Marrakesh, either of the ones in Mexico....

 

[Hopefully]

I agree with PP. With crowd levels around 8 it is going to be very difficult to get a walk up in Epcot. The Biergarden is one that sometimes has availabilty and Restaurant Marrakesh is also less popular so maybe.
But it seems to me, the simplier solution is to make ADR's and then plan your time to walk to the restaurant on time. I guess only you can weigh the risk of being late.
As PP stated, most Epcot TS restaurant are not even subject to the CC guarantee. Take a look at those.
Good Luck

 

[TDC Nala]

I'm not sure this is a huge problem, seeing as the only restaurants in Epcot with a credit card hold are Le Cellier, Akershus and Garden Grill. I wouldn't hesitate to make reservations at any other restaurant there, as there would be no penalty for either being late or missing the reservation. And surely you can plan to be in the vicinity of Le Cellier or Garden Grill or Akershus close to your reservation time should you wish to book there.

 

[DizGirl20]

OK you guys talked me into it - I booked an ADR at Rose & Crown!!! I didn't realize it only applied to signature and character dining so THANKS!