First Timer

[joannesara]

I am so excited to be going to WDW in July with my hubby and daughter. We are going from 7/27 to 8/1. how do you even begin to plan where to eat? Can you just wing it without reservations?

Thanks so much

Joanne
in frigid NY

 

[Bob P]

Hi and welcome to the DIS!

You can look here on the DIS and also on allearsnet.com for menus of all WDW restaurants (in the parks and in the resorts). Browse those menus and try to line up your meals with the parks you will be going to on a given day or a resort you will be near.

It is not advisable to "wing it" during the busy summer season, unless you want to eat at off peak times (very early or very late). Even then, you could have a substantial wait or you could be told that a restaurant is not accepting walk-ups.

Have a great trip!

 

[Keeponsmiling]

I would def. make reservations ahead of time, especially since you are going in the summer. Do you want to do character meals? If so, what are your daughters favorite characters? Character meals start booking 180 days in advance, so I would not wait.

Someone on these boards had made a spreadsheet with the restaurants name, what type of food and what characters are there. I'll see if I can find it and bump it for you.

 

[dseth]

I'm against "winging it" personally. Really spend some time looking over menus and reading reviews. Make as many ADR's that you can. In my opinion this make for a far more enjoyable dining experiece. I see too many people getting turned away from podiums because they don't have a reservation....and they aren't happy

 

[karajeboo]

I agree to use thie DIS for your planning. First, decide which parks you'll be visiting on which days. Of course you can always park hop, but if you're all day in a park and there are nice places to eat there, that saves a step.

Then check out menus and decide what looks good and fun for you. You'll find so much info on here your head will spin!!!! Ask for advice and you'll get more than you know what to do with!