How crowded are the offsite restaurants?

[loubelou]

We have stayed onsite our last two trips and never ventured off WDW property.

This trip we are staying in a Windsor Hills townhouse and hoping for a more relaxing trip. We are also planning on eating most of our meals offsite because we've never had a memorable meal at WDW and our boys are past the character dining age now.

It occurred to me this morning that the offsite restaurants might be more crowded than I realized. We will be there May 29th - June 5th. We are planning on breakfast at our townhome most mornings and our dinners will generally be somewhere offsite. Are there certain times that should be avoided or am I worrying for nothing?

 

[mareed]

I'd say it's the typical business of restaurants. For example, we went to Carrabba's there in the Formosa Gardens shopping center on 192 about 5:30 and were able to get right in. When we left at about 6:45, there were people waiting everywhere, and there was probably at least a 30 minute wait if not more. We've also seen many people waiting outside the Outback at the other end of that shopping center.

I think if you're there before 6:00, you'll be OK, but you'll probably have to wait any time after that. I think you're right for worrying (and for being prepared).

 

[dougsmom98]

The earlier you go the better off you will be and sometimes it is less expensive. We went to the Golden Corral for their buffet this past February and we arrived around 4:30. We got the buffet for $2 less than the sign was advertising for dinner. I think they either had an early bird special or they charged us lunch prices at that time. When we stay in a villa, we often get take out and eat it back at the villa. My DH and I can both have a glass of wine or two since we don't have to drive home. I'm pretty sure all the restaurants do take out too. Outback is near Windsor Hills and the meal was delicious even as take out. TGI Fridays also is close by and they had take out.