How necessary are PS?

[JMC Disney Bound]

We are going to WDW first time in Oct. I have only scheduled PS for CRT and Chef Mickey. We would like to "wing it" the rest of the time so not to be tied down to specific time and place for meals. Will we still be able to get to Character meals and other good restuarants if we decide day of or day before where we want to go once we are there?

 

[agotta]

Depends on where you decide you want to eat and at which park. EPCOT can get pretty busy during F&W, you will probably be out of luck for dinners there.

 

[DisneeDazed]

You did not say the dates or how many in your party but I have been trying to adjust and add some PS for first week in Oct and most all restaraunts are booked. We are planning to try walk-in's before 5:30 and after 7:30 and hoping to get lucky a couple times. I think the free dining combined with F&W is having a serious impact.

 

[dyna]

When we was there 2 weeks ago nightly we saw ppl being turned away from resturants that did not have ADR's

Those that has the ADR's are going to be seated before those who don't too. Prolly cuts down on your waiting time. We never waited to be seated except 1 night at R&C and it was drizzling just enough that night that they could not use the patio that had no roof. That prolly played a roll in us waiting that along with this was the worst service we got any TS meal all week.

Also I saw many ppl on cell phones at supper time trying to get ADR at a TS that they would not have to wait at. Most was already tired and hungry and very very frustrated. Many was worried about the cost of the meal as well since they was left to what ever was open rather than eating at a cheaper TS service meal.

 

[bbowers]

Last week did not seem very crowded to me at all, but we saw people turned away at Le Cellier and either Jiko's or Boma's. Spoodles for breakfast at 8-ish was deserted, though, as was Cap'n Jack's at 4-ish, and Olivia's at 3-ish.

 

[JMC Disney Bound]

Thanks! We have 3 in our me, my DH and DD(3) we will be celebrating her birthday while there!!! Can't Wait

 

[dismom9761]

I saw people turned away last week from Prime Time Cafe,I heard them say they had tried every restaraunt in MGM.and the parks were not crowded.

 

[Kaycee]

First of all, welcome to the DIS Boards!

If you know that you may want to dine at a few more table service restaurants during your trip, I would recommend going ahead and making the ADR's for those. You can always cancel them or try to change them when you get there if they don't work with your plans for the day, but at least you'll have them if you need them. With the popularity of the free dining plan and the Food & Wine Festival, it will pay to be prepared.

Happy planning!