How to eat without a Disney Dining Plan

[CuriousRapunzel]

We aren't staying at a Disney Resort and won't be on the Dining Plan.

We can still eat at places such as Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station (MK), Pizzafari (AK), Backlot Expess (HS) and the Lotus Blossom Cafe (EPCOT China) (or other Pavillion eateries) without making any dining reservations or anything, right?

Signed,
Disney Newbs

 

[goofyintoronto]

All of the places you mentioned are quick-service. so you definitely DO NOT need a reservation.

 

[StaceyR]

Realistically, you can eat in any restaurant you want, even paying out of pocket. The sit down places will still require a reservation though. We were there in February and were able to get a table at Liberty Tree Tavern without a ressie though.

 

[shoney]

If there are table service restaurants you would like to eat at, you can make an ADR. You don't need to stay onsite and/or have the dining plan to do so.

 

[TDC Nala]

There's no longer a Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station. The area is now called Tomorrowland Terrace Cafe. They serve a few pasta-based dishes, but when it was called the Noodle Station it specialized in Asian-style noodle soups and dishes - which it no longer sells.

Disney called places like this Quick Service restaurants. They are mostly like typical fast food restaurants where you order and pay at a counter and then carry the food away with you. Yes you can eat at any of them without a reservation, WDW doesn't even take reservations for Quick Service restaurants.

The Dining Plan is only an alternate method of payment and doesn't have any affect on the ability to patronize the WDW restaurants, be they table or counter service.

 

[brertoad]

There's no longer a Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station. The area is now called Tomorrowland Terrace Cafe. They serve a few pasta-based dishes, but when it was called the Noodle Station it specialized in Asian-style noodle soups and dishes - which it no longer sells.

This place is never open. We go to MK often enough to see that this place is always empty. Last time anything was going on here was during Christmas and they had it set up for cookies and hot drinks. (And the dessert party is held here at night, but has nothing to do with the quick service restaurant - I wonder if they closed down that QS because of the dessert party...)

Pecos Bills is a fun place for the family, they have a toppings bar with lots of things to put on your burgers or salads. Love the sauteed mushrooms and onions.

Columbia Harbor House is also good, they serve sandwiches, soups, and some seafood items.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

There are no restrictions for people who do not stay on property. They may eat at any Park or Resort (hotel) dining location.

Quick (or counter) service locations do not take reservation.

Table Service and Buffet locations take reservations but also allow walk-ups (unless they are fully booked).

The only difference between on and off property Guests is that on-property may make their reservations up to 180 days prior to check in date, and if done more than 170 days from check-in may make up to ten days worth of reservations. Guests not staying at a Disney owned and operated Resort may make reservations up to 180 days from the date they want the reservation; if it is less than 170 days they may make all their reservations at one time.

 

[TDC Nala]

the Tomorrowland Terrace Cafe is currently serving breakfast while Main Street Bakery is closed. So it's open now, in the mornings at least.

 

[MissionMouse]

We aren't staying at a Disney Resort and won't be on the Dining Plan.

We can still eat at places such as Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station (MK), Pizzafari (AK), Backlot Expess (HS) and the Lotus Blossom Cafe (EPCOT China) (or other Pavillion eateries) without making any dining reservations or anything, right?

Signed,
Disney Newbs

People dined at Table Service restaurants well before DDPs. Dine anywhere you want and pay out of pocket. Just make your ADRs to ensure you can dine where and when you want. You will most likely save money, since you pay for what you order. You don't pay in advance, convert your money to a dining ticket and you do not pay for food you do not need or want.

 

[alex9179]

We did not use the Dining Plan on our last visit, and won't on our upcoming trip. Any restaurant where you sit, have your order taken, served, and where you would normally tip the server will take reservations, if you desire to make them. I made about 5 for our 8 night trip, just to make things easier on us for meal times. I'd rather have a "spot" than be told they weren't taking walk ups. You can call or make reservations online.
I've made 3 reservations for our 5 night trip. Otherwise we'll use kiosks, counter service (fast food), or the lounges (appetizers/drinks) where they don't take reservations.

You can certainly go without reservations, especially if you want to eat at Quick Service establishments. If there is a Table Service that you KNOW you want to dine at, I would encourage making a reservation so that you aren't disappointed.

 

[brertoad]

the Tomorrowland Terrace Cafe is currently serving breakfast while Main Street Bakery is closed. So it's open now, in the mornings at least.

Ah, good to know.