If we book a last min. trip during free dining

[RubySlippers]

are we going to be in trouble trying to get ADRs?? We have been many times to WDW but never during the free dining promotion. We are thinking about booking a trip for mid September but I am worried about ADRs? We will not be on the dining plan.
I am thinking that if we are flexible and since this is a child-free trip we might be okay. What do you think?

Thanks
Ruby

 

[inkedupmomma]

honestly..good luck with that!! I suppose if you aren;t picky and are flexible with times, they will have to have SOMETHING!! right??

 

[lsytman]

It will be hard to get ADR's at the more popular restaurants but if you are flexible and don't necessarily want to go to character dining, I think you would be okay. There are alot of restaurants to choose from but the most popular ones book up fast.

Good luck!

 

[andymattmom]

We are going the end of September but still during free dining. We are not on free dining- the PIN worked better for our needs. I wanted to try and go to Bomas to eat- called 2 weeks ago and got in on a Wednesday PM- they also had a Saturday PM on the 20th. The times were normal 6PM so I either lucked out or there are still things out there.

Good luck!

 

[Evan&Kimberly]

What I would do is go ahead and call and make your ressies ASAP this way you will see what is available and if there are certain places that are not avail just keep calling,this will better you chances in getting what you want,but If I were you I would be calling the WDW dinning line like yesterday the number is and dont be afraid to call 3 to 4 times a day it will pay off. When you call all you tell them is the dates and your number and when you plan to arrive and where you may be staying!Good Luck
1 407 939-3463

 

[RubySlippers]

honestly..good luck with that!! I suppose if you aren;t picky and are flexible with times, they will have to have SOMETHING!! right??

This is what I was saying to my husband . I hate to decide not to go because of the dining issues ....

Ruby

 

[Amy&Dan]

Several places in DTD don't take the DDP so those are always a possiblity. In fact restaurants in DTD in general are easier to get since its the ones in the parks and monorail resorts that book up fast. One place that I find excellent is Tokyo Dining in Epcot. Its newer so people don't know about it yet and they also don't take the Disney Dining Experience Card so a lot of AP holders won't eat there since they can't get the discount. Its also very reasonable. Note this is not the Tepan Edo set up where your meal is prepared tableside and you may sit with strangers. Its a typical set up and has a huge selection of Japanese food including, sushi.

Olivia's at Old Key West and Turf Club at SSR are both wonderful and they are near DTD by boat or bus, so easy access to get to.

I agree, if you are willing to eat at offtimes you will probably be fine. But I would definitely call as soon as you can and start the ADR process. You can always change but its good to have some in place.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

This is what I was saying to my husband . I hate to decide not to go because of the dining issues ....

Ruby

If you don't mind eating mostly counter service meals then ya'll can still go and have a great time. But, it you won't be able to enjoy yourselves without having a meal at your favorite table service/sit down meals, well then you may want to book your trip for a different time. I would just get on the phone with Disney dining today, right now, and see if they have anything available for the dates you will be there. It can't hurt to call and see if they can find something for you.

 

[inkedupmomma]

This is what I was saying to my husband . I hate to decide not to go because of the dining issues ....

Ruby

Honestly, I think since your childless and are probably way more flexible, you should be able to get some great stuff! and you never know who may cancel once you are down there!!

Best of luck, tell dh i said just do it!

 

[sarehm]

They are not running the free dining anymore so you won't get it, you'll have to pay for the dining plan. Had to book a few months back for the free dining.

 

[sarehm]

Duh sorry I mis read the OP. One issue I ran in to when traveling w/ my DH was that getting a table for 2 was more difficult than say a table for 4. I'm not sure what the reasoning is behind this but on the other hand they might have more tables open for 2 people. I do recommend trying day of, I was amazed at how much suddenly opens up last minute!

 

[gigi1313]

What I would do is go ahead and call and make your ressies ASAP this way you will see what is available and if there are certain places that are not avail just keep calling,this will better you chances in getting what you want,but If I were you I would be calling the WDW dinning line like yesterday the number is and dont be afraid to call 3 to 4 times a day it will pay off. When you call all you tell them is the dates and your number and when you plan to arrive and where you may be staying!Good Luck
1 407 939-3463

i agree with this suggestion... call and see what's available if it's important to you to get ADRs...

Also, check out some of the more "remote" resort restaurants... resort touring is a fun sport and some of those restaurants are excellent and typically less popular... especially check out the easy to get to restaurants at the Beach/Yacht Club and B'walk... and since you'll be paying out of pocket, try the Swan/Dolphin restaurants, and if you are hankering for a character breakfast, they even offer one of those

 

[mrzrich]

The restaurants at the Swan and Dolphin don't take DDP and they are great. Some of the more casual S/D eateries take AAA and DVC for 20% off.

Other non-DDP places include HOB, Fultons, RFC and Portabello Yacht Club.