Last minute dining?

[Bones1389]

If there is no Free Dining in October when we visit, will it still be impossible to get in a TS restaurant last minute? I'm a planner but several in my group like to see how they feel to decide where to eat? This could be day of decision making (which drives me nuts but it is what it is). Some have suggested if you eat at odd times you can get in no problem. What time is an off time? 5pm? or is that prime time for dinner at WDW? We have a 2.5 year old so don't want to eat waaaaay off times like 3pm.

I haven't been to a TS at Disney since the dining plan was implemented.

 

[Stellapedia]

We go over several weekends a month and almost never make ADRs. I've never had a problem getting in somewhere. You probably won't get the super popular ones (though I did get a walk in breakfast at Tusker as well as a night-before breakfast res at Crystal Palace), but you'll get something. There are restaurants I would not have tried otherwise that I end up really enjoying. Like Olivia's, which was a lark because it was the next seating, and we loved it.

So as long as you're open to anything, you'll most likely get something. Especially if you go at slightly off times.

 

[cranleys]

We went last year in April and at every podium we went to, people were angry that there were no walk-ups available. I think that in the interest of eating sitting down, I would book ADRs. You can take your chance but you run the risk of eating CS for your stay.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

In my opinion I would never go to Disney no matter what time of the year it is with out adr's. I like to know I have a nice place to eat for dinner. Just my opinion.

 

[katepass72]

I think it totally depends on the time of year that you are there, and the times you are trying to walk up to get a seat. We were there 2 weeks ago which was what I would consider a pretty busy time. We were able to walk up to Chef Mickey's on a Sat AM and get a table. Also walked up to Tony's right as they opened (open at 11:30 but started taking names at 11:15) and get a table. I'd say if you have a group of more than 4, however, you should definitely try to call in.

BTW, I'm similar to the rest of your group - I hate trying to decide what or where I want to eat 3 months before a trip! I know it's necessary with the dining plans, etc. but it really does sort of take the fun out of spontaneous dining!! Have a wonderful trip - we'll be there in early October and will be "winging it" just like you!

 

[Hopefully]

My rule of thumb is if there is someplace you want to eat than you should make an ADR. We too have witnessed walk ups being turned away in October, time and again.
That said, I agree with the PP who said you can most likely eat soewhere at an "off" time. If you want to eat in a Theme Park, a Monorail Resort, at the Boardwalk etc, at a usual dinner time, I believe you will be out of luck.
Good Luck

 

[FozzieFan]

I've done this with my family before... I would suggest that you don't wait until "last minute" but day of is fine. If you know you'll be at Epcot for example you can go to guest relations and they will have a sign out that shows where they have available adrs for that day for lunch and dinner. You can do this in any of the parks. So maybe in the morning they could make a choice based upon that info. I've done that a few times since my group did not like to plan in advance as much.

But I do suggest if you KNOW you'll want to visit a popular restaurant, you'll need an adr, even in October. By using my suggestion you'll just be choosing from what's left (which can be quite a few options, but i'll guarantee le celler won't be among the options).

 

[Stellapedia]

For an example, I was at MK two saturday's ago (first Sat in june, and there was a special even going on, it was packed). It started raining around noon, I called to see if I could get into LTT or Plaza. Saturday in June. I called at noonish, and was offered LTT at 2:10 or Plaza at 1:50. Those were the only ones I asked about. I decided to skip both but next day wanted Olivia's (my fav) and called around 11 for a 1:10 lunch.

If you're not picky, and you're okay waiting a bit (like, calling 1-2 hours before you want to eat), you'll eat somewhere. It won't be Crystal Palace or Le cellier, but you'll eat. Also, when we're at Epcot, I'd say that 85% of the time at least 3-4 restaurants have openings (they post them on a board). So you might not get Teppan Edo, but Akershus would be available.

If your heart is set on something, get an ADR. If you are comfortable eating wherever, then just get wherever. I've ended up in restaurants i never would have gone to (including Olivia's, which is my all time fave) just by calling and saying "I need to eat in the next two hours, what do you have for me?"

 

[Stellapedia]

Also, familiarize yourself with the basic offerings and locations of each restaurant. If I call from MK at 12:45 and there is a 1:15 at Cap'n Jack's, I know I can't make that. If they offer me Biergarten, I know I don't want that. If they offer me LTT, I know I'll eat it and I can make it there in time.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I strongly recommend making at least a few ADRs. It will give you more flexibility in being able to get things done and eat when you want. Also, you won't have the stress of not being able to find some place to eat. Show your friends a few menus and go from there.

 

[Bones1389]

Thanks everyone for the advice. One of my party definitely wants Teppan Edo and we all like Japanese food so we will make an adr for that if we can nail down a day we know we'll be at EPCOT for dinner (might be every day). Would everyone agree I need to make that 90 days out? Like I said I'm dealing with non-planners here. Also, my DD will be 2.5 when we go. She's a good eater and sits still pretty well, but knowing how those tables are set up, since she'll need a high chair (or booster seat) how should I place the request with her in mind? The restaurant will accommodate her, right? She's basically going to take a space for an adult seat, but eat off our plates.

 

[jfelcie]

We were there in April . . very crowded and had NO ADRs. My DD does not like to plan. Every evening we had a great TS meal. We called member services each morning and just took what was available between 6:00 and 9:00 pm. If you really want a special place then I suggest you plan ahead. These are the last minute reservations that we got . . . Tusker House, T-Rex, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Cape May breakfast, Crystal Palace, Prime Time, an excellent Mediterranean restaurant in Italy (EPCOT) and several meals at the ESPN club. We had a great adventure! I am going in Sept. with DH and all ADRs are already made.