Last minute reservation

[gmar1210]

So we just planned a last minute trip to magic kingdom for my daughters birthday. We only live a little over an hour away. What are the chances we just show up to a character dining for lunch and they will take us in?

 

[SteveH]

Nada, zip, zilch. You can try but I sure wouldn't plan or get any hopes up for it. Have you checked to see if there are any openings through the MDE app?

 

[lorenae]

Zero percent.

However, you can make a reservation on the MDE app from outside the restaurant if they have openings, and they will then take you.

I'd sign up with touringplans.com reservation finder and have them come up with a reservation for you to book so you don't have to worry about it.

 

[gmar1210]

Nada, zip, zilch. You can try but I sure wouldn't plan or get any hopes up for it. Have you checked to see if there are any openings through the MDE app?

There is nothing. Only thing I found was tony’s Which we really do not care for.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I wouldn't try a walk up, especially if it's for something special, but I would check the app to see what's open last minute. For the heck of it, I just searched the website for tonight and there are options if you're flexible with time and location. Ex. If I were at WDW right now and wanted a character meal tonight for a party of 4, I could have a 7pm dinner at 1900 PF, 8:55 pm dinner at Chef Mickeys, 8pm dinner at Garden Grill, 8:25pm at Tusker...and so on. If I look at lunches for tomorrow, I have lots of options at Akershus, Garden Grill, Hollywood and Vine, etc. Obviously, this is all subject to change, but it's just showing that you'll probably find something open if you check for a last minute ADR.

 

[Bjkandma]

Try 24-48 hours before you want reservation. If people don't cancel, they are subject to a $10 no show\ cancellation fee, per person.

 

[Tink9721]

There is nothing. Only thing I found was tony’s Which we really do not care for.

If there are no reservations available, it's because the restaurants are full. So no, they definitely won't be taking walk ups. But as others said, keep checking for last minute cancellations, or set up a reservation finder.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

Obsessively checking always works for me, just be ready to grab the ADR when it pops up and don't be too picky with the time.

I just decided to switch two of my days, and with obsessive checking, managed to switch the ADRs, too. It took me a couple days of stalking to get them switched. People cancel all the time.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Perhaps check if there is availability at any of the character meals at the MK area resorts - 'Ohana breakfast at Poly, 1900 Park Fare breakfast or dinner, Chef Mickey's breakfast/lunch/dinner.

 

[gmar1210]

I guess I’ll try waiting until last minute. We will be at magic kingdom so maybe something at contemporary or poly if nothing else is available.

 

[gharter]

Character meals are almost always full.
Most restaurants don't take walk ups any more even if they have tables open.
Keep chacking for an ADR to become available. Most often 1-2 days before or day of.
Good luck

 

[NYCgrrl]

If it hasn't already been suggested put a search in for a few character meals at www.touringplan.com.
You can also check the cancellation threads on this forum.
Finally, find out where character meets are in MK and eat wherever you want.

 

[gmar1210]

Character meals are almost always full.
Most restaurants don't take walk ups any more even if they have tables open.
Keep chacking for an ADR to become available. Most often 1-2 days before or day of.
Good luck

Why will they not take walk ups if there are tables empty? Staffing??

 

[Eastern]

Constantly check the day before, when cancellations are due.

 

[SteveH]

Why will they not take walk ups if there are tables empty? Staffing??

Only Disney really knows, but the general feeling is staffing. I'll add having not only the right number of staff but food preperation. Many people have said the walked up could see empty tables, got turned away then they grabbed an ADR for 15 minutes later and got right in.