Meals without Dining Plan or Reservations

[elaine amj]

The OP doesn't care where they end up eating. If you're not fussy, I'm sure you can find food - somewhere. There'll be the thrill of discovery and it's fun to be surprised too (although the anal planner in me just can't stand surprises LOL!)

To make it easier, my understanding is that you can walk up to any Guest Relations desk and they can check the system for available ADRs. Or you can call WDW dining. Or check on your smartphone. Much simpler than trying to walk up.

A lot of the restaurants now are charging a $10 fee per person if you cancel after the day before your ressie.

But not all of them. None of the restaurants OP has chosen sounds like places that are charging the fee. (don't remember the list though) If they did, that would be noted when they made the ressie and require a CC hold. OP - if you didn't have to give your CC number, then you either call to cancel whenever - no exact time required - just out of common courtesy, do it as early as possible. Otherwise, even if you don't show up, no action is taken.

Also, OP - if you DON'T want to have the ressies, I would personally cancel them. If your whole family is flexible of where you want to eat, I'm sure you'll find a place somewhere - just not in the most popular restaurants.

I read a blog post sometime ago where the author chose a busy day and called the day of to see what ressies he could get. There were ressies available everywhere. Not in the most popular places - but acceptable.

In MK, the less popular TS places seem (I'm no expert!!) to be Tony's, the Plaza, and Liberty Tree Tavern. Alternatively, just take the monorail out of the park and you'll likely get a spot at Grand Floridian Cafe, the Wave (at the Contemporary) or Kona Cafe (at the Polynesian).

In DHS, Mama Melrose is likely to be a good bet. Or else Hollywood Brown Derby - I bet it's super rare that HBD is completely booked up. If nothing in the park appeals to you, walk or boat over to the Boardwalk area resorts. Captain's Grille and Kouzzina might be safe. Beaches and Cream doesn't even accept ressies - but it's so small you have to be prepared for a long wait if you go during mealtimes.

In Downtown Disney, there are so many restaurants, there's not a chance you can't find a table available at one of them.

Personally OP - I think you have the right plan NOT to make any ADRs. Sounds like that will suit your family best. Have fun!!!

 

[joyjoy42]

I dontt think I entered my CC for ADRs but I was logged in under my login whereby my accommodations and park tickets had been paid in full by CC so I wonder if no show fee applies.

 

[scanmom]

if someone else suggested this, I didn't read the whole thread. We were at MK, a spur of the moment thing when we stayed at Tampa Bay, and wanted to find a TS w/o having reservations. We called Disney Dining Reservations from my cell phone while we were in the park. We asked which restaurants had openings for our party size in the next hour or so, in the MK area (resorts or in-park). We ended up at Tony's Town Square, and really enjoyed the meal. This was about 3 years ago on our spring break, which is always the 3rd week of March, so about the same time frame as your trip. It worked well for us, and there is still a chance you won't get in anywhere, but I bet they can find something, somewhere for you. And it saves a lot of walking too!