We played both courses last year, it was either November or December, and didn't need a tee time for either. We walked up and started, and we were a large group - there were at least 10 of us. There are discounts for DVC members, Annual Passholders and others, so ask and they may have a deal for you. If you know when you want to play I guess it doesn't hurt to call ahead, but we didn't have any trouble.