Need some tips please

[erinmomof2]

We'll be arriving at WDW Sept 19th for free dining. I made all my ADR's at the 180 day mark, but now DH tells me that he wants to have a sit down dinner on our arrival day, we originally had planned to eat counter service at the park (we're arriving early in the day). I've been calling everyday and have had no luck. We want an early dinner since we're sure our kids (4 and 1) wil be tired and ready for bed early. I've been trying for Crystal Palace, Garden Grill, Planet Hollywood, Sci Fi, and Cape May Cafe and no luck. I'm looking for some recommendations on some of the less popular places that may still have openings, I've never ate at a WDW restaurant before so I'm not sure which places would be more likely to have availability. As of now we have reservations at DTD Rainforest Cafe, but we have a RC near where we live and I'd like to try something different if possible.

Thanks for any help you may have.
Erin

 

[KatMark]

We'll be arriving at WDW Sept 19th for free dining. I made all my ADR's at the 180 day mark, but now DH tells me that he wants to have a sit down dinner on our arrival day, we originally had planned to eat counter service at the park (we're arriving early in the day). I've been calling everyday and have had no luck. We want an early dinner since we're sure our kids (4 and 1) wil be tired and ready for bed early. I've been trying for Crystal Palace, Garden Grill, Planet Hollywood, Sci Fi, and Cape May Cafe and no luck. I'm looking for some recommendations on some of the less popular places that may still have openings, I've never ate at a WDW restaurant before so I'm not sure which places would be more likely to have availability. As of now we have reservations at DTD Rainforest Cafe, but we have a RC near where we live and I'd like to try something different if possible.

Thanks for any help you may have.
Erin

Where are you staying? Is there a table service restaurant where you are staying? How about the Plaza Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom? It is just salads, sandwiches, burgers, shakes, sundaes (to die for). Being that it is free dining, unless you call the day of, you probaly won't have much luck with the character meals at this htime.

 

[Nancyg56]

Have you tried that TS restaurant at your resort.I also suggest that you keep calling. I have been able to get ADR's that I wanted when one opened the day before we left.

 

[erinmomof2]

We're staying at POFQ. I don't think there is a restaurant there. Is the restaurant at POR far?

 

[erinmomof2]

Just wanted to add that I'd prefer some place that's good for the kids, not necessarily a character meal, but somewhere that a one year old and four year old wouldn't be out of place. We're on the DDP but will be paying OP for this meal.

Thanks again
Erin

 

[Married_Him_@_Disney]

I think you should probably try a TS at one of the resorts. . . maybe 1900 Park Fare, Whispering Canyon Cafe, The Wave, O'hana, or Kona Cafe are all great choices!

 

[bluejasmine]

What about Trails End Buffet at FW? There is a petting zoo there too from what I hear..

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Boatwrights is at POR, but I'm not sure how close it is to POFQ. I don't think it's that far though.

 

[Hootch]

are a 15 minute or so walk apart. There is a water taxi that moves between them for easier access. It should be running pretty frequently in September. It is also the best way to get to DTD if you are going at the right time.

I think Trails End is a pretty good suggestion. It is a bit out of the way. A couple more are Whispering Canyon, mentioned above, and Ohana. In late June both restaurants added an hour to dinner for the free dining period. They may be booked up but it is worth a try.

 

[Tink_Or_Belle]

are a 15 minute or so walk apart. There is a water taxi that moves between them for easier access. It should be running pretty frequently in September. It is also the best way to get to DTD if you are going at the right time.

I think Trails End is a pretty good suggestion. It is a bit out of the way. A couple more are Whispering Canyon, mentioned above, and Ohana. In late June both restaurants added an hour to dinner for the free dining period. They may be booked up but it is worth a try.

I called for breakfast at the POR place the other day and they had anytime I wanted open so it may be easier to get into that other things

 

[Disney Ron]

Suggestion that probably still might have availability are Captain's Grille, Trail's End, Marrakesh, Nine Dragons, Biergarten & Kona (I just got a 6pm ADR for Kona this week for 9/19). Keep trying every single day till you get one of your choices, people change their ADRs all the time.

We have a 20 month old, so I know how you feel. All I listed are kid friendly.

Good luck,
Mrs. Disney Ron

 

[winterman]

Good Luck. I would give DH the phone and let him call.

 

[Pumbaa_]

How about DTD? Raglan Road or Bongos? Take the boat to DTD, have a lovely dinner ad wander around.

That is the day we arrive too Can't wait!

 

[erinmomof2]

Thanks for the replies. I made an ADR at Boatwrights, but I'm not too sure about it. I'm going to keep trying for something else. I've found a few places with openings but not until between 8-9 p.m., that's just too late with the kids. Thanks for your replies.

Erin

 

[skipperkim]

Good Luck. I would give DH the phone and let him call.

Good advice. I'd go with either Boatwrights for now or try for Ohanas or Biergarten. But keep in mind getting from resort to resort is very time consuming. FYI: You might just be able to hear the music from Illuminations from the bus stop at POFQ. Have a great time at my favorite resort.

 

[Nancyg56]

Thanks for the replies. I made an ADR at Boatwrights, but I'm not too sure about it. I'm going to keep trying for something else. I've found a few places with openings but not until between 8-9 p.m., that's just too late with the kids. Thanks for your replies.

Erin

I have never had dinner at Boatwrights but I think that staying close to "home" on an arrival night is a very good idea when you have little ones. On our visit to CBR I made an ADR in EPCOT thinking that my DGD would be fine. She got a little overwhelmed and tired so we headed back to the resort, made an ADR at Shutters right at the resort. Best decision we made. There was no stress trying to coordinate travel timing and kids. HAve a great time!