Nice Dining Experiences Without ADRs?

[Minxe]

Hiya!

My fiance and I have just made plans to go to WDW with my parents in Dec! However, since it's all rather last minute, I don't think we'll be able to get any ADRs in time for our trip. Also, since we're from sunny little Singapore... it's kinda tricky to make ADRs from Asia.

Are there any yummy options that we can turn to that don't require ADRs? I have a fetish for T-Rex Cafe.. do you think we'd have luck there sans ADR?

 

[annnewjerz]

First, congrats on the trip, we'll be there in December also!

Second, have you tried looking for ADRs on Disney's website? I can understand not wanting to sit on the phone and pay for all that time on hold from Singapore, but it might be pretty easy online. AND---as long as you are flexible, there are usually ADRs to be had!

Will you be on the dining plan? If not, that also opens up a few options over in the Swan and Dolphin hotels near Epcot and DHS.

Here are some of the places I can think of off the top of my head that you wouldn't necessarily need ADRs for:

- Wolfgang Puck Express (counter-service food, but they actually serve it to you)
- Earl of Sandwich (counter-service again, but great sandwiches)
- Rainforest Cafe
- Raglan Road
- ESPN Club
- Wolfgang Puck Cafe
- Todd English's bluezoo (it was dead when we were there in October, plus they have a lounge area you can sit in)

Good luck and enjoy your trip!!

 

[eventamy]

Definitely look at the website and see what's available! It'll make you feel better knowing you have something! Enjoy our trip!

 

[Minxe]

First, congrats on the trip, we'll be there in December also!

Second, have you tried looking for ADRs on Disney's website? I can understand not wanting to sit on the phone and pay for all that time on hold from Singapore, but it might be pretty easy online. AND---as long as you are flexible, there are usually ADRs to be had!

Will you be on the dining plan? If not, that also opens up a few options over in the Swan and Dolphin hotels near Epcot and DHS.

Here are some of the places I can think of off the top of my head that you wouldn't necessarily need ADRs for:

- Wolfgang Puck Express (counter-service food, but they actually serve it to you)
- Earl of Sandwich (counter-service again, but great sandwiches)
- Rainforest Cafe
- Raglan Road
- ESPN Club
- Wolfgang Puck Cafe
- Todd English's bluezoo (it was dead when we were there in October, plus they have a lounge area you can sit in)

Good luck and enjoy your trip!!

I'm glad to see Wolfgang Puck Cafe on that list!

I don't think we'll be on the dining plan... the men in the party don't respond well to too many planned meals. I think my dad would approve heartily of ESPN cafe though, yay hey!

And yay for Dec!! I was supposed to go in May for my engagement trip, but we ended up changing our plans and went to Switzerland/Paris instead. I'm still going to get my little paws on the just engaged pins though!

Definitely look at the website and see what's available! It'll make you feel better knowing you have something! Enjoy our trip!

Thank you both for your happy wishes and your replies, I really appreciate it! Only..... and I'm kinda embarrassed to ask. What is this website of which you speak? *blush* I remember nosing around in May, but I don't recall being able to make ADRS online. I'm silly.

 

[annnewjerz]

Thank you both for your happy wishes and your replies, I really appreciate it! Only..... and I'm kinda embarrassed to ask. What is this website of which you speak? *blush* I remember nosing around in May, but I don't recall being able to make ADRS online. I'm silly.

Walt Disney World's website, which is www.waltdisneyworld.com

At the top, there will be a box that says "DISCOVER." From there you can select "Dining" and view whatever restaurant you'd like (they seem to be sorted by location, i.e. Magic Kingdom, Polynesian Resort, etc.).

When viewing the restaurant, there is the option to make a reservation and you can input your date, desired time and party size. If there is an open reservation you can add your reservation to your "cart" and then check out and get confirmation numbers. If there is no availability, the website will oftentimes recommend another restaurant near the one you were searching for, or you can search for different times of day, etc.

Good luck!

 

[kpgriswold]

Go here: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/
and you can make a reservation for any of the Disney restaurants. MANY of them will still have space available for you.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Grumpy92]

If you want to check out menus go to
www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm
But definitely book a few online. Dec is popular with the locals.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

You can definitely get ADRs if you work the online system. We just planned a trip only 3 weeks out and I was able to get ADRs that I really wanted, but I had to check often. You'll especially have luck if you can eat late at night (we can't with small kids) or at other off times. Remember lunch is less expensive than dinner and lunch ADRs are fairly easy to get.

 

[mef78]

Agreed on the online ADR system -- very easy to use!

Also, TRex shouldn't be too much trouble to get into -- just go right when they open for lunch.

We're also big fans of Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club. They don't take ressies, but shoot for a mid afternoon lunch/dinner and you should be OK.

Finally, here's a good link with some ideas for other restaurants that you can get into without an ADR: Best restaurants when you don't have a reservation

 

[cbg1027]

When in Decemeber are you going? If it's within the first 2.5 weeks, you might be able to walk in to some TS locations without an ADR.

If you don't mind eating lunch early, I would suggest walking in to a TS location at 11am and seeing if they could seat you then. We just did this on our recent trip at Yak and Yeti and were seated right away - it seemed like they didn't really have any ADR's scheduled until 11:30 or later that day. When we walked in at 11 the place was empty, but when we finished and left around 12:30, the place was packed and there were people waiting!

 

[chocovrdmicears]

Congratulations! I think it is fabulous that you are able to plan a last minute trip coming from Singapore! And congratulations on your engagment.

We will be in WDW Dec 9th - 16th and I have been working on our ADR's online the past few weeks. One place that I am sure you can get into is the Kouzzina at the Boardwalk. It always seems to come up as an option. We have also had success walking up to 50's Prime Time in DHS and San Angel Inn. I also agree with the pp's...try the online dining system. You may be surprised at what is available during your stay.

 

[gobo2]

Using the same Allears link from the previous reply, check out the restaurants in the Swan and the Dolphin. The are not on the Dining Plan and are therefore much less crowded. I would still make ADR's but you can probably do that when you get there.

Have a great time!

 

[PixieDustandEeyore]

Beaches and Creams doesnt take reservations and their sundaes are amazing and you can get yummy fresh fruit!

 

[Minxe]

Thank you all so much for your replies, they have been really helpful. I just realized that I could get an ADR for Boma and had to suppress a squee (I was "casually surfing" in the middle of a lecture just now, boo me ).

We haven't really decided on a fixed date for our Disney vacation yet, and it's mostly because the boy and I are both in university and we're at the peak of all the assignment woes and horrors. Once things lighten up by early next week, I'll get my act in place. It's horribly last minute and I'm practically hyperventilating at the thought of it.. but I have my research from the trip that didn't happen in May. Now to poke around for some choice restaurants. *beams*

Thank you all once again! *sprinkles happy pixie dust*