Not making ressies..am I crazy??

[kewlteachermom]

We are WDW vets, and everyone knows you need reservations to eat. But DL is so different and really want to "wing" it. What do you think?

 

[sonnyjane]

You're right, it is very different. I'll always recommend that if you KNOW exactly what day and time you'll want to eat, it's wise to make a reservation so that you don't have to wait, but if you decide at the last minute to eat somewhere, you'll likely be able to do so. If you're traveling during a busy time (holidays for example), definitely make reservations. You'll also typically want to make reservations for Blue Bayou, Napa Rose, or for a World of Color dining package in advance, as they are more popular. For other restaurants, you can be more flexible.

 

[Virgoinab]

Well that depends, when are you planning on going?

If it is during chirstmas week, make reservations.

If not, then yes for the most part you can wing it, and still be able to have sit down meals in the resturants.

However, if you are planning on dinning at the blue bayou, or carthay circle, I would recomend reservations, at least for the BB, as that one does tend to book up. Or any of the character breakfasts, or the WOC dinner package.

Again, it depends on when you are going.

 

[kewlteachermom]

Thanks Sonny--
We are arriving Sat. I expect it to be crowded (we are used to WDW), but hoping to have more flexibility with this one. I want to enjoy SCal!

I happened to see something about AP people being "unblocked". Can you shed some light on that?

 

[sonnyjane]

Thanks Sonny--
We are arriving Sat. I expect it to be crowded (we are used to WDW), but hoping to have more flexibility with this one. I want to enjoy SCal!

I happened to see something about AP people being "unblocked". Can you shed some light on that?

To be honest, that means you're going at a pretty busy time and it's worth considering looking into reservations at least if you know there is somewhere you really, really want.

The AP's being "unblocked" refers to the SoCal AP's that have been blocked most of the summer (since June)... The block will be lifted soon and that means that the tens (actually hundreds) of thousands of people that have SoCal AP's are now free to hit up the parks and see Carsland...so...expect crowds.

 

[MagicMomma1]

Reservations are only really necessary at DLR/DCA if there's a sit down meal that you absolutely want to ensure you have a table for. If you're not particular about when/where you eat or intend to do all your park eating at counter service restaurants and vending carts, then you don't HAVE to make reservations.

I think it comes down to a personal preference, your priorities, and the experience you're looking to have during your trip.

For example, we have a 9 day vacay coming up in September and have 4 reservations booked. I know that's a far cry from having to have every single snack and meal charted out 6 mos. in advance of a WDW trip! But we wanted a seat at the N'awlins Brunchfest at Ralph Brennan's one Sunday, and a seat at Breakfast with Minnie and Friends at the Plaza Inn on a Saturday, lunch at the new Carthay Circle one afternoon, and lunch at the Blue Bayou on our last day. Those were all places I wanted a GUARANTEED table and a GUARANTEED time and didn't feel comfortable winging it because I'd be angry if I couldn't get in or had to waste a significant amount of time waiting. It gives me peace of mind and adds some structure to our trip.

However, the rest of our meals will either be in our hotel room or counter service and we're cool with winging THAT!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Since we go during summer we always make reservations and we do not want to keep them then we call and change or just cancel. I do not like being told sold out or nothing available...I have been spoiled.

Jack

 

[caltex]

DLR is much different than WDW. The only time I made reservations were with character meals and higher end sit down meals. Of course if it is during the holidays I would definitely get a reservation.

 

[pixiewings71]

There are a few places I always recommend a reservation, they are~

Blue Bayou
Cafe Orleans
Carnation Cafe
Carthay Circle
Ariel's Grotto

All other places I've had plenty of walk in luck.