Not Worrying About Eating

[North of Mouse]

Now I certainly love a good meal and trying new things. But my myself (47 yrs old female) and my mom (68 years old) are visiting the end of June. We are spending 3 days at WDW, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. We have decided to eat when we want and not worry about dining reservations. Yes, it is ok to call us crazy. We did not want to worry about making are dining times. So, we are winging it. We promised each other to not get upset if we can not get into a restaurant by just showing up at the podium.

We decided it would be ok to just do counter service, if that is all we can get. I know at Epcot, you can eat at the counter service place outside of Mexico and still get something different to eat.

Am I making a huge mistake? Any suggestions for trying something different.

I remember a night several years ago when we arrived at MK about 6pm ish. We must have had a late lunch, because when we arrived, we visited the bakery and had huge cup cakes (call it a craving). We did not realize until 11pm that night as we were leaving how hungry we were. And, then realized we forgot to eat dinner, because we ate those cup cakes. BTW, it took us so long to leave the park, we just went back to our hotel and crashed - never got any real food. We just remember this night as a happy memory- because we had a great snack for our dinner vs "real dinner" food- and do not regret a thing!!

Thanks for your thoughts.

Go for it! No, you are not making a big mistake. We hate being tied down to ADR's also. For 10 nights, we make 3 'must do' ADR's and that's it. We haven't had a problem finding a meal we'd like yet (not usually TS, but that's our plan). We have never/will never do the DDP - sounds too stressful to plan each day's meals so far in advance, not to mention it's way more expensive for us than oop. Enjoy!

 

[gigi1313]

After being ADR-centric for the pat ten trips, we are going ADR-less this trip too, except for one bfast in Cindy's castle... I think we are going to enjoy our new-found freedom!

 

[ArmyVet80]

When we went on our honey/disneymoon our travel agent completely disregarded telling us we needed to make ADR's. We scrambled every morning to the concierge to see what was available. Got a few reservations but ate mainly CS meals those 8 days. Not necessarily the greatest part of the honey/disneymoon but definitely something to remember.

The one good thing was that we did get into the Biergarten at Epcot 2 times while there. It's a must for us on trips to WDW now. My wife and I loved it plus we have never waited more than 15 minutes to get in even as walk ups.

 

[Bellamouse]

One year, many years ago now, we went with no dining reservations, and worse, with no prior research about what the best CS options were. I remember vividly being at MK and starving, looking for something to eat. LTT had a huge line/wait (duh), and we ended up at some awful CS with burgers (could it have been McDonald's? Somehow I seem to think it was, but maybe that part is fuzzy). Also, we waited in the CS line for over an hour to get those burgers. NOT HAPPY. The same thing happened to us in AK. We ended up eating at that place in Dinoland and it also took forever. (I also remember doing walk ups to the TS like 'Ohana and Boma and having no problem getting in! Ahh, those were the days.... ).

Since finding these boards and the Dis Food Blog, I would feel more comfortable going without reservations (Columbia Harbor House! Flame Tree BBQ! Tangierine Cafe! Who knew!! LOL). But because we are more food people than ride people, I would be disappointed without any TS reservations. So for us, we probably wouldn't do it. But if you do enough research ahead of time and know exactly where to find the best items around the parks, it can be done. If you're just winging it with no research, and start looking for food in your immediate area when you become hungry, I think you will be very unhappy.

 

[ShannonMB]

I am a die-hard ADR maker, but DD and I had one ADR-free night on our last trip. I will say it was kinda fun asking at the concierge what might be available in a couple of hours - SO spontaneous! We ended up at Grand Floridian Cafe and it was one of my favorite evenings of the trip travelling there, taking an impromptu trip into GF, and having a very delicious meal.

I will likely be back to making my ADRs for the next trip, but I think I will leave one evening set aside to walk on the wild side! Have a blast!!

 

[kastoney]

I'd like to also suggest trying places with bars and eating there. In my pre-kid era we never made reservations as it is almost dinner time now and I dont know what I want to eat let alone in 6 months. We've had great bar eating experiences at California Grill, 50s Diner, Flying Fish, and Jiko to name a few.

 

[mainelyj]

I started to get worried about our visit to Hollywood Studios. I could get ADRs for Hollywood and Vine and might as well do the Fantasmic Package. I could only get 3:30pm and she said this is considered dinner time. The cost is $40 a person, plus tax and beverages. I just thought that was too much money and too early for us to make it through the night without needing more food. I could get ADRs for "lunch" time, but the cost was still $35 a person (I was hoping lunch would be about $25).

We have done this package before - many years ago, and I do not remember it costing this much money. I know the counter service is not that great at HS. We could eat very little for breakfast, like a muffin. I am sure my mom and I could take our time and eat a couple of plates of food and dessert. But I am not sure if spending $40 per person on 1 meal is worth it. I know getting the Fantasmic entry is worth the extra $5.

What to do???

 

[cjlvsccm]

...

Am I making a huge mistake? Any suggestions for trying something different.

...
Thanks for your thoughts.

No mistake at all, it's a great vacation plan for a lot of folks!!

Something different... depends on what you are used to eating. Your cupcake dinner sounds like fun, but I've got to have protein or I turn cranky.

One of my favorites in Epcot is Tangierine Café in Morocco. I couldn't pick a second favorite, we find something to enjoy at nearly all of the World Showcase CS, not to mention Sunshine Seasons in The Land!

In DHS, we really liked the stuffed pretzel rolls at Min & Bill's, and also the grilled turkey and grilled vegetable sandwiches at Backlot Express. Or share a sandwich AND an enormous yummy cupcake at Starring Rolls.

In MK, how about Gaston's Pork Shank? We haven't yet made it to Be Our Guest for lunch, but our dinner there was marvelous!

At AK we like Flame Tree's bbq pork and ribs (seems the same as Fairfax Fare in DHS), also Yak & Yeti CS. For really different, sometimes we'll hop a bus over to AKL to get African Stew or a flatbread at The Mara.

Enjoy your trip, and enjoy noshing on whatever you find!

 

[amyy]

I would walk or take the bus to the Boardwalk. Usually what we do as aren't thrilled with HS. Or try to get into Sci FI. I think HV is a lot of money but we have done it 2x.

Several choices at the Boardwalk. Sandwich and dessert at the bakery and sit outside on the little tables next to the lake. ESPN club you won't need reservations. Depending on the time you could get in somewhere else. Plus you try counter service at the Swan or Dolphin or maybe they both have CS.

 

[bluejasmine]

If your fine with just counter service it should work great.
If you want to try walk ups I would try walk ups for restaurants not BIG in demand b/c its summer so crowds will be bigger.

Id say Capt Grill at YC
Marrakesh-EP
Tokyo Dining-EP
Maybe Beirgarten-EP
Maybe Kona-Poly
Maya Grill-CSR
Shutters-CBR
Boatwrights_POR
H&V-HS
Wave-CR
WCC-WL
Maybe Boma-AKL
Turf Grill-SSR
maybe 1900Park Fare

Forget places like BOG, Crystal Palace, Chef Mickeys, LC, Ohana, Narcossee, Calli Grill, LTT, 50's, Sci FI, SAI, LA Ha, RC, Teppen Edo, Chefs, Via Napoli, Cape May, Tusker House, Yak and Yeti,

 

[Hootch]

I started to get worried about our visit to Hollywood Studios. I could get ADRs for Hollywood and Vine and might as well do the Fantasmic Package. I could only get 3:30pm and she said this is considered dinner time. The cost is $40 a person, plus tax and beverages. I just thought that was too much money and too early for us to make it through the night without needing more food. I could get ADRs for "lunch" time, but the cost was still $35 a person (I was hoping lunch would be about $25).

We have done this package before - many years ago, and I do not remember it costing this much money. I know the counter service is not that great at HS. We could eat very little for breakfast, like a muffin. I am sure my mom and I could take our time and eat a couple of plates of food and dessert. But I am not sure if spending $40 per person on 1 meal is worth it. I know getting the Fantasmic entry is worth the extra $5.

What to do???

the Fantasmic! dinner at Mamma Melrose. It is three courses for the price. You will probably not finish until between 5 and 5:30 between being seated later and the pace of the meal. I think the night we had the package we had snacks in the Magic Kingdom (PM EMH) around midnight.

I am not sure when you are going, but a lot of the summer there are two F! shows. The last time we went it was not even every day. The latter show, when two are shown, usually is not too crowded.

 

[aiken4mickey]

The key is research! That's why I LOVE this board and all the questions asked...experiences....posted menus....etc. I've visited the parks all sorts of dining ways....from buying only Mickey bars & carrying picnic food in....to over doing ADR and feeling sick & wondering how in the world people do the dining plans! If you don't have your heart set on any specific place...then you're doing the right thing. If you think you might want to try a TS ....I'd go ahead and book. I like to have ideas mapped out .....that way I don't settle for something I really didn't want...and find something better around the corner.

A cupcake for dinner sounds like the BEST to me!!! "The King" is my new favorite!!!!

 

[luvmy3]

I'm with you OP! We are staying for 7 nights and I only have 2 ADRS, one for BOG on my and dh's anniversary and another for Ohana breakfast.
We are a wing it family when it comes to eating on vacation. Our last WDW trip we had all our ADRs and we felt very constrained by it.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Would not work well for my family BUT it certainly can work. You may very well find some TS available but you will need to be willing to eat at off times and at some less popular places and to search out some places. Restaurants can check openings at other places so knowing that can be helpful. Your guest services can also check for opening at any place and seem really helpful getting you in if you decide you want a sit down one night. You may have to travel to another resort, or eat a different type of food but that can be fun! We were at MM at HS one night and they were booked solid but were telling people there were opening at Sci-Fi and Brown Derby. Guest Services can check the entire data base and have never failed to find us something we were happy with.

Whether it's CS or TS, eating at off times is the key. Breakfast snack in the room and a very early lunch or, a huge breakfast and a really late lunch is much easier.

 

[Eliza'sMom]

Lately when we don't feel like eating at HS, we hop on the boat and head to Beaches and Cream, which we always enjoy. There's also Captain's Grille in Yacht Club, where you probably wouldn't need an ADR. And all kinds of choices at the Boardwalk or the Swan and Dolphin. We also have never done a Fantasmic package, because we always prefer to carry something into the theater and eat while we wait for the show. Personally, I like the choices at Min and Bill's and they carry easily.

Also, on our trip last spring, it was Memorial Day weekend and crowded. I was sitting inside the Mexico pavilion feeding a baby around lunchtime and decided to check my phone to see if there were any lunch ADRs available, and I could have gotten seated at San Angel just about any time. So you might have better luck doing a sit-down meal at lunch, which would be a nice break from the heat anyway, and do a CS at dinner.

 

[pixarmom]

OK, I have no business posting on this thread because we love TS and usually have breakfast in the club lounge and two ADRs per day. We're a family of five (kids ages 6, 12 and 13) and we each have a zillion WDW dining favorites, so we are big planners.

But I did want to add that during summer visits to WDW, our ADRs were even more important to us. In the heat, it was so important to know we'd have somewhere to sit down, not wait in a hot line, and enjoy a meal in air-conditioned comfort! So in addition to researching CS locations, I'd highly recommend keeping those air-conditioned options at the top of your list!

Also, without the dining plan, TS doesn't have to be heavy food or a lot of food. I eat relatively light and often order an appetizer and/or salad instead of an entree at TS locations. So OP might rule out ADRs because they don't allow flexibility of schedule - but don't rule out TS because of the amount of food - that's flexible!

 

[travelitis]

You're not crazy, you know how you like to travel, and you don't have to do TS to get air conditioning. I go to Disney every week, I eat, and I never have ADR. Well, I've been every week this year, and I've yet to wander aimlessly in search of food. That includes President's Week, the busiest it's been so far.

Here are a few tips:

Studios:
Starring Rolls cupcakes (these are the best and a meal)

Writer's Stop for pastries, coffee, most comfortable seating

Mama Melrose: stick to flatbread pizzas (the pastas are nothing special but the flatbreads are wonderful). The 2 of you could easily split one, and if you want a bit more, get a couple of salads. Total cost for 2 Caesar salads & flatbread is $25, so add a bit more for drinks, tax, tip. That's my pick for bargain TS.

Sci Fi and 50's PT - That time of year both are usually booked, but you need only a 2 top, and people no-show, so it doesn't hurt to ask. Sci Fi would be a good mid-day break from the heat. 50's PT has better food and is great anytime.

Epcot - Go to The Land and graze the food court for a huge selection and plenty of indoor seating. I also like the Electric Umbrella which has unlimited refills on sodas. World Showcase is easy to forage, but we love Tangierine Cafe which we often split.

AK
Yak & Yeti counter service - great food, and you might want to get an extra container or paper plates to split this.

Over by the safari is Kusafiri Bakery that has bagels and Bear Paw Brownies and other snacks. There's a cart with veggie and fruit trays, too. It's a good place to get something light. There's also a counter service in that area with a quiet, shaded eating area that is pleasant.

MK
I usually make a meal out of root beer float from Sleepy Hollow or Sunshine Tree Terrace, but my pick for counter service is Columbia Harbor House. The upstairs dining can be quiet. Also, don't be put off by the line for Be Our Guest. We've done that 3 times, and it moves faster than it looks like it will. If you are there before 2:00, consider hopping in. It's well worth it.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Now I certainly love a good meal and trying new things. But my myself (47 yrs old female) and my mom (68 years old) are visiting the end of June. We are spending 3 days at WDW, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. We have decided to eat when we want and not worry about dining reservations. Yes, it is ok to call us crazy. We did not want to worry about making are dining times. So, we are winging it. We promised each other to not get upset if we can not get into a restaurant by just showing up at the podium.

We decided it would be ok to just do counter service, if that is all we can get. I know at Epcot, you can eat at the counter service place outside of Mexico and still get something different to eat.

Am I making a huge mistake? Any suggestions for trying something different.

I remember a night several years ago when we arrived at MK about 6pm ish. We must have had a late lunch, because when we arrived, we visited the bakery and had huge cup cakes (call it a craving). We did not realize until 11pm that night as we were leaving how hungry we were. And, then realized we forgot to eat dinner, because we ate those cup cakes. BTW, it took us so long to leave the park, we just went back to our hotel and crashed - never got any real food. We just remember this night as a happy memory- because we had a great snack for our dinner vs "real dinner" food- and do not regret a thing!!

Thanks for your thoughts.

We visited that way for years. We found it a PITA to be tied down to a schedule. It's more fun to be spontaneous. Sure you need an ADR for breakfast at Chef Mickeys but we don't need a huge meal like that every day. Lately we've been touring more slowly & appreciate taking more time to sit for table service. Still, we don't mind eating lunch at noon & dinner at 5 before places get crowded. We've had no problems eating where we like.

The one year my parents & brother/SIL came with us I made dinner ADRs every day. Of course it worked out that we'd be completely on the wrong side of the park as our time approached or no one was hungry for dinner yet. Just too many issues trying to plan so much.

Now I make maybe 1 ADR per trip.

 

[AlohaAnnie]

We have done a trip with reservations. It was fun. We did it during Food and Wine because we knew we wanted to eat F&W without TS ADRs lingering in the back ground. We enjoyed it.

 

[ocalla]

We decided to add a quick last minute vacation with family in June. No ADR's this trip.......and it feels quite good!!

Our July trip is ADR'd OUT, and of course I love that also because we do enjoy sitting down in our favorite restaurants.

Have a great time "winging it"!!!