---Priority Seating---Please Explain!!!

[TheBellhop]

Our family is going to WDW on August 7th...we plan to make PS at some of the restaurants that aren't as big as some of the other ones (ie: Prime Time, etc)...but I don't exactly get the idea on how it works...can you please explain this to me? Also, can you give me an idea as to what restaurants at WDW we don't need (as in wait times) PS to go to but will still enjoy it? Thanks!

 

[disney4us2002]

You're saying you'll be at WDW in less than 5 days and you have none??? You do realize you're going pretty much at peak summer season right? I would suggest you decide which are most important and call tomorrow! If you don't make any PS's ahead of time, plan to eat at off times like before 11:15 for lunch or after 2:30 and very early dinners (4:30) or very late (after 8:30).

I will admit that I am an obsessive planner however and know that I have 61 days to go to make my first PS. I just couldn't go and fly by the seat of my pants. Good luck.

 

[TheBellhop]

We were thinking of doing that when we got to WDW...

 

[julybride]

Originally posted by TheBellhop
Our family is going to WDW on August 7th...we plan to make PS at some of the restaurants that aren't as big as some of the other ones (ie: Prime Time, etc)...but I don't exactly get the idea on how it works...can you please explain this to me? Also, can you give me an idea as to what restaurants at WDW we don't need (as in wait times) PS to go to but will still enjoy it? Thanks!

Disney doesn't take reservations they let you reserve a priority seating. It's like the call ahead seating that some of the chain restaurants have - you can call up to 90 days ahead and reserve a time for your party. You arrive at your restaurant 5 minutes before your assigned time and you are given the next available table for your size party. Depending on the time of your PS you may still have to wait but it will be less time than if you show up and try to get on the list. Also, if you walk up to a restaurant they may not be taking "stand by" parties.

I would definitely work the phones ASAP if there are some places on your must try list. Even if there is nothing available today you can keep trying when you arrive - people do cancel. I would even call WDW-Dine from my cell phone in the park and try to get a PS instead of walking up to the restaurants podium the same day. It could cut down on your wait time.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[bigbabyblues]

I can't speak from experience, but there were a couple of posts in the last few weeks about people who had gone without PS, and went to see if they could get in at a restaurant (I think at MGM but I can't swear to it) and they were told the wait time would be 4 hours for one place, other places weren't taking anyone without a PS. Definitely call as before you leave and see what's available, so you don't have to eat counter service the whole trip!

Hope your trip is great!!!

 

[poohandwendy]

Also, can you give me an idea as to what restaurants at WDW we don't need (as in wait times) PS to go to but will still enjoy it?

All of the table service restaurants take PS's and this time of year, it is likely your wait time would be very long (like over an hour at least) as a walk up party. I would definitely suggest calling asap, like tommorow morning!. As mentioned previously, if you cannot get dinner times, try for late lunch times.

Also, the resort restaurants tend to be easier to get PS's than the park restaurants.

I suggest trying for:
Ohanas (Polynesian resort)
Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Whispering Canyon (Wilderness Lodge)
1900 Pare Fare(Grand Floridian)
Chef Mickeys(Contemporary)
Cape May Cafe (Beach Club)

...as just a few that have really good reviews.

Btw, we will be in WDW from the 7th-14th!! Woohoo... can't wait!!!

We were thinking of doing that when we got to WDW...

Hey, don't sweat it, this WDW trip planning thing is an artform that takes years and many trips to perfect!!!

Hope you have a great trip and be sure to pray for unseasonably COOL and DRY weather (hey, it COULD happen!)!!! I have my ponchos ready just in case!!