PS/Dining Questions

[beachdreams]

My husband and I will be there from 12/25-12/31. Neither of us have been there since the mid 70's so we are trying to pack alot in a few days. We do not want to make reservations because we just want to eat when we get ready. We also do not always have to eat at Disney restaurants. I am fine eating at Chilis etc because the main reason I am going this time is the parks not so much the food (although I do adore food - LOL). Having said this, we would like to eat at California Grille for dinner one night. Is it possible to dine without a PS? We do not mind waiting for a table since where we live now it is a pretty common thing to have to wait about hour or two for seating at most restaurants anyway. Also would we be able to do this at other Disney restaurants as well? What about downtown Disney restaurants?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I would say you definately need a PS. You are going during the busiest time of year and restraunts will fill up fast.

 

[Hopefully]

I agree - Make a PS for anything that really matters to you. You are going at a busy time of year and may well find that without some PS, you will be standing in a long line for not so special fast food without them!

 

[Grumpy92]

You are visiting wdw the busiest week of the entire year for them. If you were visiting at any other time I would say you could get away with not havina a PS. But, I strongly suggest making PSs now for any sitdown Disney meal you want to do. Just do one, perhaps dinner. I am afraid if you wait your choices will be limited to counter service locations and wait times will average an hour or more. You may want to think about early dinners like 4:30 or 5pm. I have in past gone to CG when it opens at 6pm and sat in the lounge. You can order off the dinner menu there but you have to wait a few minutes before they will allow it. During this busy period you will have to take your chances. If you are thinking about eating on WDW property on xmas day or NYE you will definitely need a PS. The same applies for the DTD restaurants like Wolfgangs, Bongos etc.

Dont miss eating at Disney the restaurants they part of the experience and are some of the best in Orlando. The resorts especially have some wonderful selections. You will find the variety has greatly increased since your previous visit. Besides you can eat at Chilis any old time.

Check out menus at http://allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm

 

[beachdreams]

Thanks for your responses. I think we are just going to forget California Grille then. if we can manage to get in within an hours wait, fine, if not, fine. I realize that Disney dining is a large part of the experience for most people but it really isn't for us. Honestly, we are more interested in seeing the parks and attractions than eating this time. Now on my island vacations, food becomes more important. I also realize we can eat at a Chilis anytime but Chilis will allow us to dine when we want in a very casual relaxed atmosphere which is what we really looking for. We also just found out some of our friends will be there when we are and it is more important for all of us to not be tied to reservations. Thanks for you help though, I really appreciate it.