Questions about dining...

[DanielleNYY]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this board

I have a few questions about dining at Disney. My sister and I will be at the parks in late June, 22-28 and we have some reservations made, but aren't on the dining plan. We have reservations at Coral Reef, California Grill, Grand Floridian Lounge afternoon Tea, and Wolf Gang downstairs. There are a few others that we're tentatively thinking about eating at. What are the odds of getting into Jiko/Boma, and other places without reservations? I don't mind waiting for a table, if that's an option, or do they not seat people who don't have a reservation? We're not the type of people who can decide what we're going to eat for lunch/dinner for every day of the vacation. Heck, I can't even decide what to have for lunch right now!

Any help or advice? Thanks!

 

[SnowWtch]

The odds of getting a walk-up at most restaurants is impossible especially during that time of year. However, keep calling to try to get one if you want one and if that doesn't work check once you get down there and see what they're doing that day. Be flexible with times but also don't be upset if they say they aren't taking walk-ups that day.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I think your chances of a walk in are very slim. UNLESS you dine at very off hours. I've seen signs posted at the podiums stating "no walk ins". So in answer to your question....yes, the will NOT seat you if they are booked with ADRs

If sitting down for a meal and an appropriate hour is important to your vacation experience -just make the reservation for the placing you want to dine at. Otherwise you will waste SOOO much time finding somewhere to eat. JMO. YMMV

 

[DanielleNYY]

OK... I def. don't want to have to figure out where to eat when I'm there if there's typically no availability....

Some more questions....

Which would you recommend for dinner... Boma or Jiko? We only have room for one.

Do we need breakfast reservations for Whispering Canyon, Kona Cafe and Grand Floridian Cafe? We're early birds and would get there as soon as the place opens.

 

[mrzrich]

If you don't want to make ALL your reservations now, that's ok.

I have called WDW-DINE from my cell phone or visit my resort concierge many times for "day of" or even "right now" reservations.

Is it just the two of you? If it is you should be fine getting into Boma or Jiko.

 

[DanielleNYY]

Yes, it's just the two of us.

Good, OK as long as they take day of reservations we can plan the night before. I have the Disney number programmed into my cell phone.

Thanks so much!

 

[BriarRosie]

OK... I def. don't want to have to figure out where to eat when I'm there if there's typically no availability....

Some more questions....

Which would you recommend for dinner... Boma or Jiko? We only have room for one.

Do we need breakfast reservations for Whispering Canyon, Kona Cafe and Grand Floridian Cafe? We're early birds and would get there as soon as the place opens.

I think you have a better chance getting Jiko because it's considered 2 table service credits on the dining plan, while Boma is only 1 credit. (Since you're not on the dining plan, it doesn't matter either way. But Jiko might be easier to book.) I happen to enjoy both Boma and Jiko. If you don't want a buffet, stick with Jiko.

If you go to breakfast as soon as those places open, I think you'll have a decent shot at getting in without an ADR. None of those places have characters, so you probably will be fine.