Restaurant availability questions

[Rocktire]

I've been to WDW 4 times in the last ten years, but not since 2003. The times we were there, I rarely had problems getting into any TS restaurants, even with no advance reservation. Obviously, there were times when we would get shut out of something, but for the most part we were flexible and could make it work. We're going to be at WDW this year starting 8/23, and I figured I would do a little research on what's going on there these days. From what I've been reading here, we may as well forget about eating at any of the TS restaurants on the property. I feel like an idiot, but I never heard of this 180 day ADR thing until I started reading here. Now I'm getting the idea that we won't be able to do any type of Character Breakfast or dinner. We usually eat on the fly while at Disney, but always have at least one nice dinner, as well as a meal with the characters and it would be a great disappointment to the kids if we're unable to do so. Are you able to get into these restaurants without reservations made 6 months in advance? Any info would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[antmaril]

You should call Disney Dining to see if you can make any ADR's. It may be difficult, but not impossible, if you are flexible.

 

[helenabear]

I agree that you should call and check to see what is out there. Try for late lunches or very early lunches/late breakfasts. Also try some of the resort sit downs as they aren't always the first thought of and same with DtD. Places like Marrakesh and the Plaza are both a little less traveled so to speak so ask about everything there. I've gotten ADRs the day of on some of my trips. You may be surprised with what you get.

 

[CoolPool]

I just got back from 10 days staying onsite (Poly). I was able to make same day reservations surprisingly easily compared to what I have read here prior to the trip. The tip I have is to go to the concierge desk at the lobby (assuming you stay onsite). Twice I tried to get same day ressies by using the room phone but you are shunted to WDW-DINE which is useless. However I was able to make ressies at the concierge desk at the Poly at Chef Mickey for breakfast the next day, same day dinner at the character meal at the Grand Floridian (excellent btw - now served in the cafe - one of the best meals of the trip and terrific character interaction), same day ressie at Morocco in Epcot, same day for dinner at Ohana (great fun!), and one more that I cannot remember as I'm still adled from the trip.

*Assuming you are not going during the peak weeks (easter, xmas, etc).

 

[Rocktire]

Thanks for your input. Quite honestly, the food is never at the top of my priority list when I'm at Disney...It's about having fun with the kids and seeing where the day takes us...going with the flow. It's the wife and kids(mostly the wife ) who will be dissapointed if we can't get into a character meal.

 

[Rocktire]

I just got back from 10 days staying onsite (Poly). I was able to make same day reservations surprisingly easily compared to what I have read here prior to the trip. The tip I have is to go to the concierge desk at the lobby (assuming you stay onsite). Twice I tried to get same day ressies by using the room phone but you are shunted to WDW-DINE which is useless. However I was able to make ressies at the concierge desk at the Poly at Chef Mickey for breakfast the next day, same day dinner at the character meal at the Grand Floridian (excellent btw - now served in the cafe - one of the best meals of the trip and terrific character interaction), same day ressie at Morocco in Epcot, same day for dinner at Ohana (great fun!), and one more that I cannot remember as I'm still adled from the trip.

*Assuming you are not going during the peak weeks (easter, xmas, etc).

Thanks..We're staying at The Wilderness Lodge....I've never used the concierge before, but that's a great thought.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

Unfortunately, you're heading to WDW right at the beginning of the free Dining Plan promotion, so most restaurants will be packed. If you're dead set on getting into a character meal, you might want to consider one of the resort hotels. The meals there are usually much less busy than the ones inside the parks. I've heard that the character breakfast at Cape May Café at the Yacht & Beach Club is fairly lightly attended.

 

[Rocktire]

Unfortunately, you're heading to WDW right at the beginning of the free Dining Plan promotion, so most restaurants will be packed. If you're dead set on getting into a character meal, you might want to consider one of the resort hotels. The meals there are usually much less busy than the ones inside the parks. I've heard that the character breakfast at Cape May Café at the Yacht & Beach Club is fairly lightly attended.

Yes, that was my other big mistake....We always go this time of year because the park is less crowded...anyway, thanks for the tip...I'll look into it.