Restaurants requiring early PS

[quest4dl]

I'm nearly 60 days out from my trip and still pretty new to the DL boards since I just decided and booked my trip a few days ago. What restaurants in DL, DCA and DD really need PS to be booked early? We're there for 5 nights and 4 park days. We like nice meals but will try to cut down so the kids get more time in the parks.

 

[BillyFan]

In my experience, character meals and Blue Bayou need to be booked early. All others I've been able to get into with a few weeks notice, and quite often, on the same day. I don't know how many kids you have, but the larger the group, the more difficult it is to get last minute ressies.

 

[Amy&Dan]

My experience is just like BillyFan. Blue Bayou is definitely the hardest. Of the character meals, its been my experience that Ariel's is one that books up so if you have a princess fan, make that one as soon as you are able. Goofy's serves all three meals and its a large restaurant so I have been able to get seatings for that even on the day of (last June). But normally I wouldn't risk waiting that long for Goofy's!

 

[pixiewings71]

We usually make ours around 30 days out because that's usually when we start planning our next visit to the parks. But, I've also made PS's just days before, for instance yesterday I made 10:30 PS's for Minnie's breakfast for next Wed. the 9th, they had tables every 10 min. available. BB and AG fill up quickly during the busy season so just make them as soon as you can and you'll be fine.

 

[prncssmel]

If you have a big group, make sure you call at the 60 day mark for anywhere. Otherwise, it is mostly Blue Bayou and character stuff. We called 58 days out for Storyteller's character breakfast, and they only had 2 times available. Of course, we have 16, but the woman said the restaurant was already getting full.

 

[quest4dl]

Thanks - we will probably do one character meal - I have boys so likely Goofy's kitchen and I think they would enjoy the atmosphere of Blue Bayou too. We will likely do an early lunch at BB so hopefully that will be an easy PS - I know we will be hungry early with the 2 hour time difference.

 

[silence]

We are bad at making PS. We have Disney Dining programmed into our cell phones and usually call while we are at the park.

We easily got the time we wanted at Carnation Cafe the day before.

When I tried for Ariel's the day before, no such luck. HOWEVER, I got the earliest seating for Minnie's (8:30am when the park opens at 9:00) which was AWESOME. Birthday bucket and everything. Very nice way to start my daughter's bday off on Monday.

 

[nunzia]

Blue Bayou for sure. I called 1 hour after Disney Dining opened at excatly 60 days out (forgot what time they opened) and for our party size all that was left was 3:00 and 6:30..we wanted lunch so it worked out fine.
Then I called for Ariel's right when DD opened and there still wasn't much availablility..our crowd size has alot to do with it I'm sure..

 

[quest4dl]

Our party size is 5 so hopefully that won't be a problem. I'm encouraged to learn that BB has prime rib on the kids menu. My kids much prefer the taste of adult food but of course can't manage the portions so I always appreciate restaurants that provide 'real' food on the kids menu!

 

[pixiewings71]

Our party size is 5 so hopefully that won't be a problem. I'm encouraged to learn that BB has prime rib on the kids menu. My kids much prefer the taste of adult food but of course can't manage the portions so I always appreciate restaurants that provide 'real' food on the kids menu!

The Prime Rib at BB is really good too!! My DD11 loves it! DD8 loves the Mac N Cheese, altho I thought it wasn't the best.

Man, all this BB talk has me wanting to go this trip.......I want some of those potatoes and the chicken! MMMMMMM

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

The Prime Rib at BB is really good too!! My DD11 loves it! DD8 loves the Mac N Cheese, altho I thought it wasn't the best.

Man, all this BB talk has me wanting to go this trip.......I want some of those potatoes and the chicken! MMMMMMM

Is the chicken good?? It sounds good on the menu... was going to go with the prime rib or the chicken... saw a thread somewhere that was pretty negative on the food at BB, so I want the best bet...

--Lisa

 

[cirquelovers]

My family loves the prime rib but the boys are carnivores I've never had the chicken though. The potatoes are to die for! I now just get double potatoes as my sides so I don't steal everyone elses on the table

Make sure to split a cookie boat, my boy loved it!

 

[pixiewings71]

I've never been disappointed with my food at BB, I've had the Monte Cristo at lunch, the Prime Rib, the fish, the chicken and the pork chops. Usually DBF and I share so I've been able to try all of those. It's all been great, the MC is a bit greasy but it's edible, nothing else had any "issues" for me. And yes, I tend to be picky about things I eat so I look before eating it. lol
Just an fyi, we love the food and atmosphere so much that we try to eat there when we are there for more than just a weekend trip. This is the first time we will be there for more than 2 days and we won't go to BB....LOL

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

I've never been disappointed with my food at BB, I've had the Monte Cristo at lunch, the Prime Rib, the fish, the chicken and the pork chops. Usually DBF and I share so I've been able to try all of those. It's all been great, the MC is a bit greasy but it's edible, nothing else had any "issues" for me. And yes, I tend to be picky about things I eat so I look before eating it. lol
Just an fyi, we love the food and atmosphere so much that we try to eat there when we are there for more than just a weekend trip. This is the first time we will be there for more than 2 days and we won't go to BB....LOL

Thanks guys, I won't worry so much I guess!

--Lisa

 

[prncssmel]

Is the chicken good?? It sounds good on the menu... was going to go with the prime rib or the chicken... saw a thread somewhere that was pretty negative on the food at BB, so I want the best bet...

--Lisa

I love the chicken. Very good flavor, and the potatoes and veggies are good. We have been several times, both old menu and new menu. The menu now is much better. Oh, and they have great desserts. I love their creme brulee. Plus, the atmosphere is just to die for.

 

[bumbershoot]

.... Blue Bayou too. We will likely do an early lunch at BB so hopefully that will be an easy PS - I know we will be hungry early with the 2 hour time difference.

That early lunch is very popular, just so you know, b/c it's about the only time you can be almost assured of getting a waterside table, to be one of the first people with a PS and first to check in that day.

So if you want waterside, set your alarm (or not, since you will already be up, LOL), call them as soon as they open, get that 11:30 PS. Day of, check in early...they probably won't be open at 11 but for me that would not be too early to go over and stand around, check in with your entire party as soon as they'll let you. That's if you want a waterside table.

 

[pixiewings71]

Molly is right about the waterside seating but we've always had good luck just checking in early and asking no matter what time we are reserved. Good luck!! And have the cookie boat....mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[disney-inspired]

Do you think i will need one for the La Brea Bakery?

 

[pixiewings71]

Do you think i will need one for the La Brea Bakery?

La Brea ressies would be made directly with La Brea. When we went we didn't need them but it was November so that could be why. Outdoor seating in November can be cold, even in So Cal.

 

[granmaz]

What time does dining reservation services open please?