Saddle Up to the Bar

[Drr10]

Going solo in December. I was wondering if I will be able to walk into any restaurant bar area (Homecoming, Boathouse, etc.) without reservation. Today is first day I can make reservations 60 days out and couldn't get a table for brunch at Homecomin'. I just don't have the time to sit on computer all day trying to navigate a time to eat when Park hopping is a no go right now. I keep thinking, I'm going to Disney and I'm going to starve because I can't get in anywhere to eat. I am not a quick service eater and enjoy many restaurants in Disney Springs.

 

[MomOTwins]

Maybe, maybe not. December is crowded and bars may have a long wait, especially with bar stools 6 ft apart. Have you tried opentable for Homecoming? They have more availability there than the Disney app in my experience.

Bottom line though—I would try to get a reservation if you don’t want quick service. Even if your preferred restaurant is not open, book something and then cancel if the restaurant you want opens up later. And definitely check the night before—that is when people cancel to avoid the same day cancellation fee.

 

[Moliphino]

We made some ADRs day of (Wine Bar George, Terralina, Raglan Road, La Hacienda, Rose and Crown). We tried walking up to Wine Bar George one night and there was a wait list for walkups/bar seating. We did eat at the Hangar Bar twice, they don't do ADRs at all. There was sometimes a short line to get inside. Nomad Lounge now takes names and texts you when you can come in (no advance reservations).

 

[Pens Fan]

We had brunch at Homecoming last Saturday. We had a 10:15 reservation and while we were waiting for our table the hostess was taking walk-ups but advising it was a 30 minute wait. I’d recommend getting there early.

Have you tried making a reservation for 2? We couldn’t get a Wine Bar George reservation for 3 so I made one for 4. It was no problem arriving with only 3 people. I’d think the same applies to a reservation for 2 vs 1. They are seating you at a two top anyway.

 

[Fangorn]

Ok, the teacher in me has to say it...

The phase is "sidle up to the bar" NOT "saddle up to the bar". Sidle means to approach something obliquely. Saddle means, well, to put a riding seat on a horse.

Steve

 

[Dug720]

I'd also try increasing your party size to 2 (or even 4 though that's a last resort and I always will try to modify down). The system seems to be even weirder for odd-numbered, and especially single, parties since reopening. Probably so they can maximize seating. But as long as one person shows up you're not charged a no-show fee.

As others have said, OpenTable has a lot of Disney Springs places - I don't think Homecomin is one of them though.

 

[Drr10]

Homecomin is not on Open Table. I guess I will have to take my chances and try to wing it. I just don't want my every second in Disney to be tied to the clock. It's not like I'm not going back for a while being a DVC member.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Homecoming is one that is hard to get. I've tried since it's been open and haven't gotten it. So I'm sure it's even harder now.

 

[Jennasis]

We have walked up to Homecomin' 3 times now with no reservation (including this past August). Eat at off times.

 

[LizzyDragon]

I had luck at Homecomin' on a slow weekday afternoon. Four of us were looking to sit at the bar- ended up at a table next to the bar. Didn't have to wait at all, and our server was fine with us ordering just drinks.

 

[bakerworld]

When we started going as a party of 2 we found 99% of the time seating at the bar was available. We've had better luck enjoying places then we did trying to make reservations.

 

[SmartyBacon]

.

 

[Moliphino]

When we started going as a party of 2 we found 99% of the time seating at the bar was available. We've had better luck enjoying places then we did trying to make reservations.

Just be aware that right now the capacity is limited, including at the bars. They aren't able to seat as many people as they were pre-Covid. At off-times you'll probably be fine, but I'd expect some waits in the evenings.