Sci fi without reservations?

[DJP1201]

Do you absolutely need reservations? Or, can you walk up and wait a bit?

 

[DisBuckMan]

It's one of the most popular restaurants on property, for whatever reason (not a fan).

Walk-ups, while not impossible, are very few and far between.

 

[HopperFan]

There is a tiny chance you can, they do have "picnic tables" at the back for walk ups. They have laminated pictures on the podium that shows "cars" and it says ADR and it shows "picnic" table and it says walkup. I guess so walkups understand. I guess you could get very double lucky, they say yes and they place you in back of car as hitchhikers. But the last few time we went they were turning them away. The restaurant usually runs late even for those with ADRs.

Note: We did walk up once many years ago and sat at the picnic table, and it was fine.

 

[eeyoresmom]

I've had luck for 2 people showing up just before they open at 11.

 

[MrsDuck]

VERY unlikely. Even more unlikely if you want to sit in a car.

 

[melanielll]

I am always of the opinion that is doesn't hurt to try on this. I have seen people get into BOG and Ohana without reservations and without long waits. If you are in the area - try it.

 

[CogsworthTN]

This is a popular restaurant in Hollywood Studios. For one of our trips it was booked when we checked in at front for a walk in. However, as we were walking away I checked MDE reservations and was able to secure us a reservation 20 minutes later. My advice is to try to walk in but also check multiple times for cancellations.

 

[OKW Lover]

We've done it several times. Best chance is to get there before noon for lunch or late afternoon but before 4:30 pm.

 

[The Foolish Mortal]

I've done it twice for lunch without reservations. Both times it was a party of two and we waited about 35 minutes each time

 

[EsmeraldaGirl]

Do you absolutely need reservations? Or, can you walk up and wait a bit?

I think it depends on when you’re going. Most of the time you need a reservation, but I’ve walked in as well when the park is slow.

 

[KimBean]

Do you absolutely need reservations? Or, can you walk up and wait a bit?

When are you going? I have an ADR for 11/30 for 5 people and at 184 days I could only get a 2:55. After I got that there was not one ressie for the whole day even for 2 people. I have had a TP and mouse dining reservation finder on this because I wanted either a lunch time or dinner time and haven't heard one peep. I've also checked probably 100 times. I think this restaurant has become even more popular with the lack of QS. You can try but I would have other plans too.

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

Possible mid day 3:00-4:00 if your really nice

 

[married2mm]

Sci-fi diner

My experiences:

did not know ADR's existed-we walked up-got served quickly-had yummy food.

...Following year -still unaware of ADR rules until we tried to go and told by a very snooty cm 'these tables are booked at 180 days out'
Consider me schooled and intrigued - booked for the following year (at 180 days out!)

...We promptly arrived waited for ages to be seated
Waited for ages to be served
Food was ugh

...many years later booked again for the sweet potato fries
Arrived to discover the menu had changed the day before
Food meh

Price was ridiculous considering what we ate/the quality of food
However; I do like the setting


I would not go if expecting anything amazing

 

[starousse]

When I was there in Feb, I saw many walk-ups being turned away.

 

[DJP1201]

We have reservations for Mama Melrose, but this place looks a little more fun.

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

Better food than BOG

 

[DrunkJam]

I'm currently trying to swap a 5:55 Sci fi for a 4pm Sci fi ADR. I can't, there is NOTHING available. So, I am imagining that getting a walk up would be nigh on impossible.

 

[gharter]

Depends on a lot of variables.
How busy is the park and the time of year you are going.
Are you trying to eat at a peak time or an off time. Off times, walk ups frequently work. Peak time, very little chance.
If you really want to eat there, my suggestion is get and ADR. If you can't, put it on touringplans reservation finder.