Sit Down Restaurant Suggestions Please!!!

[marvali]

What sit-down restaurants are least likely to be booked solid with ADRs that you would recommend? We have a short last minute trip planned for a few days around New Year's (I know, I know) and was wondering what restaurants anyone has encountered on their trips that they can usually just walk up and get in? This would be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, either in the parks or at any of the resorts or DTD.

Thanks for the input!!!

 

[MickeyNicki]

What I usually do for last minute trips is narrow down my choices to at least 3 for breakfast, lunch and dinner and see what is open. If you are really flexible that helps out a lot.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

Call Disney dining and see what it open, but book when you find what you want!

 

[dalt01]

What sit-down restaurants are least likely to be booked solid with ADRs that you would recommend? We have a short last minute trip planned for a few days around New Year's (I know, I know) and was wondering what restaurants anyone has encountered on their trips that they can usually just walk up and get in? This would be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, either in the parks or at any of the resorts or DTD.

Thanks for the input!!!

mcdonalds good luck, you will need it. try planet hollywood, garden grill, the plaza restaurant.

 

[webray]

I would plan on eating at off times, if it looks busy.

You can try to get into anyplace you want basically, just walk up and ask if they have space.

Don't forget about the restaurants at the Swan/Dolphin, they are fantastic!

 

[Mick West]

It is getting more difficult without ADR's - but doable. We have been more successful going to some of the resort dining locations and being able to get in without ADR's. Usually on every trip we'll do Downtown Disney, boat over to the Saratoga Springs and have a nice sit down meal - and it's really good!

 

[dalt01]

It is getting more difficult without ADR's - but doable. We have been more successful going to some of the resort dining locations and being able to get in without ADR's. Usually on every trip we'll do Downtown Disney, boat over to the Saratoga Springs and have a nice sit down meal - and it's really good!

very good point about the resort restaurants. Olivia's at OKW and Boatwrights at POR are good and you can usually get in.

 

[jblrn2b]

very good point about the resort restaurants. Olivia's at OKW and Boatwrights at POR are good and you can usually get in.

Plus it seems when I have called the restaurant from my room directly and its a weird time they fit us in. The last two trips we have come home from a Park late and were able to get a Kona table. One night we walked up and a CM recognized us from the night before and sat us down - maybe we were just lucky I don't know.

That being said, I would call the wdw dine number and see what they have - especially if you don't want to eat in the same place all the time.

 

[marvali]

Thanks for the input so far!

We were at OKW this past summer, so Olivia's is definitely a possibility I had in mind, although a rather long trek from AKV where we will be staying. I'm hoping that since the parks will be quite crowded during the time we are there, with fears of not getting back in if you leave on some days, that we will be able to find a special occasion time when we avoid the parks and can get into one of the resort options. I'm hoping we can pull it off to sneak into Boma. All they can say is no.

What about Biergarten in Epcot? We have never tried it there, but with the banquet hall type arrangements, etc. is there any chance we might be able to try it out maybe on Saturday, 1/3? I'm hoping the crowds will thin some with the higher weekend rates and DVC points required to stay.

When we are on WDW time, our schedule is usually very flexible and we seldom eat anything other than breakfast at "typical" times of the day.

 

[robinb]

You may be able to sneak into Boma for breakfast, but forget about dinner!

I would recommend The Wave at the Contemporary. It comes with good reviews and people have said it's been empty. I have also heard very good things about the Grand Floridian Cafe and the Turf Club over at SSR. I would also try the Maya Grill at CSR ... maybe it won't be booked solid but the reviews are iffy. Some restaurants like the ESPN Club and the Big River Brewery don't take reservations. Raglan Road might also still be open.

ETA: You may also want to keep an eye on the two ADR Cancellation Threads for Dec and Jan:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1802378
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1875342

People are canceling ADRs all the time, especially their extras ... I got my NYE ADR last year at Mama Melrose just about this time of the year.