Super last-minute late August options?

[mikedoyleblogger]

Apologies if this is a duplicative post, I've looked for a definitive answer but haven't been able to find one. My partner and I have the opportunity to do a very last-minute trip to the World for five days over the last weekend of August before Labor Day weekend. We are adventurous eaters, very flexible in terms of table or counter service, and also very flexible in terms of lunch and dinner times. We're OK with going with the flow. So given all that, can you guys give me an idea of what our ADR options might be now, two weeks away, or even same day once we're there? Many thanks!

 

[Hopefully]

No one can really tell you specifically without looking for availability.
That said, your chances are much better than folks who are not so flexible.
In addition, with the cancellation policy now in place, lots and lots of folks now cancel late, even the night before. And you are going at a slower time of year, so that is in your favor as well.
My best advice is to check and keep checking. It is best to have an ADR, even if you make it an hour before you arrive. Lots of reports of folks being turned away as a walk up, but walking away and booking an ADR via the MDE app for 20 minutes later for the exact same restaurant.
Good Luck

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

No one can really tell you specifically without looking for availability.
That said, your chances are much better than folks who are not so flexible.
In addition, with the cancellation policy now in place, lots and lots of folks now cancel late, even the night before. And you are going at a slower time of year, so that is in your favor as well.
My best advice is to check and keep checking. It is best to have an ADR, even if you make it an hour before you arrive. Lots of reports of folks being turned away as a walk up, but walking away and booking an ADR via the MDE app for 20 minutes later for the exact same restaurant.
Good Luck

Thank you! that's good to know. I definitely will be using the MDE app strategically throughout the day. It's going to be too hot to be a turned away walk up in 90°!

 

[loves to dive]

You should have no problems. We never book ADRs in advance and we tend to eat at TS restaurants 4 out of 5 days at WDW. We either go to GS first thing in the morning when we get to a park and have them look up what is available or while walking around decide we want to eat at TS that night and I get on MDE to find something. For us it's easy since we always have PHs and we are two adults (mother and son) so times are no problem, which park is no problem and we like to try new places. If we go to guest services we use one of two strategies. We either ask them to find something in that park for that day/night any time or we ask them to find something during a certain time frame in any park/resort. We have actually had the CMs competing with each other to see who can find us something first (you have to go when they aren't busy for that to happen). We have never not been able to find somewhere to eat the same day we are looking.

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, Also check OPEN TABLE for some of the Disney Springs restaurants. I have been able to book The Boat House and House of Blues last minute thru Open Table. Joan

 

[JennyDrake]

I've had consistently good success getting last minute ADR at Kona Café and the food is very good--a hidden Disney treasure. I've also had success being at any TS that is not a character meal the MOMENT they open. You can also usually get Tusker House, which I find excellent. You should also try for Spice Road. Let us know what you get!

 

[samsteele]

I have also enjoyed Kona Cafe as per the PPs advice. Also try Sanaa at Kidani Village (reasonable lunch . . . def try the bread service to share) & Yak & Yeti in Animal Kingdom. Lunch or early opening dinner may be easier to get. Marrakesh in Epcot usually has open tables for both lunch & dinner because many guests are worried the food will be spicy (it isn't). Check out an online menu & see if it is for you. Lunch at Marrakesh is more reasonable out of pocket.

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

Thank you so much everyone. I'll update with our successes. We'll be at YC Aug 25-30, and really looking forward to it!

 

[burberryplaid]

If you're willing to go a little out of the way The Turf Club at Saratoga Sprongs is great and you should have good luck getting an ADR last minute.

Also, if you want to eat at Disney Springs but can't get an ADR most of the sit downs have reservations available on Open Table in addition through Disney.

 

[TeresaWen]

Trattoria al Forno on the boardwalk had same day reservations in July. Very enjoyable. Nice wine list.

Any restaurant in the swan & dolphin too!

we booked a last minute trip in July and had no issues finding great meals!

The wine bar in Italy in Epcot!