Table service options on short notice?

[Vexorg]

I'm at Disney World now, and the lack of ADRs in my planning is making it a bit tough to find decent food in the parks (and the food prices at the Hilton where I'm staying are so ridiculous as to make eating in the parks look cheap in comparison.) Aside from the stuff in DTD, what other good table service places might I be able to get into on short notice or on standby (if I'm hungry enough, I'll probably just wait.)

 

[septbaby]

Resort restaurants are your best option:
Grand Floridian Cafe
Captain's Grille at the Yacht Club

Character Breakfast or Lunch at Hollywood & Vine at DHS

Spoodles at the Boardwalk (maybe)
ESPN Club does not take ADRs, walk up only
Beaches & Cream does not take ADRs, walk ups only

Always stop at Guest Services at any park when you arrive to try to arrange an ADR for the day.

Good luck!

 

[Alva218]

I agree to keep checking daily. You may want to try for the Plaza at MK, the German restaurant at Epcot, the Maya Grill, or Tusker House. I hope that you're enjoying your trip anyways.

 

[fla4fun]

If you know which park you are going to the next day, call the evening before and see what might be available. I think they can check at Guest Relations in the parks, as well as at the podiums at the restaurants (although I wouldn't bug them if they were busy).

I've had good luck at the Plaza at MK, and I've had good luck at most of the WS restaurants at Epcot (except Le Cellier, although I've seen a few walk ins right when they open during slower times).

 

[jack hannah bananah]

Try just going to the restaurant and seeing if anything is available. We have been able to do this several times when we were told through Disney Dining it was sold out.
The Boardwalk is a great area. I have walked up to the Big River Grille and Brewery several times.
Beaches and Cream at Beach Club doesn't take reservations.
Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club) and Artists Pointis (Wilderness Lodge) are two you might try. They are more expensive than others, but that makes it easier to get in.

We once had a reservation at Coral Reef in Epcot for 3:00 (couldn't get anything earlier), but we were hungry so we thought we would try at 1:00. We waited 15 minutes and they sat us - this was during Easter week.

I wouldn't waste your time trying at the big ones - Chef Mickey, Le Cellier, etc.

Good Luck

 

[Hootch]

Biergarten, Whispering Canyon for lunchor Grand Floridian for lunch. Call Disney dining and ask what they have open for a particular day and be flexible.

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

In August, we called the dining reservations line and got into The Wave at The Contemporary that afternoon without a problem. It was relatively quite in the restaurant, and the food was very good! Just call the reservations line and see what they can get you! Good luck!

 

[Lmichele]

I'm at Disney World now, and the lack of ADRs in my planning is making it a bit tough to find decent food in the parks (and the food prices at the Hilton where I'm staying are so ridiculous as to make eating in the parks look cheap in comparison.) Aside from the stuff in DTD, what other good table service places might I be able to get into on short notice or on standby (if I'm hungry enough, I'll probably just wait.)

Just call dinning and see what’s available. Say...I'll be in MK tomorrow what table service do you have available between 5:00 and 6:00. They will be able to look at all the restaurants for you.

 

[MickeyNicki]

You can call the Disney Dining line and find out, that would be the easiest way. When we are at WDW it is how we change up our plans...you can find out what is open at the time you want at the resort or park you want.

 

[Brian Noble]

I've had good success calling the night before, or even the same day. You can also visit guest relations in any park and ask what's available---I got literally a last-minute lunch ADR at Brown Derby on Memorial Day this year that way.

 

[engle]

Try the restaurants at the Swan and Dolphin as well....Garden Grove even has a character breakfast on weekends!! Also, if you like sushi, Kimonos is always an option as is Fresh for breakfast or lunch. Also, if you are going to try to walk up, go right when they open for that meal....you'll have better luck. Or go really late for that meal is usually a possibility too.

 

[mandi5379]

Here's a vote for the Boardwalk... We love Spoodles!

 

[ms*mountaineer]

Just ask Disney dining what's available and they'll help you find something. I was surprised, but Tutto Italia had empty tables when we were there last week. And we had gotten that ADR just a few hours earlier!

 

[gigi1313]

i've heard some great things about the restaurant(s) at shades of green... it's a short walk from the poly and it's very reasonably priced (by normal, not disney, standards!)

 

[Disney MAINEiac]

If you like sushi I highly recommend Kimonos at the Swan. we walked right in at about 8:30PM and had the best food and most fun we've ever had during a meal at disney (character meals included)

we were also able to walk into Brown Derby at lunch time and had a great lunch, grapefruit cake Yum!

 

[ededmd]

i've heard some great things about the restaurant(s) at shades of green... it's a short walk from the poly and it's very reasonably priced (by normal, not disney, standards!)

apparently you have to have proper military credentials for this one though.
per their FAQ:

Q:
Can I dine in your restaurants even if I do not hold a reservation at Shades of Green?


A:
Yes. You will be asked to provide a valid military ID to access Shades of Green property.

 

[IllumFan]

We've stayed at the Boardwalk and had great luck with Spoodles, Captain's Grille at the Yacht Club (very good food and quiet) and Big Grille Brewing works for walkups.