Upcoming trip - 9/28 thru 10/3

[genie1953]

Can anyone tell me what the parks are like lately? Do they seem to be any busier with the free dining plan that was made available? Is it an absolute MUST to make advance reservations for table service restaurants before arriving at the parks? This is my second time at Disney World and my husband's first time. My first time I ate at only the counter service restaurants so will be a new experience for both my husband and I. It is also a first time for staying at a resort hotel (Port Orleans Riverside). Would appreciate any information. Much thanks!!

 

[Marla Hellwig]

I am going to move this over to the Theme Park board where you should receive more answers.

I would suggest if there is a place you really want to eat, you make Advancing Dining Reservations prior to arriving. There are reports for table service (sit down) meals, that some places aren't taking walk ups, or wait times are long to be seated.

 

[i like stitch]

We'll be there at POR during this time, too.

I'm hearing that the value and moderate resorts have limited availability and it's difficult to get ADRs for the more popular restaurants. I'm also hearing that people are being turned away at these places without adr. If there are some restaurants you really want to eat at, go ahead and make the ressies now. If you can't get what you want, keep calling as people make cancellations.

That weekend is the food and wine festival, halloween parties, and free dining. MK's hours have been increased for Oct. 1. My guess is that as that weekend approaches, we'll notice the crowds increasing. I'm preparing for busy parks and will show up with a plan.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We will be there from Sept. 23 - Oct. 4. We were able to get all the ADR's we wanted when we made them at the 90 day mark. We will be staying at POFQ for 6 days and AKL for 5 days.

 

[tink76]

My DH and I will be at POR from September 28 - October 2! We did make AR's in advance. Have a great time! I know we will!

 

[twotommygirl]

We'll be at POR 9/27 - 10/4 and I was just wondering the same thing. I did my my PS arrangements, but it did take a couple of phone calls and some very patient CM help. It seems POR will be one of the more busy places during this time. Is anyone just back now that can give some crowd info?

 

[eeyore45]

We'll be there as well. One of the tips I read is if you cant get your reservations, ask at POR, they have a "concierge" type desk at some of the resorts, and you can call Disney Dining from your room. As mentioned above, if you dont have the Dining Plan, then do plan on eating meals around the World at Epcot ! (Food and WIne Fest!!)

It will be crowded from all indications (REsorts are booked, advanced dining reservations... and posts here!! lol) but it wont be as crowded and HOT as summer!!

Keep in mind also the parks close earlier than summer tho...

 

[twotommygirl]

We'll be at POR 9/27 - 10/4 and I was just wondering the same thing. I did my my PS arrangements, but it did take a couple of phone calls and some very patient CM help. It seems POR will be one of the more busy places during this time. Is anyone just back now that can give some crowd info?