using DDP without ADRs

[grannyed]

We are thinking of staying on-site to make use of the free DDP - have stayed mainly off site in the past. Apart from the character meals which we would want to pre-book - would it be very difficult to find places in the parks for dinner if we were just to turn up.
We would probably book half with ADRs and just wing it with the rest -is that a bad idea?

We just don't want to be 'over organised'

 

[PaulaSB12]

Are there any must have restaraunts? If you want places like Le Cellier I would recommend some adrs.

 

[anthony2k7]

iv wondered this, which table restaurants can you easily just do "walk ups" to and which only allow entry with an ADR?

is it ever possible to just walk into the most poplular (non character or signature) places like Le Cellier, Sci-fi, 50s etc if you're willing to eat at unusual times?

 

[Lizzybear]

I would think the best chance would be to arrive as soon as your chosen place opens and either see if they can seat you then and there or at any point that evening, might be worth a go.

 

[grannyed]

When we were last there - 2006 - we booked le Celier from our villa just 2 days before we ate there and got a good time. This was over Easter and it was quite busy in the parks. I booked all of our character meals in advance CP, Mickey's backyard BBQ, Princess breakfast at Epcot etc... also Victoria & Alberts for a treat our son & his wife whilst we babysat. We managed to just walk up to Rose & Crown....The Mexican place in Epcot and a couple of others at around 6.00ish and were seated quite quickly...just wondered if now that they have the DDP it is harder to 'wing it'

 

[natmart2009]

I have ADR's for every day of our stay we go in Aug at the following
Le Cellier/Chef Mickeys/Raglan Rd/Nine Dragons/San Angel/Sci Fi/Whispering Canyon/Californian Grill/Boma/Planet Hollywood/Coral Reef/Rose and Crown/Crystal Palace

At least we can relax knowing our evening meals are sorted and can spend more quality time in parks without looking round where to eat.

We have never done DDP before but have eaten in a few of the disney restaurants.

 

[Neoshoegal]

When we were in WDW this past January, we managed a few walk ins/on the day reservations (Mama Melrose, Sci Fi dine in and Whispering Canyon are the ones I remember). but this was at a very quiet time of year!
I think Le Cellier would be a though one to get into for an evening, this is going on the experience of me trying to book a table this afternoon for September. I only got it on the 4th date I requested (12 September). The cast member suggested a lunch there would probably be available more easily.
I guess, make a few reservations for the restaurants you don't want to miss out on, and if you're not too picky or a planning freak like me, just try to wing it while you're there.