Walk-ins at the Restaurants

[Survivor:Disney]

We really want to go to the Garden Grill but I've been unable to get a reservation. Our trip is in 2 weeks. My kids are big Chip and Dale fans and it was awesome character interaction at our last visit.

My plan is to try to be there at opening (4PM) one day and just see if we can get in. I thought that since this is an early dinner time, it may be easier. Is it hard to do this when the place is supposed to be booked up?

I understand we may have to wait. Any ideas on how long a reservation is held before someone is considered a no-show?

Thanks!

 

[Nadjalu]

You can never tell if you will have a wait or if you will be turned away.

It will depend on if the restaurant has had cancellations, how busy they are, no shows, the time of year, if free dining is in affect....all kinds of things.

I can tell you that Disney's rule of thumb is if you are "15mins late" you CAN be considered a no show. But this rule is fast and loose. Meaning popular places you can be denied your adr if you are 1min late. Others go with the 15min rule. Just depends on the host/hostess.

I would say keep trying to get a ressie that way you know for sure...good luck!!

 

[Niki in NJ]

Doesn't hurt to try! Make a back up ADR in case it doesn't work out.

 

[ars0525]

Take the WDW number with you & keep trying it daily. When you check-in at your hotel, try again too. Something may open up!

 

[GeorgeG]

Don't be too easily discouraged. You'd be surprised how many make multiple ADRs and don't show for most of them. There's no guarantee, but get there a bit early and put you name in. That works on all but the busiest days.

 

[MickeyNicki]

My husband is a big believer in just walking up and getting in...and he has been successful at it about 99% of the time...and it makes me insane

One time, lunch at Teppen Edo. I called for days, I checked online for days, nothing open. We arrived at 11:30 and they told us they were booked solid. DH wasnt taking no for an answer

At 11:55 we walked back up to the desk, new CM's this time, he politely asked if they could squeeze us in and they said no problem! We were the second party to be seated.

If you are going to try it I would go for the time they open up.

 

[Forever Fairy]

My husband is a big believer in just walking up and getting in...and he has been successful at it about 99% of the time...and it makes me insane

One time, lunch at Teppen Edo. I called for days, I checked online for days, nothing open. We arrived at 11:30 and they told us they were booked solid. DH wasnt taking no for an answer

At 11:55 we walked back up to the desk, new CM's this time, he politely asked if they could squeeze us in and they said no problem! We were the second party to be seated.

If you are going to try it I would go for the time they open up.

I know for a fact this would never work during Christmas. They book Candlelight Processional packages with dinner so most of the Epcot resorts are booked solid, starting at lunch! I only know because I had tried to get into any TS during that time and was turned away (even from Nine Dragons).

I would think 2 weeks from now is still off season and it would be worth it to try. I'd have a backup plan though - just in case.

 

[sotoalf]

I would suggest trying for lunch instead of dinner.

 

[pigby]

Yes lunch is a good idea - we had a walk up at Le Cellier - it was a late lunch - close to 3pm

 

[~Tonga Wingo~]

The Garden Grill is not open for lunch.

 

[disneygirlmass]

i've never really experienced a problem getting a reservation in disney, as long as you're not there during the busiest weeks of the year...and you can go to the guest services at epcot on the left side of spaceship earth when you get into the park to try and get the reservation

 

[deej696]

Last month, I scored an 8:30 reservation to Le Cellier at 2pm same day. Anythings possible. If you strike out, just get there early and my moneys on you'll get in sooner than you think...

 

[DisneyChula]

I agree with the PP that said to take the number for Guest Services and keep trying.

This was years ago, but I was on a vacation with my family and on our previous two visits we had done Hoop Dee Doo Revue. Well my mother dropped the bombshell on me and my sister that we would be doing the Spirit of Aloha. My sister lost her mind and made my mom feel so guilty that she was changing a "family tradition" that my mother called Guest Services everyday and we were able to get in after a cancellation. My sister still talks about that and she LOVES Chip and Dale!

In the meantime if you can, keep checking daily on the Disney website. You never know if something will pop up! If not, it doesn't hurt to get there early and ask!

 

[newserenity]

Keep checking! Our trip is a week and a half away and I have been beating myself up for missing a Garden Grill ADR. Today several Garden Grill ADRs opened up! If you are determined you will snag one!

 

[MisWal]

I second, third, the keep trying! A bunch opened up today. I have been stalking a particular day/time the third week in May and the perfect time opened up today!

 

[Jeanieblue114]

Keep checking the online reservation system. And do a broad search by putting in "lunch" or "dinner" instead of any specific time.

I find all kinds of hard to get places opening up a couple days out from my trips all the time.

 

[Survivor:Disney]

Thanks for the great tips!

I read these posts and was able to get a reservation at Garden Grill this morning!

There were several times that opened up. I am hoping that it won't be a super busy week since we usually go right after Thanksgiving before Christmas.

I have a Cinderella's Royal Table reservation that I'm hoping to change to a different day. I think I may have luck with that the week before our trip, since it's a "pay in full with a credit card if you don't cancel" meal!