Walk-ins

[FlightlessDuck]

In general, we make ADR's. We successfully walked in to Sci-Fi last July for lunch, but we had a "UFO table" (circle picnic table in the back).

Some of the lesser-known and less popular places should be available. I think I saw quite a few walk ups at Rainforest Cafe for breakfast in late June this year. But don't except to be able to get a character dinner, Le Cellier, California Grill, etc.

 

[MYD714]

In 2008 I went with friends and was constantly changing our ADRs. I was able to change just about all the ADRs for what I wanted, although we were with kids and didn't eat anywhere like LeCellier. We even were able to do a walk-in at Crystal Palace with only a 15 minute wait during an intense rain storm.

That being said, I no longer go without ADRs. I like knowing that I have at least one TS meal planned. I hate the "where do you want to eat?" moment and I like to know where I'm going.

 

[MHSweb79]

Instead of relying on walk-ups, you can check with Guest Services at your resort or at the parks in the morning to see which restaurants have openings. Otherwise you could waste a LOT of time trying to get a walkup, and you may never get one. I know during free dining, pretty much every place we had ADR's for had signs posted saying "no walk-ins accepted." At Mama Melrose, the waiting area was PACKED and they were turning away anyone without an ADR, but inside the restaurant I'd say at least half the tables were empty, so you really can't go by that as an indicator.

I can recommend Kona at the Poly- we saw walk-ins accepted for both breakfast and dinner, and it was during free dining. Ohana, on the other hand, had been booked solid for several months and were turning away anyone without an ADR, even right before opening.

 

[budbeerlady]

IF you choose NOT to make ADRs - there is a board near guest services in Epcot that listed what was available and if it was for lunch or dinner. Then they could make the ADR for you IF you wanted for later in the day. I would assume all the parks could do this for you but I saw the board a couple of times at Epcot.

Otherwise your chances for walkups might be pretty slim. Each trip we see upset people being turned away, Disney recommends that you make ADRs for a reason.

 

[evaready51]

We have had a lot of success as walk in's. Le Cellier 5:30PM...had to wait just 20 minutes, Chef's of France, Prime Time Cafe & Turf Club...I hostess once told me they have many people who makes ADR's then no-show..so be adventurous

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

In December 2008 on the same day myself and 3 of my friends from Orlando walked into Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch and we walked into 50's Prime Time Cafe for dinner. I should also mention that a few days before when I tried getting ADR's for any restaurant in the Magic Kingdom I was told they were not available, however after giving a name at Liberty Tree Tavern we got seated 5 minutes later. We also waited 5 minutes to be seated at 50's Prime Time Cafe.