Walk ups for 2?

[Montegut]

We'll definitely be making ADRs for restaurants we want to eat at, but wondering if it is possible to walk up to a restaurant midday for a TS meal. We'll have the deluxe dining plan, and I understand we can use our meals for counter service, but if we happen to be in the area of a TS restaurant and wouldn't mind the chance to sit down and have a meal, is there a chance we'd be able to do this?

We'll only be a couple, and I'm hoping since we'll have a small party, they'll be able to fit us in.

Thanks for any info!

 

[TDC Nala]

Completely depends on how busy the restaurant is at the time you choose to walk up. I don't think party size enters into it except in specific seating-configuration exceptions like the Sci Fi Cafe. There's no way to say whether you will be able to or won't be able to, but the odds are better at the restaurants that aren't ultra-poplar.

 

[aubriee]

As a solo I've been turned away at Sci Fi and Brown Derby, but seated at 50's Prime Time, Yak & Yeti, LTT, Chef's de France, Tony's, Via Napoli, Raglan Road, Rose & Crown, Olivia's, and GF Cafe at lunch. I've also been seated at Kouzzina's for breakfast and Flying Fish, Maya Grill, and WGP's for dinner. It just depends on how busy the restaurant is that day if they are taking walk ups or not.

 

[mom2rtk]

I can't imagine paying for the deluxe dining plan and taking a chance on not getting into a TS restaurant to fully utilize the the credits I paid for.

 

[Forever Fairy]

Also, I think it will be difficult at the Epcot resorts due to the CP packages. They are usually booked solid until very late at night and sometimes there is no availability at all. DH and I tried to walk up a few years ago and it was impossible. We ended up going to DTD that day instead.

 

[TDC Nala]

Also, I think it will be difficult at the Epcot resorts due to the CP packages. They are usually booked solid until very late at night and sometimes there is no availability at all. DH and I tried to walk up a few years ago and it was impossible. We ended up going to DTD that day instead.

Per her other posts, the OP's trip is in October 2012, before the CP packages start taking up space in the restaurants.

 

[Montegut]

I'm guessing Candlelight Processional packages?

We'll be going Columbus Day week.

I wonder, though, will the TS restaurants in Epcot be less crowded during Food and Wine, as people will be eating at the booths, and perhaps attending concerts?

 

[Missyrose]

If you're 10 1/2 months out, why don't you plan out which restaurants you're interested in and make the ADRs at your 180 mark? That would take the guesswork out of it and you'll make much more efficient use of your DxDP.

We'll be there next Columbus Day too! Have fun planning.

 

[TDC Nala]

I'm guessing Candlelight Processional packages?

We'll be going Columbus Day week.

I wonder, though, will the TS restaurants in Epcot be less crowded during Food and Wine, as people will be eating at the booths, and perhaps attending concerts?

If this year was any indication, no, they won't be less crowded just because of the festival. There was free dining for most of the month. Guests on free dining, or who paid for the dining plan, still need to book restaurants.

 

[ohiotinkfan]

My DD and I walked into Chef Mickey's on Turkey Day! Wow, I was totally shocked, it was 5:15 but we just walked in!!!! Anything is possible.....

 

[ArRzrbk]

We just got back, and I saw group after group, couple after couple, turned away. I specifically remember that happening several times at Coral Reef (which we really enjoyed). I do know chances of getting into Cape May are fairly good. We stayed at Beach Club Villas for part of our trip, and the front desk confirmed that they do take walk-ins.

I personally think they restaurants should still take walk-ins, if they are willing to wait for a table. I am sure there are still no shows, even with the new policy. BTW...It is $10 per person for a no show, not $10 per party. That can get really expensive.

It is hard to stick to a touring plan exactly as you planned it. We had several issues on our trip (husband sick with fever, change of parks, too tired to stay up and go to park for fireworks, etc.). It was very hard to to make our reservation times at times. When I tried to change one reservation within the 24 hour window, you would have thought I asked for the moon! I am sure the spot would have been snatched up, but... We had to eat there anyway. I couldn't afford the $40 fee.

I would not chance walk-ins, if I could avoid it, but I would choose my restaurants and times very carefully, and be sure and cancel or change within the allowed timeframe (24 - 48 hours).