Walk-Ups in early December

[FosterChild]

We will be in the parks for a few days pre-cruise next December. I don't want to over plan, since we only have 3 1/2 days to tour, so do not think I'll make any ADRs. What do you think our chance are of having a table service meal or two during that time?

 

[TDC Nala]

I personally do not believe anyone should count on walk-ups during this period (even though you're talking about over a year from now). If there's a place you really want, or if you are going to be on the dining plan, you should probably make reservations. If you're really flexible, and you don't mind doing things like going to out-of-the-way restaurants, choosing late dinners or early lunches, or eating in bars and lounges that serve the full restaurant menu, you might have more luck. If you're not going to be on the dining plan, you could also try restaurants that don't accept it (more are at Swan/Dolphin or Downtown Disney).

 

[estherhead]

We went for free dining in 2007. We had ADR's but had some issues & had to cancel a few. I would call in the a.m. and asked for availablility for that day. The only places we couldn't get a TS was at AK and DHS. But Epcot, the resorts, DTD all had TS's available every morning.

I'm not sure about a walk-up, though. That could be frustrating to be walking all over WDW looking for a TS. And you REALLY have to not care where you eat. We ended up at Tony's and Nine Dragons. Which we loved both, would go back again no prob.

But if you go this easy going direction, no whining when you don't get Le Cellier at five o'clock as a walk up. ;-)

 

[2binak]

Early December was when we first found out about the importance of ADR's. You can walk up to some places in Epcot, but they may not be your 1st, 2nd or 3rd choice. I would do like a pp said and call the morning of or even the day before. Many people cancel ADR's as they get closer to the day and finalize their plans.

 

[fla4fun]

A lot depends on whether they offer free dining in December, like they are this year. When they offer free dining, then it's much harder to get a walk in anywhere.

However, I'm a spontaneous person who doesn't like to think about dining until I get hungry, so I would agree that you should call the night before or day of and see what's available. You may not get your first choice, either time or restaurant, but you should be able to get something. Your best bet for walkups, should you decide to go that route, will be resort restaurants for late breakfast or for lunch, when many people are already in the parks.

 

[antmaril]

Because of the Free Dining offer this year, I think you should have some ADR's in place. You can always cancel.

 

[wdwfan1]

We are going this year. I booked my ressies at 90+10 and could not get everything I wanted. I am still trying to fill the gaps. However, I do see some availability at restaurants I am not interested in.

My advice is to try to book something you know you will like for at least a meal or two and wing it the rest of the way. You can usually find ressies at some of the resort locations when there are none elsewhere.

Have a wonderful trip.