Walking from DHS to Epcot - Restaurant options?

tnmom25

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We're thinking we'll try walking from DHS to Epcot, since we've never done it. It will be around lunch time, so we would also like to try a new restaurant along that walking route. What are our options without a reservation?

Also, opinions on doing that around noon in August? Would it be way too hot to walk? Should we just take a bus instead? Thanks!
 
We're thinking we'll try walking from DHS to Epcot, since we've never done it. It will be around lunch time, so we would also like to try a new restaurant along that walking route. What are our options without a reservation?

Also, opinions on doing that around noon in August? Would it be way too hot to walk? Should we just take a bus instead? Thanks!

Boardwalk would have some choices (HERE,) but attempting to dine (especially at a focused dining time like noon) without a reservation at most any restaurant in prime Disney areas is always taking a chance at best, and a possible time-waster (waiting for a table to be available) at the least.

It will be hot.
If you take a bus, obviously you won't have any opportunity to go to any restaurants "along the route." The bus only runs to Epcot's front gates area.
 
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The Soda Shop at Dolphin is walk up, not a lot of choices but good ice cream.
The Big River Grille (I think that is the name) on BW is walk up, pretty good food and craft beers.
You can always wait until you get to Epcot, loads of options in WS.
We always walk it no matter what time of day or year it is. We were there a couple of weeks ago, stayed at the Dolphin and walked it twice a day a few of the days. Is it hot, yes, there isn't a lot of shade along the route. If it's too hot for you to attempt, you can always take the boat to any of the stops along the way.
 

I second the big river grille-- not a problem getting a table at lunch as most folks are in the parks, and it's right along the boardwalk. The Boardwalk bakery has to-go sandwiches, etc. that you can grab and eat at the tables along the boardwalk too.
 
If it's too hot, you can take the boat. It will stop at Swan/Dolphin, YC/BC and BWI (in that order). At Swan/Dolphin, you can walk up to Fresh and the Fountain (both in the Dolphin). Fresh has salads that you can customize and the Fountain is an ice cream shop with burgers, sandwiches, etc. (they do not take DDP). At YC/BC, you could try walking up to Capt. Grille, but may not get in (you could also check the MDE app before you leave DHS to see if any ADR's are available). At BWI, you can walk up to Big River Grille or ESPN. As others have said, you can also just go into WS and eat there - plenty of great QS and you could most likely grab a last minute ADR in there as well.
 
Don't know where in TN you are from, but in case you didn't know, Big River Grille is original to here. Started right here in Chattanooga. Nashville had a 2nd location (no idea if it's still there) Orlando is their 3rd location. Same general menu though they alter the beers

ESPN doesn't even take ADR outside of lunch M-T so you are fine to walk up there. It's where I recommend, since we can go downtown to Big River anytime we want

We really like the bakery at Boardwalk. It's really nice, but in August it's probably too hot to get a sandwich and sit outside to eat. We like to get breakfast there, watch the water activity. Matter of fact, we'll be doing just that this time next week. :)
 
I vote for The Fountain at the Dolphin. As someone else mentioned, it isn't on the DDP, if that is important to you. I haven't yet tried Big River Grille, but having a nice, cold milkshake with lunch after walking from DHS sounds appealing to me!
 
We always walk to/from DHS when we stay in the boardwalk area, but no way am I doing it at noon in August. Although by noon I already smelled like a goat, so I guess it really wouldn't matter. Just make sure to have some water because the only shade is the underpass about halfway.
 


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