Walkins are Possible if can't get an ADR

[TwoAtDisney]

For those who cannot get ADRs, there is still hope. Don't just ignore the restaurants you want. We've been here 18 days & all of our restaurants have said they take walkins. This a.m. we were at the Studios & even SciFi & Prime Time 50's were taking many walkins, & even large groups.

Granted it would be much easier for 2 people than a large group. Also, be at the restaurant 30-45 minutes before it opens; that's always worked for us. That is when the empty spots are given away. However, it would not be impossible to obtain a walkin spot later on, because some people do not show up.

The only exception is LeCellier; no walkins; I asked at the podium. However, I think they are becoming a DDP 2 pointer (Signature) next year. If so, that should make reservations easier - not necessarily easy, but easier.

Good luck & enjoy.

 

[TDC Nala]

I was at Brown Derby on Monday and they were not taking walk-ins at all. I saw two parties turned away by the desk person who said "reservations only." However, they did allow me to bring in two extra people on my reservation. Outside the area where they give information to guests there was a sign that said all the restaurants were booked. Likely this may have been the fact that everyone was looking for a way to get indoors as it was very cold.

The only exception is LeCellier; no walkins; I asked at the podium. However, I think they are becoming a DDP 2 pointer (Signature) next year.

Only for dinner. Lunch will still be one credit.

Some years ago (after DDP started) I was at the Le Cellier podium on a trip in May when a couple came up and asked when was the soonest possible time they could be seated. The gal at the podium said "August."

 

[drenalin'junkie]

Depends on the season as well.We got Kouzzina coupla months ago but have seen tons of families turned away during busier times at most of the places we've eaten.

 

[GeorgeG]

I called today for an ADR at the studios for Saturday and there were none. I mentioned to the CM that we'd just wing it with a walk-up since so many people book multiple meals and only show up for one. She agreed. We can usually get seated, but there's no guarantee. Since we just need to eat and aren't looking for an 'experience,' we're flexible, even to the point of heading over to DTD, or just snacking to hold us over until we get back home.

 

[TwoAtDisney]

We only go to WDW during 'off seasons'; would think it probably is more difficult to get walkins during high season.

Nala, were you there about 1/2 hour or so before the restaurants opened on Monday? We were at the Studios today & at about 10:30am, walkins were available everywhere.

During this trip (11/27-now), we've found walkins available at Cape May, Narcoossee, Yachtman's, Captain's Grille, Boatwrights, ESPN, WCC, Tutto, Boma, Jiko, etc. But for walkins, we always go 1/2 hour to 45 min. before the restaurant opens.

Julie

 

[ailun86]

We got Kouzzina coupla months ago but have seen tons of families turned away during busier times at most of the places we've eaten.

 

[goofy4prez]

Some years ago (after DDP started) I was at the Le Cellier podium on a trip in May when a couple came up and asked when was the soonest possible time they could be seated. The gal at the podium said "August."

I saw a similar response from the CM at the podium in January 09 at Le'Cellier when someone asked if there was any walkup seating that evening, except the person actually laughed and said, "yea right" not in this lifetime, sorry." I guess this was just another reason I am so tainted in my opinion of Le'Cellier. A simple and professional response of "I'm sorry, there are no tables available tonight," would have sufficed.

 

[Wenda]

In September during free dining we had reservations in Germany. We saw the movie in Canada and DH insisted we see if we could eat dinner there. I said yea right, you be the one to ask. He did and the nice young man at the door went inside to check. He came out and said a family of four was a no show (there were 4 of us). They were holding the table 10 more minutes and after that it could be ours. They didn't show and we had the best meal and best service ever in WDW. We did insist they call and cancel our reservation in Germany, this surprised them because they said most just don't show up and don't bother to cancel.

 

[TwoAtDisney]

Interesting Wenda, especially about most people "just don't show up"! No wonder ressies are so hard to get. Glad you didn't let the Le'Cellier no ressies sway you & you & your family got to enjoy a good meal & good time.

I realize in many restaurants it does not work everytime, but I want to stress the best method for winning the walkins game is to appear at the podium about 30-45 minutes before the restaurant opens - not later into the meal time. Although, if I wanted a restaurant badly enough, I would still try later, just as Wenda successfully did.

What I saw was the "giving away" of the vacant spots for the entire day, not just the meal time beginning when the restaurant opened. For instance, at 50's Prime Time, which showed no availability online or on the phone, we went 30 minutes before it opened for lunch & there was a line at the podium. Many people in front of us were getting ressies for that evening's dinner and also for that day's lunch. We got an immediate table for lunch. IMO, getting ressies this way only makes sense since people's plans change & some are thoughtful enough to call & cancel. I also realize that we were there in slow season & I'm sure high season may not be as "giving", but it is worth a try if it is impossible to get a ressie.

Julie

 

[DisneyBill85]

I saw a similar response from the CM at the podium in January 09 at Le'Cellier when someone asked if there was any walkup seating that evening, except the person actually laughed and said, "yea right" not in this lifetime, sorry." I guess this was just another reason I am so tainted in my opinion of Le'Cellier. A simple and professional response of "I'm sorry, there are no tables available tonight," would have sufficed.

We had reservations right for the lunch openeng at LeCellier last week when we were there. We got there a little early so we were waiting for maybe 10-12 minutes for the staff to get ready. In that time, I saw 7 people come in to ask about walk in service. Each were answered politely that there were nothing available all day. Made me so glad we got our reservations only a month in advance. The meal was absolutely wonderful.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

We had reservations right for the lunch openng at Le Cellier last week when we were there. We got there a little early so we were waiting for maybe 10-12 minutes for the staff to get ready. In that time, I saw 7 people come in to ask about walk in service. Each were answered politely that there were nothing available all day. Made me so glad we got our reservations only a month in advance. The meal was absolutely wonderful.

It is good to hear that the 7 people were treated with respect.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

What I don't understand is how is showing up early and hoping better than making an ADR? I've seen the sign at both MK and Epcot that there were no tables available anywhere in the park, and at MK once, that there was nothing available at the park or any of the MK resorts. Yes, during free dining, but a very slow week.

 

[cymbaldiva]

What I don't understand is how is showing up early and hoping better than making an ADR? I've seen the sign at both MK and Epcot that there were no tables available anywhere in the park, and at MK once, that there was nothing available at the park or any of the MK resorts. Yes, during free dining, but a very slow week.

I wouldn't say it's better, but for me it would be better than an ADR - I'm just not crazy about being tied to a park by reservations.

There are only one or two places I really like to eat, and if I don't get to, so be it. I prefer having flexibility, and with ADRs I don't have it.

Just my .02

 

[cab0ad]

I saw a similar response from the CM at the podium in January 09 at Le'Cellier when someone asked if there was any walkup seating that evening, except the person actually laughed and said, "yea right" not in this lifetime, sorry." I guess this was just another reason I am so tainted in my opinion of Le'Cellier. A simple and professional response of "I'm sorry, there are no tables available tonight," would have sufficed.

My parents and I went to Disney last December and Dad tried walking up to Le Cellier and said that the podium clerk was very rude in answering. I don't remember the exact wording now but he was clearly upset at the tone of the response at the time. He said he'd never try to get in to the restraunt again. Guess that clears up his spot for the rest of the world!

 

[larryz]

... I saw 7 people come in to ask about walk in service. Each were answered politely that there were nothing available all day.

My new game this trip was to stop by the Le Cellier podium every time I went by and inquire about lunch or dinner availability.

I'd wait with my secret smile while they checked the system, after which they'd politely respond that they had no availability. I'd act surprised, then smile and wish them a good day and Merry Christmas.