Week Before Christmas - Advice

[CBMom01]

Hi all! We’ll be at WDW the week before Christmas and like some others I’m getting worried about crowds.

My fiancé’s one request is that we don’t have to be tied to ADRs. I thought it might feel liberating to not have to manage them but now I don’t know. I’m worried that without reservations we’re going to struggle with QS waits. What do you guys think?

For all but one trip, I’ve used Park Hoppers and go to Epcot for dinner most nights. That’s our plan this time. Walk to WS and nosh around the world. Is it naive to think that will work at a really busy time?

 

[SteveH]

I'd try to find some compromise. Without some ADRs you could be facing a lot of Disney "burgers". My thought would be to compromise and have one ADR each day. Plus, use OpenTable for locations that take it; Disney Springs & SwanDolphin, etc.

 

[CBMom01]

I'd try to find some compromise. Without some ADRs you could be facing a lot of Disney "burgers". My thought would be to compromise and have one ADR each day. Plus, use OpenTable for locations that take it; Disney Springs & SwanDolphin, etc.

Ooh! I didn’t realize S/D restaurants were on OT. I use it for Disney Springs.

 

[SteveH]

Ooh! I didn’t realize S/D restaurants were on OT. I use it for Disney Springs.

Some of them are, Kimmno's isn't though.

 

[stranger706]

We’ll be there the same week. I would definitely recommend at least booking a sit down lunch everyday. And then wing it for dinner at Epcot.

 

[loves to dive]

We have been a couple of times that week and had no problems making same day ADRs. Since you have hoppers and are adults, the time shouldn't be a problem since you can eat at off times like later in the evening. I usually start looking around 1 in the afternoon for that night. We were there in Sept. and I was there in April and still - post Covid - had no issues finding somewhere to eat and never ate at QS. I did do a lot of snacking at F&G and F&W booths both trips also did HBD and Nomad Lounge which are smaller meals. We love Spice Road Tables at Epcot, which in all my years of going I've never had a problem just walking up to and getting seated. I've also found the resorts have some pretty good options. Push comes to shove, the Fountain at the Dolphin is great and almost always has walk up seating with no wait.

 

[CBMom01]

We have been a couple of times that week and had no problems making same day ADRs. Since you have hoppers and are adults, the time shouldn't be a problem since you can eat at off times like later in the evening. I usually start looking around 1 in the afternoon for that night. We were there in Sept. and I was there in April and still - post Covid - had no issues finding somewhere to eat and never ate at QS. I did do a lot of snacking at F&G and F&W booths both trips also did HBD and Nomad Lounge which are smaller meals. We love Spice Road Tables at Epcot, which in all my years of going I've never had a problem just walking up to and getting seated. I've also found the resorts have some pretty good options. Push comes to shove, the Fountain at the Dolphin is great and almost always has walk up seating with no wait.

I used to like Spice Road but had a bad experience in 2019. Going to give it another try this trip. I really love that patio.

 

[loves to dive]

I used to like Spice Road but had a bad experience in 2019. Going to give it another try this trip. I really love that patio.

They only have small plates right now but we still love it. Sorry you had a bad experience, we have never had a bad one there but it can happen at any restaurant so I'm not surprised. We (my son, his SO and their baby and I) were there the week after Labor Day. We walked up to Spice Road around 3 or 3:30 (we hopped over from MK) and got a table right away outside. We ordered the sampler, naan spreads and Tiropitakia for the table and there was more than enough food. The sangria there is great. Back in the before times, I always enjoyed talking to the CMs since I know a little Arabic and it was fun to see their eyes light up.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Hi all! We’ll be at WDW the week before Christmas and like some others I’m getting worried about crowds.

My fiancé’s one request is that we don’t have to be tied to ADRs. I thought it might feel liberating to not have to manage them but now I don’t know. I’m worried that without reservations we’re going to struggle with QS waits. What do you guys think?

For all but one trip, I’ve used Park Hoppers and go to Epcot for dinner most nights. That’s our plan this time. Walk to WS and nosh around the world. Is it naive to think that will work at a really busy time?

I’m not sure that really long QS lines are a problem with the exception of some of the holiday stalls. You should be fine snacking around the WS in general. Still, I would make at least two ADRs for the chance to sit down and relax within your stay.
Your other option is to use the new virtual queue lines to grab a reservation at will.