What table service restaurants can we eat at without ADR's?

[jrmo]

We have a couple of "open" spots in our itinerary and I'm wondering where would be good places to get into spur of the moment. Thanks!

 

[disneylvrnMS]

It really all depends on when you are going. What are your dates? During the Free Dining period it will be difficult to get into any where without a reservation.

 

[TaraPA]

Depends when you're going - if it's during free dining then the answer may be - NONE! The last 2 trips (not during free dining) we were able to get into The Plaza & Sci-Fi as a walk-up but that was it. Very off times too I might add. This last trip I tried to get into Liberty Tree Tavern, Le Cellier & Chefs de France as a walk-up (knowing my chances were slim-to-none) & was almost laughed away.

 

[mrzrich]

Certain places don't take ADR's at all like ESPN club and Beaches and Cream.

Others have had success at off the beaten path places like Maya Grill, Trail's End, and Olivia's.

Many of the eateries in DTD are fairly easy to walk up to, especially those not on the DDP.


But my advice for anyone going without an ADR is call before you leave your hotel, or stop at your lobby concierge or guest services at the park. A simple phone call can save you a wasted bus ride, or a trek across a crowded park.

I have made the call at 5:30PM from the exit of the MK for a 6 PM dinner at WCC. Hopped on the boat to WL and was seated immediately. Meanwhile, walk ups were being turned away.

Others have reported similar stories where they walked up to the podium and were told "NO!".....then place a phone call and snag an ADR for 15 minutes later at the same exact restaurant.

Make use of guest service, lobby concierge and the WDW-DINE line for same day ADR's (Even same hour ADR's!)

 

[Lynne M]

It's very difficult to get into theme park restaurants on the spur of the moment. I'd recommend trying resort restaurants, and going at off hours. For instance, we tried to get into Kona Cafe at 5 PM one night, and they were completely booked for the evening and turning people away. We tried again for a late lunch at 2 PM, and got a table right away.

 

[KatMark]

Like the pp's stated, it depends on when you are going. If during free dining, it will be really difficult. We've been the last three years, and last year they had signs up at both the MK and Epcot that all table service establishments were full and to "please try one of our counter service establishments."

 

[suzimar57]

we've been able to get both lunch and dinner at the grand floridian cafe with just an hour's notice each time (duing free dining, too!) - maybe we were simply lucky both times?!

 

[lntsmom]

on the park. Don't count on walking into any restaurant at MK or AK. At the Studios it would be iffy...there was a huge waiting line at SciFi the day we were there, and those were people with ADRs.

At Epcot the Japanese restaurant had openings for dinner as late as 5 p.m. Most of the restaurants there seemed to be taking walk-ups. That said, the crowd sizes seemed small the days we were there.

You might consider making ADRs just in case...and if you decide not to use them, call from in the park to let them know.

 

[mrzrich]

we've been able to get both lunch and dinner at the grand floridian cafe with just an hour's notice each time (duing free dining, too!) - maybe we were simply lucky both times?!

Nope, that's what I'm saying. Sometimes it pays to phone ahead or stop at lobby concierge/guest services even within an hour of when you want to eat. I've had luck doing this as opposed to walking up.

We once called and got "day of" reservations for a party of 8 at Boma. When we got there they were turning walk ups away.

 

[Stacerita]

We've been able to walk up for Le Chef in Epcot, Sci Fi, Marakesh, Tony's and Kona for lunch.

 

[jimmiej]

Marrakesh