Which places require a PS?

[hfehr1s]

We are planning our 1st trip to DL in July and are looking over the different restaurants and such trying to make some dining plans. How is it in DL? Do you HAVE to have PS at some restaurants to even have a chance of getting in (like at some in WDW) ? We are looking at some in Downtown Disney as well, do we really need ps's for those or can you pretty much get in on most days? Is there any hope of getting a character breakfast this close to time?

Just unsure of how the dining situation is at Disneyland compared to WDW?

Thanks for any help!

 

[pixiewings71]

PS are suggested for all TS restaurants, it's always best to know your name is on the list instead of walking up. We've been turned away from Blue Bayou, Cafe Orleans, Carnation Cafe because we did not have PS already.

 

[ukstitch]

It is possible to get in without PS - I managed it at the beginning of October last year at lunchtimes to Blue Bayou, Carnation Cafe and Rainforest Cafe.

However - I did have to wait a little a while for my table and I also noticed at Blue Bayou that people were being turned away shortly after I was allowed into the waiting area.

So - while it's not compulsory, it is definitely recommended as stated above - especially if you have a "must eat" place as without PS, you run the risk of being disappointed.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I think it also depends on the time of year. In the past few summers we could not get in to BB. That one in one of hardest to get in. Last summer we could also not get into Rainforest for lunch. We were told to call a number and try for the next day. She couldn't do it there for some reason. We never did call back.

 

[LavenderPeach]

It also depends on the time of day you go. We went to Cafe Orleans without PS and we just went at 11am when they first opened and got in right away with no problem. Your chances are better if you go around 11 for lunch or 4-5 for dinner to avoid all the crowds but your best bet is to just go ahead and make the PS ahead of time. If you want to wing it then go early and then have a plan B in case you can't get in. We don't always do PS but I was glad we had it for Carnation Cafe a few weeks ago because we were seated right away and there was a line of people without PS who were waiting to get seated. It's such a small restaurant that you really need PS for there unless you don't mind a long wait.

 

[pixiewings71]

Of course it's possible to get seated without PS, we've been able to walk in as well but never in peak season, only in off seasons. Even at Cafe Orleans we were turned away during peak season at 3 in the afternoon.

 

[hfehr1s]

Thanks everyone for the resonses. We will definitely try to make a list and see what seatings we can get.

 

[reynmagsmom]

is the dining phone line open on weekends?