Which TS Restaurants don't require ADR & Have good experience

[mom2randj]

My kids will be 12 and 14 and aren't really into characters any more. Also, since this is only our 2nd trip to Disney we really want to get the "full experience of Disney" as we don't go every year.

I would say our priorities in order: 1) Atmosphere/Experience and 2) Good food.

The TS we are considering (in no particular order and I realize we will be cutting down this list) are as follows). Would you add or delete any? Any that we could wing it without having to do an ADR??

Ohana's (MUST do if it's not under construction)
Via Napoli
San Angel
Raglan Road
Coral Reef
Boma
Sci Fi
Be Our Guest
Kona
ESPN - DS is a sports nut
Columbia HH
Whispering Canyon

 

[purple figment]

If you know for certain you want to eat at a particular restaurant it is best to make a reservation as soon as possible. If you wait until the last minute there is no guarantee that anything will be available. It looks like you are going in October which is busy because of F&W Festival, Halloween parties and potentially free dining. If your dates coincide with free dining, the TS restaurants tend to get booked and it may be harder to find last minute openings.

-Definitely get reservations for 'Ohana, Be Our Guest and Coral Reef.
-Sci Fi will seat walk ups at the picnic tables in the back so if you want to sit in a car you will need a res.
-Raglan Road: call directly or use Open Table to make a res.
-ESPN doesn't take reservations and Columbia HH is a counter service so no res.

-

 

[houstonmama]

Agree w/PP If your ticker is right and you're going in October again. I would add that Kona can be busy for breakfast if you wanna eat at like 8 & we've never been able to walk-up to Sci-fi, always need a ressie.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Many restaurants turn away walk ups in general. They could be partially empty and still turn away guests

What some have success w is trying to reserve day of or day before

Good luck!

 

[Nancyg56]

October was really busy restaurant wise last year. I would not chance any of the restaurants teh previous poster listed without an ADR unless you are prepared to be turned away.

 

[sssteele]

We've had very good luck walking up at non-peak times. Check the hours they serve lunch and dinner then go close to the end of lunch or the start of dinner.
Usually a little slower time in many restaurants. This can be very nice if it's a lunch buffet and they add items for dinner...we've been told to help ourselves to the new offerings as well.

Enjoy your trip

 

[cybershmecky]

I have seen people successfully use the walk up window at crystal palace at 5pm in September and get a time for an hour away. I realize this is a character meal but the food is good and the location is even better.

 

[ThistleMae]

I've been to Rainforest Café without a reservation, with no issue. But...it was not during a peak time. If you really want to make sure you are set....make reservations. T-Rex is also a very good restaurant with lots choices.

 

[dpswift]

My daughters wanted to go out for dinner at the last minute on a rainy night during FD last year. I was shocked by all the openings at that time. Just make an ADR before you head into the restaurant. I have seen people post that they have been turned away walked out made an ADR and were taken right away.