How Busy are the Restaurants Now?

[Animaniac93-98]

The last two times I went to WDW, the free dining plan was being offered so naturally all the restaurants were packed and it was hard to get a table (even if attractions were empty).

This time I'm going (early March which was quite a surprise for me the other day) the dining plan option is not a "free" add-on and I hear more people are bringing their own food to save on $ plus bookings are also down. Given this info, and the fact that it's before spring break, how busy will the restaurants be? Would a walk in for 1 be hard to get? (excluding the obviously busy, mandatory reservations places)

 

[betteratmk]

we arrive March 1, and I tried to push our reservation back at Chef Mickey's but wasn't able to. Hope our flight lands in time!

 

[KC82271]

I called yesterday for my 90 day ressies. Totally forgot the Chef Mickey wasn't 90 but 180 - and there were only 2 available seatings the nights I wanted to go. But with a 3 year old, 8:10 and 8:25 just didn't cut it. I have been able to walk in to Chef Mickey during that same week in the past, but not this time!

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Well I didn't mean character meals and other obvious mandatory reservation places, I meant more the restaurants in Epcot, MK, DHS. For example if I was by myself and wanted to walk in to Chefs de France and ask for a seat would I be more likely to get it now that the Dining Plan is not "free" and more people are binging their own food?

 

[Monty]

In March you may be able to sqeeze in here and there, but DDP is still popular even when it's purchased and has created a fairly heavy demand on TS restaurants. I'd say most resort restaurants, except character meals and maybe Boma or V&A, you'll be OK to try walk-up. You might have a wait , but you're not likely to be turned away. Restaurants in the parks seem to be almost all booked solid almost all year round, regardless of if DDP is free or paid. You can always try, but be prepared to settle for CS if you can't get walk-up. :shrug:

I'll be doing mostly CS in two weeks, but that won't stop me from trying an occasional walk-up. Nornmally, I have all my meals plotted out many months before a trip, but this will be my first solo trip and if I have to settle for CS I'll be fine. When DS is with me, I don't like to take the risk.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Thanks Monty.

Last time I was at WDW I was able to get a walk in at Tony's (although I think I was rushed along to make more space, plus I think they gave me the dinner not lunch menu) but everything else was pretty busy.