Showing up early for a dinner reservation

[sudokujesus]

I have a reservation at Teppan Edo at 740pm and want to get a decent spot to watch the Fireworks at 9 (This is for a Monday night in mid September so park crowds should be lighter than they are in the summer I suppose?).

In any event, I think we will be okay eating a quickish dinner and seeing the Fireworks, but I anticipate an hour or two of downtime prior to our reservation. What happens if we checked in at 630 or 7 and they had a table open. Is that just not even a possibility? Would they seat us early?

 

[Hakunamatata]

If they are busy as in no earlier availability they may not let you check in early. Teppan Eddo is not a good place to catch a quick meal.

 

[NeedMoreMickey]

I think trying to get an earlier ADR would be a better idea than hope they can take you early. With 7:40 ADR I wouldn't be surprised if you miss some of the fireworks.

 

[mousehockey37]

We had a 7:30-40ish reservation at Teppan Edo in January. When we left the restaurant, literally the dialogue ended and the first shell went up.

Teppan Edo meals are lengthy.... but sooo worth it

I'd make a choice. Either fireworks or Teppan Edo. You have a very slim to none chance of getting seated early at TE. We've always arrived early and were given a pager as our "table" was already set up by the restaurant.

Remember, at TE you don't eat just by yourself, there are other guests with you and the chef.

 

[Cowboy Steve]

I think trying to get an earlier ADR would be a better idea than hope they can take you early. With 7:40 ADR I wouldn't be surprised if you miss some of the fireworks.

Ditto. It only takes a few minutes online each day to check for an earlier ADR. When you get within 2-3 weeks of your visit there will probably be some earlier times open up. I have had pretty good luck changing ADRs within a month of our previous trips. I am always ready with the daily itinerary 180 days out to make our ADRs, but over 6 months plans can change... lol!

 

[PMC0849]

We've had mixed results with checking in early. Half the time you sit there and wait until your reservation time, the other half they seat you right away. September is also Food and Wine season so Epcot will be busier than you might expect.

 

[Minnie Mum]

I wouldn't hold your breath at getting seated early. You're more likely to be told to come back at your ADR time. Not only is it F&W season, but Free Dining. Most Restaurants wil have little availability ( based on previous years). Better to stalk the site for an earlier ADR.

 

[ninjaprincesst]

They always seem to be running behind and if you attempt to check in even a few minutes early they will make you come back at your time. Last year we had a 7:20 ADR and when we left the park was already closed.

 

[DarthVader]

What happens if we checked in at 630 or 7 and they had a table open.

I think many people try what you want to do, and they also have walk ons waiting for a table, so if you have a reservation at 7:40 and they have a bunch of people already waiting 40 minutes, they'll give them the table and you wait until 7:40.

I've shown up early on various Disney reservations and only once did we get seated before our reservation. I've actually had the inverse, get there on time, but yet have to wait 40 minutes.