What's the possibility?

[d'Isigny]

Because of the popularity of the Disney Dining Plan, most restaurants are booked well in advance and it's seems even difficult to get a reservation 80 days out at some establishments. It used to be that you could do walk-ins if you got into the parks early enough and made a reservation, but that seems changed.

Has anyone been able to get a walk-in these days? Is it still possible?

 

[xdan0920]

Yes, it is possible. It is very rare though, most places have half the tables empty because they are holding places for priority seating, but depending on the CM at the door, they may let you in. I have had that happen a couple of times on my last trip. We called Tutto Italia in the morning to try and make a reservation and they said they were all booked up, we stopped by at around 7 and just asked for a table for 2 and they let us right in.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

If you don't go during one of the busier seasons, it is still possible to get day of reservations. When I was there in January, I only made 2 reservations for the 5 days I was there. I was able to get 3 others day of (and one was just a walk up) without a problem. You might not get exactly what you want, but during slower and moderate times you might be able to get something.

 

[d'Isigny]

Cool! Good to know... wanted to go to Sci-Fi for lunch and they said they were all booked up...was hoping a walk-in was possible

Yes, it is possible. It is very rare though, most places have half the tables empty because they are holding places for priority seating, but depending on the CM at the door, they may let you in. I have had that happen a couple of times on my last trip. We called Tutto Italia in the morning to try and make a reservation and they said they were all booked up, we stopped by at around 7 and just asked for a table for 2 and they let us right in.

 

[d'Isigny]

In the past...I always made my reservations the day before from the Resort

If you don't go during one of the busier seasons, it is still possible to get day of reservations. When I was there in January, I only made 2 reservations for the 5 days I was there. I was able to get 3 others day of (and one was just a walk up) without a problem. You might not get exactly what you want, but during slower and moderate times you might be able to get something.

 

[cdunbar]

Yeah I totally understand, we tried to make reservations at Le Celliar a few weeks back for may 18th and the reservations lady said they were booked for the next 90 days. I asked her about walk up and she was like it is a definite possibility so we're goin with it.

 

[DizneyPryncess]

My husband and I got a CRT ressie the day beforehand once. We walked up to Liberty Tree Tavern twice, Kona Cafe, Sci Fi & Garden Grille on different trips and were able to be seated. So yes, it is possible. It's less likely during free dining times & busy seasons, but still possible. Even if you call that morning & ask, it wouldn't hurt since people cancel all the time.

 

[d'Isigny]

We had the same problem...all booked...so, I'm going to try...

Yeah I totally understand, we tried to make reservations at Le Celliar a few weeks back for may 18th and the reservations lady said they were booked for the next 90 days. I asked her about walk up and she was like it is a definite possibility so we're goin with it.

 

[d'Isigny]

I'm going to try that... thanks

My Disney Babe will probably tell me I'm throwing off the schedule because she made all the reservations... but I really wanted Le Celliar

My husband and I got a CRT ressie the day beforehand once. We walked up to Liberty Tree Tavern twice, Kona Cafe, Sci Fi & Garden Grille on different trips and were able to be seated. So yes, it is possible. It's less likely during free dining times & busy seasons, but still possible. Even if you call that morning & ask, it wouldn't hurt since people cancel all the time.

 

[Master Yoda]

I hate to be a naysayer but everyone has a story, myself included, of a last minute ADR or walk up at a popular restaurant. The reality of the situation is however quite different. I have done more than my fair share of last minute trips and the probability of getting into many of the popular restaurants at WDW is very low. I am not saying do not try to make a last minute ADR or try for walk up availability but have a concrete back up plan. If you want to eat at Le Cellier and nothing is available make and ADR somewhere close by like RnC and then try for Le Cellier. If you can't get in you have a back up ready to go.

 

[RussJT]

The last time we made a last minute decision was a few years ago. We added a breakfast a Boma the day before without any problem. Not exactly a walk-up, but close enough.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Monday May 12, 2008 11am... my dear wife decides she wants a table service meal in Magic Kingdom for that same evening for the 2 of us and my 5 year old son; I tried to get Crystal Palace, Tony's, Liberty Tree - nothing. I tried for 1900 Park Fare, O'Hana, Chef Mickey - nothing. (There may have been a little availability for just before 9pm, but we couldn't eat that late with the 5yo)

We finally got the Plaza Restaurant at 4:30pm. When we were waiting to get in, they took a few walkups. When we left around 5:45pm, I saw them turning people away saying that they had nothing for the rest of the night.

 

[cdunbar]

I think Disney has started to think less and less about people who decide to go at the very last second especially when it comes to dining, and that really bothers me. I'm sure it's silly but I mean I wish they would say ok, there are such and such number of tables avaliable at such and such a time and half those can be reserved and then the other half is saved for walk-up individuals. :shrug:

 

[polynesiangirl]

In my personal experience it's been about 50-50. It really depends on where, and what time, you're trying to eat, as well as what time of year it is.

For example, Le Cellier at a prime time (noon, 5PM, etc) -- probably not a good chance. At an off time? Maybe.

I really hate making a zillion ADRs because I hate overplanning every last hour of our trips (we jump from park to park a lot and decide a lot of things at the last minute), but if you are going during a busy time of year and have your heart set on a particular place, you need an ADR (or as someone else mentioned, at least a backup place to eat in case you don't get in.)

 

[DisneyJoe]

I'm sure it's silly but I mean I wish they would say ok, there are such and such number of tables avaliable at such and such a time and half those can be reserved and then the other half is saved for walk-up individuals.

and if no one walks-up, they lose money....

 

[Master Yoda]

I think Disney has started to think less and less about people who decide to go at the very last second especially when it comes to dining, and that really bothers me. I'm sure it's silly but I mean I wish they would say ok, there are such and such number of tables avaliable at such and such a time and half those can be reserved and then the other half is saved for walk-up individuals. :shrug:

Never going to happen. No company is going to turn down guaranteed business for walk up's nor should they. Bottom line if you want to eat TS at WDW you need to plan ahead. If you don't like to plan, want to be spontaneous, or simply do not like being on a schedule when you are on vacation that TS dining will need to be sacrificed for that freedom. It is as simple as that.

 

[cdunbar]

I realize it won't happen, I was just reflecting back on the days when you could just walk-up to a dinning location and not have to worry whether or not you had a reservation that is all.:wave:

 

[Disney Soldier]

Some TS allow standbys. Thats how we got in at Beirgarten and Teppan Edo the last couple of times. I have a hard time with ADRs and planning trips because all of our trips are last minute. It's just a chance we take. Don't get me wrong I do try to make them if I can but usually they are booked.