Hi Brandon,
It's nice to see you and your thoughtful questions at planDisney! I'm thrilled to see you'll be arriving at Walt Disney World Resort in three weeks and that you're considering some of the incredible dining options at
Disney Resorts Collection Hotels. The
My Disney Experience Mobile App makes it possible to experience several of these dining options without an advanced dining reservation thanks to
mobile walk-up lists.
Just a few weeks ago I was getting up at 7:30 a.m. to practice my thumb choreography for securing a coveted spot on the mobile walk-up list for character breakfast at
Topolino's Terrace. Using the My Disney Experience mobile app, I searched for the restaurant name using the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the home screen and clicked "Join Walk-Up List." I became very familiar with the "You're Too Far Away" prompt, haha. Despite my wishful thinking, Disney confirmed that Virginia is not close enough to Walt Disney World Resort. The "You're Too Far Away" disappeared once I arrived at Disney's Riviera Resort. Similarly, I once was too far away to join the mobile walk-up list for
Nomad Lounge in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park from the other side of the theme park. I had to physically be standing by the Tree of Life before it would allow me to join.
The exact location range required to join mobile walk-up lists is not specified, Brandon, but my experience tells me you should plan on physically being at
Disney's Wilderness Lodge if you'd like to join the mobile walk-up list for
Geyser Point Bar and Grill. Once you join the waitlist you will be given an approximate wait time. Consider that a gift of time to explore the grounds of this amazing resort. Soak in the sounds of Copland, the scent of fresh pine, and the grandeur of that majestic lobby. The 82-foot tall stone fireplace is truly a sight to behold.
The same recommendation applies to joining other walk-up lists, as well. Before you set out for your destination, you can confirm whether or not a restaurant is accepting names for the mobile walk-up list by clicking the "+" at the bottom of the My Disney Experience app --> Check Dining Availability --> Search by Time "Now." At that time, the app will also show you which walk-up lists are currently in range.
I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast with Mickey at Topolino's Terrace last week and I hope that all of your Disney dining dreams come true as well, Brandon. Thanks for making planDisney a part of your happily ever after.
Choose magic,
Jennifer