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  • On Jul 8, 2011
    Angela from IL Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Going 11/27-12/2 w/ my husband, son (2), and inlaws (60's). Booked four of our five sitdown meals. Are there any restaurants or times in Epcot that normally do not need reservations? We prefer eating at off-times (2pm lunch or 8pm dinner). Thanks!

    Hi Angela:

    You are travelling to Disney World at a perfect time, right after Thanksgiving.  Crowds tend to taper off after Thanksgiving as schools are back in session and Christmas breaks are several weeks away. But even though the Parks will not be as crowded the week after Thanksgiving as they are during peak times, popular restaurants at popular times tend to always be booked up. So the chances of you getting a walk-up reservation will depend on how flexible you can be with your dining times and restaurant choices. For example, your chances of getting a walk-up to Restaurant Marrakesh will be a lot better than trying to get a walk-up to Le Cellier or Coral Reef at 6:00 p.m. And even if you were able to secure a walk-up reservation, you may be asked to wait a while, which could upset younger or older members of your party. If you have an old favorite restaurant you need to visit again, or are dying to try one of the new restaurants, I would strongly advise making an advance dining reservation.

    You have a lot going for you if you want to try a walk-up: (1) the Park should be slightly less crowded, (2) four of your five sit-down meals are already booked, and (3) you can be flexible with your dining times.  Certainly, advance reservations are more important for dinner than for lunch since more Guests tend to enjoy quick service meals during lunch.  I always recommend advance dining reservations for dinners at Le Cellier, Coral Reef, Teppan Edo, as well as at Rose and Crown and La Hacienda during fireworks.  Aside from those restaurants, while I can't guarantee anything, given your flexibility, I think you can take a chance and not make an advance dining reservation for your last sit-down meal if you prefer not to do so.   
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Meet the Panelist: Jonas, New York

I am a family man and huge Disney fan raising two awesome and rambunctious boys.  As Disney Vacation Club members, we travel to Walt Disney World often. Learn More About Jonas

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