Last minute Disney?

We're tagging along on a business trip to Orlando next week. We'll be a mile away from Disney. I wasn't planning on going there, but being so close, I feel like we *have* to go to the Magic Kingdom at least one day.

I've read so much about planning & booking things months in advance. Is it worthwhile to go so last minute?

I'm not so interested in character meals, but do I need reservations to eat anywhere?

any tips would be appreciated!
(Ella is 3.5 and Erik is 1.5).

Re: Last minute Disney?

Hey! I would definitely go for a day. You may be able to get lucky and get in for dinner somewhere (most likely NOT character) because sometimes people cancel at the last minute. Tony's Town Square in the Magic Kingdom seems to be a place that is relatively easy to get into without reservations - but its nothing special. Otherwise, I would just go for a counter service meal, which will be a lot quicker anyway if you only have one day to spend!

Re: Last minute Disney?

I liked the Main Street bakery as a counter meal. They had some good sandwiches and fresh fruit. It was a nice alternative to the fried stuff at some of the other counter meal places.

As far as restaurants, we booked a last minute trip in November during the wine festival - it wasn't terribly crowded, but somewhat crowded. We found that getting reservations for dinner was tough, but many of the restaurants weren't as booked for lunch. Maybe you could try a restaurant for lunch and a counter service meal for dinner.

Re: Last minute Disney?

You could definitely do it in a day as long as you don't have high expectations. You can go online to disneyworldwebsite

If you go under planning you can find dining reservations - if you put in your date(s) you can see if there are any reservation times left (it makes suggestions if you enter say 5 pm at x restaurant - it will give you other times if it isn't available OR it will list other restaurants as suggestions). No you don't need ADR's to eat - but you DO need them to eat at a table service restaurant (buffet, menu, family style place) counter service you can always eat at and you don't need ADR's for that. You might get lucky and they could have cancellations the day you are there so if you don't get anything - go to guest services when you arrive and inquire if anything is available on the day you are in the parks.

You can definitely do it - I wouldn't pick a day that has extra magic hours unless you are staying on property and can take advantage of it b.c resort guests will already be there when they let the non resort guests in and it can get more crowded. I would make sure you are there about 20 mins before they open so you are waiting there at rope drop - this will ensure you can try to get a few rides in before the lines start. Also make sure to take advantage of Fast pass - it will be a big help if it is crowded.

Check out the unofficial guide to walt disney world 2010 - it gives you various guides that would help - (they have all sorts of park guides depending on your circumstances - it basically says go 1st here ride this, then to this ride and do that, then get a FP for x ride - you can tailor them to your needs too).

FM me if you need help with anything I'm happy to help.

Decorate your stroller handles - when you park at rides there will be TONS of similar or the same strollers parked if you put some bring string or other decoration on your stroller you will be able to find it much easier.

Take advantage of the baby centers they have nicer changing areas for your 1.5 year old. You can get meds there too if for some reason you need them.

You can definitely have a great time - if you are there only one day you really don't need a sit down meal counter service is just fine.

Check the wdw website for their event calendar if you would like to see the 2 parades or the fireworks to make sure they are scheduled for the day you are there.

Re: Last minute Disney?

I would start calling TODAY, and call every day until the day you are there. You are bound to hit on a cancelation somewhere, as long as you are open to taking what comes up. Even if the first rez you get isn't EXACTLY what you want, take it and keep calling unless something better comes along. I LOATHE counter service in the MK. The restaurants are packed, the lines are long and it's way too difficult to find a table. Too much of an annoyance for THIS brat!

I know your kids are well traveled and behave well in restaurants, so I would think there aren't any places that wouldn't work for you guys (except Victoria and Alberts, which doesn't allow children.)

Re: Last minute Disney?

Just walk in and enjoy! No need to plana thing. the kids will love whatever they see. Are you closer to the main parkway? Downtown disney is fun to go to as well. Enjoy!!!

Re: Last minute Disney?

Thank you for the wealth of information, and great tips! I'm feeling more inspired to make it happen.

Message edited 12/31/2009 11:14:58 AM.

Re: Last minute Disney?

Gaylrd Palms is very close to downtown Disney....they also have a cool ICE show going on there right now.

January is an extremely slow time of year at WDW so you may be able to do much more than you think.

IF no ADR's are available I have had success during busy times just walking up to the resturant podium as they opened and asking to be seated.

Have Fun!!!!!!

Re: Last minute Disney?

Re: Last minute Disney?

Have fun... I think it is a slow time for disney and you might be able to get a dinner reservation w/ characters.

Also get the unoffficial guide to wdw (at borders) It has
individual intineraries for all the parks. We followed all of them and were able to see everything.

Good Luck