Do you have to be a guest to dine at a resort?

[Phil]

Hi all,

Right then - first question: do you have to be a guest of the resorts to eat at the restaurants? Also, if we wanted to look around, can we do this if we're not staying at one of the WDW resorts?

Second question: we're looking for a restaurant for Christmas dinner, have provisionally booked a table at the Renaissance Sea World as Ive heard good reports. Are there any other places that people can recommend (either Disney or elsewhere) - would prefer a traditional (british) dinner - turkey, etc, but with a veggie option also for the DS. Also would like it smart!

Many thanks,

Phil

[OKWTink]

Nope, you can dine at any WDW resort you so choose. You can also look around 'til your hearts content. The only thing you can't do is use the pool, other than that, have at it! :D

Ooops, forgot the dinner part! Nearly any full service WDW restaurant (particularly those at the resorts) will have a wonderful Christmas day dinner. Most will have the traditional fare, but some may offer a new twist or two on it.

I've not ever dined at the restaurant you've booked so can't help you with that one. :sorry:

[JuniorMickey]

If your going to try to make a PS at a Disney restaurant, I'd do it very soon. You may have trouble fining an opening

[miraclemoments]

If you decide on a Disney Restaurant...I'd recommend Liberty Tree Tavern...but as JM said, I'd book it ummmmmm....last month :) Seriously, book it soon or you may be disappointed.

As far as the resorts....I think it's a GRAND idea to look about...I highly suggest the Grand Floridian as well as Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge...

Have a great trip!

[Keith]

I second, third and fourth :) the recommendation for the liberty tree tavern! normal tasting food after all the burgers and stuff in nice surroundings. Well worth a visit.

[Phil]

I'll try booking a PS tonight - wish me luck!!!

Will they be able to tell me whats availble at all the Disney restaurants? Or will I be put through to a specific venue?

[OKWTink]

They should be able to tell you what is available. A word of caution. If you are going to book a park restaurant for Christmas Day, be aware that ii is very likely that the MK, in particular, will close due to capacity, for at least part of the day. If it does, you will not be let in regardless of any PS you may have for any restaurant in that park.

[Phil]

Wow - they actually close the park because it gets so busy? How often does that happen?

[JuniorMickey]

Christmas Day is the busiest day of the year. It is insane. Between Christmas and New Years is nuts.

[BevW]

We always tour the other resorts...we love it. Just sitting and relaxing or touring. I especially love the Animal Kingdom lodge early in the morning. You can see animals! Cool animals up close and personal.

We've eaten at several resorts that we weren't staying at. It's a nice atmosphere all over.

[OKWTink]

I've seen it happen on Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and Fourth of July.

I was in EPCOT one year when they closed that for NYE! Shoulder to shoulder people.

Generally speaking, what happens is that the park reaches capacity at some point and no more entries are allowed. Folks leave at some point, capacity drops and then entry is allowed again.

The signs on the roadways are not always accurate. I've seen them marked closed by the park name, but have continued on to the gate and been allowed in, so don't trust the road side park signs. Always go to the gate to learn if you can gain entry.

[Phil]

Hi,

Rang PS last week - there were loads of places free in the resort restaurants for Christmas Day. After discussion with DW, we decided to go for the Yachtsman Steak-place-thingy. Reviews have been very good.

Thanks for the advice guys!

[d_dreamer]

One warning, transportation bak to whereever your going can be KILLER