How Far in Advance for Disney Dining Reservations?
When planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, one of the most important tasks is securing dining reservations for your favorite Disney restaurants. With over 30 table-service restaurants to choose from, it’s no wonder that Disney dining reservations can be a hot commodity. In this article, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of Disney dining reservations, including the ideal time to book, popular restaurants, and tips for maximizing your chances of getting a reservation.
How Far in Advance Should I Book Disney Dining Reservations?
The ideal time to book Disney dining reservations depends on several factors, including the time of year, popularity of the restaurant, and your travel dates. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- 60-90 days in advance: This is the general rule of thumb for booking dining reservations at popular table-service restaurants like character dining locations (e.g., Chef Mickey’s, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall) and signature restaurants (e.g., Victoria & Albert’s, California Grill).
- 30-60 days in advance: For more popular restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest Restaurant, you may need to book 30-60 days in advance to secure a reservation.
- 123-180 days in advance: For special events, like holiday parties and special themed dinners, you may need to book even farther in advance.
- 100+ days in advance: For particularly popular events or restaurants, you may need to book more than 100 days in advance to guarantee a reservation.
Line of Schedules – A Great Tool to Utilize
To help you plan and book your dining reservations, Disney offers the Line tool, which allows you to reserve dining, accommodations, and even make FastPass+ reservations in one place. This convenient tool is available in the My Disney Experience app and on the website.
Disney Dining Reservations Tips and Tricks
- Use the Disney Dining Checklist: This checklist allows you to mark off restaurants as you book them, ensuring you don’t miss any must-try spots.
- Make a "Flex Date" Reservation: If your travel dates are flexible, consider making a "flex date" reservation, which allows you to book a reservation with a flexible arrival time and date.
- Use the Maxi-Pastry Rule: For restaurants with limited availability, try the "maxi-pastry rule," where you make a reservation 60-90 days in advance for a specific time, and then attempt to adjust it closer to your arrival date.
Top Disney Dining Reservations – Must-Try Restaurants
Here are some of the most popular and highly-recommended Disney dining reservations to book in advance:
- Cinderella’s Royal Table: This character dining location in the Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle is a must-try for any Disney fan.
- Be Our Guest Restaurant: This beloved restaurant in the Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Palace offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner service, with a focus on French-inspired cuisine.
- Chef Mickey’s: This character dining location in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a great spot for families with kids, with a focus on American cuisine.
- Victoria & Albert’s: This signature restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers upscale, French-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting.
Disney Dining Reservations – A Review of Recent Changes
In recent years, Disney has made significant changes to its dining reservation system. Here are some key changes to be aware of:
- Mobile Ordering: Disney has introduced mobile ordering, allowing guests to order ahead and pick up food at many quick-service locations.
- Changes to Dining Reservations for Special Diets: Disney has introduced new restrictions on special dietary requests for certain restaurants, which can impact your dining choices.
- Changes to Character Dining: Some character dining locations have undergone changes, including the removal of certain characters or changes to the dining experience.
Conclusion
Securing a Disney dining reservation can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and knowledge, you can increase your chances of booking a spot at your favorite restaurants. By understanding the ideal time to book, utilizing the Line tool, and taking note of the top dining reservations, you’ll be well on your way to a magical dining experience at the Walt Disney World Resort. Remember to stay flexible, be prepared for changes, and make the most of your dining reservations to ensure a truly unforgettable Disney vacation!
Additional Tips and Tricks:
- Check the Disney Parks Blog: Keep an eye on the official Disney Parks Blog for announcements and updates about dining reservations, special events, and new restaurants.
- Disney’s Dine & Play Bundle: Consider booking the Disney’s Dine & Play Bundle, which includes a stay, Park Hopper tickets, and a dining package.
- Restaurant Referral: Don’t forget to leave a review for your dining experience, as this helps the Disney culinary team improve and makes it easier for future guests to find great restaurants.
I hope this article has provided you with the information you need to plan your Disney dining reservations. Happy dining, and see you at the Happiest Place on Earth!