Decoding Disney Dining: Your Reservation Roadmap to Culinary Magic

Ready to unlock the tantalizing tastes of Disney World and Disneyland? The magic begins long before you step foot in the park, and securing those coveted dining reservations is a crucial part of the enchantment. So, let’s cut to the chase:

When can you make dining reservations for Disney+?

You can’t. Disney+ is a streaming service. However, for Walt Disney World, you can typically make dining reservations 60 days in advance of your arrival date for the length of your stay (up to 10 days) if you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel. This is a HUGE advantage. If you are not staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can make dining reservations 60 days in advance, one day at a time. For Disneyland, dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance, regardless of where you are staying. It’s worth noting that some popular restaurants (like Be Our Guest Restaurant or Oga’s Cantina) are consistently booked solid, so planning and acting swiftly are key.

Mastering the Art of Disney Dining Reservations

Securing your dream dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table or savoring a galactic cocktail at Oga’s Cantina requires strategy. Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of the Disney dining reservation system.

Understanding the 60-Day Window

The 60-day window is your golden ticket to securing those must-do dining experiences. But it’s not quite as straightforward as it seems. For Walt Disney World, the on-site advantage drastically improves your chances.

On-Site vs. Off-Site: A Tale of Two Timelines

The 60-day booking window works differently depending on whether you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel.

Disney Resort Hotel Guests: If you’re staying on property, you get to book dining for your entire trip (up to 10 days) starting 60 days before your check-in date. This means you have a massive head start compared to off-site guests. Imagine booking Be Our Guest for your 7th day while off-site guests are still 7 days away from even being able to book their first meal!
Off-Site Guests: If you’re staying off-site, you can book dining reservations 60 days in advance, but you can only book one day at a time. This puts you at a disadvantage, as popular restaurants often fill up quickly.

Disneyland’s Simpler System

Disneyland offers a more streamlined approach. Everyone, regardless of where they’re staying, can book dining reservations 60 days in advance. The key difference is that you’ll need to book each day individually.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let’s tackle some common questions to ensure you’re fully prepared to conquer the Disney dining scene.

FAQ 1: What time of day can I start making reservations?

For both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, dining reservations typically open at 6:00 AM Eastern Time. Be ready and logged into your My Disney Experience account or the Disneyland app precisely at that time. Popular restaurants can disappear within minutes!

FAQ 2: How do I make dining reservations?

You can make dining reservations online through the My Disney Experience website (for Walt Disney World) or the Disneyland website or app (for Disneyland). You can also call Disney Dining at (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463), but be aware that hold times can be significant, especially during peak booking periods.

FAQ 3: What information do I need to make a reservation?

Have the following information ready:

Date and time you want to dine.
Number of people in your party.
Name of the restaurant you want to book.
Credit card information to hold the reservation (in case of no-shows).

FAQ 4: What is the cancellation policy for dining reservations?

Generally, you need to cancel your dining reservation at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a no-show fee (typically $10 per person). Be sure to check the specific cancellation policy for each restaurant, as some may have different requirements.

FAQ 5: Can I modify my dining reservation?

Yes, you can typically modify your dining reservation online or through the Disney app, subject to availability. You can change the date, time, party size, or even the restaurant (if space is available).

FAQ 6: What if my preferred restaurant is fully booked?

Don’t despair! There are several strategies you can try:

Check frequently: People cancel reservations all the time. Keep checking the app or website for openings, especially in the days leading up to your trip.
Use a dining reservation finder service: Several third-party services (often for a fee) will monitor availability and alert you if your desired reservation becomes available.
Walk-up availability: Some restaurants offer walk-up availability, especially for lunch.
Consider alternative dining times: Be flexible with your dining time. You might have better luck booking a less popular time slot.

FAQ 7: Are there any restaurants that don’t require reservations?

Yes! Quick-service restaurants (also known as counter-service restaurants) generally do not require reservations. These are a great option for a casual meal on the go. You can often use Mobile Ordering through the Disney app to skip the line.

FAQ 8: What are “signature dining” experiences?

Signature dining refers to the more upscale, fine-dining restaurants at Disney World and Disneyland. These experiences often feature higher price points, dress codes (though usually relaxed), and enhanced menus. They are highly sought after and require reservations well in advance.

FAQ 9: How do dining plans affect reservations?

If you have purchased a Disney Dining Plan, you will still need to make dining reservations. The dining plan simply pre-pays for your meals; it doesn’t guarantee you a table. In fact, having a dining plan makes securing reservations even more crucial, as you’ll want to maximize your plan’s value. Disney Dining Plans are currently only available at Walt Disney World.

FAQ 10: What are some of the most popular restaurants at Disney World and Disneyland?

Some of the most popular and hard-to-get reservations include:

Walt Disney World: Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Space 220 Restaurant, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Oga’s Cantina.
Disneyland: Blue Bayou Restaurant, Oga’s Cantina, Carthay Circle Restaurant.

FAQ 11: Can I make reservations for special dining events, like character meals?

Yes! Character meals, where you can dine with your favorite Disney characters, require reservations just like any other table-service restaurant. These are especially popular with families.

FAQ 12: What happens if I am late for my dining reservation?

It’s always best to arrive on time for your dining reservation. If you are running late, call the restaurant as soon as possible to let them know. They may be able to hold your table for a short period, but there’s no guarantee, especially during busy times.