There’s a lot to get excited about when you’ve got a Disney World vacation on the calendar. The rides, the characters, and the FOOD! Walt Disney World is home to over 200 restaurants with plenty of options for a quick bite, snack, or full sit-down meal.

But, dining in Disney World isn’t always simple. With crowds high almost year-round, Disney’s table service restaurants book up months in advance and you need to be on top of your planning to secure yourself a dining reservation. So, it’s time to get planning! From knowing which restaurants you want to eat at, securing the reservation, and what to do if you end up changing your mind, here’s your complete guide to making Disney World dining reservations!

Understanding Disney World Dining Reservations

In Disney World, you’ll find two types of dining options – quick service restaurants and table service restaurants. Quick service restaurants are most comparable to fast food restaurants where you place your order at a counter, pick up your food at the window, and find a seat for a quick bite. Table service restaurants, on the other hand, are your traditional sit-down restaurants where you’re seated at a table for a longer meal.

Dining reservations are NOT required for quick service restaurants, but they are highly recommended for table service restaurants. If you’re confused about whether a restaurant is a quick service or table service restaurant, all you need to do is head to Disney’s website or the My Disney Experience app. Table service restaurants will have a “Check Availability” or “Reserve Dining” button.

While some walk-ups are accepted from time to time, a dining reservation is the only way to guarantee that you’ll get to eat at the restaurants you want to eat at when you want to eat.

How to Make a Reservation

So, how do you go about securing all your dining reservations for your trip? Let’s go over the two options – online booking and phone booking.

How to make your dining reservations online

Step 1: Do your research!

With so many restaurants across the Disney World theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs, you’re going to need to narrow down your options. We recommend booking a maximum of one dining reservation per day since table service restaurants can be time-consuming and there’s a lot more to do in the parks than just eat!

Step 2: Create a My Disney Experience account

You may already have this set up if you’ve booked your hotel and tickets. Be sure that everyone in your party is linked to your account so that you can make reservations for the entire group at once.

Step 3 (Option 1): Search and reserve specific restaurants

Search for the restaurant you would like to make a dining reservation app on a browser or in the My Disney Experience app. Then select “Reserve Dining” or “Check Availability.” You’ll then be asked to input your party size, select the date you’d like to dine, and then pick an available time.

Note that the website and app will display all of the dining reservations available on the date(s) you select and will be categorized by breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Step 3 (Option 2): Search restaurants by date and time

On your browser go to “Things To Do” > ”Make Reservations” or, if you’re using the My Disney Experience app, click the “+” button at the bottom of the screen and select “Check Dining Availability.” You’ll then be prompted to select your party size, the date you plan to dine, and the time period you’d prefer (all day, morning, afternoon, or evening). This will bring up all of the dining reservations available for all restaurants across Walt Disney World for you to browse and book.

Note that the website and app will display all of the dining reservations available on the date(s) you select and will be categorized by breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Step 4: Confirm your dining reservations

Follow the prompts on the browser or app to input your contact information and a form of payment. Your card will only be charged if you fail to cancel your dining reservation 2 hours before and do not show up.

You’ll then receive a confirmation email with the dining reservation details and the reservation will be added to your plans in your My Disney Experience account. Be sure to keep copies of your confirmation in case there are any technical issues!

How to make your dining reservations by phone

Step 1: Do your research!

This step is even more important if you’re making reservations by phone because you’ll need to tell the Cast Member exactly which restaurants you’d like to reserve and when. We recommend planning to dine at a maximum of one table service restaurant each day of your trip so that you have time to explore everything else there is in the parks and resorts!

Step 2: Call Disney

You can call the Disney dining hotline at (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463. The hotline is open from 7AM to 11PM Eastern Time, seven days a week.

When calling to book a reservation, be sure to have the following information ready:

• Your preferred date and time
• The number of people in your party
• Any special dietary needs or requests
• Your credit card information (a credit card is required to hold your reservation)

Step 3: Confirm your dining reservations

A confirmation email should be sent to you after the call and your dining reservations will be added to your My Disney Experience account. Keep these stored in a safe place in case there are any technical issues leading up to your reservation.

The Best Time to Book a Reservation

When it comes to booking dining reservations at Disney World, timing is everything. Reservations can fill up months in advance, especially for the most popular restaurants in the parks and resorts. So, you don’t want to be even a day late to ensure that you get the restaurant and time that you want. Here’s what you need to know about when you can make your Disney dining reservations.

How Far Before My Trip Can I Make a Dining Reservation?

The window to book your dining reservations opens up 60 days prior to your vacation. If you are staying at a Disney World hotel, however, you have a bit of an advantage. Disney World hotel guests can book dining reservations for the entire length of their stay (up to 10 days) at the 60-day mark. If you are not staying at a Disney World hotel, you will need to book your dining reservations one day at a time, 60 days in advance.

What Time Can You Make Disney World Dining Reservations?

Disney World’s official opening time for dining reservations is 6AM ET. However, the system may release dining reservations even earlier. We recommend that you are online and logged in by 5:45AM ET to increase your chances of getting the reservation you want.

Of course, the best time to book a dining reservation is when they first open, but sometimes reservations book up so fast that you can’t even get your preferred restaurants that far in advance. If you find that some of the restaurants you want to eat at are already full, there’s still hope – we’ve got tips on what to do below!

The Hardest Dining Reservations To Get In Disney World

All Disney World restaurants weren’t created equal – each one has its own unique theming and menu. And, it’s these differences that make some table service restaurants more popular than others. For example, character dining restaurants, restaurants in the theme parks, and new restaurants tend to be more popular, meaning it’s even harder to get a dining reservation at these spots.

When you’re making dining reservations, you’ll want to prioritize the order in which you make them by securing the most popular reservations first. But, what are the hardest dining reservations to get? Here are the top 5 in each theme park and across the resorts.

Magic Kingdom

• Cinderella’s Royal Table
• Be Our Guest Restaurant
• The Crystal Palace
• Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen
• Liberty Tree Tavern

EPCOT

• Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
• Space 220
• Garden Grill Restaurant
• Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
• Le Cellier Steakhouse

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Roundup Rodeo BBQ
• Hollywood & Vine
• Oga’s Cantina
• The Hollywood Brown Derby
• 50’s Prime Time Cafe

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Tusker House Restaurant
• Tiffins Restaurant
• Yak & Yeti Restaurant
• Rainforest Cafe

Disney World Resorts

• Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club
• 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

If any of these restaurants are on your must-dine list, be sure to snag them first when your dining reservation window opens 60 days in advance of your trip!

Disney Dining Reservation Cancellation Policy

Canceling a dining reservation at Disney World is a pretty straightforward process, but it’s important to be aware of the cancellation policy to avoid any charges or unexpected fees.

Currently, you can cancel any dining reservation up to two hours prior to your reservation time without any charge. If you cancel within that two-hour window, you’ll need to call a phone line to cancel your reservation and you may incur a charge for the late cancellation. If you don’t cancel your reservation in time and don’t show up for your dining experience, most restaurants charge a $10 per-person fee.

There are some exceptions to this policy. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Victoria and Albert’s, and Monsieur Paul have different cancellation policies, so it’s important to check the specific policies for these restaurants before making a reservation.

Tips & Tricks For Securing The Best Dining Reservations

Whether you’re ready to book early or you’re still on the hunt for a particularly hard-to-get reservation, here are our top tips and tricks for securing your Disney dining reservations!

Book Early

The easiest way to secure the best dining reservations is to book early. You can make reservations up to 60 days in advance, and some restaurants fill up quickly. If you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, make sure to book as soon as possible.

Be Flexible

If you can be flexible with your dining plans, you may have better luck securing reservations. Consider dining during less popular times of the day, such as early in the morning or late at night. You may also have better luck getting a reservation on a weekday rather than a weekend.

Use Walk-Up Lists

Some Disney World restaurants offer walk-up lists for guests without reservations. You can join the walk-up list through the My Disney Experience app by searching for the restaurant and clicking “Join Walk-Up List.” Just keep in mind that you’ll need to be close to the restaurant to do so and it’s not always available at all Disney World restaurants.

Check for Last-Minute Availability

If you’re unable to find a dining reservation in advance, don’t lose hope! People are always canceling or modifying reservations, so you may be able to snag a reservation that has become available. Check the My Disney Experience app or Disney website frequently for last-minute availability, or call the Disney dining reservation line to see if any reservations have opened up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make dining reservations at Disney World?

You can make dining reservations at Disney World up to 60 days in advance. However, if you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you’ll be able to make reservations 60 days in advance PLUS the length of your stay (for up to 10 days). This means that you get a bit of a head start on securing dining reservations later in your stay.

It is recommended that you make reservations as soon as possible, especially for popular restaurants and dining experiences.

What time can I make Disney World dining reservations?

Usually, Disney World dining reservations can be made online or through the My Disney Experience app starting at 6AM Eastern Time. Technical issues can occur, so consider this a more general timeframe.

How many dining reservations can I make?

As many as you want! Currently, there is no limit to the number of Disney dining reservations that you can make. However, we recommend that you plan to dine at a maximum of one table service restaurant each day of your trip, as it’ll usually take about 1-2 hours to eat and you want to leave time to explore the parks!

Does Disney charge for dining reservations?

No, Disney does not charge for dining reservations. However, you will need to provide a credit card to hold your reservation, and there may be cancellation fees if you do not show up for your reservation or cancel within a certain window of time.

What are the best Disney World restaurants to make reservations at?

The best Disney World restaurants to make reservations at depend on your personal preferences and interests. Some popular options include Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table, and Chef Mickey’s. We recommend that you research the different dining options, check the menus, and read reviews before making your reservations.

Which Disney Springs restaurants require reservations?

Many of the restaurants at Disney Springs recommend having reservations, especially during peak times. Some popular options include The BOATHOUSE, Morimoto Asia, and STK Orlando. Dining reservations for Disney World restaurants can be made through Disney’s website, on the My Disney Experience app, or through Open Table (where there’s often more availability).

Generally, it is easier to get reservations for restaurants at Disney Springs and there is usually walk-up availability as well if you don’t mind waiting for a table.

Are there any alerts or notifications for Disney World dining reservations?

Yes, you can opt-in to receive email or text message alerts for your Disney World dining reservations. These alerts will remind you of your reservation time and provide any important information or updates.

Can I use the Disney Dining Plan for all Disney World restaurants?

No, not all Disney World restaurants accept the Disney Dining Plan. It is recommended that you check the list of participating restaurants before making your reservations. Additionally, some restaurants may require extra table-service credits or have restrictions on what items can be ordered with the dining plan. Be sure to check in advance and speak with a Cast Member if you have questions about the dining plan.

Comments

What has been the hardest Disney World dining reservations to get in your experience? Let us know your best tips and tricks for securing dining reservations in the comments!