Advanced Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World
From booking windows and must-do restaurants to last-minute strategies, learn how to navigate Disney dining reservations with confidence.
Advanced Dining Reservations are a big part of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. While Disney has made the process much easier over the years, popular restaurants can still fill quickly, especially character meals, signature dining and those iconic experiences everyone wants to check off their list.
The good news? You don’t need to panic-refresh the app for hours or treat your dining day like a competitive sport. A little preparation goes a long way. Knowing when you can book, which restaurants need extra strategy and how to find availability can make the whole process much smoother.
When Can You Make Disney Dining Reservations?
The Walt Disney World dining reservation window opens 60 days before your reservation date.
Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel have an added advantage: they can make dining reservations 60 days before check-in for their entire stay, up to 10 days. For most Disney Resort guests, this means they can book several days of dining all at once instead of trying to secure reservations one day at a time.
You can make dining reservations through the My Disney Experience app, the Walt Disney World website or by calling Disney Dining at (407) WDW-DINE. While phone reservations are still an option, most guests find the app or website to be the quickest and easiest way to search and book. Additionally, you can access both of those options before the phone lines open to book if you’re up before dawn on opening day.
Do You Need to Book Dining Right at 60 Days?
The short answer? Sometimes.
Not every Walt Disney World restaurant requires a strategy session worthy of a spreadsheet (although if you know us, you know we’re not mad about a good spreadsheet). Many restaurants have availability closer to your trip, and cancellations happen all the time as guests adjust their plans.
However, if you have your heart set on a popular character meal, a hard-to-get signature restaurant or one of Disney’s newest dining experiences, it’s worth being ready when your booking window opens. Restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Space 220, the Beak and Barrel and other highly requested experiences can still be challenging to snag, especially during busy travel periods.
If you know what you want on that date, though, I say go for it! Then you can tweak as you get closer or even once you arrive.
On that note…
A Quick Reminder About Canceling Reservations
Disney has relaxed some of the cancellation deadlines and fees over the years, but please remember to cancel any dining reservations you know you won’t use.
Not only does it help avoid unnecessary fees if applicable, but it also gives another guest the chance to grab that table. Disney dining reservations are a shared resource, and a little courtesy helps everyone have a better vacation experience.
Magical Dining Tips
- Be flexible with meal times. A late lunch or early dinner can sometimes open up options that aren’t available during peak dining times.
- Prioritize your must-dos. Make a list of the restaurants that truly matter before your booking window opens and aim to secure those first.
- Keep checking. Plans change constantly, and cancellations can pop up even for popular restaurants. You can often find openings around 30 days out (when package cancellations may happen) or the day of (to avoid fees).
- Don’t forget about walk-up availability. The My Disney Experience app allows guests to see restaurants offering current walk-up availability based on party size. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s a great option when your plans change. And don’t underestimate the power of walking up to the restaurant and asking.
Need Help Planning Your Disney Dining?
Disney dining can be one of the most exciting parts of your vacation — and one of the most overwhelming. Between choosing restaurants, balancing park days and figuring out what is actually worth booking, it helps to have someone who knows the ins and outs.
Our complimentary travel planning services include helping families build a Disney vacation plan that fits their priorities, including resort choices, dining strategy and all the little details that make a trip feel magical.
Have a favorite Walt Disney World restaurant or a dining tip you swear by? Share it in the comments! We’re always adding more Disney favorites to the conversation.
Let's start planning your trip full of Magic, Memories and maybe even a little Mayhem!
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