There are so many restaurants on Disney property, yet getting the reservation of your dreams can be tricky! Read on for a step-by-step guide to booking dining reservations before your upcoming vacation!
Here Are Some Things to Know Before Booking Your Reservations
There are three ways to book a Disney dining reservation:
1. Online at 6:00 AM EST
2. By phone: (407) 939-752 or (407) WDW-DINE at 7:00 AM
3. Disney Vacation Club Members: (800) 800-9800
Disney hold times can be outrageously long, so we suggest giving the online route a try first. Another great option is to book non-Disney-owned restaurants that are within Disney World Property via OpenTable.
In-Park Dining
For all table-service restaurants located within Disney’s theme parks, Guests will need valid park admission and a reservation for park entry through the Disney Park Pass system—as well as a dining reservation. Dining reservations do not guarantee admission to the park. If you plan on park hopping to a second park for the evening, you will not need a park reservation at the second park.
Quick Note: Many character meals and dinner shows are still on pause or modified, but hopefully, they’ll be returning very soon! To stay updated, keep an eye out on Disney’s official website.
Disney Resort guests can make reservations for their stay up to 60 days in advance of their check-in date. That window is expanded by the length of your stay. What does this mean? Well, if you’re staying on-property, you’ll be able to make all of your dining reservations in one session, and improve your chances of securing some of the more popular reservations.
On-Property Example: A Guest checking into a Disney report on January 1st and checking out on January 8th, can make all of their dining reservations for their entire stay at 6:00 AM on November 2nd.
Off-Property Example: A Guest staying at a resort that is not affiliated with Disney (off-property), checking in on January 1st, cannot make reservations until 6:00 AM 60 days before they are visiting the theme park, and will have to book dining reservations on a day by day basis. If they were planning on visiting Magic Kingdom on January 4th, they would not be able to make reservations until November 5th.
ProTip: Use this calculator to confirm your dining date(s) Dining Date Calculator.
Also, play around in the app and make and cancel dining reservations, so that you are already experienced prior to your dining date. There is no cancellation fee for dining that is canceled more than 24hours before a reservation.
Go to Disney’s Website: www.disneyworld.disney.go.com
Once you’re on Disney’s main homepage, go to the top of the page to log in with your Disney account.
If you haven’t made one yet, you’ll be required to make one before making any dining plans.
Hover over “Things To Do” on Disney’s Homepage
Once you’re logged in, you’ll be directed back to the homepage.
Hover over “Things To Do” on Disney’s Homepage.
Scroll to the Dining section and click “Make Reservations”
Choose Your Requested Date, Time and Party Size
Now it’s time to choose your requested date, time slot, and the size of your party.
For party size, you should include everyone including infants.
Set Your Filters
Set Your Filters to refine your search to Disney parks, on-property resorts, and/or Disney Springs.
Also, you can choose specific dining experiences from “Quick Service”, “Buffet”, “Casual Dining”, “Character Dining”, “Fine/Signature Dining”.
Another filter that is super helpful to choose is the Cuisine.
If you want to choose multiple choices, you will have more options to choose from.
For example, let’s say you are looking for a restaurant at Disney Springs on May 4th at dinner for a party of four, you are able to click all of your favorite cuisine options to see what they offer at your specific location and date.
Choose Your Reservation Time
Once all your filters are set, you’ll see a list of restaurants that are set to your preferences.
Now it’s time to choose a restaurant and click on the available reservation times.
Select Your Dining Party
On this screen, you’ll need to select the members of your dining party. This would be yourself and others that are joining you for dinner.
Click “Next” on the lower right when you’re done.
Enter Your Payment Method
Booking a table service meal reservation through Disney requires the use of a credit or debit card to hold the reservation. Your card on file will be charged a $10 per person cancellation fee if you do not show up for the reservation.
Find more information on Disney Reservations on Disney’s Website.
If you need to cancel, you are able to do so online 24 hours+ before your reservation. If you choose to cancel within 24 hours of your reservation, you may have to call Disney directly. Just note, it is common for hold times to exceed 90 minutes.
When you’re at the restaurant you can choose a different method of payment to pay your bill.
Add Your Food Allergies & Other Special Request Information
If you or anyone in your party has any food allergies or other special requests, click the “Add” button.
You’ll be brought to a page where you can select common allergens to avoid or request wheelchair-accessible seating.
Reserve Your Meal
You’re finally on the last steps to booking your Disney World dining reservations!
You’ll need to add your email and phone number, read and agree to the Guest Policies and then click on the “Reserve button.
Now you have your dining reservation!
You will receive a confirmation screen and an email with all your confirmation information.
The reservation will automatically be added to your My Disney Experience account!
Happy Dining!
