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Essential Rules and Tips for Disney Dining Reservations

Walt Disney World is not only famous for its attractions and entertainment but also for its diverse dining options. Whether you’re enjoying a meal inside one of the Disney Parks or exploring the culinary offerings at the resort hotels, there are countless experiences to savor. However, to make the most of your dining adventures, understanding the rules around dining reservations is essential.

With the return of the Disney Dining Plan in 2024, securing advanced dining reservations (ADRs) will become even more critical for ensuring a smooth experience.

Here’s everything you need to know about dining reservations at Walt Disney World, including tips for booking and avoiding unnecessary costs.

Advance Dining Reservations: The Basics

When planning to dine at any full-service restaurant at Walt Disney World, making an advance dining reservation is highly recommended. Reservations can be made up to 60 days before your visit, and guests staying at Disney Resort hotels have the added benefit of booking for the length of their stay (up to 10 days) starting 60 days before their check-in date. This advantage gives Disney Resort guests a head start in securing highly sought-after dining experiences.

Reservations open at 6 a.m. Eastern Time daily, so set your alarm to ensure you get the times and locations you want. While some restaurants may still have availability closer to your trip, the most popular spots fill up quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead.

How to Make Advance Dining Reservations

Booking your reservations is easy with the My Disney Experience app. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open the My Disney Experience app and navigate to the dining section.
  2. Search for reservations by restaurant, party size, and date of visit.
  3. If you’re unsure where to dine, you can filter by location or cuisine to find inspiration.
  4. Select your preferred time, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reservation.

To confirm your reservation, you will need to provide credit card details. Note that your card is not charged unless you fail to show up for the reservation or cancel outside of the allowed timeframe.

When You Can’t Find a Reservation

Certain Disney restaurants are extremely popular, and it’s not uncommon to see them fully booked when you first search. If you don’t secure a reservation immediately, don’t lose hope. Keep checking the My Disney Experience app regularly, as cancellations can open up new slots. Some of the most challenging reservations to secure include:

  • ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Space 220 at EPCOT
  • Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort (character dining at breakfast)
  • Oga’s Cantina in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Checking daily, especially in the weeks leading up to your trip, may yield some luck.

Cancellation Policy: Avoid Unnecessary Charges

It’s essential to understand Disney’s cancellation policies to avoid charges. If you decide not to attend a reservation, you must cancel it at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a $10 per person fee. This charge will be applied to the credit card used when the reservation was made. Previously, guests could cancel up to two hours before, but recent updates now require a decision at least a day in advance.

Family using my disney experience
Credit: Disney

Here’s how you can modify or cancel a reservation using My Disney Experience:

  1. Open the app and navigate to “My Plans.”
  2. Find the reservation you want to cancel or modify.
  3. If modifying, adjust the time or date (at least 24 hours ahead).
  4. If you wish to cancel, follow the prompts after modifying.

Non-Modifiable Reservations

While most Disney dining reservations can be modified, some experiences have stricter rules. Be cautious when booking the following dining experiences, as they do not allow modifications once confirmed:

  • Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom
  • Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties
  • Fairytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise
  • Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package in EPCOT
  • Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package in EPCOT

Cancellation Requirements for Specific Restaurants

Certain dining experiences have stricter cancellation policies, where failing to cancel within the specified timeframe will result in being charged the full price per guest. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Cinderella’s Royal Table: Cancel at least two hours before your reservation time.
  • Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise: Cancel at least one day before.
  • Monsieur Paul: Cancel at least three days before.
  • Victoria & Albert’s: Cancel at least five days before.
  • Takumi-Tei, Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package, and Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package: Cancel at least two days before.
  • Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Cancel at least seven days before.

Tips for Booking Hard-to-Get Reservations

If you have your heart set on a specific restaurant that’s fully booked, try these tips:

  1. Check frequently: Cancellations happen, and new slots may open up closer to your desired date.
  2. Use the waitlist feature: For some locations, you can join a waitlist on the day of your visit through the My Disney Experience app.
  3. Book during off-peak hours: Dining early or late in the day increases your chances of finding an available reservation.
  4. Be flexible with your dining time: If you’re willing to adjust your plans, you might find more options.
A family of four, two adults and two children, gather excitedly around a smartphone. The kids wear fun, themed headbands: one with pink sparkly mouse ears and the other with a blue alien hat. The adults smile warmly as they join in the moment of joy.
Credit: Disney

Make the Most of Your Disney Dining Experience

Planning is key to ensuring a magical dining experience at Walt Disney World. By securing your advance dining reservations early and understanding the policies for cancellation and modifications, you can avoid extra fees and enjoy your meals stress-free. Whether you’re dining in Cinderella Castle or savoring Polynesian flavors at ‘Ohana, these tips will help you navigate Disney’s dining system like a pro.

With these strategies in hand, your next visit to Walt Disney World can be filled with incredible meals, magical memories, and a smooth, enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Victoria Mills

Victoria is a Disney-loving, tea-drinking, Math teacher from Liverpool, England. Her motto is 'work hard, Disney harder'! Having taken part in the Disney College Program back in 2010, Victoria's love and appreciation for Walt Disney World only grew, and it's the place where she feels most herself - it's home!

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