Tips for Disney Dining Reservations
Sometimes it can be challenging to get the dining reservations you want for your trip to Disney World. However, there are some things you can do to make the reservation process smoother and increase your odds of getting what you want.
Link Everything in My Disney Experience
First things first: make sure you link your Disney resort reservation in your My Disney Experience account. Although everyone is able to book dining reservations 60 days out, guests at Disney resorts can book 60 days out plus the length of their stay (up to 10 days). This difference gives Disney resort guests a slight head start in booking their dining reservations.
Set Calendar Reminders
The early bird gets the worm–and the dining reservation! Availability is often best when your booking window opens, so don’t forget to set calendar reminders for your 60-day mark. Online dining reservations can open as early as 5:45am ET each morning though most appear at 6am ET.
Note that if you have a split stay (meaning you’re staying at more than one resort in a trip), you will have to book dining separately for each part of the stay. For example, if you are staying at the BoardWalk and then moving to the Grand Floridian for the second part of your trip, you can book dining for the first part of the trip at 60 days prior to checking in at the BoardWalk. Then you can book dining for the second part of the trip at 60 days prior to checking in at the Grand Floridian.
Scope Out Menus in Advance
As part of your vacation planning, check out the restaurant menus in advance. You can find them on the Walt Disney World website or My Disney Experience app. Get a sense for which restaurants suit your travel party’s taste buds, theme park reservations, and budget. Looking at the menus in advance is especially helpful if you have picky eaters or anyone who has food allergies or specific dietary restrictions.
Book Harder Reservations First
When it’s time to book your reservations, book any harder-to-find reservations towards the end of your trip. With the ability to book the length of your trip as a Disney resort guest, you should be able to find more openings available for popular restaurants.
Check Open Table
Some restaurants also offer reservations through Open Table. You’ll find many of the Disney Springs restaurants like The Boathouse, Raglan Road Irish Pub, Wine Bar George, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. You can also book many of the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve restaurants on Open Table like Todd English’s bluezoo, Rosa Mexicano, Amare, and Shula’s Steakhouse.
Choose Less Popular Meal Times
If you can be more flexible with your schedule, you’ll have an easier time finding a reservation if you dine at off-peak times. Choose a late breakfast, late lunch, or perhaps an early dinner for better availability.
If you’re still having trouble finding a reservation, try out the Unlocked Magic Dining Reservation Finder! You can set alerts to be notified via text or email when your desired reservation becomes available.
