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What to Know About Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World

Dining room at Disney Contemporary's California Grill
Credit: Disney

Knowing about dining reservations is essential to plan a trip to Walt Disney World. Most table-service dining locations require a reservation; some can be tricky to secure. Follow these tips to ensure you snag that perfect reservation at your favorite restaurant for your Disney vacation.

Make Reservations in Advance

Guests with Piglet at Crystal Palace

Credit: Disney

Guests can book dining reservations up to 60 days before their visit. This is especially important for popular restaurants like Be Our Guest or Cinderella’s Royal Table, where reservations have been known to go in minutes. If there’s a restaurant that you or someone in your family has their heart set on, it’s best to book exactly 60 days out from your visit. This will give you the best opportunity of securing a reservation at a highly requested dining location.

How to Make a Dining Reservation

Guests can make a Walt Disney World dining reservation online, through the My Disney Experience app, or over the phone. The easiest way to make dining reservations is through the My Disney Experience app or the Walt Disney World website. You can also call the Dining Reservation Center at (407) 939-1947.

All Walt Disney World Dining reservations require a credit card. You’ll be asked to provide a credit card to hold the reservation when making a reservation. Your card will not be charged before the reservation date,  but there may be a fee for no-shows and cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance.

Certain dining experiences, such as dinner shows or special events, may require you to prepay when booking your reservation.

Find the Right Fit

Guest and Stitch at Disney's O'Hana

Credit: Disney

Walt Disney World offers a variety of dining experiences, from quick service restaurants to character dining to fine dining. From dining during your Park day to a relaxing lunch at your Resort, be sure to choose the type of dining experience that best fits your needs and budget.

There’s much to consider when considering all the Walt Disney World Resort dining options. For instance, if you have young kids, they may enjoy a reservation at a restaurant with character dining like Chef Mickey’s or O’Hana more than the rooftop elegance of California Grill. But California Grill during the Magic Kingdom nighttime fireworks might be a perfect fit if you’re searching for a romantic date night.

It’s essential to research the Disney dining options 60 days before your trip so that once you make a reservation, you know exactly what you’re looking for.

Be Flexible

food on table at disney world japan pavilion new restaurant

Credit: Disney Parks

If you can’t get a reservation for your first choice of restaurant at your preferred time, be flexible and consider alternative options. Continue to check back online or use the My Disney Experience app. Sometimes, one Guest’s cancellation is your perfect dining reservation. Walt Disney World has many great dining options, so you’ll find something that works for you.

About Megan Losey

As a Disney foodie, I love writing about Disney food and snacks. Some of my favorites are the Carrot Cake Cookie from Trolley Car Cafe, the Mickey Beignets from Port Orleans French Quarter, and the Apple Blossom from Port Orleans Riverside. When I'm visiting the parks, you can find me on Main Street taking in the good vibe of Magic Kingdom or relaxing with a drink at the Polynesian watching the fireworks from the beach. As a previous Cast Member, I will always have a special place in my heart for the Magic Kingdom, especially Main Street U.S.A.