Let’s be honest—half the fun of a Disney trip is the food! From iconic snacks to incredible sit-down meals, here’s how to ensure you don’t miss out on Disney’s best dining experiences. From immersive table-service restaurants to convenient counter-service spots and iconic Disney snacks, there’s something for every palate.
Why You Should Book Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs)
Many of Disney World’s table-service restaurants are extremely popular and fill up quickly. Suppose you plan to enjoy a sit-down meal at a sought-after location like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest, or California Grill. In that case, it’s essential to book your reservation in advance.
Walk-ups are rare, and without a reservation, you might miss out on some of Disney’s best dining experiences. Have you ever tried strolling into Be Our Guest at noon without a reservation? Trust us, it’s not happening!
How Early Can You Book Disney World Dining?
- Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel can make dining reservations up to 60 days before their check-in date for the entire stay (up to 10 days).
- Guests not staying at a Disney Resort hotel can also make reservations 60 days in advance but must book one day at a time.
- Reservations open at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time online and in the My Disney Experience app. Phone reservations begin at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
Note: Some Disney restaurants have varying cancellation policies. Select venues require cancellations up to 2 hours before the reservation time to avoid a fee. Be sure to check each restaurant’s specific policy when booking.
Here are the three best ways to book advance dining reservations at Walt Disney World to help you secure the reservations you want.
1. By Phone
If you prefer the personal touch, you can speak with a Disney Dining agent by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).
Phone lines open daily at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Have a list of backup times and restaurants in case your first choice is unavailable.
If your preferred restaurant is complete, don’t give up! Cancellations happen frequently, so check back later.
A credit card is required to hold a reservation. You won’t be charged when booking, but if you don’t cancel at least 24 hours in advance, you may incur a cancellation fee. Some restaurants require cancellation up to 2 hours before your reservation to avoid charges.
✨ Pro Tip: Breakfast = the cheapest table-service meal! If you’re on a budget, book an early meal and save $$ for snacks later!
2. Online via the Disney World Website
One of the easiest ways to book dining reservations is through the official Disney World website.
Log into your My Disney Experience account and browse dining options using the Check Availability Tool. Search by date, time, and location to find openings at restaurants across the resort.
The online system provides real-time availability, making it a great option if you’re flexible with dining times.
⏳ Pro Tip: Keep refreshing if you don’t see your desired reservation immediately! New availability can appear at any time as other guests modify their plans.
3. My Disney Experience App
The My Disney Experience app is the most convenient way to manage all your Disney World reservations, including dining.
Download the My Disney Experience app and log into your account. Navigate to the “Reserve Dining” section to search for available times.
Menus for each restaurant are available, helping you decide the best option for your group. The app also lets you modify or cancel your reservations on the go.
📅 Pro Tip: If a reservation isn’t available, try checking early in the morning or late at night. Guests frequently adjust their plans, and new slots may open up unexpectedly.
What Happens If You Can’t Get a Reservation?
Missed out on a reservation? Don’t panic—there are sneaky ways to score last-minute Disney dining spots!
- Keep checking the app or website as reservations open up due to cancellations.
- Try booking at off-peak times, such as mid-afternoon or late evening.
- Join the Walk-Up Waitlist for select restaurants via the My Disney Experience app.
- Consider dining at a Disney Resort restaurant—many have fantastic dining experiences without requiring park admission.
Disney Fan Community Tip: One Disney fan in our Facebook group swears by checking for last-minute cancellations at odd hours—she snagged a Be Our Guest dinner spot at 10 p.m.!
BONUS TIP: Work With an Expert to Score Reservations!
Booking a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but a Disney-authorized travel planner like Mickey Travels can make it easy.
They’ll help you secure hard-to-get dining reservations, find the best deals, and plan the perfect itinerary—all for free!
What’s Your Best Disney Dining Hack?
Which Disney restaurant is on your must-visit list? Have you ever snagged a last-minute reservation? Share your best tips in the comments!
Whether you book by phone, online, or through the My Disney Experience app, securing your reservations early will help you fully experience the magic of Disney dining!
