🍽️ Disney Dining Reservations: Must-Knows Before You Go

Written By Beth Pesakoff

The interior of Space 220 at Epcot

Dining at Walt Disney World is more than just grabbing a meal—it’s part of the experience. From character dining and immersive themed restaurants to fine dining and festival food, planning ahead can make a big difference in your trip. Disney dining reservations can feel confusing at first, but once you know the basics, they’re easy to manage.

Here’s everything you need to know to dine like a pro at Disney.

📅 When Disney Dining Reservations Open

Disney dining reservations open 60 days in advance of your arrival date at 6:00 AM Eastern Time.

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you can book dining for your entire stay (up to 10 days) starting 60 days before check-in. This gives on-site guests a big advantage when it comes to hard-to-get reservations.

✨ Pro Tip: Set an alarm and be logged into the My Disney Experience app before 6:00 AM—popular restaurants can fill up fast.

🍴 Which Reservations Go Fast

Some Disney restaurants are consistently in high demand. These often book up quickly and should be prioritized first:

  • Character dining experiences

  • Cinderella’s Royal Table

  • Be Our Guest Restaurant

  • Space 220

  • California Grill (especially around fireworks time)

  • ‘Ohana

  • Story Book Dining at Artist Point

If one of these is a must-do, grab it first—then work around it.

📱 How to Make & Manage Reservations

Dining reservations are made through the My Disney Experience app or website.

From the app, you can:

  • Make new dining reservations

  • Modify or cancel existing reservations

  • Join walk-up waitlists (when available)

  • View menus and pricing

📲 Pro Tip: Availability changes all the time. If you don’t get what you want at 60 days, keep checking—especially the week leading up to your trip.

A mother using her phone at Disney with her young son

⏰ Understanding Cancellation Policies

Most table-service Disney restaurants have a 2-hour cancellation policy.

  • Canceling less than 2 hours before your reservation (or not showing up) usually results in a per-person cancellation fee.

  • Always cancel or modify if plans change—even same-day adjustments can help you avoid fees.

🧒 Character Dining Tips

Character dining is incredibly popular and perfect for families.

Good to know:

  • Characters visit your table while you eat (autographs and photos included)

  • Meals are typically prix fixe or buffet-style

  • You don’t need a park ticket for character dining at resorts (like Chef Mickey’s or ‘Ohana)

✨ Pro Tip: Character dining can be a great way to meet multiple characters without standing in long park lines.

A family meeting princess Tiana at a character dining experience

🍔 Quick Service vs. Table Service

Not every meal needs a reservation.

Quick Service Dining:

  • No reservations required

  • Mobile ordering available through the app

  • Great for flexibility and busy park days

Table Service Dining:

  • Reservations strongly recommended

  • Slower pace and immersive theming

  • Ideal for special meals or rest breaks

A good mix of both keeps your trip balanced and stress-free.

🎆 Dining Packages & Fireworks

Some restaurants offer dining packages that include reserved viewing for parades or fireworks.

These packages:

  • Guarantee a viewing spot (huge on busy nights)

  • Often cost more than a regular meal

  • Can be worth it if fireworks are a priority

Ask your travel advisor if a dining package makes sense for your plans.

Three children watching fireworks with dining tables around them

🧠 Dining Reservation Tips from a Travel Advisor

  • Don’t overbook—too many reservations can make your days feel rushed

  • Schedule table-service meals during the hottest part of the day for a break

  • Use resort dining on arrival or departure days

  • Be flexible with times—lunch is often easier to book than dinner

  • Let us help! Strategy matters more than luck

✨ How Let’s Talk Travel Helps

Dining can be one of the most stressful parts of Disney planning—but it doesn’t have to be.

At Let’s Talk Travel, we help our clients:

  • Create a dining strategy that fits their park plans

  • Prioritize must-have reservations

  • Monitor for availability when reservations open up

  • Adjust plans as schedules change

So you can enjoy incredible meals without refreshing your phone all day.

👉 Ready to plan your Disney vacation (and dining) the easy way? Contact us today!

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Beth Pesakoff https://letstalktravel.us
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