Planning a trip to Walt Disney World (WDW) involves more than just booking a hotel and buying park tickets. For many, one of the highlights is their Disney dining experiences. However, securing reservations at very popular restaurants can be difficult. So, what’s the best plan to secure your “most wanted” list of dining choices?
Here are some of the most challenging advance dining reservations (ADRs) to snag at Walt Disney World, followed by tips on how to improve your chances and what you need to know.
Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
Dining inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom is a dream for many visitors. That makes Cinderella’s Royal Table one of the most sought-after Disney dining reservations. Guests enjoy a royal feast while meeting Disney princesses in an fairytale setting.
The allure of dining in the iconic castle, combined with the character dining experience, means reservations often fill up as soon as they become available.
Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom)
Located in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom, Be Our Guest offers diners the chance to step inside the Beast’s enchanted castle. The restaurant features three Beauty and the Beast themed dining rooms and is particularly popular for dinner.
Guests may find a lunch reservation easier to secure.
Oga’s Cantina (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
For Star Wars fans, Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios is a must-visit. The immersive experience, themed cocktails, and unique atmosphere make it a hot ticket.
Given its popularity and limited seating, reservations can be challenging to secure. In addition, reservations for Oga’s are only for a 45-minute experience in the space.
Victoria & Albert’s (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa)
Known for its luxurious fine dining experience, Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is the ultimate in elegance. With multiple prestigious awards, this restaurant offers a gourmet menu and impeccable service. That means high demand and limited availability.
Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera (Disney’s Riviera Resort)
Offering stunning views and a delightful character breakfast, Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort is a relatively new favorite. Guests can meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy in artist attire each morning. Its unique character interactions and excellent food make it a tough reservation to secure.
Topolinos has high quality food and offers an elegant dining experience for dinner without the characters. Either way, this place is high on the “must-do” list of many guests.
Space 220 (EPCOT)
This space-themed restaurant inside EPCOT‘s World Discovery neighborhood provides a unique dining experience where guests feel like they are dining among the stars. Its novelty and immersive environment have made it a very popular reservation since it opened.
This is a particularly difficult reservation to secure. Be ready at 6am, 60 days prior to the first day of your trip to snag a spot!
Chef Mickey’s (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)
At the Contemporary Resort, guests can have a classic character Disney dining experience. Join Mickey and friends at Chef Mickey’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This place is particularly popular with families. The lively atmosphere and convenient location near Magic Kingdom add to its appeal.
General Tips for Securing Disney Dining Reservations
You want to ward off any anticipated stressful situations on a trip to Disney World. Afterall, you are on vacation, and you are spending a good deal of money. So, the best way is to do a little research and work ahead of your trip. Here are some tips on how to get your most wanted dining experiences for your trip:
- Plan: Mark your calendar for the 60-day reservation window.
- Book Online: The Disney website and My Disney Experience app are often faster than calling.
- Use Multiple Devices: Having several devices ready to book can increase your chances of snagging a reservation.
- Consider Special Packages: Some dining experiences are part of special packages, which might give you better chances. For example, Fantasmic Dining Packages or an EPCOT festival dining package reservation may help secure a coveted restaurant.
- Check Frequently: Plans change, and reservations often become available as people adjust their itineraries.
- Use a Travel Agent who specializes in Disney vacations: They can assist with booking and might have insider tips and tricks.
- Tips for Success
- Be ready to book exactly at 6:00 AM Eastern Time, 60 days before your visit.
- Consider booking a breakfast reservation, as these might be slightly easier to obtain than lunch or dinner.
- Be flexible with your dates and times. Times that are in-between traditional mealtimes are often easier to secure.
What You Need to Know About Disney Dining Reservations
Some Disney dining experiences require pre-payment when you book the reservation. In particular, Cinderella’s Royal Table and other character dining experiences require advance payment. More importantly, if you need to cancel a reservation, you must do so 2 hours or more ahead of time or risk being charged a fee for each person in your party. Modifications can be made up to 2 hours ahead of your dining time within the My Disney Experience app. Also, if you’re managing a group vacation, try to reserve for smaller party size at the same time rather than one large group. Lastly, Guest Services are always available on property for problems or issues with dining reservations. If you have the Standard Disney Dining Plan added to your reservation, know that some dining experiences are 2 credits opposed to 1.
Securing Disney dining reservations at these top dining spots can be a daunting task! However, with careful planning and a bit of flexibility, it’s possible to enjoy some of the most magical meals Disney has to offer. Whether you want to dine with princesses or savor a gourmet feast, remember, persistence is key!
If you want help booking and building a Disney World vacation, reach out to our friends at DizN Vacations. Their team of expert travel professionals will personalize your trip and build you a bigger and better adventure! You can submit a free no-obligation quote request to start your planning right away.
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