All Things Travel Podcast

Disney Dining Reservations 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Walt Disney World Vacation


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In this episode of All Things Travel, hosts Ryan and Julie break down the complexities of Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) at Walt Disney World, offering expert advice for travelers planning their magical dining experiences.


Key Takeaways

  • Advanced Dining Reservations can be made 60 days before your check-in date
  • On-site resort guests can book dining for entire trip; off-site guests book one day at a time
  • Reservations open at 6:00 AM Eastern Time
  • Some popular restaurants book up quickly and require strategic planning


When and How to Make Reservations

  • Timing: 60 days before check-in date
  • Time: Reservations open at 6:00 AM Eastern Time
  • Pro Tip: Log in to My Disney Experience app by 5:50 AM
  • Recommended Strategy: Book most sought-after restaurants towards the end of your trip


Reservation Tips for Large Groups

  • For parties larger than 6 people, split reservations into two groups
  • Use separate My Disney Experience logins
  • Try to book tables around the same time
  • Restaurants are usually accommodating about seating groups together


Disney Dining Plan Options

Two primary dining plan tiers:

  1. Quick Service Plan
    • One quick service meal credit per night
    • One snack credit per night
    • Refillable resort mug
  2. Table Service Dining Plan
    • One table service credit
    • One quick service credit
    • One snack credit
    • Refillable resort mug


Dining Plan Highlights

  • Credits are per night of stay, not per day
  • Some character meals may require two credits
  • Alcohol and specialty drinks included
  • Gratuity not included
  • Children under 3 eat free


Recommended Restaurants by Park


Magic Kingdom

  • Cinderella's Royal Table (for princess fans)
  • Liberty Tree Tavern (family-style comfort food)
  • Skipper Canteen (unique theming)


Epcot

  • Via Napoli (excellent wood-fired pizza)
  • Space 220 (unique dining experience)


Hollywood Studios

  • Roundup Rodeo Barbecue (Toy Story themed)
  • Hollywood Brown Derby (signature dining)


Animal Kingdom

  • Tusker House (character dining)
  • Yak and Yeti (diverse menu options)


Pro Tips

  • Link resort reservations and tickets to My Disney Experience
  • Have a credit card ready to guarantee reservations
  • Allow 90-120 minutes for dining, especially character meals
  • Consider using snack credits for breakfast
  • Work with a travel advisor to streamline planning


Final Advice

Don't stress too much about dining reservations. With proper planning and flexibility, you can create a magical dining experience at W

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All Things Travel PodcastBy Ryan Hedstrom and Julie Shaffer

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