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Breaking News: Disney adjusted to a 180-day booking window for dining, recreation and tour offerings. This replaced the previous 90-day booking window. At the same time, the Theme Park Operating Calendar will be published online 180 days out as well. This change will not impact existing dining, recreation and tour reservations.
Advance Dining Reservations. It sounds simple doesn't it? And in most cases it is--as long as you call well in advance; you're not trying for hard-to-get reservations; you have a group of 8 people or less; and you aren't booking a dinner show or meal that requires a credit card guarantee or pre-payment. We'll look at each of these cases, and give a few tips for making your ADRs go smoothly.
What Are Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs)?
Advance Dining Reservations (formerly know as Priority Seating) are not reservations in the "true" sense of the word with definite seating times. They do guarantee, however, that you "will be seated" at the first available table after checking in at the podium for your reservation time. Actually, Disney recommends arriving 15 minutes prior to your ADR time. Waits generally range from a few minutes to a half hour. Think of Advance Dining Reservations as Disney's way of controlling the seating flow in their restaurants. Those that have ADRs will be seated and those that don't in many cases won't. Dining ADRs can be made from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m seven days a week (7 a.m. to 8 p.m on holidays) by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). Reservations can also be made online at disneyworld.disney.go.com/restaurants/ beginning at 6:00 a.m EST each day.
Guests staying on or off Disney property can make Advance Dining Reservations. Those staying at a Disney owned-resort can book their reservations 180 days in advance, plus up to 10 days of their vacation stay, giving them an advantage over other potential diners to book all of their dining reservations at once. Guests staying at non-Disney owned hotels or resorts may book dining reservations 180 days in advance of their preferred dining dates, which means they will need to reserve dining for each day of their vacations, one day at a time. When calculating ADR dates, WDW guests should use their check-in dates rather than their preferred dining date and be prepared to give their reservation numbers in order to book their ADRs all at once. Note: The Swan and Dolphin, Shades of Green and Downtown Disney Hotels are not Disney-owned and would not qualify for the "180 day plus 10" perk.
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Using Disney's On-Line Dining Reservation System
Effective 6/16/09, Disney made public an On-Line Dining Reservation System. All of the ADR information and tips found throughout this page apply to the online dining reservation system as well, except where noted.
Travel agents were among the first to test the online system and are able to use it to make client reservations. If you use a Disney-specialized travel agency like The Magic For Less Travel, your agent will be able to access the online system and make all of your dining reservations for you if you wish. Those booked through a travel agency may also use the system to make their own dining reservations. Disney Dining uses your phone number to track Advance Dining Reservation arrangements. If you call Disney Dining and provide them with your phone number, online will be able to pull up any Advance Dining Reservations you have. Those who have reservations made by a travel agent, may need to use the agency phone number (plus confirmation number) to retrieve ADRs.
For the online Dining System, the new day starts at 6:00 a.m., a one hour jump on those using the phone system. Diners using the online system should be able to get some of the more coveted reservations before Disney Dining's phone lines open.
To use the new system:
- Visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/restaurants/ and select your table service restaurant. Alternatively, you can visit the main web page for Walt Disney World, hover your mouse pointer over the word “Book” at the top of the page, and then click on “Dining Reservations”.
- Use the orange "Book a Reservation" button under the restaurant you choose, and then use the link on the page to retrieve your Walt Disney World Resort reservation (if you have one) and reserve your dining dates. Those who have split their vacations between several resorts or reservations will have to repeat the process for each reservation number.
- The Dining System allows you to choose a specific date or up to a 5-day range of dates for each reservation. If your dates and times are not available, the system will suggest alternate choices (be aware that these choices may include less popular restaurants and thus have more availability), but you can still search and often find alternate times at the restaurant of your choice.
- Each dining reservation you make will be added to a shopping cart until you have made all reservations. Guests may also indicate dietary requests and any occasions that may be celebrated during the checkout process.
- You may then proceed to checkout. As long as your session has remained active (no inactivity for more than 20 minutes), you will have 2 hours to complete your selections and make your transaction. Currently, the system is smoothly taking up to 6 reservations at a time. If you have more than 6, you may do better to do them in several batches.
- An email will be sent with all of your confirmation numbers after you finish the process. Print them and take them with you to each restaurant.
Those who do not have a Walt Disney World resort reservation number may also use the online system to book dining reservations. Be aware that these reservations can be made no more than 180 days out, but not for up to 10 additional days of a vacation.
Some reservations will require that you use a credit card to reserve them. For more information, see our ADRs That Require a Credit Card section below. If you have purchased the Disney Dining Plan as part of your reservation, the system will already have that information and you should not be charged. If the system recognizes your dining credits, the total charged will be $0.00. If any other charge appears, your credit card will be charged for pre-pay reservations. If the transaction is completed, there is no reversing of the charge once it goes through. The only recourse will be to cancel the reservation and rebook. Charges made to your credit card are usually refunded within 30 days.
Once made, a reservation can easily be canceled using your emailed confirmation number and phone number. You will still have to call Disney Dining to make modifications or cancel reservations for which payment was made. To view or cancel reservations, log in and then click "Dining Reservations" under the "My Disney Vacation" which displays at the top of the page. Both online dining reservations and those made by phone can be retrieved online as long as 1) you have an ADR confirmation number, 2) a phone number is associated with the reservation and 3) it is available to book online (i.e. a Fantasmic package booked by phone could not be retrieved online).
Special Dining shows such the "Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue," "Disney's Spirit of Aloha" and "Mickey's Backyard BBQ" are also available to book online. For a few special packages, such as the Fantasmic Dinner Package, Dine With an Imagineer, Victoria and Albert's, Jiko Dinner Series, Candlelight Processional Dinner Package, Garden View Tea, Perfectly Princess Tea Party, Wanyama Safari Resort Tour and the Sweetheart Dinner for Two, you will still need to call Disney's Dining phone line to reserve.
While reservations for up to 10 can be made online, those with a group of 8 or more who would like to sit together will still need to call Disney Group Dining at (407) 939-5665.
Special Notice for Non-U.S. Residents: When first introduced, the online ADR system was not working with non-U.S. credit cards. This is because the address information requires a five digit zip code and a U.S. phone number. The phone number issue can be overcome by using 000-000-0000 for non-credit card reservations, but we've had no word as to whether the other problems have been fixed.
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Reserve Meals as Soon as Possible
Things have changed at Walt Disney World! Once, vacationers could visit without planning meals ahead of time and have a fairly good chance of walking up and being seated at most table service restaurants. With the introduction of the Disney Dining Plan and frequent Free Dining Promotions that has all changed. Now, to ensure getting to eat at any of WDW's table service restaurants, guests will have to do some advance planning and make some Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs).
To have the best chance of getting the restaurant of your choice, one should always make reservations as soon as their 180 reservation window first becomes available. This is particularly important during peak vacation times, holidays, during Free Dining season, and lately, just about anytime. For more information on crowds at Disney and dates and events that impact them, click here. The ADR calculator can help to figure out the first available booking date and the PS Report Writer can generate an nice list to use when calling. The more flexible you are in your dining plans the better chance you have of getting a reservation when calling late or last minute. Consider have lunch instead of dinner at a particular restaurant or picking a different dining date or restaurant if nothing is available when calling.
If for some reason, however, nothing seems available during your vacation stay for a restaurant you've just been dying to try, here are some tips you can try for getting an ADR at that coveted dining spot:
- For both online and by phone, choose off times such as a quarter past the hour rather than on the hour or half hour. You might also try picking the earliest or latest dining times for a particular meal.
- If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, you might also try choosing days closer toward the end of your vacation to help overcome the overlap caused by guests vacationing at slightly earlier travel dates and using the "180 days plus 10" rule.
- Split larger groups into several tables or even separate dining reservations booked close to the same dining times.
- Disney's Dining system has a rather quirky anomaly. While we don't advise trying this often as wide spread practice can cause difficulty, if there is a restaurant you are just dying to try and nothing else works, changing the number in your party can sometimes yield times or reservations that aren't otherwise available. For instance, if you are looking for a reservations for two and have had no luck, try making the reservation for three guests instead. You won't be denied seating if the number of people have changed when you arrive. Keep in mind that this is something you definitely don't want to do for restaurants that require a credit card guarantee or pre-payment.
- Keep trying. Walt Disney World package reservations must be paid in full 45 days in advance. Many people will cancel vacation reservations before making final payment or prior to cancellation penalty dates. The polite ones will also cancel dining reservations. It never hurts to keep trying.
- Once arriving at Walt Disney World, try calling for ADRs again. At Disney resorts, guests can press DINING or *55 on in-room telephones for assistance, dial *88 on any Disney public payphone or ask the resort's Lobby Concierge to check whether any last minute openings have become available. At the parks and resorts, same-day walk-ups are sometimes accommodated when requested in person at the restaurant's podium. Walk-up seating may sometimes be available even when dining reservations can't be obtained through Disney's Advance Dining Reservation System, although you should never count on this. Wait-times for walk-ups, if accepted, can range from a few minutes to an hour or more. During extremely busy times, many restaurants will post a sign letting potential walk-up guests know that these requests are not being taken.
 TheMouseForLess Tip: If you've made last minute vacation plans and just aren't having much luck getting ADRs, there are serveral Walt Disney World restaurants that always reserve 30% of their available space for walk ups. Rainforest Cafe in Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney locations, Yak 'n Yeti in Animal Kingdom and Planet Hollywood in Downtown Disney are restaurants that always reserve tables for walk ups.
TheMouseForLess Tip: Make an ADR countdown ticker to use in signatures on forums, message boards, blogs, your email, web pages, etc. It's a great way to remind you of that important first available booking date.
Hard to Get Reservations
Cinderella's Royal Table Character Breakfast which can be very difficult to get if not reserved close to your 180-day reservation date. Be prepared to give your credit card number and make payment in full when you make your reservation. Also jot down the reservation number and cancellation policy and keep them in a safe place. The reservation number is your proof of a reservation. If you need to cancel this reservation you must call 407-WDW-DINE at least 48 hours prior to you reservation date for a full refund.Those on Disney's Dining Plan should mention at the time of reserving Cinderella's Royal Table intentions to use table credits to pay for the meal. Your credit card shouldn't be charged when reserving, but you'll still have to give Disney the credit card number and cancellation dates and policies will apply. Cinderella's Royal Table requires 2 table credits per person. It's worth noting, however, that this meal may not be the best use of your dining credits.
TheMouseForLess Tip: For table service meals, it's a good rule of thumb to reserve meals with a cost of $30 per meal per table credit to recoup or surpass the $39.99 per adult per night cost of basic 2009 dining plan. The California Grill during evening fireworks might be a better investment of two table service credits.
TheMouseForLess Tip: Those using the new online reservation system will have a one hour advantage over those calling when making hard-to-get reservations. Online reservations rollover to the current day beginning at 6:00 a.m. EST each day. It does appear that this may be the new best way to get hard-to-come-by reservations.
For those calling for Cinderella's Royal Table Character Breakfast reservations, Disney veterans have developed a series of steps to ensure the best chance of getting them:
1. The night before your 180 booking window becomes available (or the first day of check-in if you have a Disney reservation number) enter the Disney Dining number (407-939-3463) into the speed dial feature if your phone has it, and test it to be sure it works. Gather your credit card number and have it ready for the morning. If you don't have a credit, you can not reserve this meal. Double check that the next day will be exactly 180 days from the date you wish to dine or will check-in if you have a Walt Disney World resort reservation number. It's best to try for a date very early in your stay; that way, if there is no availability, you can try calling again the following day or, if you have a Disney reservation number, try for a different day during your stay. You can also try calling back 15 minutes later or so for reservations that may have cancelled due to double booking with the same name.
TheMouseForLess Tip: To quickly get through the automated questions on the Disney Dining line, try pressing the number 1 on your phone dial at the first sound of a voice asking each question. This can shave considerable time off your wait to talk to a real person. This works if you speak English or if you aren't looking to book Victoria & Albert's (listen to the menu options to book these reservations or see the instructions below). For those who speak Spanish, press the number 2 first and then continue by pressing the number 1.
2. Several minutes before Disney Dining opens at 7:00 am EST, begin dialing incase your clock is off by a few minutes. If you hear the words "our office is closed," hang up and repeat the process until you are either put on hold (you may hear music playing) or speaking with a real person. If you are placed on hold, wait. Hanging up could cost you a place in the queue and your reservation.
3. As soon as the Disney agent beings speaking, interrupt and say that you would like "reservations for Cinderella's Royal Table character breakfast for "x" number of people on month/day/year (date) for any available time. Asking the reservationist to check for specific times can mean the difference between getting these reservations or not. The less picky you are about when your dine, the better your chances of getting a reservation. Breakfast hours for Cinderella's Royal Table are 8:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. EST.
4. Be prepared to give your credit card number and make payment in full if you get a reservation. Also jot down the reservation number and cancellation policy and keep them in a safe place. The reservation number is your proof of a reservation. If you need to cancel this reservation you must call 407-WDW-DINE at least 48 hours prior to you reservation date for a full refund.
5. Walt Disney World guests staying in concierge level rooms can see if the concierge staff can work a little magic and help get reservations. There is no guarantee, but it's worth a try.
There are a few other Disney restaurant reservations that can be extremely hard to get. The Chef's table at Victoria and Albert's usually sells out the first day it becomes available for booking. When reserving The Chef's Table, be sure to have the names of all party members on hand when making reservations as V&A uses them to personalized menus. You may book this reservation 180 days out by calling 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463). A prompt will direct you to the Victoria and Albert's line. A credit card must be used to guarantee this reservation.
Other popular meals at Walt Disney World include most character meals, especially Chef Mickey's Fun Time Buffet; Fantasmic! Dinner Packages; California Grill during firework hours only; and the Rose and Crown during Illumination hours only. For these last two, plan on on scheduling meals approximately 180 minutes to 2 hours before scheduled fireworks and arriving at the podium early to let them know you are hoping for a window seat (California Grill) or patio seat (Rose & Crown). You will be told they can't guarantee a specific table, but it never hurts to let them know you are looking for one. If you will be celebrating a special occasion, ask the Disney Dining reservationist to note it when making reservations and mention it again at the restaurant. Again, this guarantees nothing, but sometimes Disney does make a little magic happen.
TheMouseForLess Tip: If you can't get reservations for California Grill during the firework viewing, don't worry. As long as you have dined that evening, you will be allowed to return and watch the Fireworks from the restaurant's private viewing balcony on the fifteenth-floor of the Contemporary Resort. Simply show your receipt at the 2nd floor podium to be allowed access. This is a fantastic view and shouldn't be missed.
In addition to the special cases listed above, there are a few other restaurants that always book up quickly. The short list is below.
ADRs For Larger Groups
Groups of 8 people or more can make ADRs by calling 407-WDW-Dine and requesting transfer to "Group Dining" or calling directly at (407) 939-5665. A group coordinator will help to make reservations so that your entire group can sit together. Special rules apply to Advance Group Dining Reservations and include guaranteeing reservations with a credit card. A 24-hour advance cancellation policy will also apply that charges your card a penalty of $10 per person for no-shows. All group dining reservations will have an automatic 18% gratuity applied to the restaurant bill.
Even if you don't make your ADRs through Disney's Group Dining, when using the Dining Plan, an 18% gratuity is automatically added to checks for six people or more. This amount will be based on the entire cost of the meal and that gratuity will be charged directly to your room. This amount can add up on the Dining Plan and may be a cost to settle up at check-out that wasn't planned on. Automatic gratuity for larger groups applies to the Free Dining promotion as well. If you are dining with less than six in your group, you have the option of leaving a lesser percentage if the service was not up to par.
ADRs That Require a Credit Card
Certain Walt Disney World restaurants, shows or dining packages require a credit card to guarantee reservations or full credit card payment at the time of reserving. These reservations will have specific cancellation policies that will need to be adhered to prevent your card from being charged or to be credited a full refund. Generally, credit card guarantee policies specify canceling reservations 48 hours in advance or risk being charged a $10 per person penalty. The few exceptions are Victoria and Albert's reservation, Citrico's Chef's Domain and California Grill which have either shorter cancellation periods or higher cancellation penalties. Restaurants requiring a credit card guarantee will not charge the card less there a no-show/cancellation penalty applies. At these restaurants, you may pay for your meal after dining by cash, room charge, credit card or Dining Plan credits. Restaurants requiring pre-payment in full will refund payment only if reservations are canceled 48-hours in advance.
Restaurants Requiring a Credit Card Guarantee
Restaurants Requiring Pre-Payment in Full*
*Restaurants requiring a pre-payment will refund the payment in full as long as reservations are canceled 48 hours in advance.
Special Dietary Needs
Most Walt Disney World Resort table service restaurants can accommodate food allergies and food intolerances, such as gluten or wheat, shellfish, soy, lactose or milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish or eggs, with advance notice. Call a representative at 407-824-5967 once you have booked your dining reservations, at least 14 days in advance. Walt Disney World Resort does not have separate kitchens to prepare allergen free items or separate dining areas for Guests with allergies to dine.
Kosher meals must be requested at least 24 hours in advance by calling (407) 939-3463. A 48-hour notice is needed for table service restaurants at the Swan and Dolphing resorts, Yak & Yeti Restaurant in Animal Kingdom, and both Rainforest Cafe locations. Kosher meals are not offered at Garden View Afternoon Tea, Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining. A credit card is required to guarantee Kosher orders; however, your card will not be charged unless the reservation is canceled in less than 24 hours or the party is a no-show.
For more information on special dietary needs, or a list of Quick Service locations that carry special dietary or Kosher meals (with no advance notice needed), visit Disney's web site or email SpecialDiets@DisneyWorld.com.
Other Helpful ADR Information and Reminders
- Many people find it impossible to plan their daily meals without first consulting the WDW park calendars to determine which parks will have extra morning or evening hours. Also many worthwhile events like Fantasmic! occur on only certain days of the week. It's best to have an idea which park you will want to attend on certain days before making ADRs.
- Plan ahead and know ADR booking windows. You can review Walt Disney World menus and calculate first possible booking dates using this handy ADR calculator and the PS Report Writer.
- When making ADRs be sure to mention any special dietary needs and special occasions you will be celebrating. Mention special occasions again when checking in at the restaurant. You never know what magic will happen.
- Write down or print ADR reservation numbers when reserving restaurant meals and take them with you to the restaurant. This is your proof of a dining reservation. It's also good to reconfirm your reservations before leaving home.
- If you are staying on Walt Disney World property, you can request a list of all of your ADRs at anytime from the Lobby Concierge (formerly Guest Services) of your resort.
- Be aware of Seasonal Pricing changes during holidays and other peak-times. TheMouseForLess keeps a list of dates and restaurants that charge them here.
- If your Advance Dining Reservations are prior to park opening, Disney runs special buses for early breakfast in the parks. Be sure to bring your confirmation number as the cast member at the park turnstile may ask for it before admitting you to the park. You will still need to have a park admission ticket to enter the park early for breakfast.
- All Walt Disney World Resort restaurants are non-smoking.
- Most Walt Disney World restaurants have a "resort casual" dress code, meaning shorts are okay, but shoes should be worn and no bathing suits. Tank tops for men are also discouraged. A few restaurants require dressier clothing and information will be provided when making your reservations. As of this writing "business casual" dress requiring dress slacks or shorts & shirts with a collar for men and and dress slacks, shorts or a dress for women include the following restaurants: Jiko - The Cooking Place (Animal Kingdom Lodge), Flying Fish Cafe (BoardWalk),
California Grill (Contemporary Resort), Citricos and Narcoossee’s (Grand Floridian Resort),
Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge), and Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club Resort). Victoria & Albert's at the Grand Floridian resort requires a suit and tie for men and evening wear for women.
TheMouseForLess Tip: As a special service, The Magic for Less Travel will make ADRs directly though Disney for clients. There is no charge for their services. You may contact them via email or fill out a quote form to receive a no-obligation quote or to learn more about the special incentives and services they offer.
TheMouseForLess Tip: Visit our One Dozen Dining Tips page to get lots of advice on dining at Disney as well as money saving tips and coupons.
Changes at Park Counter Service Restaurants
While counter-service restaurants don't require Advance Dining Reservations, there have been some changes taking place recently. Beginning late September 2009, Disney has begun experimenting with crowd-control methods inside four quick-service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom by restricting certain types of access during busy lunch rushes. While seating is still guaranteed, patrons will no longer be able to reserve tables while other members of their party order and retrieve food. Once guests have received their food, they will be directed to a table by restaurant staff. Currently, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café, Columbia Harbour House, Pinocchio Village Haus and Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café are participating. Pecos Bill has also added self-service ordering kiosks, though guests can still opt to order from a human cashier. If either of these practices continues and/or becomes more wide-spread, we'll update here.
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