Disney Dining Reservation Tips: Insider Strategies for Success
Master the art of Disney dining reservations with these expert tips and strategies from seasoned Disney veterans.
Disney Dining Reservation Tips: Insider Strategies for Success
Securing Disney dining reservations can feel like a full-time job. With reservations opening 60 days in advance and popular restaurants filling up in minutes, you need a solid strategy. Here are our insider tips for Disney dining reservation success.
Understanding the 60-Day Window
Disney dining reservations open exactly 60 days before your desired dining date at 6:00 AM EST. This timing is crucial for popular restaurants.
Key Facts About the 60-Day Window:
- Reservations open at 6 AM EST, regardless of your time zone
- The system updates in real-time, so seconds matter
- Resort guests get a slight advantage with early booking for their entire stay length
The Best Times to Make Reservations
Immediately at 6 AM EST
- Set multiple alarms for 5:55 AM EST
- Have the Disney app and website ready
- Popular restaurants like Space 220 and Be Our Guest often sell out within minutes
Throughout the Day
- Cancellations happen constantly as people's plans change
- Check periodically during business hours (9 AM - 6 PM EST)
- Use DineWatch to monitor availability automatically
Last-Minute Opportunities
- Check the day before and day of your visit
- Many guests cancel when they realize they over-booked
- Same-day availability often opens up due to no-shows
Restaurant Difficulty Levels
Nearly Impossible (Use DineWatch!)
- Space 220 (EPCOT) - Books out in under 2 minutes
- Be Our Guest Dinner (Magic Kingdom) - Beast character dining
- Oga's Cantina (Hollywood Studios) - Star Wars theming
- Chef Mickey's (Contemporary) - Classic character dining
Very Difficult
- California Grill (Contemporary)
- Le Cellier (EPCOT)
- Monsieur Paul (EPCOT)
- Victoria & Albert's (Grand Floridian)
Moderately Difficult
- Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
- Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
- Flying Fish (BoardWalk)
- Citricos (Grand Floridian)
Usually Available
- Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (Disney Springs)
- Paddlefish (Disney Springs)
- The Boathouse (Disney Springs)
- Most Disney Springs restaurants
Advanced Booking Strategies
The Resort Guest Advantage
If you're staying at a Disney resort, you can book dining for your entire stay length (up to 10 days) starting at your 60-day mark. This means:
- Day 1 of stay: Book 60 days out
- Day 10 of stay: Book 70 days out
This gives resort guests a significant advantage for later days of their trip.
The Split Stay Trick
Book two separate resort reservations:
- A shorter stay for your first few days
- A longer stay for the remainder
This can extend your advanced booking window even further.
Using Technology to Your Advantage
DineWatch Alerts
- Set up alerts for multiple restaurants and date ranges
- Get instant notifications when reservations become available
- Never miss a cancellation opportunity
Multiple Devices
- Use both the Disney app and website simultaneously
- Have family members help during the 6 AM booking rush
- Consider using multiple Disney accounts (following Disney's terms)
Booking Apps and Tools
- Disney Genie+ - Can help with some experiences
- Touring Plans - Restaurant availability tracking
- DineWatch - Automated monitoring and alerts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Booking Errors
- Wrong date or time - Double-check before confirming
- Wrong party size - Can't be changed easily later
- Forgetting dietary restrictions - Note these during booking
Strategic Mistakes
- Being too picky - Flexibility increases your chances
- Waiting too long - Popular spots fill up fast
- Not having backup plans - Always have alternatives ready
Technical Mistakes
- Slow internet connection - Use the fastest connection available
- Not being logged in - Have your Disney account ready
- Browser issues - Clear cache and use updated browsers
Making Changes and Cancellations
Disney's Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellations up to 2 hours before your reservation
- $10 per person fee for no-shows or late cancellations
- Credit card required to hold most reservations
How to Modify Reservations
- Log into your Disney account
- Find your reservation in "My Plans"
- Select "Modify" to change time, date, or party size
- Changes subject to availability
Alternative Dining Options
If You Can't Get Reservations
- Mobile Order quick-service meals
- Walk-up availability at some restaurants
- Lounges often accept walk-ins
- Resort food courts and quick-service locations
Hidden Gems
- Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge) - Amazing views and bread service
- Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge) - Incredible African-inspired buffet
- Ale & Compass (Yacht Club) - Underrated New England cuisine
- Toledo (Coronado Springs) - Rooftop Spanish cuisine
Seasonal Considerations
Peak Seasons (Harder to Book)
- Thanksgiving week
- Christmas/New Year
- Easter week
- Summer months (June-August)
Off-Peak Opportunities
- January/February (after New Year)
- September (after Labor Day)
- Weekdays vs. weekends
Budget-Friendly Tips
Money-Saving Strategies
- Lunch vs. dinner - Same menu, lower prices
- Lounge menus - Smaller portions, smaller prices
- Happy hour specials - Available at some locations
- Disney Dining Plan - Can provide value for character meals
Final Thoughts
Disney dining reservation success requires patience, flexibility, and the right tools. While the process can be stressful, the magical dining experiences are worth the effort. Remember that DineWatch can handle the constant monitoring for you, freeing you up to focus on planning the rest of your magical vacation.
Don't let dining reservation stress ruin your Disney planning experience. Set up your DineWatch alerts and let us do the heavy lifting while you focus on creating magical memories!
Ready to put these strategies into action? Sign up for DineWatch and start monitoring your dream Disney restaurants today.