Advanced dining reservations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort can save you time and frustration! Now you might be thinking how can a sit-down meal save me time? Let me count the ways…First, you have a plan in place! You avoid the time-killer of the great family debates of “what does everyone want to eat” and “where do you want to go”. With an Advanced Dining Reservation, you already have your dining location and time planned, you just work the plan and head to the restaurant at your reservation time.
Avoid the Crowds
Second, you avoid the crowds! Although the Mobile Ordering can certainly save you time at quick-service locations you still will have to maneuver the crowds in an effort to find a table for your family. Depending on the time of day, this can be quite a feat and might feel a little like an Olympic sport. (Complete side note: If you are heading to a quick service location for a meal, be sure to go during off-peak hours. This means before noon for lunch and between 3:00pm – 5:00pm for an early dinner). With Advanced Dining Reservations, you have a set time, and, unlike Quick Service where you are trying to find a spot to squeeze in your family, you have a designated place just for you.
Great Family Experience
Another great time-saving benefit of Advanced Dining Reservations is the ability to combine a great family experience along with your meal. Character dinings are a great example. In just a one hour meal at Chef Mickey your family can enjoy a buffet meal AND see FIVE characters – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto! Nowhere else in the parks can you see so many characters, let alone eat a meal too, in just one hour. I am a HUGE fan of character meals and believe they add great memories (and photo ops) to your trip.
Though a trip full of Advanced Dining Reservations may not be the best plan for most families (except for my Foodie friends), sprinkling in some dining reservations throughout your stay will save some time, save some frustration, and just may add some magical memories to your vacation.
Timeframe to Make Dining Reservations
Remember, Advanced Dining Reservations opening 180 days prior to your vacation dates for Walt Disney World and 60 days prior to your Disneyland Resort vacation. Planning a last-minute trip, no worries, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help you secure some great reservations. Please sure to reach out to us to help you plan a vacation full of great memories!