So, you’re going to Disney with the fam and want to start making your dining reservations?! Well, you’ve come to the right place! Read through this post then pop around to the other links and before you know it, you’ll feel like a Disney PRO!!
What exactly is an Advanced Dining Reservation?
Advanced dining reservations (ADRs) are simply just reservations like those you’d make at some other restaurant back home (not to be confused however, with Outback’s call ahead seating haha!). Most of Walt Disney World’s table service restaurants require a reservation for prompt seating. I say most because, there can be some exceptions to this rule (i.e. slow days, last minute cancellations, etc. Times where you may be able to get walk up seating but, will wait for an undeniably horrendous amount of time for a table)! Some of the most popular locations like: Cinderella’s Royal Table inside Magic Kingdom, 1900 Park Fare at The Grand Floridian, and ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort are harder to snag an ADR for than others. (pssst…this is where I remind you to keep reading so you know WHEN to make your ADR!)
When should I make my reservation(s)?
You can make your dining reservations up to 180 days out! This is not to say that you can’t make reservations closer to your trip dates but, if you’re still more than 180 days away from your vacation, set your alarm NOW to get in on those reservations as soon as they’re available to you! If you will be staying at a WDW Resort, you can book up to 10 days worth of reservations on that 180 day out mark! Let me put this easy for ya! Let’s say your WDW Vacation dates are from 5-10-19 to 5-20-19 you can book ALL 10 days worth of your reservations beginning on 11-11-18! How awesome right?! So, basically you’re getting 9 extra days of booking before those who are not staying on WDW property! *This is why we set those alarms ya’ll!
How do I make my ADR?
My favorite way to make Advanced Dining Reservations for WDW restaurants is through their actual website! But, if I’m religiously checking daily while crossing every finger waiting for an opening at Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest, I will frequently use the My Disney Experience App! ADRs can also be made by phone every day of the week! Make sure when searching for reservation times and locations that you have a credit card ready! Most locations do not charge you prior to your visit and only need your card in case of a no show ($10 per person on your reservation click here to find out more!) but, Signature Dining at places like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest do require a full payment upon confirming your reservation!
Which places ABSOLUTELY need an ADR?
Every single WDW table service restaurant offers ADRs! Reservations are highly recommended at all locations but, are especially suggested for Character Meals and Signature dining! Places like Tusker House in Animal Kingdom, The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom, Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and more give you the amazing opportunity to meet characters ONE on ONE while you dine but, book fast! So, you won’t regret making at least one reservation per day during your WDW vacation! (Or, if you’re like us purchase the WDW Deluxe Dining Plan and make a reservation for every meal! We love character dining just as much as playing in the parks!)
If you loved this post, head HERE to get even more Disney tips and secrets to give your family the most magical experience of a lifetime!!
