There are so many amazing table-service dining venues at Walt Disney World. As you may know, the strongest chance of getting difficult dining reservations is to book 60-days ahead of your check-in date. Dining reservations open up at approximately 5:45AM. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, you can book your entire trip (up to 10 days) at the 60-day mark. Please note that this is 60-days, not 2 months.
We have a handy calendar for finding your dining date here: https://www.themouseforless.com/walt-disney-world/planning/date-calculator/
Bumps In The Road
Sometimes all does not go as planned and you find yourself with hard-to-get and difficult dining reservations.
It’s finally arrived. It is 60 days before you check in for your much-anticipated Walt Disney World vacation. You are up early, ready to book your dining reservations. And then, as you select, your choices, you find that a reservation you wanted isn’t available for the date and time you want to visit.
Or perhaps you realize that it’s less than 60 days ahead of your trip and you are without dining reservations at all. You weren’t up early to book your preferred dining venues or maybe it’s just not a priority for you.
Difficult Dining Reservations Strategies
No matter how you find yourself in search of difficult dining reservations, there are several strategies to try and secure them:
- Don’t panic. There are so many wonderful options for dining at Walt Disney World. You have up until it’s time to eat to make a reservation, so make sure to remember that you can (and should) keep trying.
- One person’s must-do may be another person’s least favorite. Don’t get too caught up in reviews and recommendations.
- Make a Plan B. Check out the menus of various venues. You might just find a hidden gem while you are waiting out the coveted reservation. While not ever location will be to your taste, there are so many very good options.
- If you are looking for a specific location, don’t forget to check resorts in the area as well. For example, if you don’t get a reservation at Magic Kingdom, take a look at options available in nearby resorts. Some of my favorite locations are in resorts.
- Keep trying. Try again and try some more. People change plans constantly. Keep looking. You might find the reservation as time gets closer, or you might find it right away. The key is to not give up.
- Check Open Table. A handful of restaurants at Disney Springs are also on Open Table. Among them are Splitsville, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, STK Orlando, Planet Hollywood Orlando, and The Boathouse. Check there if you are looking for a location at Disney Springs.
Last Minute Efforts
Look at reservations for the same day. Yes, you may have been planning this trip for months, but reservations can be cancelled without penalty 2 hours ahead of the reservation. Someone’s last minute change of plans may be your good fortune. If you are willing to be flexible, something may come available at any time.
If you have some flexibility, check out the waitlists. Several (but not all) locations will allow you to walk up and add yourself to a waitlist. If you are in the area, you can use the My Disney Experience app to add yourself in some cases. To do this, select the current day, and for time, select now. Locations that offer a waitlist (and you are near) will be shown. The location is key. You can’t look at Disney Hollywood Studios locations while you are at your resort. However, if you have some flexibility this can be a great way to try something new. We have enjoyed eating at The Brown Derby Lounge and the Nomad Lounge several times by just looking to see what is available now.
Remember that finding a difficult dining reservation requires some spontaneity, flexibility, perseverance, and a little bit of luck. However, no matter what happens, we are confident you will find something that you will enjoy.
Ask for Help
I would love to help you and your family plan your next vacation to Walt Disney World or even somewhere else! I can help you plan vacations to destinations all over the world. To start planning, send me an email at carol.garcia@themagicforless.com or fill out a no-obligation quote request to get started! You can also follow me on Facebook.
