Many visitors find the act of planning their Walt Disney World vacation as much fun as the experience itself. Whether you want to do take this on yourself, or have your travel agent help you, keep reading to learn how to book your dining & recreation at Disney World like a pro.
What is Dining & Recreation?
Dining & Recreation are the terms that describe some of the most magical experiences that you can have at Walt Disney World. Many people talk about your “dining window” and “booking dining,” but you can do so much more when this “window” opens!
Dining
Almost all table-service locations at Walt Disney World accept Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs). Not only are they accepted, they are recommended!
Recreation
Here’s the list – I bet there’s a lot more than you thought!
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Appointments
At Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, guests ages 3-12 can receive a magical makeover! Knight packages are available in addition to princess packages. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – Magic Kingdom Guests can also visit Sir Mickey’s shop across the way from this location for a photo shoot included with a Memory Maker purchase.
Harmony Barber Shop Appointments
Visit Main Street USA to get a child’s first haircut (with special memorabilia), or schedule your own haircut!
Spa Experiences
Want to pamper yourself a bit? The Grand Floridian Spa is located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It is a full-service spa, salon and health club featuring a relaxation room with light refreshments, soothing music, hot tub, heated tiled chairs and steam room. In the dressing room you will find a cozy robe and slippers in your locker.
Mandara Spa is located at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and is a full-service luxury spa and salon.
Droid Depot & Savi’s Workshop Appointments
Star Wars fans will want to make their appointments to build their very own droid or lightsaber in Galaxy’s Edge!
Cabana Rentals
Poolside Cabanas are available for full day rentals at the following resorts: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort. Rentals are available to guests staying at these resorts only.
Poolside Cabanas include:
- Padded furniture
- Ceiling fan
- Bluetooth® speaker (Disney’s Contemporary)
- Television with cable access
- Fruit basket (may not be available without advance reservation)
- Mini refrigerator stocked with complimentary sodas and water
- Complimentary sunscreen and skincare products
- Safe (Disney’s Contemporary and Yacht & Beach Club)
- Dedicated Cast Member providing service to the cabanas (Disney’s Grand Floridian and Yacht & Beach Club)
- Snack basket (may not be available without advance reservation)
- Complimentary sunscreen and skincare products
Water Park Cabana Rentals and Umbrellas are available at Disney’s Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon Water Parks and accommodate up to 6 guests.
Water Park Cabanas include:
- towels
- cushioned seating
- a locker
- refillable drink mugs
- a cooler stocked with ice and bottled water
- an attendant to help you order your food
Disney’s Polynesian Resort also offers Poolside Patios for up to 6 guests.
Carriage Rides at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort or Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort
We love these more old fashioned experiences where guests can take a carriage or wagon ride!
- Carriage Ride at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds – board near Crockett’s Tavern.
- Carriage Ride at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside – board at Riverside Levee Marina.
- Wagon Ride at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds
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Capture Your Moment Photo Sessions
Do you love photos? You can schedule your own mini-photo session in the parks! This is a 20 minute private photo session for $99 and up to 8 guests.
Fireworks Dessert Parties & Cruises
One of the best ways to experience the fireworks at Magic Kingdom is by booking a Dessert Party! There are three different options and include some sweet treats in addition to a viewing spot!
You can also book a Private Fireworks Cruise which are accompanied by a captain and are the perfect opportunity to watch nightly fireworks shows right from the water. These accommodate up to 10 guests and is available at Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
Lastly, you can sweeten your night with dream-come-true desserts and dazzling water views of the fireworks from Magic Kingdom park with a Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise.
Other Special Experiences as part of the Enchanted Extras Collection
Be sure to check out current offerings with the Enchanted Extras Collection! You could scuba in the Epcot Seas Adventure, or Sip, Savor, and Sparkle atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort while you enjoy the amazing nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom. Sangria University at Disney’s Coronado Springs is one of our favorites!
Select Tours and Animal Experiences
Nature lovers will delight in the offerings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park! Savor the Savanna, Wild Africa Trek, are Caring for Giants are among the popular experiences there.
If you want first-class service and front of the line access, a VIP Tour is for you!
When can you Book?
Onsite resort guests can book dining & recreation 60 days prior to their arrival, for the length of their stay (up to 10 days). If you’re staying offsite, you can book 60 days prior to each date.
Select experiences may not be available at exactly 60 days prior or at the 60+10 booking window.
How you can Book Your Dining & Recreation
You can make dining reservations at 6:00 am EST 60 days prior to your arrival date in your My Disney Experience Account, or by calling 407-WDW-DINE at 7:00 am EST. If you are working with a Travel Agent at The Magic For Less Travel, they will work on your dining with you! It’s another great reason to partner with one of our agents- we do the work for you!
We recommend getting ready at about 5:45 am EST and know what you want to book. Our agents can help you prioritize your requests so you position yourself to get what you want, when you want!
You make the plans, we make the reservations! The Magic for Less Travel can take away the stress of planning your Disney vacation. Take advantage of complimentary vacation planning services provided by a professional destination expert. Request a no-obligation quote today.
