Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Jennifer! We are honored to help you plan your upcoming vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
I can tell you've been doing lots of research! Yes, I can confirm that to dine at a table-service restaurant in a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, a dining reservation is required for day Guests (those not staying overnight) to enter the resort hotel. So, since you already have an ADR, you will be A-OK! Guests who arrive by car will need to stop at the resort's security gate prior to entering; however, those traveling via the
Disney Skyliner or
Monorail do not need to check-in (all Walt Disney World Resort complimentary transportation is currently up and running with modified service and routes). This could policy could change before your trip, so I advise staying tuned to the
Dining: Know Before You Go page and the
Disney Parks Blog for the most up to date information.
While social distancing measures are in place, day Guests are asked not to linger at the resorts for long periods. The Cast Member I spoke to suggested getting to your destination about 30 minutes before your reservation, so you have time to take in the sights. I also believe it's appropriate to walk around and take pictures or shop in the merchandise locations for a bit after you dine. This is a fantastic way to explore a resort you've never visited, and maybe put it on your bucket list for a future stay! Some of my family's favorites are :
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The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney's Contemporary Resort
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Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas Kidani Village
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Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort (please note that the Character Dining experience will be modified)
Don't forget to use the new
My Disney Experience mobile check-in feature to skip the line at the restaurant podium and check-in for your dining reservation! Another way Disney is implementing minimized contact is by offering scannable QR codes at table service restaurants for access to their digital menus. Be sure to also check out the
Dining page for the latest menus.
I hope this helps, Jennifer! Mickey and I hope to see ya real soon!
Eean