Hey, Julie! If you're still in the "considering" phase and you want to make some great dining reservations, can you consider moving your trip to December? Guests staying at Disney resorts can make
Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) up to 180 days in advance plus the length of their stay. Therefore, some guests are booking ADRs for December trips
now. Can you believe it?
Yet, don't dismay...our family has planned a spur-of-the-moment trip in a week and enjoyed character dining in July! Instead of going online, I suggest setting your clock for 8 a.m. (EDT) and calling 407-WDW-DINE. Tell the Cast Member the specific character meals you desire, and have him/her look for availability for when you're planning. Then, take a look at some of the character dining experiences that aren't as well known, such as:
- The Garden Grove Restaurant at the Swan
- Cape May Cafe at The Beach Club
- The Garden Grill Restaurant inside the Land Pavilion at Epcot
Also, be sure check into gorgeous restaurants with fabulous cuisines like Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge/Kidani Village...go for lunch and watch animals on the savanna as you graze on African delicacies. Have a family dinner at 'Ohana's and then stroll onto the beach at the Polynesian to watch the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom. Take in the majesty of the Wilderness Lodge while enjoying a knee-slapping good time (and some mighty good eats) at the Whispering Canyon Cafe.
Remember that dining at off times such as late breakfasts or early dinners may get you a coveted reservation. Once you've made your ADRs, then you can design your days around where you'll be and when. My suggestion for a July trip is to spend the hottest part of the day indoors or by the pool and hit the parks after dark. Let me know if you have more questions. Have a beautiful day and a magical vacation!