Character Dining with Donald Duck
  • On Aug 13, 2023
    Danielle from ME Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    When can we book restaurant reservations if our arrival date is 11/11/23? Do we need the park reservations first before booking a restaurant or do we book the restaurant and then the park?

    Hiya Danielle!

    Welcome to planDisney! Oh to be you and arrive on November 11, 2023! You will be arriving right at the beginning of the holiday season! In fact, the first day of the brand new specially ticketed event- Disney Jollywood Nights starts the day you arrive!!  Your planning should definitely include checking out this event or even the classic Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. What a fun way to celebrate the season!

    Planning for that perfect dining reservation is something I understand perfectly. So this is what you need to know. You are allowed to make your dining reservations 60 days before you arrive so that means on September 12, 2023, at 6:00 AM you can begin. If you are staying on-site at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel you can book for your entire trip up to 10 days. If you are not staying on-site then you will have to book 60 days ahead for each day of your trip. 

    As for Theme Park Reservations if you have a ticket that requires one then make sure you get that completed as soon as you can to get the Parks you want to visit on the days you want. You do not need to have your Theme Park Reservations set up before you do your dining reservations as the booking window just opens up automatically. The ability to book for the length of your trip is what is dependent on the booked Resort Reservation so make sure to have it linked to your My Disney Experience account.  I have many times found that I needed to change my Theme Park Reservation as the dining reservation at the Park I wanted was only available on another date.  Sometimes plans need shuffling till you get it just right. 

    My suggestion for you as you figure out your dining reservations is to book the hardest-to-get reservation first. Anything involving characters or a new dining location should be a priority as the first one you book followed by the others in order of what you want to experience as a must-do. If you don't get the reservation you want just keep trying as guests can cancel them up to two hours before the reservation time. Many of us panelists have found success the day of! Just keep swimming Danielle! 

    I hope this helps and you have a magical time!

    Happy Planning!

    -Nimmy 
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Meet the Panelist: Nimmy, New York

Hey, it's Nimmy from New York! Just like my guy Jiminy Cricket I am your wisecracking and helpful guide to making the best decisions for your Disney vacation! My husband and I work very hard to journey to our favorite place on Earth, Walt Disney World Resort, as much as we can. We have traveled as just adults, with babies, kids, teenagers, and senior citizens. We have seen so many characters, eaten at amazing places, and consumed a ton of Dole Whips. So "give a little whistle" and let me be your guide! Learn More About Nimmy

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