Hi Andrea!
So, you have plans to dine with Pooh and his friends from the Hundred-Acre Wood in a few months? How wonderful! I have always enjoyed dining with family at
The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom Park. I so enjoy the interaction Guests can have with the characters there. (I'm a big Piglet fan.) Don't forget your camera and your autograph book for the occasion, and bring your appetite. They have a lovely buffet.
Andrea, I have good news for you. On nights when Magic Kingdom Park hosts
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the park is open to day Guests until 6 pm. Therefore, you will have no trouble accessing your 5 p.m. dining reservation before the party begins. Even if your meal extends beyond 6 p.m., don't worry. Enjoy dinner at your leisure and then exit
Magic Kingdom Park when you have concluded your meal.
If you're not in a hurry to return to your hotel after dinner, may I recommend a monorail ride to
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa? You simply have to see the enormous Christmas tree and life-size gingerbread house in the lobby there. It's a delightful way to end a magical day.
Do let us know if you need any additional information as your plans come together for your holiday trip. My friends and I here at the Disney Parks Moms Panel would be happy to help.
Sending best wishes and pixie dust,
Jill