Hiya, Zina! Thank you for bringing your question to planDisney.
I'm thrilled to hear that you're planning a trip to
The Most Magical Place on Earth during the most wonderful time of year! With so many
holiday favorites returning to Walt Disney World Resort, you're sure to have an extra special visit. It sounds like you're ready to make some advance dining reservations for your magical trip and I'd love to help!
Zina, you're going to make so many lifelong memories while visiting Walt Disney World Resort with your large travel party, but it may require some additional navigating.
Advance dining reservations open 60 days prior to your arrival date and, with your trip less than 30 days away, there may be limited availability. But have no fear! You won't miss out on a minute of the magic, and I have a few tips that can help you have delicious dining and also experience great character interactions.
- Consider making dining reservations for two smaller groups instead of one large group. If you get two reservations that are close in time, you can speak to a Cast Member upon arrival at the restaurant and ask to be seated next to, or near, each other. While nothing is guaranteed, Cast Members do everything they can to make your day the BEST. DAY. EVER!
- Keep checking back! I like to have the tabs for my desired restaurants open and refresh a few times a day leading up to my trip. As Guests' plans often shift and change, there's a possibility you'll see more availability pop up - even a day or two before! You can even ask other adult members of your travel party to do the same, increasing your chances of being able to scoop up availability quickly.
- When in doubt, don't forget about mobile ordering! You can place a mobile order for quick-service restaurants through your My Disney Experience app, which makes ordering for multiple people, modifying meals, and minimizing waits much easier. You can even place an order earlier in the day and select your arrival window for lunch or dinner!
- As a backup, plan to meet characters another way. You can find character locations and times in your My Disney Experience app. All you need to do is tap the map icon (second from the left on the bottom of your screen), then tap "Wait Times" and switch to "Characters." You can even filter by the park you're in! For extra holiday fun, you can also see and meet some of your favorite characters at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! If you're interested in this event, I'd recommend that you purchase tickets at your earliest convenience.
- Bonus tip: Be sure to make your theme park reservations using the Disney Park Pass system! This is an important step to reserve the parks you wish to visit on each day of your trip.
I'm sending you all the faith, trust, and pixie dust that your upcoming trip is an extra special one, Zina! If you have any other questions, please visit us again. You've got a friend in me!
Wishing you the very merriest!
Michelle