Couple out enjoying nightlife
  • On Jun 15, 2024
    Beth from West Midlands Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We are a couple coming to Disney for the first time. If we book our restaurant reservations in advance then on the day choose not to attend, is there a fine for not attending? Do you recommend booking restaurants beforehand?

    Greetings, Beth, and thanks for stopping by planDisney! I admit I get a little envious of new visitors because you'll be experiencing the Walt Disney World Resort magic for the first time. Those initial memories of glimpsing Cinderella Castle and hugging Mickey are priceless. I'm getting tingly just thinking about it! And food is one of my favorite parts of a Disney holiday, so let's talk about booking and modifying advanced dining reservations. 

    Guests can make most dining reservations 60 days in advance, and if you're staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, you can book meals for up to ten days of your visit. That's a fantastic perk since you can book those hard-to-get experiences later in your stay. You'll typically be asked to hold the reservation with a credit card, but that card won't be charged at the time of booking. 

    If your plans change, you can make modifications and cancellations on the mobile app for most restaurants. However, many require you to make changes up to two hours before your dining time. If you are a no-show, the card you provided at booking may be charged a fee per guest. You can find details about exceptions to this rule and more to help you make your decision. If you've already made a reservation, you can see details for that particular establishment's policies in your confirmation email. 

    To make changes in your app, find the reservation in the Today or Future Plans section of "My Visit." Tap the reservation you'd like to change, and you'll see options to cancel or modify the reservation if you're within the modification window. If you don't see those options, there will be a US phone number to call for assistance. If you're at a theme park, please stop by any Guest Relations location for help.

    My family loves having at least one table-service meal booked each day. We enjoy taking a breath, relaxing, and discussing our day while we eat. It's a way to recharge our tummies and our energy! Since my son tends to get "hangry," having a reservation prevents long wait times for a table. One of my favorite spots is The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios. They're known for their Famous Cobb Salad; I recommend adding shrimp!

    Beth, I hope this visit is the first of many! My family has been coming to Walt Disney World for decades, and I wouldn't trade a single memory. Please come back to planDisney with any planning questions. I want this to be your best holiday ever!

    Magic awaits,
    Elaine
thumbnail image for Elaine

Meet the Panelist: Elaine, Florida

Bright Suns! I'm Elaine, a retired teacher dividing my time between my home state of Kentucky and the Sunshine State. I married my college sweetheart, and now that our only son is grown, we are exploring the empty-nest life. My family has been visiting Walt Disney World Resort for over 25 years, so if you have questions about adult-only visits, plant-based meals, thrill attractions, and Florida-resident perks, I'm here for you in full Force. Like Yoda would say, "Trips, we will plan!" Learn More About Elaine

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