family dining; Asian; brothers and sister
  • On Jan 21, 2025
    Hayley from KS 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 currently over 10 months out from our Disney Cruise and we are waitlisted for early dining. The late dining time is absolutely not doable as we have a 3.5 year old and a 2 year old. What are the chances that we will get moved to early dining?

    Ahoy there, Hayley!

    Welcome aboard planDisney! How exciting that you are planning a voyage into the great wide somewhere on a Disney Cruise Line vacation.  Our family has taken many Disney Cruises at all different ages - from baby to teen - and each vacation has been unique and magical at every stage.

    Hayley, as a mom of three (including twins), I understand completely how important meal times are, especially when traveling with the littlest Mouseketeers.  I now travel with hungry teens and that has its own mealtime demands, but little ones definitely need the early rotational dining. 

    But I have good news, Hayley. I spoke with a Cast Member at Disney Cruise Line who said that given how far out you are from embarkation day,  there is a good chance you will get off the waitlist for the earlier seating as Guests' plans change regularly. If this happens, you will receive an email to confirm that you have been moved off the waitlist to the confirmed earlier seating time.

    If you are not moved to the earlier seating time by the time you board the ship, one of the first things you can do soon after boarding is to see the dining team.  I did this on our last cruise. Typically, they are seated in a specific area near one of the restaurants on the ship to help Guests with changing dining times, and/or to make note of any food allergies and requirements.  In fact, if your little ones have specific food needs, you can mention it then as well.  Many people have to modify their dining times, so it is usually accommodated with a "bibbidi-bobbidi-boo."  

    Hayley, your assigned dining team who travels with you on your rotational dining schedule becomes like family during the course of your sailing. They will get to know you and your little ones very well.  When our twins were babies, the chef pureed baby food for them and at each seating, our dining team greeted us with their food without us having to order it.  That's the kind of Disney magic you'll find on board the ship. 

    One final tip for you, Hayley! Be sure to download your Disney Navigator app prior to embarkation day. This will be your guide for planning your vacation before and during your cruise so you don't miss the boat on all of the fun activities you can enjoy! You can also check out this "Know Before You Go" guide and if you want to get your little ones excited, be sure to book your Character Call. 

    I hope this helps you, Hayley. You and your little ones will be flippin' your fins soon.  If you have any further questions, sail back here to see me and I'll be so happy to help you. 

    Bon Voyage,
    Keri
thumbnail image for Keri

Meet the Panelist: Keri, Massachusetts

Hi there, I'm Keri from Massachusetts, a wife and mom to preteen twins and a teen. Since my first magical visit to Walt Disney World at age three, I've loved all things Disney. My husband found his passion for pixie dust on our honeymoon and his first visit to a Disney park. Soon after, we joined Disney Vacation Club, which has afforded us unforgettable family vacations for the last 22 years. Disney Vacation Club has helped us create our most magical vacation memories. I can't wait to help you plan yours. Learn More About Keri

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