Back to Your Answers
Kilimanjaro Safaris; Animal Kingdom; AA
  • On Apr 25, 2010
    Michelle from NC Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Only 41 days & counting!! We are visiting WDW with our 5yr old for the very first time in June ~ we have several character meals lined up, is there any etiquette as to how early we should arrive for the meals?

    Hi, Michelle! What a great question - you sound like you've done this before!

    Congrats on securing advanced dining reservations (ADRs) prior to your trip. Placing an ADR at a restaurant, including character meals, guarantees that you'll be dining where you made the reservation. You'll usually get your table within 5-10 minutes of your reservation time. When you arrive at the restaurant and check in, your name is added to a list of parties to be seated based on the next available table for the party of your size. Each restaurant isn't necessarily holding a table for you, and you don't usually get seated at a table the moment you arrive.

    Disney recommends you arrive 20 minutes prior to your reservation. We usually arrive 10 minutes prior to our reservation. By showing up early, you usually get seated close to the time that you had an ADR. In the event you're in a time crunch and are hoping to hit a time sensitive attraction after dining, arrive at the restaurant a little earlier (20-25 minutes.) If you're running a couple minutes late, don't stress out. You'll still be able to check in and get one of the next available seatings for a party of your size.

    Have a blast on your first trip and celebrating your little guy!
thumbnail image for Joel

Meet the Panelist: Joel, Wisconsin

I’m the proud papa of two little pirates or princes (depending on the day!) I enjoy sharing information to help beginners with little ones - including naps, strollers, rider swaps, height restrictions, scary rides, touring plans, characters and dining. Learn More About Joel

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.

 

 

Internet Explorer FireFox Safari Chrome