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  • On Sep 30, 2024
    Ryan from PA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    If I have a dining reservation and come into the park later, with the park having hit capacity, what is the policy? Am I allowed in? Do I forfeit my reservation? Do I have to pay for my reservation still?

    Hi there, Ryan, and welcome to planDisney!

    The countdown to your vacation is officially on! Soon, you'll hit your reservation-making window, which begins 60 days prior to your arrival to The Most Magical Place on Earth. Not only can you begin bookings for advance dining reservations, but you can also book Enchanting Extras like tours and dessert parties at that time. 

    First things first, this situation is one of those grey area topics. Whenever I research this for myself, I find both "yes" and "no" responses to the question of an advance dining reservation guaranteeing entry to a theme park. However, to be on the safer side, I recommend that the advance dining reservation that you make is for a restaurant in the theme park where you begin your day (the theme park in which you have a theme park reservation for).  

    Also, if you miss an advance dining reservation because the theme park reaches capacity, you will not be charged for your meal. I will add that the theme parks rarely reach capacity, especially Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Magic Kingdom Park reaches capacity sometimes around the Easter, 4th of July, Christmas, and New Year holidays. But even then, your chances of having an issue of being on the unfortunate side of paused theme park entry are very slim.

    AN EXTRA GEM: My family also loves eating at table-service restaurants that are outside of the theme parks. This takes out all of the rushing to get through theme park security, waiting to tap in, etc. Some of my favorites are California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort (a short walk from Magic Kingdom Park--and it has the best view of the fireworks), Story Book Dining at Artist Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

    Ryan, I just know that you're going to have an amazing vacation. If you have any other questions to maximize your time at The Most Magical Place on Earth, revisit us here at planDisney. Any of the panelists will be more than happy to lend a Mickey hand. 

    Magic always, 
    LeAndra
thumbnail image for LeAndra

Meet the Panelist: LeAndra, Florida

Hey, Mouseketeer! I'm LeAndra, a wife, mom of two, and content creator from beautiful Central Florida. I've lived near The Most Magical Place on Earth for my entire life; so, I like to say that I'm a Guardian of this galaxy! My love of all-things-Disney has also taken me on multiple cross-country road trips to Disneyland Resort and on a few flights over to Disneyland Paris. I am oh-so-grateful to be a part of your world by helping you plan your magical vacations.  Learn More About LeAndra

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