Hi, Pam, and welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Let's help you make that dining reservation at the Walt Disney World Resort!
Disney asks Guests to arrive 15 minutes before their
dining reservation time to check in, but they are also usually understanding that unforeseen things can happen. I have never seen an official grace period for a dining reservation, but I'm sure that if you're 10-15 minutes late and explain the situation at check-in, they'll do what they can to get you seated.
Here's something from my own experience. Not long ago, my husband and I planned a birthday dinner for our son at
Whispering Canyon Cafe inside
Disney's Wilderness Lodge. We were also going to take him to a baseball game at the
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex just before dinner. Not knowing exactly when the game would end, we thought we might be a bit late for the reservation. We spoke to a Cast Member at the restaurant before leaving for the game, and they said they'd do their best to accommodate us when we arrived. Turns out we made it on time anyway, but it was nice to know the restaurant would work with us.
Pam, I've never had a chance to try
Yak & Yeti Restaurant, but it's definitely on my list! While you're visiting
Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, I hope you have a chance to experience the newly re-imagined
Rivers of Light: We Are One nighttime show that just started at the end of May. It's a beautiful show, and the new elements make it a real Disney classic!
I hope this helps you plan your Disney day, Pam. Please come see us again if you have any more questions!
Keep Disney Dreaming,
Kathy K.