Hello Leigh from one Illinois resident to another! How exciting that you're planning a trip to the
Disneyland Resort, I'm sure a break from the Midwest winter will be just what your family needs!
Dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance as you mention, and I have found that they usually appear around 6:00 AM Pacific Time, so 8:00 AM Central Time. However, I have found that sometimes they start appearing around 3:00 AM Pacific Time which is 5:00 AM Central Time, and some of the reservations do not become available until later in the day. My advice Leigh is to keep checking all day in the
Disneyland App and enjoy a few cups of coffee if you have that early wake-up call!
Also, if for some reason you do not get your desired reservation, I would keep checking up until your arrival date. I have had success on multiple occasions with getting dining reservations closer to my trip, especially the day before or the day of! Plans do change for families, and I wouldn't give up hope and keep checking.
There are also a few popular table-service restaurants that offer
mobile dining walk-up availability on the day of your park visit. You can view the current availability and wait times at select restaurants from the
Disneyland app or scan the QR code located near the restaurant entrance, no need to even visit the host stand! Once you use the app to add your party to the walk-up list, you'll be notified once your table is ready and where to proceed with all members of your party as your entire party will be seated at once.
I hope you are able to secure the reservation you're looking for Leigh, we always try to grab a reservation at
Lamplight Lounge at
Disney California Adventure Park, there is just nothing like sitting outside enjoying some Lobster Nachos when we know it's cold back home!
Have a magical trip!
Melissa