Hi Racheal!
Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question - I'm happy to help!
I’m so excited to hear you have a dinner reservation at
Cinderella’s Royal Table – one of the most popular and sought-after dining experiences at Walt Disney World. What a fantastic way to end your evening at
Magic Kingdom Park!
I checked the official
Hours and Events Calendar, and it shows Happily Ever After will begin at 9 pm on the evening of the 11th. The
Happily Ever After fireworks show generally lasts about 18 minutes, meaning it will end around 9:18 PM. With a 9:45 reservation, this gives you roughly 27 minutes to navigate through the crowds and reach your reservation at
Cinderella Castle. That’s more than enough time to make it to your magical meal!
Keep in mind that the area around Cinderella Castle can become pretty congested after the fireworks. Disney Cast Members may rope off certain areas for crowd control, which could slow you down a bit. Disney restaurants typically offer a grace period of about 15 minutes past your reservation time. However, this isn't guaranteed, so it's best to aim to arrive on time if possible! Make sure to check in on the
My Disney Experience app to let the restaurant know you’re on your way.
My advice would be to try to watch the fireworks from a location that’s close to the castle but still allows for easy movement afterward—such as near the walkway leading into Fantasyland or by the Tomorrowland bridge. This way, you can avoid the thickest parts of the crowd. Once the fireworks end, make your way directly to the restaurant. Let a Cast Member know you have a reservation if you encounter roped-off areas, and they can direct you to the quickest route.
By following these steps, you should be able to enjoy the full fireworks show and still make it to your 9:45 PM reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table!
I hope this helps, and that you enjoy your magic-filled evening of fireworks and feasting!
Diane W.