Hi Alicia!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. Thank you for sending us your great question about
dining at Walt Disney World Resort.
I always recommend you arrive to Walt Disney World Resort dining reservations at least 10-15 minutes in advance of your reservation time — but no earlier than 15 minutes in advance.
This will allow ample time for you to “check-in” to your reservation. If you have any questions about your dining experience, you will appreciate the extra time to talk to a Cast Member. Some character dining experiences, such as
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, include a pre-dinner character photo. By arriving on time, you will have plenty of time for pictures, dining and then still be able to make it to your post-dinner activities on time!
However, there are a couple of exceptions. Certain dinner shows, such as
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, have their own suggested arrival times. For example, Category 1 Guests need to arrive approximately 1 hour in advance of the dinner show time. If your reservation is for a dinner show, please check the website of your dining venue or your dining confirmation to verify suggested arrival time.
Occasionally, there will be other Guests waiting to check-in and be seated. Arriving early will still allow you to be there on time for your reservation even if there is a line of Guests ahead of you.
Alicia, if you have any additional questions, please visit us again. We are always here to help you plan your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation.
With a Sprinkling of Pixie Dust,
Priscila