Hey there, Michael! I am so glad you found us here at planDisney to ask your Walt Disney World dining question!
I consider myself an expert on Disney food. I love ALL the things and sharing about my favorite places to find a snack or unexpected meal makes me so happy!
Currently, you can make dining reservations 60 days before you travel, so that would be sometime in October 2022 for you. We have no idea what character dining might look like in December, so keep an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog for announcements regarding character interaction.
I would also recommend that you consider some non-traditional places to eat. Everyone has heard of Chef Mickey’s and ‘Ohana, but few people know about some of Walt Disney World’s hidden gems. One in particular that I love is
Whispering Canyon Café at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Breakfast has wonderful skillets with all-you-care-to-eat items. Lunch has a bison burger with a fried pickle that is probably the best burger I have ever eaten. You also get just a touch of fun “attitude” from the servers, which makes you feel right at home.
Another great tool to know about is mobile ordering on your
MyDisneyExperience mobile app. This is one of the greatest things to ever happen at WDW. You can order your lunch from the queue at Pirates of the Caribbean and choose when it will be ready. Since Pecos Bills is so close, that is a great choice (and the nachos are great!). Once you arrive to the eating establishment, you simply click “I’m here”, and your order gets made fresh. No long food lines to stand in! I can’t tell you how great it has been on my recent trips “home”.
You are visiting Walt Disney World at my absolute favorite time of year! I love holiday decorations and touring the resorts does not disappoint! Be sure to visit Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to see their annual Gingerbread House. It changes each year and is always a spectacular sight. I also try and stop by Disney’s Beach Club Resort to see their annual Gingerbread display. This year is a carousel dedicated to The Little Mermaid. I can’t wait to see what the chefs bake up for next year!
I hope this helps with planning for your 2022 holiday visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Happy Traveling,
Tracy