Hi Ken! Welcome back to planDisney. It's nice to see you again!
Your family will be spending
Christmas at the Walt Disney World Resort! I can hear the sleigh bells jingling and smell the hot cocoa with Mickey-shaped marshmallows. I adore the festive decorations and Christmas spirit in the air during the holiday season at Walt Disney World, and I know you are going to have the merriest and most magical time.
I'm sorry to hear that finding dining reservations was challenging for your visit. As the
phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort continues, not all restaurants have reopened, and some are operating at reduced capacity. I'm happy to share a few strategies to help with your planning.
First, don't fret! In my experience, reservations begin to open up about a week in advance, when many Guests are changing their plans. Last Thanksgiving, I found several fantastic dining reservation options...on Thanksgiving morning. Keep checking the
My Disney Experience mobile app for reservation availability.
On the day of your visit, the
Disney Genie Service can help! Tap "My Genie Day" and then select the Tip Board. Toggle to "Dining" and you will be able to see dining options available in real-time. This is my favorite feature of the Genie!
As for special holiday menus, be sure to check out the Disney Parks Blog's Foodie Guides. Just this week they published
one for snacks, drinks, and meals in the theme parks and Disney Springs and
one for the Disney Resorts Collection hotels. I've already made my list and checked it twice! Those Guides aren't exhaustive, and you can expect to find special holiday menu items at many dining locations. One of my family's favorite holiday finds on our last holiday visit was a cone of warm spiced nuts we discovered at a popcorn cart in Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Ken, I'm sending sugarplum-scented pixie dust that you find some great dining reservations and track down the tastiest holiday treats during your visit. As you count down the days to your visit, the holiday elves here at planDisney are happy to help if you think of any further questions. Happy holidays, and have a wonderful time!
Wishing you much magic,
Robyn