Guten tag, Linda! Welcome back to planDisney, and thanks for bringing another great question to our attention. I'm happy to help!
My family and I just returned from a wonderful end-of-summer getaway to the Most Magical Place on Earth. It was just the escape we needed, and we were extremely pleased with the safety measures put in place to help Guests visit with confidence.
While our vacations this year may not look the same as they have in the past, we were satisfied knowing that any changes made were in the best interest of our health. Currently, Biergarten Restaurant welcomes Guests to dine in the same lively, Oktoberfest setting, but with a few alterations. Rather than a buffet, several German dishes are served family-style. A flyer with a QR code at each table will help you view the day's selections. To accommodate physical distancing, some tables are unavailable and you will not be seated with another party.
As you take in the lovely Bavarian village setting, the local Polka band will still be there to perform several times a day at both lunch and dinner. Sit back and sip your German brew of choice while the boisterous music entertains! The "kinder" in your crew can enjoy the festive tunes; however, the section of the restaurant that was previously used for dancing has been roped off to promote distancing.
Linda, if your family has an appetite for German cuisine and libations and an ear for Polka, I think you will still enjoy the experience at Biergarten Restaurant. If your Mouseketeers are getting restless, I suggest letting them stroll around World Showcase to walk off some extra energy. Another option is to schedule the meal for later in the day when their legs need a break.
If you decide to make an Advanced Dining Reservation, be sure to review the Know Before You Go: Dining information. One of the latest developments is mobile check-in for dining reservations. I love this latest dining update and can't wait to try it out on my next visit! Here’s how it works. When your check-in window arrives, you’ll receive a push notification prompting you to check-in via the app. Or, you can begin the check-in process by scanning a QR code located in the restaurant’s lobby. There’s no need to visit the host stand to check-in. From the push notification or QR code, you’ll be able to check-in for your reservation and confirm your arrival time. Once your table is ready, you’ll be notified to proceed to a specified location.
I hope this helps as you finalize your dining plans for your upcoming vacation. If there is anything else we can do before your stay begins, please stop by and see us again.
Auf wiedersehen!
Betsy