Hi Cheryl,
Welcome to planDisney! Your diligence with dining planning is delightful!
As you have discovered, those are popular dates for the Walt Disney World Resort and
dining availability is limited. If you have not tried these strategies already,
- Search by breakfast, lunch, or dinner (instead of a specific time).
- If you are searching for a party greater than six, divide your party into two smaller groups and try to find reservation times within 15 minutes of each other. When you get to the restaurant, kindly request to be seated together but understand that the Cast Members might not be able to accommodate the request.
- Try the restaurants at Disney Springs. We have several favorites including The Edison and Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'.
I also have to say to just keep checking. There have been several occasions when I just kept hitting the search button for a few hours while watching a movie and managed to snag hard-to-get dining reservations. It is a most exhilarating feeling to suddenly see an available time appear!
Although this is not my favorite option, I have also noticed that, perhaps due to cancellations, there are often openings the week prior or day prior to when we plan to dine. So, stay hopeful. In the meantime, review the
dining updates to note which restaurants may be re-opening at the time of your visit. Remember also to be sure that you have a
Disney Park Pass system reservation if planning to dine at a restaurant in a theme park.
Cheryl, I know that you will enjoy the
Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort. The parks and resorts are simply gorgeous during that time of year. I am sending a little extra pixie dust trusting that you will be able to make those dining reservations soon!
Magic and memories,
Donyell