Welcome to planDisney, Patrick!
Thank you for sharing your question with us. We are happy to help you plan
a pixie-dusted summer visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth!
The first thing I decide while planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation is where I will dine. There are
fantastic dining destinations at all four theme parks,
Disney Resorts Collection hotels, and
Disney Springs, and some locations are extremely popular with Guests, so planning ahead is important. Sometimes, however, we are unable to book advance dining reservations for our favorite restaurants on our first try. So, although your reservations did not initially work out as planned, remember our friend Dory and just keep swimming! It is very important to keep trying because availability may change over time, and other Guests may change their plans and make modifications and cancellations.
When I cannot find availability at a restaurant my family wishes to visit, I keep checking the
My Disney Experience mobile app daily for updates. Sometimes I try several times a day. I also like searching for times on the restaurant website, but the app and website usually show the same availability. I also recommend checking different meal times. For example, breakfast and dinner seem very popular among Guests, so I try booking lunch, if available at the restaurant I want to dine at. I also suggest looking for early and late meal times. I know this may not be ideal for some families, especially late dinners, but it may help you find a reservation.
When you arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort, you can also stop by the restaurant you wish to dine at and talk to the host to see if they accept walk-ins. I recommend stopping by as early as possible to try securing a reservation. In addition, you can use the My Disney Experience mobile app to
add your party to the Walk-up List at participating locations (you must be close to the dining location to do this). Even while at the parks, resort hotels, or Disney Springs, always check the My Disney Experience mobile app for reservations, as availability may change throughout the day.
I hope this information is helpful, Patrick. Do not hesitate to stop by if you have additional questions, we are delighted to help!
Best magical wishes,
Thiana