Hi there, Seth! Thanks for bringing your question to the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I love helping my Colorado neighbors plan magical trips to the Happiest Place on Earth!
Whenever my family and I travel to the parks, I like to make a few
dining reservations, but then leave the rest of the meals open so we can go with the flow. If you prefer your vacations to be free from set plans, then you can certainly do so and have an excellent time at the Disneyland Resort. In fact, the quick service options here are plentiful and the food is amazing!
Since the parks,
Disneyland Resort Hotels, and the
Downtown Disney District are very close together, it is really easy to get from place to place if you do decide to make a dining reservation. Plus, if you build your reservations into your touring plans from the beginning, I think you'll find enjoying a table service meal here and there to be quite easy and relaxing. My suggestion would be to make one or two reservations during your stay either for breakfast or for dinner and then dine at quick service locations for lunches. This leaves most of your day free to explore the parks however you would like without being tied down to too many set plans.
Keep in mind that if you want to enjoy signature dining,
character dining, or any of the World of Color or Main Street Electrical Parade Dining Packages, then I highly recommend making advance reservations for those meals as walk-ups usually can't be accommodated.
No matter if you have many dining reservations or none, you are sure to have plenty of delicious options everywhere you turn at the Disneyland Resort! Happy planning!
-Linda M.