Hi, Anita! Welcome to planDisney!
Oh my Mickey pretzels, your Walt Disney World Resort vacation will be here before you know it! We need to make sure you have your dining reservations ready to go so you don't miss a morsel!
You're right that having dining reservations doesn't guarantee you entrance into a theme park if
park hopping is unavailable on a particular day. Disney's official recommendation is that you try to plan your meals in the park where you have a Disney Park Pass reservation for that day. Having said that, there are a couple of ways you can strategize your dining reservations to lessen the risk that you're not able to enter another theme park.
First, let's take a look at the
Theme Park Reservation Availability Calendar. If there are still Disney Park Pass reservations available on the day you'd like to hop for dinner, it's a safe bet you'll be able to to so. For example, on your arrival date of December 17, only the Magic Kingdom Park has no availability for theme park reservations, so I'd feel confident making dining plans in any of the other parks. In fact, the Magic Kingdom itself may be fine for hopping as well, but if you just want to play it safe you can look elsewhere.
Also, don't overlook the amazing dining options in the
Disney Resorts Collection hotels! There are two incredible restaurants right there at
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort that you might want to try.
Toledo - Tapas, Steak & Seafood is located high atop the new Gran Destino Tower and offers gorgeous views in an elegant setting, while
Three Bridges Bar & Grill in the middle of Lago Dorado is a gem of a spot for a casual meal and a sunset cocktail. It looks like Toledo still has some reservations open for dates during your stay, and Three Bridges is available for walk-up dining. Do give them both a try!
Anita, I hope this whets your appetite to
plan some magical Disney dining experiences! Thank you so much for stopping by to see us, and I wish you and your family a joyous holiday season!
Keep Disney Dreaming,
Kathy K.