Hiya Tracey,
Welcome to planDisney! We are so excited that you are here and planning a visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth. If one topic always puts a smile on my face, it is
dining! I carefully craft my itinerary for every vacation to allow for as many different dining reservations as possible.
Some of my favorite dining locations are the most popular, so I've definitely run into the scenario you described, Tracey. At peak times, the check-in lines can definitely feel longer than any other attraction in Walt Disney World Resort (especially when you have a "rumbly in your tumbly"). There are no official guidelines for handling the situation you described, Tracey, but I can tell you what I've done in my experience. Cast Members do an excellent job at getting Guests checked in and on their way efficiently, no matter how long the line is, so I generally wait until it is my turn. Multiple people could be checking in for dining reservations at the same time (or very close to it) so it is generally good etiquette to wait (also, the other Guests in line will appreciate it). If you are worried about missing your check-in time, Tracey, there is no need to fret. In my experience, Cast Members give you a grace period for your reservation, so being "stuck" in line will not be an issue. That said, if you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled reservation, you will have plenty of time to check-in.
One last thing, Tracey: did you know that you can check in for select dining locations through your mobile device on the My Disney Experience mobile app? I often like to do this because it saves me from waiting in line at the host stand. Once you check in to your reservation on the app, you will receive a notification when your table is ready, and you will have avoided the line to check-in.
I hope this was helpful, Tracey. Please come back and see
us if you need anything else.
Happy Planning,
Ashley F.