Hi Amanda!
Congratulations on your upcoming visit to
Walt Disney World!
You are smart to make your advanced dining reservations prior to the park opening and after closing time. Having these reservations at the bookends of your day helps give you maximum time in the parks.
For your morning reservation, arrive at the park at least 45 minutes prior to your reservation time. This will allow you time to park, get to the front gate, and walk to your reservation. You can tell a Cast Member at the front gate entrance that you have an early morning reservation and they will let you in through a special breakfast reservations queue.
During the evening, as long as you are in line for an attraction prior to the park closing time, you can enjoy the ride. For example, if you are visiting
Disney's Magic Kingdom and they close at 9:00 pm that evening, as long as you are in line for
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin prior to 8:59 pm, you can ride. After your ride, you can head over to the restaurant for your reservation. You can also still enjoy walking around the park after it closes. This is a great way to take in some of the details you may not notice during the hustle and bustle of the day.
Many of the shops also remain open about an hour past closing time, so you could go shopping while you wait for your reservation. I love to shop at
Emporium on Main Street after the park closes!
I recommend checking in at the podium of the restaurant approximately 15 minutes prior to your reservation time.
I hope you have a magical vacation!
Magically,
Stacy