Welcome to planDisney, Sherri! Your visit to the Disneyland Resort will be here before you know it, and it’s a great idea to start thinking about dining plans now. I’m happy to help you sort out when and how to secure those lunch reservations so you can focus on enjoying every delicious moment of your day.
Dining reservations at the Disneyland Resort typically open at 6:00 a.m. Pacific Time, 60 days in advance of your desired dining date. For a lunch reservation on February 21, 2026, that means your booking window opened on December 23, 2025. Since that date has already passed, you’re officially in reservation-hunting mode, and I’ve got a few Q-Tips to help you maximize your chances of success.
If you’re visiting for more than one day, try searching across multiple dates instead of focusing on just a single afternoon. Flexibility can make a big difference, and you may spot availability that still fits nicely into your overall plans. It’s also worth checking back often. Guests frequently adjust their itineraries, and last-minute cancellations can pop up, especially as travel dates get closer. A little persistence (and a dash of faith, trust, and pixie dust) can go a long way.
Another helpful option is the Mobile Dine Walk-up Availability feature in the
Disneyland app. When you’re nearby, you can check to see if a restaurant is offering walk-up service, add your party to the list, and wait for a notification when your table is ready. My wife and I have used this approach with great success, including snagging a spot at Oga’s Cantina, where we enjoyed a Fuzzy Tauntaun while DJ R-3X kept the cantina hopping.
If you’re still deciding where to dine,
Lamplight Lounge at Disney California Adventure Park is a standout choice, with creative dishes, waterfront views of Pixar Pier, and plenty of fun Pixar details to discover.
Wine Country Trattoria is another lovely option, especially if you’re hoping for a more relaxed lunch with patio seating.
Over at Disneyland Park,
Carnation Café offers classic comfort food and nostalgic Main Street charm (sometimes paired with a bit of entertainment passing by).
Café Orleans is perfect when you’re craving New Orleans Square ambiance, flavorful Cajun-Creole dishes, and a shaded spot to recharge between attractions.
If any other questions come up as you continue planning, please don’t hesitate to stop by planDisney again.
Have an incredible day filled with magical moments and memorable meals!
David