Hi Emily,
Welcome to planDisney! Thanks for dropping by with your question about
character dining at Walt Disney World.
Having
breakfast with Cinderella, lunch with
Chef Mickey or
dinner with Winnie the Pooh and his pals can be a highlight of a Walt Disney World vacation. As with any dining reservation, it is recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your reservation time. That gives you time to check in, wash hands and be ready for your meal to begin.
You are welcome to check in earlier, but please know that whether you will be seated before your scheduled time depends on how busy the restaurant is, how big your party is and a number of other factors. My family has managed to secure a table up to 30 minutes before our reservation on a few occasions, but normally, it is closer to the appointed time or, occasionally, up to 15 minutes or so after the reservation.
If you are using the complementary Walt Disney World transportation to get to your character dining meal, I recommend leaving your resort at least an hour prior to your reservation, just to be sure you have plenty of time. Stressing about being late or missing your reservation is no fun. Better to arrive in plenty of time with a big smile and big appetite.
And don't forget your autograph book! Flipping through those pages, full of character signatures and notes, brings back some of our favorite memories of when our daughters were little.
I hope that helps you plan your itinerary, Emily. Please let us know if you have other questions about specific character dining locations or about any other part of your vacation.
Enjoy every magical moment,
Wilma