Hi, Victoria!
Welcome to
Disney Parks Moms Panel!
When making your
Dining Reservations for the most popular restaurants in
Walt Disney World, you are wise to do so when your window opens180 days prior to dining. The most popular locations book up quickly.
However, a few tricks can help snag those top reservations even if others book before you can. First, log into Disney Dining and go directly to the restaurant that books quickly. If a time is available that day, grab it. Skip the part where you fill in names of other guests (you can always do that later), and keep going until you get a confirmation #.
Next, consider times that are either earlier or later than the most popular dining times. For example, we'll eat a late breakfast or early lunch, which is like getting to the buffet line between rush hours. Early dinners, too, are often available when others are taken, so if you get one of those, shift your plans so that this main meal of the day leaves room for a late night treat you may have otherwise skipped.
Also, as guests' plans change, they change dining reservations. Frequently checking availability either
online or by phone (407-WDW-DINE) may enable you to catch one of those cancellations. Keep trying until the day before your meal, too, as that is the last moment a guest can cancel without penalty.
Also, consider fantastic alternatives. Can't get dining at Cinderella's Royal Table? Dine with princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. The Crystal Palace is booked? Try a character buffet at 1900 Park Fare.
Send more questions as you plan your options, Victoria; we love to help!
Andrea H