Hi Mike, welcome back to planDisney!
Staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel during a Walt Disney World Resort vacation comes with some pretty magical perks. My family enjoys the smaller crowds that exist at all four parks during 30-minute
Early Theme Park Entry each morning. We also enjoy
complimentary transportation to and from the theme parks. Planning to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane for the new
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT? Staying at a Disney Resort hotel helps with that, too. Disney Resort hotel Guests can book
Individual Lightning Lane attractions in the
My Disney Experience mobile app starting at 7:00 a.m.; all other Guests may book at park opening.
As you mentioned, Mike, Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel can also make advance dining reservations
online 60 days before check-in for their entire length of stay, up to 10 days. In my experience, this gift of time might be the edge that gets you into
Chef Mickey's for breakfast or
Be Our Guest for dinner. The Grey Stuff really is delicious.
I understand members of your party will be arriving at your Disney Resort hotel on different days. When it comes to making advance dining reservations, the date that matters most is your check-in date. You are eligible to make dining reservations 60 days in advance of the check-in date linked to your
My Disney Experience account. You'll likely be able to see the resort reservation information linked to members of your
Family and Friends in My Disney Experience, but only the reservation with your name on it has the power to unlock dining reservations for the duration of your stay. The good news is that those arriving early can make dining reservations using their account for the entire party, including you, 60 days in advance of their check-in date. That's definitely some added pixie dust!
When making advance dining reservations, Mike, I recommend being logged onto your My Disney Experience account by 5:45 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. In my experience, reservations open up by 6:00 a.m. Other tips for success include booking by restaurant popularity instead of by date and scheduling any character meals toward the end of your vacation.
I encourage you to be planDisney's Guest again soon, Mike.
Bonne chance and bon appétit!
Jennifer