• On Apr 6, 2022
    William from CA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    why is it so difficult to get dinner reservations more than 55+ days out from my trip?

    Hi there, William! Welcome to planDisney!

    I see that you're visiting the Disneyland Resort in just a few short months! How exciting! Lately, we've had some big news for Disneyland Guests, so you're in for some extra magic during your vacation. Character Greetings have been modified for the last few years, requiring that Guests interact at a safe distance from their favorite characters. Though we know these policies were put in place with the health and safety of all Guests and Cast Members in mind, we sure have missed hugging Mickey Mouse and all his pals! It was recently announced that Character Greetings will begin returning to normal as soon as next week! So, get your autograph books and hugging arms ready to embrace your favorite characters when you arrive!

    William, I'm sorry you're having trouble making advance dining reservations for your trip. It is true that reservations have been a little tough to come by lately, as many Guests are utilizing the advance dining reservation window as far out as 60 days before their preferred dining date. However, if you continue checking leading up to your stay, you may get lucky! Guests change their plans all the time. When one Guest cancels a dining reservation, it becomes available for another Guest to book. I find increased availability for dining reservations as the date I'm looking for grows closer. I often get lucky and find a slot at the exact restaurant I'm looking for just a few days before my trip. In short, that refresh button will become your best friend! Keep trying!

    Another option is to utilize the Mobile Dine Walk-Up Lists at participating dining locations. Locations including Lamplight LoungeOga's Cantina and many others allow Guests to join a Walk-Up List to score a table on the same day they'd like to dine! When you are within close proximity to the restaurant of your choice, open your Disneyland Mobile App and search for the restaurant using the search feature. When you're on the dedicated page for that restaurant, you'll see an option for "Join Walk-Up List." Click that, add your party's information and join the list! You'll be given an estimated wait time for your party and the app will notify you once your table is ready. The Walk-Up Lists may open and close throughout the day as the crowds at the restaurant increase and decrease, so make sure to check that the list is open before making the walk over!

    I have one final idea for your visit. You know the saying, "the early bird catches the worm?" That is especially true at Disney Parks! If you arrive to a dining location just before they open, you can grab the attention of the Cast Member at the podium of the restaurant and ask if they can accommodate your group. I've had luck with this at the opening time at Blue Bayou Restaurant and had an incredible, unexpected dinner experience!

    William, there are so many ways to satisfy that "rumbly in your tumbly" at the Disneyland Resort. I'll keep my ears crossed that some dining reservations open up before your stay, but with a little faith, trust and pixie dust, you may be able to make your own dining dreams come true!

    Hakuna Matata,

    Ashley
thumbnail image for Ashley

Meet the Panelist: Ashley, New Jersey

Hey friends! I'm Ashley, a Disney-loving mom ready to help you plan your next adventure! I am married to my college sweetheart and we have two young, energetic kids who have inherited our love of Disney! As Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members, we spend our time at Walt Disney World Resort in all different ways, from packed park days to relaxing by the pool, our family has developed a love for all Disney has to offer. I'm excited to share the magic with all of you! Learn More About Ashley

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