Planning for a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort has changed a bit since before the pandemic. Dining reservations can no longer be made 180 days in advance. Advanced dining reservations can now be made 60 days in advance but that doesn’t mean some reservations are any easier to get. Take a look at the hardest dining reservations to snag so you can plan ahead for your next trip!
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California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort)– A very popular choice with adults looking for a romantic evening and a one-of-a-kind view of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks display, the California Grill is the place to go for a bit of evening ambiance. The restaurant located at the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort has its own private viewing deck from which to watch the fireworks and even pipes in the music allowing diners to follow along. As one of Disney World’s Signature Dining locations, the food is also designed to impress with a focus on the flavors of the Pacific Coast. Here you’ll find a mighty impressive wine list, mouthwatering sushi and seasonal specialties.
Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada Pavilion, Epcot) – Definitely one of the most sought-after reservations at Epcot, this Canadian-inspired steakhouse is a perfect place for couples who want to treat themselves to a special evening out. Another of Disney’s Signature Dining locations, guests can dine on tasty steaks, delicious seafood and other delightful dishes inspired by the Canadian provinces. The restaurant also boasts an extensive Canadian wine selection. The atmosphere is also quiet and elegant (think flickering candles and an interior inspired by the chateau-style hotels).
Oga’s Cantina (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) – Oga’s Cantina is not a sit-down restaurant with servers, but rather a cool cantina with limited seating, small bites and delicious drinks. You must have a reservation in order to get in. Many Smugglers and Bounty Hunters have traveled far and wide for a taste of Oga’s interesting concoctions that play around with your senses while bopping to the mixes of DJ R-3X.
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Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom) – Who doesn’t want to dine in the iconic Cinderella’s Castle? That’s why this Table Service option remains consistently the hardest-to-get dining reservation on Disney property. Guests will be given the VIP Disney treatment in this regal dining room complete with mouth-watering dishes and a chance to rub shoulders with Disney royalty.
Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom) – Be Our Guest has been one of the most popular restaurants at Walt Disney World since it opened. Like Cinderella’s Royal Table, getting to dine in the Beast’s Castle seems to be at the top of everyone’s must-do list. The atmosphere alone is a huge draw to this restaurant, and the food is pretty decent, too. You have a chance to dine IN the famous scene from Beauty and the Beast. So cool!
Ohana (Disney’s Polynesian Resort) – Character dining has not yet returned to this guest-favorite restaurant but it hasn’t stopped the reservations from filling up! Ohana is another favorite of families who are at Magic Kingdom for the day. Reservations fill up fast for both breakfast and dinner. Breakfast is popular for those looking to have a tasty bite before hopping the monorail or boat over to the opening of Magic Kingdom. Guests can also dine family-style on tasty breakfast fare including scrambled eggs, Stitch Waffles, Hawaiian pork sausages and a variety of fresh fruits and bread. For dinner its hospitality Hawaiian-style with specialties like oak-grilled shrimp, sweet and sour chicken skewers and lo mein noodles.
Space 220 (Epcot) – The newest restaurant in Epcot has guests feeling like they are dining 220 miles above Earth! This is a dining experience like none other. Space 220 is open for lunch and dinner. Guests can choose one of each: Lift-Offs (Appetizer) + Star Course (Entrée) + Supernova Sweets (Dessert) for a set price.
La Creperie de Paris (France Pavilion, Epcot) – The France Pavilion in Epcot was recently refurbished and La Creperie de Paris has finally opened! This cute little restaurant features a menu by Jérôme Bocuse, the mind behind the menus at Chefs de France and Monsieur Paul and is a hybrid table service and quick service. Treat your senses to savory galettes and sweet crêpes at a restaurant inspired by the Brittany region of France. Bon appétit!
If some of the must-do’s on your dining list are one of the 8 listed above then be prepared to book on your 60-day mark. The reservation window opens at 6 am EST. Onsite guests are able to make reservations for your whole stay during this period. Instead of booking chronologically, I always recommend you jump straight to the hardest-to-get reservations on your list and book them in first. You can then go back in and book the others. Also, keep your dates flexible. Moving your theme park days based on your dining reservations increases your chances of being able to nab an elusive reservation.
If you aren’t able to get all of the restaurants you wanted, keep checking regularly until your trip. Reservations can open up as other guests change their minds and cancel. Also, if you still aren’t able to make a dining reservation for your favorite restaurant, look into the Mobile Dine Walk-Up option on the My Disney Experience App. Select restaurants will allow guests to join a waitlist the day they are wanting to dine.
If you’d like help navigating these new offerings and planning your next Disney vacation, contact me today! I am a travel agent with Destinations to Travel, a Disney Earmarked agency and my services are complimentary!
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