Plan Your Disney Dining Window
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland is an exciting endeavor, but securing those highly coveted dining reservations can often feel like a race against the clock. With many popular restaurants booking up within minutes, knowing your exact booking window is crucial. This "Disney Dining Reservations 60 Days Calculator" is your essential tool to ensure you're ready the moment your booking window opens, giving you the best chance to snag those magical meals!
Understanding the Disney Dining Reservation Window
Disney's dining reservation system operates on a strict 60-day advance booking window. This means that guests can typically make reservations for table-service restaurants, character dining experiences, and special dining events starting 60 days before their desired dining date.
Why 60 Days?
The 60-day rule is designed to give guests ample time to plan their dining experiences while also managing demand for Disney's incredibly popular restaurants. While 60 days might seem like a long time, it passes quickly, and the most sought-after restaurants often fill up immediately. Being prepared and knowing your exact booking date is key to avoiding disappointment.
The "60 Days Plus 10" Advantage for Disney Resort Guests
One of the significant perks of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel (including Deluxe Villas, Moderate, and Value Resorts, as well as select Good Neighbor Hotels) is the "60 days plus 10" rule. This rule provides a substantial advantage for planning your dining. Here's how it works:
- Standard Guests: Can book 60 days in advance of each individual dining date.
- Disney Resort Guests: Can book 60 days in advance of their check-in date for their entire length of stay, up to a maximum of 10 days.
This means if you're staying for 7 days, you can make all your dining reservations for those 7 days on the same day – 60 days before your check-in. This is a massive advantage, especially for later dates in your trip, as you'll be able to book those before non-resort guests even have access to those dates.
Example of 60+10 Rule:
If your check-in date is March 10th and you're staying for 7 nights, you can make reservations for March 10th through March 16th all on the same day: 60 days prior to March 10th. A non-resort guest would have to wait until 60 days before March 16th to book a reservation for that date, giving you a significant head start.
How to Use Our Disney Dining Reservations Calculator
- Enter Your Disney Trip Check-in Date: Select the date you are scheduled to check into your Disney Resort or when you plan to first visit the parks if you are a day guest.
- Indicate Resort Guest Status: Check the box if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
- Enter Length of Stay (If Resort Guest): If you are a resort guest, input the number of nights you will be staying, up to a maximum of 10 nights. This helps calculate your full booking window.
- Click "Calculate My Booking Date": Our tool will instantly provide your earliest booking date and, if applicable, the full range of dates you can book for as a resort guest.
Tips for Securing Your Dream Disney Dining Reservations
Even with the calculator, a little strategy goes a long way. Follow these tips to maximize your chances:
Be Ready at 6:00 AM EST/EDT
Disney's dining reservation system typically opens at 6:00 AM Eastern Time (EST or EDT, depending on daylight saving). Set an alarm, have your My Disney Experience account logged in, and be ready to click the moment the clock strikes 6 AM on your calculated booking date.
Have a Priority List
Before your booking day, identify your top 3-5 must-do dining experiences. This allows you to quickly try for your highest priority first. If you don't get your absolute top choice, move immediately to your second, and so on.
Be Flexible with Times and Dates
If your ideal time isn't available, try slightly earlier or later. Sometimes a 4:00 PM dinner or a 9:00 PM dinner is easier to get than a prime 6:00 PM slot. For resort guests, try to book your most popular restaurants towards the end of your stay, as those dates will be available to you before non-resort guests.
Utilize the My Disney Experience App
The My Disney Experience mobile app is often faster and more convenient for making reservations on the go. Practice navigating it beforehand.
Keep Checking for Cancellations
Don't despair if you don't get everything you want on your booking day! Guests frequently change their plans, and cancellations occur daily. Keep checking the app regularly, especially in the days and weeks leading up to your trip, and even the day of. Sometimes magic happens!
Consider Lesser-Known Gems
While Cinderella's Royal Table and Space 220 are fantastic, Disney has many other incredible dining options that might be easier to secure and just as enjoyable. Explore menus and reviews for alternatives.
Popular Disney Dining Experiences to Book 60 Days Out
Here are some of the restaurants and experiences that are notoriously difficult to book and require early planning:
- Cinderella's Royal Table (Magic Kingdom): Dine inside Cinderella Castle with princesses.
- Be Our Guest Restaurant (Magic Kingdom): Experience the Beast's enchanted castle.
- Space 220 Restaurant (EPCOT): Enjoy a meal with panoramic views of Earth from space.
- Oga's Cantina (Hollywood Studios): A unique, themed bar experience in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
- Chef Mickey's (Contemporary Resort): Character dining with Mickey and friends.
- 'Ohana (Polynesian Village Resort): A popular family-style meal with character interactions for breakfast.
Conclusion
Mastering the Disney dining reservation system doesn't have to be daunting. With this 60-day calculator and a strategic approach, you'll be well-equipped to secure those highly sought-after tables. Start planning early, be persistent, and get ready to savor every magical bite of your Disney vacation!