Disneyland, the Happiest Place on Earth, offers a magical dining experience that complements its world-class attractions and entertainment. However, securing a dining reservation at Disneyland’s popular restaurants can be as challenging as catching a ride on Space Mountain without a FastPass. This guide will help demystify the process and provide you with the best strategies for snagging those coveted Disneyland dining reservations.
Disneyland opens its dining reservations online 60 days in advance at 6:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST). You can make these reservations through the Disneyland website or the Disneyland mobile app. However, due to high demand, it’s recommended to make reservations as soon as the booking window opens.
The Basics: When Do Reservations Open?
Disneyland opens its dining reservations online 60 days in advance, right at 6:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST). This applies to select restaurants throughout Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, Downtown Disney, and the three on-site hotels. However, some locations may not release reservations that far in advance, so it’s essential to keep checking back if you cannot find a reservation initially.
How to Make Your Disneyland Dining Reservation
You can make your dining reservations through the Disneyland website or the Disneyland mobile app. The updated dining reservation system on the Disneyland app allows guests to see all available reservation slots for their chosen location, date, and time frame. It’s highly recommended to make reservations as soon as the booking window opens due to limited availability.
Securing a Reservation: Tips and Tricks
To increase your chances of securing a reservation, here are some insider tips:
- Book right away: Be prepared to make reservations right at 6 a.m. PST, 60 days before your visit.
- Set up dining alerts: Use websites like Mouse Dining to set alerts for when reservations become available at your desired restaurant.
- Get creative with party size: If you’re having trouble finding a reservation for your entire party, try searching for smaller party sizes and see if you can book multiple reservations close together.
- Keep searching: Even if you’re already at Disneyland, continue to check for dining reservations in the morning and evening, as availability may change.
- Use the walk-up list: If you can’t secure a reservation, plan on going to the restaurant first thing in the morning when you arrive at the park and ask about walk-up availability.
Peak Times and Seasons
During the summer months and holiday seasons, dining reservations tend to fill up faster due to the high crowd levels. It is especially important to book dining reservations in advance during these times.
Popular Disneyland Restaurants
Some of the most popular restaurants that fill up quickly include Cafe Orleans, Blue Bayou Restaurant, Carnation Café, Plaza Inn, and Carthay Circle Restaurant. It’s worth noting that reservations for these locations can be gone within minutes of becoming available.
In conclusion, making Disneyland dining reservations online requires a bit of strategy and a dash of pixie dust. But with these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a magical dining experience at Disneyland!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Disneyland mobile app?
The Disneyland mobile app is the official app for Disneyland Resort. It allows you to see wait times, browse maps, buy park tickets, and make dining reservations. It’s available for download on both iOS and Android devices.
What are some other restaurants at Disneyland that require reservations?
In addition to the ones mentioned in the blog post, other restaurants that often require reservations include Goofy’s Kitchen, Napa Rose, Steakhouse 55, and Storytellers Café.
Can I cancel my Disneyland dining reservation?
Yes, you can cancel your Disneyland dining reservation. However, cancellations must be made at least one day before the reservation date. If you fail to cancel and do not check in, a per person no-show fee may be charged to your credit card.
Is there a fee to make a dining reservation at Disneyland?
No, there is no fee to make a dining reservation at Disneyland. However, Disneyland does require a credit card to hold the reservation.
What happens if I miss my dining reservation at Disneyland?
If you miss your dining reservation, Disneyland may charge a no-show fee to your credit card. It’s recommended to cancel at least one day in advance if you can’t make it.
