One of the most exciting parts of planning your Disney World vacation is the food! Whether you're dining with your favorite characters, trying unique Disney treats, or simply enjoying a sit-down meal after a long day at the park, the right dining reservation can make your trip extra magical.

But when exactly should you make your Disney dining reservations? Let’s break it down so you can get the best spots at the best times.

The 60-Day Rule

Disney allows you to make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance of your trip. This is an important detail to remember because some of the most popular spots (like character dining and signature restaurants) fill up quickly.

Here’s how it works:

60 days before your check-in date, you can start making dining reservations for your entire stay, up to 10 days.
For example, if you check in on August 1, you can make reservations starting June 2 (60 days prior) for dining from August 1–10.

The Best Time to Book

It’s a good idea to make your reservations as soon as possible once you hit the 60-day mark. Dining spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom or Be Our Guest can be tough to snag, especially during peak seasons (holidays, school breaks, weekends).

💡 Tip: Reservations open up at 6:00 AM Eastern Time—so set an alarm and be ready to book as soon as it’s time!

Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom

Which Restaurants Require Reservations?

Not every dining experience at Disney World requires a reservation, but some definitely do. If you’re hoping to dine at one of Disney’s most popular or unique restaurants, it’s always better to book in advance.

Must-book restaurants:

Character Dining: Meals with Disney characters like Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort) or Hollywood & Vine (Hollywood Studios)
Signature Dining: Upscale restaurants like California Grill (Contemporary Resort) or Le Cellier Steakhouse(Epcot)
Themed Dining: Fun and immersive spots like Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom) or Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Epcot)

Meet Anna and Elsa at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

What If I Miss the 60-Day Window?

Life happens, and sometimes you don’t get around to booking at the 60-day mark. No worries! Disney dining reservations can sometimes open up closer to your trip if other guests cancel or change their plans. Here’s what you can do:

Check back regularly: Keep an eye on the Disney dining page or My Disney Experience app for available reservations that may pop up.
Walk-up availability: Some restaurants may accept walk-up guests, though there’s no guarantee. It’s always worth asking!
Use the app: You can also monitor availability on the My Disney Experience app during your stay.

Edison Disney springs — The Edison in Disney Springs

💡 Tips for Success

Book early in the day: The most popular spots often go fast, so aim for a reservation time that works best for your family’s schedule.
Don’t cancel unless necessary: If you change your mind, you can cancel your reservation, but make sure to do it at least 2 hours before your reservation time to avoid a fee.
Don’t forget to keep checking: The most popular time for cancellations to pop up is the morning of. People will cancel at the last minute to avoid the cancellation fee.

Can I Modify or Cancel My Reservations?

Yes! If your plans change, you can modify or cancel your Disney dining reservations using the My Disney Experience app or on the Disney website. Just be sure to cancel at least 2 hours before your reservation time to avoid a fee.

Beaches and Cream Beach Club — Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort

✨ Final Thoughts

Knowing when to make Disney dining reservations is a key part of vacation planning, especially if you want to experience the best of Disney’s food scene. Start thinking about your dining choices as soon as you know your travel dates, and aim to book those spots as soon as you can, 60 days ahead of time!

Having a solid dining plan means you can focus more on enjoying the parks and less on worrying about where to eat.

Need more help with Disney planning? I offer step-by-step guides to make your vacation easy, stress-free, and full of magic. Let’s get you set up for the best Disney experience- dining and all!