Archive for August 13th, 2009

On October 27, 2009 Walt Disney World will return to its previous format of accepting reservations 180 days in advance.  The dining reservation system has long been a source of confusion for many visitors due to multiple changes through the years.  Currently set up for 90 days in advance, this was a departure from 120 days in place for several years.

Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resorts have been allowed to make all of their reservations, up to ten days worth, beginning from the date of arrival, known as the 90 plus 10 rule.  It hasn’t been formally announced whether this on-site perk will continue when the new 120-day format is adopted.

With the advent of the Disney Dining Plans, obtaining dining reservations has become a bit more challenging than in the past.  Those hoping for some of the more popular venues, such as breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table, need to be up bright and early on the first day their window opens, ready to dial just before 7:00 a.m. Eastern time. As one cast member said, “If there are Princesses involved, the earlier the better!”

The popularity of the free-dining promotions, which have added an entirely new demographic to the mix, make it even more important to secure reservations early. Over the past year or two, it’s become increasingly common to see signs placed outside many of the restaurants, advising guests that they are fully-booked and no seating is available on that day.

There is a rumor that a credit card guarantee may be required for all dining reservations when the new system debuts.  This would certainly help avoid a lot of the current abuses by those who make multiple reservations for the same meals and then decide which to use at the time of the meal; leaving a trail of unused slots that could have been used by another party.  However, it will also further erode any attempts at dining spontaneity.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to make those reservations:

• Call 407-WDW-DINE  (407- 939-3463)

• Access the online dining reservation system at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/restaurants/?forceDomestic=true

• Use a travel agent specializing in Disney Destinations who will advise you about all the different dining venues and book your reservations for you

• Take advantage of the concierge staff.  Guests staying in club-level accommodations can contact the Itinerary Planning Office by phone or email and have them arrange all reservations.

As mentioned in our recent post, 5 Top Tips for a Walt Disney World Vacation, we think it’s important to have a basic itinerary and this includes dining reservations.  Plans can be changed, but they can’t always be made at the last minute.