Disney Untangled - Dining
BREAKING NEWS: As of October 27th, 2009 dining reservations can now be made at 180 days out.
Check out our Advanced Dining Reservation Calculator!
What is an Advanced Dining Reservation or ADR?
An Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR for short - also sometimes called a "ressie") is essentially a
reservation you make for a particular time and restaurant for your party. They are available at most all
table service and signature dining locations. ADRs are not available at counter service locations.
How do I get an ADR?
You can call either the Central Reservations Office (CRO) at 407-WDISNEY (407-934-7639) or
WDW Dining directly at
407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). WDW Dining is available for making phone reservations from 7:00am to 10:00pm
Eastern Time 7 days a week, except on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve when they close earlier at
8:00pm. See our notes on dining with a large group if your group is larger than
12 (or 8 for a dinner show).
If you are already at WDW, you can still call this number, or if you are staying at a WDW Resort you may
be able to speak to the front desk. Club Level guests can also speak to the Club concierge desk.
When you make an ADR, you will be given a confirmation number for each. Save these numbers and bring them
with you in case there are any issues. Having those numbers have saved a number of meals for people. We
also recommend that you confirm all your reservations for the dates you wanted - there have been times
where the Dining CM will enter an incorrect date or made other errors that may surprise you when you
arrive.
You can also make an ADR online now...simply go to the Walt Disney World Dining web page, select a restaurant,
and then click the "Make a Reservation" link on that restaurant's page below the image. Online ADRs appear
to have a 1 hour advantage over calling, as ADRs for a particular day can be made beginning at 6:00am
instead of 7:00am.
When can I can an ADR?
Anyone can call 90 days out from the date they wish to dine. Guests staying on-site at a Walt Disney World
Resort (this does not include the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts or the Shades Of Green
Resort, as these are not owned and operated by Disney) can call 90 days from their check-in date and make
reservations for the length of their stay, up to a maximum of 10 total days (commonly referred to as the
"90+10 window benefit"). If your stay is longer than
10 days, then you can call 90 days out for any day after the 10th day. You will need to
give your resort reservation number in order to book during the 90+10 window.
On-site guests, however, may find that some locations, such as Cinderella's Royal Table, are hard to get
when calling during the 90+10 window. In order to make it fair for both on-site guests arriving after you
but wishing to dine on the same date, as well as off-site guests, only a limited number of reservations may be
available for booking prior to 90 days. If you do not get the reservation you want, call again as early as
possible on the 90 day mark for the date in question.
For the very limited Chef's Table at Victoria and Albert's, you must call at 90 days.
To help make this easier, we have an
ADR Calculator!
If you still aren't able to get what you want, keep calling periodically. People call and change their
reservations all the time, and options may have freed up.
How important is it to get an ADR?
If you prefer dining at your choice of table service restaurants, it is very important. Especially during
busy seasons with
the increase in patronage caused by the Disney Dining Plan, most all locations are booked solid by the
date in question. You are seldom able to walk up to a location and get seated. Unless you don't mind
dining at counter service locations and want to take your chances, we suggest calling as soon as you
can.
How important is it to call early?
Again, for the popular locations, very important. Cinderella's Royal Table is generally a must to call at
7:00am. In fact, you should start calling shortly before 7:00am - the phone lines will open slightly early
and allow callers into the queue to talk to the cast members.
We recommend putting the WDW Dining number on speed dial, and start calling around 6:55am. If you get a
greeting that says, "Thank you for calling the Disney Reservation Center. Our office is closed..." hang up
immediately and dial again. If they do not say "Our office is closed" immediately, then you are in and can
start.
If you are more flexible about your choices and times, and are not looking for the more exclusive options,
it is less critical but calling as soon as you are able will increase your options.
Do I need to give a credit card?
Not for most ADRs. However, some of the more exclusive Signature locations may require a credit card
guarantee against a late cancelation. Fees generally range from $10-$25 per person if canceling
within 48 hours of the reservation or a no-show. The Dining CM will explain any cancelation fee that
applies.
If you are booking Cinderella's Royal Table or a dinner show (such as Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, Mickey's
Backyard Barbecue or Spirit of Aloha) payment is required in full in
advance unless you are on the Disney Dining Plan. If you are not using DDP, your credit card will be
charge in full. If you are on the DDP, then a cancelation fee may still apply and the credit card will be
used for the guarantee.
What if I need to cancel?
Simply call WDW Dining and let them know what you are canceling. Try and call at least 48 hours in
advance, especially if there was a credit card guarantee on the reservation. In addition, calling as soon
as you can makes the reservation available to someone else who can use it.
What if we have a large group?
For most ADRs, WDW Dining can make an ADR for up to 12 people. Some locations may have slightly different
rules however. If you are unsure, call WDW Dining and if necessary they will forward you to Group
Dining.
If you know you need Group Dining (generally any party larger than 12), you can call them directly at
407-939-7707.
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