Disney dining reservations are a crucial part of creating a perfect Disneyland trip. We have favorite restaurants where we love to dine, so securing these Disneyland dining reservations is vital to making our Disney trip as magical as possible. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to snag these coveted reservations, especially at the more popular restaurants like Blue Bayou, Carthay Circle, and Lamplight Lounge. That being said, it can be done, and below are a few tips on how we manage to dine at these restaurants each time we visit.
How to Snag Disney Dining Reservations
1. Book Ahead
Online reservations for Disneyland restaurants open 60 days in advance, right at the break of dawn, 6 am local Disneyland or Disney World time, to be exact. To snag your spot in popular Disneyland dining spots such as Blue Bayou or Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, set that alarm for 5:55 am and book promptly. Popular choices sell out faster than you can blink!
2. Be Flexible
Sometimes, desired time slots may not be available, even with early booking. Flexibility is the key to enjoying your favorite Disney restaurants. Secure any available time slot and check on the day if there are possibilities of moving your reservation.
3. Keep an Eye Out for Cancelations
Be vigilant and keep checking for any canceled Disney dining reservations. Everyone ends up having to cancel plans from time to time, and this is when their loss can be your gain. This is how we ended up scoring a table at the Lamplight Lounge with an amazing view of “World of Color.”
4. Join a Walk-up List
On the day of your visit, when you start to feel hungry, open the Disneyland app and check out the walk-up list. Restaurants will occasionally open their walk-up list, where you can add your name. This mostly happens during slack hours, but it’s an excellent method to snag a table.
5. Visit in Person
Couldn’t get a booking at the restaurant you want after trying all of the above tips? Try visiting the restaurant in person. This strategy has worked for us quite a few times. It’s best to visit during less busy hours and simply ask if they have any available reservations. Many times, we’ve visited during off-peak hours, and they were able to seat us straight away. Again, flexibility pays off here.
These are just a few effective tips for securing your Disney dining reservations. If there’s a nugget of advice I might have missed, feel free to share.
Chasing more Disney magic? Explore my post on Disney’s Silhouette Studio for more hidden gems and fun Disney facts! Be a part of our magic here at Staying Blonde.
Mom of two and seeking sanity in the everyday. Let’s chat about family, school struggles, travel, and living our best life. Located in the San Francisco Bay area.
