Magical DIStractions | Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR)

The Walt Disney World Resort has over 50 Table Service Restaurants, offering everything from salads and soups to lobster and prime rib to sushi and escargot! When planning your Walt Disney World vacation, picking meals is one of the most exciting, yet challenging parts of the process.

As with all policies and prices, the information below is subject to change.

What are Advanced Dining Reservations?

Simply put, they are Table Service restaurant reservations. Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR) is more of a “Disney Fan” term. Don’t be surprised if you call Disney Dining and they don’t use the same term!

Why do I need Advanced Dining Reservations?

Due to the vast number of guests that are visiting Walt Disney World at any given time, many restaurants are unable to timely serve guests who merely walk up to the podium to grab a bite to eat. If you want to guarantee a time or a meal, you will want to make a reservation! While you can always try to walk up to see if there is a possibility of being seated- you could be turned away or have a very long wait.

How far in advance can I make Advanced Dining Reservations?

Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel are able make their dining reservations 180 days before they arrive at the Resort for up to 10 days of their vacation. So, that means if your week long trip is scheduled for October 15, you can call on April 18 and schedule dining reservations for each day of your trip at one time.

What if my trip is longer than 10 days?

Walt Disney World on-site guests can make their first 10 days’ advance dining reservations as set forth in the explanation above. The remainder of the days’ advance dining reservations can be made after the passing of the ten days.

What if I am staying offsite?

If you are staying off site, you can start making dining reservations at 180 days, however you will only be able to make reservations one day at a time. So, that means if your week long trip is scheduled for October 15, you can call on April 18 for the first day’s reservations, then on April 19 for the next day, April 20 and so on.

Can I change my Advanced Dining Reservation?

Yes! If you need to adjust your party size, the time or location, you may change your ADR by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or visiting the Walt Disney World website.

How do I make an Advanced Dining Reservation?

By calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) or visiting the Walt Disney World website. You will be giving a confirmation number at the time of booking. It is a good idea to keep track of all of your confirmation numbers in case of any computer issues. Many people type their reservation information and confirmation numbers and carry the information with them during their trip.

Is a credit card required for all Advanced Dining Reservations?

Yes, Disney requires a credit card to be used to guarantee your reservation at certain locations. The card is only charged if you do not cancel your reservation.

Are there any Advanced Dining Reservations that require full payment at time of booking?

Yes, currently there are 4 table service restaurants that require full payment in advance:

If you are on the Disney Dining Plan, full payment will not be required; however, a credit card number will need to be provided at time of booking. Your card will not be charged unless you are a no-show.

What is the Advanced Dining Reservation Cancellation Policy?

Reservations must be canceled at least 1 day before your reservation. If not canceled prior to the time of the reservation (also known as “No-Show”) you may be charged a $10 per person cancellation charge (subject to change). If you need to make a cancelation it is better to do so sooner rather than later, to avoid any possible repercussions.

How do I add an infant to a dining reservation?

You simply add them as a member of the party online or via phone. It is suggested that if you make the reservation online that you call prior to your stay to let them know that there will be an infant dining with your party. Make sure to tell your server if you have an infant or child under 3, as they will not be charged at buffet meals. You will want to have them listed on the reservation so that they can plan for the space of a high chair, if necessary.

Can I have more than one Advanced Dining Reservation at a time for the same time slot?

No, you may not. If you attempt to do so, the system may cancel both reservations.

If I am on the dining plan, how do I go about booking a dinner show?

The easiest way to book a dinner show is to call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). Those who are on the Disney Dining Plan are sometimes allowed to book Category 1 and 2 seating if they attend one of the later shows. By calling the dining number, guest can find out if this is an option during their travel dates.

My reservation is at 5pm. What time should I arrive?

You should arrive for your ADR 20 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Arriving early can help you get the view or location within the restaurant that you would like, but it is not a guarantee. Always allow plenty of time in your transportation to the location you are dining.

How close to the reservation time can I expect to be seated? What if I’m late?

This truly depends on the availability of tables at the restaurant. Typically, they seat you within 20 minutes of your reservation time, but that could be shorter or longer depending your party size and time of day.

If you are late, take note, you could lose your reservation. It seems that some restaurants will cancel your reservation in as little as 15 minutes late while some guests have been 30 minutes late and still seated.