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The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations

by Mommy Frog on February 29, 2024 136 Los Angeles

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Summary

You frog fans know we're all about vacation and theme park planning, especially when it comes to Disneyland. So it's no surprise that we're all about making Disneyland dining reservations as soon as our booking window opens up. While getting last-minute Disneyland dining reservations isn't quite as hard as it sometimes is at Walt Disney World, those who plan in advance have an advantage over those who do not. Dining windows are filling up 60 days out (usually at 6 a.m.). Some locations are harder to get into than others (cough, cough ... Blue Bayou and Carthay Circle). And with dining still in high demand, it's especially important to plan ahead.

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - Lobster Nachos

In the latest restaurant news, dining reservations can now be canceled up to two hours before on the same day (with certain exclusions) on the Disneyland app. Previously, you needed to cancel 24 hours in advance to avoid cancellation fees. Also, recently, Disneyland announced changes that allow guests to look at all the available reservations over multiple days. Woohoo! Reservations are sorted by breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, so you more easily choose a time to dine based on the meal you’d like to enjoy. These changes arrive soon, so keep an eye out for them, especially if you are planning for a trip.

If you're visiting in 2024, get those Disneyland dining reservations in place as early as possible. After all, the early frog gets the flies! Demand is high for dining right now, so that means getting up early to book 60 days in advance or frequently checking the app. We've put together this post as the ultimate guide to making Disneyland dining reservations.

What to Know About Disneyland Dining Reservations Right Now

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - Monte Cristo and Pommes Frites

Demand is high for all table-service reservations. Book your Disneyland dining reservations as soon as you can! These open up to 60 days in advance, but some locations do not book that far in advance, so keep checking back if you cannot find a reservation. More and more restaurants are opening or changing hours all the time. Also, that two-hour cancellation rule is opening up room for walk-ups. If you can't get a reservation, definitely try joining the walk-up list for that location in the Disneyland app. The only challenging part is that you have to be within the restaurant's vicinity to join.

It's tricky to figure out exactly what time dining reservations go live these days. Most reservations get released at 6 a.m. (but occasionally some pop up at 3 a.m.). If you do not see any availability for your restaurant, we have also seen reservations pop up as more get released as the morning moves on. However, we've also seen times get released in the afternoon or even a few days later! That means if you don't see what you're looking for early, keep checking throughout the day and as time goes on. Some holidays get released after the 60-day mark. You may even pick up someone else's cancellation if you keep checking. Also, try adjusting your party size or dining time if you can't find what you want. You can usually add or subtract a guest when you check in on the day of.

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - reservation availability

Changes hoppen in Disneyland dining reservations all the time. In 2023, it got easier to find a reservation online or in the app. When you search for a date and party size, you'll see a larger number of available reservation times instead of being limited by a maximum of three. It's also easier to make adjustments to your date, time or party size when searching.

Disneyland limits capacity through a theme park reservation system. You'll need both a valid theme park ticket and a park reservation for the same park on the same day to enter a theme park. Dining reservations don't get you entry into the park, and you do not have to have a ticket or them park reservation to make an in-park dining reservation. But you will need them to access the restaurant when it's time to eat. Park hoppers need to reserve the theme park they wish to enter first and then may hop after 11 a.m. Plan your reservations around that schedule.

You can book for the days you hope to get reservations for (and remember to cancel if you cannot visit up to two hours ahead of your reservation). Or, you can make your theme park reservation before booking dining. We book dining just in case and cancel if our theme park plans change.

What About Virtual Queues?

Virtual queues for rides have ended for now, so they are not a concern, but they could come back (especially when Tiana's Bayou Adventure opens). Shows such as World of Color have a virtual queue and should not affect dining. Virtual queues for rides (when offered) can be a little tricky to plan around dining reservations since you have no control over when your group is called. A common problem is your Boarding Group getting called, and it occurs at or near a time that conflicts with your dining reservation. In the past when it's happened to us, we hop by the restaurant first to see what we should do. Restaurant reservations usually take priority over Boarding Groups.

We personally have managed to get in to dine sooner or several hours later than scheduled to accommodate our Boarding Group. Although we've also had some restaurants give us problems if we do not check in with them before riding. We take screenshots of our reservation and Boarding Group just in case so that nothing disappears after our reservation's time passes. We can usually add or subtract a guest from the reservation as people's plans or hunger levels change. We've always found the restaurants to be very accommodating to our changing needs as long as we have a reservation and communicate.

Which Restaurants Are Open?

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - Carthay Circle Lounge Food

All table-service locations have reopened (but some can temporarily close to undergo refurbishment from time to time). Be sure to look at menus ahead of time as offerings may be limited at this time. For example, the Monte Cristo at Cafe Orleans is now a half-order and it comes with Pommes Frites. You cannot order a basket or side of Pommes Frites. They only come with the Monte Cristo and three-cheese Monte Cristo.

What's New in Disneyland Dining?

You will make all your Disneyland reservations online or through the Disneyland app. You can no longer call a Disneyland Dining line. If you have any food allergies, need a kosher meal or have other dietary concerns, or you want to order a gluten-free Monte Cristo at least 24 hours in advance, you can email [email protected].

You can now cancel reservations up to two hours before on the same day in the Disneyland app. This updated policy does not apply to Downtown Disney District restaurants, the World of Color Dessert Party, the Princess Breakfast Adventure character dining at Napa Rose and Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace.

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - dining reservations on disneyland appAs mentioned, it just got easier to make a reservation online or in the Disneyland app. You can now see more dining times and make adjustments to your search or add filters to narrow down your search.

You can join a Walk-Up List at select table-service restaurants. When you approach the restaurant, pull up the Disneyland app, type in the restaurant name and tap Join-Walk-Up List. A notice should tell you if the restaurant is at capacity, but you might get lucky. You might want to use this strategy when you cannot find a reservation. Another strategy is to keep checking for openings as your visit approaches. You might pick up a cancellation, even for same-day availability when people have to cancel two hours in advance or face a charge.

As mentioned above, you can still make reservations for Lamplight Lounge; however, the upstairs part (Boardwalk Dining) only has walk-up availability. So if you cannot get a reservation, you might still have access to those delicious lobster nachos! If you cannot get walk-up right when it opens, just keep trying, sometimes we have better luck after waiting a few minutes and trying again.

Character dining is back to normal. And the wait is over for Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar. You can make reservations instead of waiting several hours for this popular tropical-themed destination.

Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel permanently closed. But there's news! Here's the dish. The lounge has been remodeled into a bar and lounge area called the Lobby Lounge. The new brighter space near the hotel lobby is used as a seasonal bar and lounge to accommodate more guests during busy periods. It's open select days without reservation.

As of Sept. 12, 2023, all of the table-service restaurants in Disneyland Park serve beer, wine and select themed cocktails. None of the quick-service dining locations in Disneyland Park serve alcohol.

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - Lady and birthday Mickey cakeWhen you make a reservation online or through the app, you can now add a celebration cake to the reservation. It's a fun way to surprise someone in your party or celebrate a special occasion.

Are There Parade or Show Viewing Packages?

Yes! Dining packages have returned! We go over them and share the ones we think are worth it in our dining packages post. We have enjoyed the parade packages for Magic Happens and for Christmas Fantasy Parade during the holiday season. The lunch includes a meal at Plaza Inn and has a voucher for a separate, reserved viewing area for the second parade (usually across from the train station in Town Square). The menus can vary from year to year.

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - dining package food

At Disney California Adventure Park, there are two World of Color dining packages and a dessert party. The two dining packages include a three-course lunch or dinner at Wine Country Trattoria or a buffet dinner at Storytellers Café in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel. For the dining packages, you make a normal reservation for the appropriate meals and tell your server you'd like to upgrade to the dining package when you arrive. Dining packages come with vouchers for standing viewing areas.

Fantasmic! dining packages are some of the best values if you want a good spot to view the show. Keep in mind that Fantasmic! returns May 24, 2024. When the show is running, you can dine at Blue Bayou (reserve for lunch or dinner and upgrade to the package with your server), River Belle Terrace (the 7:15 p.m. premium package has views from your table or you can reserve lunch or dinner and upgrade for a reserved area) and at the Hungry Bear quick-service restaurant with an on-the-go package. All three restaurants offer great views of the show near the water's edge.

What about Downtown Disney?

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - Dinner at Jazz Kitchen with food and plexiglass barrier

Don't froget about Downtown Disney! The shopping and dining district is hopping with restaurant choices and fun. Here's the inside scoop on every Downtown Disney restaurant. There are a few new dining locations on the way! If you leave the park with a rumbling belly, there is plenty to eat in Downtown Disney. You can make reservations for most Downtown Disney restaurants through the Disneyland app.

When and How to Make Disneyland Dining Reservations

Disneyland Dining Reservations - Mint Julep

For Disneyland dining reservations, the booking window opens 60 days in advance. Two months might seem too far out to book a dining reservation, but for Disneyland, it's not. However, sometimes Disneyland does not release reservations until just a few weeks out. So if you do not see what you are looking for, be sure to hop back again and again as more dates are released for some restaurants. What time do reservations go live? Some restaurants seem to go live at 3 a.m. PST. Most of the reservations open at 6 a.m. Sometimes they drop in the afternoon too. It's tough to figure out. We frogs have lost sleep trying to reserve our future dining!

If you know when you will be visiting, you can use the online reservation system or Disneyland app to reserve your spot at restaurants in Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, Downtown Disney and the three on-site hotels. It's also a good idea to reserve your character dining experiences in advance. It's easy to make (and cancel or change) reservations through the Disneyland mobile app.

Depending on the restaurant and dates of your visit, you might need to reserve early. You can often find Disneyland dining reservations on shorter notice during the week, especially during less busy times. But since Disneyland reopened, reservations have booked up very quickly. If you're booking for a weekend, a holiday or other busy times at Disneyland, you’ll want to book as early as possible.

If you're looking to enjoy a romantic meal at Blue Bayou Disneyland, snatch up one of the few Lamplight Lounge reservations or have a fine dining experience at Carthay Circle, it’s best to book 60 days in advance if you can. That being said, we've hoppened upon last-minute cancellations that have popped up, as well. So don't give up! If you don't find what you are looking for, keep checking. People may change plans and cancel last minute and you can pick that up. The walk-up lists have made it easier to get into restaurants in person if you can't find a reservation.

If you're like me and like to keep your frogs all lined up in a row, reserve as soon as you know your travel dates. Less worry + less stress = a relaxing good time! If you do not like to wait for shows or get stressed about getting a good spot, you can also reserve dining packages. The packages provide a voucher for viewing shows or certain parades.

Disneyland Restaurants That Accept Dining Reservations

Disneyland Dining Reservations - Blue Bayou

If you want to make advance Disneyland dining reservations, here are the restaurants that accept reservations (some of these experiences are temporarily unavailable):

  • Blue Bayou is located in New Orleans Square. Its romantic seating overlooks part of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It's always evening in there no matter what time you dine. Lunch reservations book up quickly. Ask your server about upgrading to a Fantasmic! Dining Package with a voucher for watching Fantasmic! Adult drinks have arrived — a Hurricane on a hot day sounds perfect!
  • Café Orleans, also in New Orleans Square, has both indoor and outdoor tables with a view of the Rivers of America. Lunch reservations book up faster than dinner. It's the place to get your Monte Cristo and Pommes Frites. New adult drinks have arrived.
  • Plaza Inn on Main Street does not require or take reservations for lunch or dinner, but advance reservations are highly recommended for the Minnie and Friends character breakfast.
  • Plaza Inn, at times, offers dining packages for parade viewing (or fireworks viewing on New Year's Eve or the Fourth of July and during select nights of Halloween Time).
  • Carnation Café on Main Street does take reservations for breakfast, lunch or dinner, but you can join a walk-up list if there is availability. New adult drinks have arrived.
  • River Belle Terrace has indoor dining and outdoor dining with a view of the Rivers of America. It serves lunch and dinner, as well as brunch and adult beverages. You can book lunch or dinner and upgrade to the Fantasmic! dining package prix fixe meal with vouchers for viewing Fantasmic! You can also reserve at 7:15 for the premium package to dine and watch the show from your table.
  • The Hungry Bear restaurant is a quick-service restaurant that also offers reservations for on-the-go Fantasmic! meals that you can take with you or enjoy at the restaurant tables. You will receive a voucher for a Fantasmic! viewing area.
  • Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience is back and this time it includes dinner. Make a reservation to sit in the balcony lounge at the Tomorrowland Expo Center. It's open nightly and includes dinner, sides, dessert and hot or cold nonalcoholic beverages. If fireworks are shown that night, you'll be in for a sweet view of the show.
  • Over in a galaxy far, far away, you can make reservations for Oga's Cantina, the watering hole of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. The process for making Oga's Cantina reservations is a little different from Disneyland's other restaurants. Oga's now allows 60-day advance reservations, so hop on over to that post for the most current scoop on how to get in (with or without your droids).

Disney California Adventure Restaurants That Accept Dining Reservations

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - magic key terrace food

California Adventure table-service restaurants that accept reservations include:

  • Lamplight Lounge is a gastropub located on Pixar Pier. Enjoy bubbly cocktails and fun eats (lunch and dinner) with a view of the water and Pixar Pier. Hop in for delicious brunch Friday through Sunday!
  • Lamplight Lounge — Boardwalk Dining offers some "shorts" to share and drinks. Check the app for walk-up availability. No reservations are taken.
  • Magic Key Terrace is the newest addition to the Disneyland dining reservation system. This fun spot is open to Magic Key holders and their guests. It has drinks that are themed to Disney California Adventure and savory bites to share. It also offers World of Color dining packages. You can upgrade at the restaurant.
  • Carthay Circle books up well in advance, depending on the season. If you can’t get into this retro fine dining establishment, the swanky lounge and lobby have some tasty bar bites and cocktails that are sure to satisfy any walk-in. Carthay Circle is only open for dinner these days.
  • Carthay Circle — Alfresco Dining offers smaller bites at lunch and dinner outside on the patio.
  • Wine Country Trattoria: Reservations are recommended to dine where Napa Valley meets Tuscany. This location offers World of Color dining packages. You can upgrade at the restaurant.
  • World of Color Dessert Party: This is not a restaurant, but it is a delicious way to relax and watch the World of Color while eating dessert and enjoying a beverage. Adult beverages are available.

Disneyland Dining Reservations - Lamplight Lounge

Downtown Disney Restaurants That Accept Dining Reservations

Disneyland Dining Reservations - Splitsville

The Disneyland dining reservation system also includes most restaurants in Downtown Disney, which is within a hop, skip and jump of both parks. There are many choices! Our old favorite is Naples or Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, but Splitsville Luxury Lanes offers mouthwatering spins on classics such as ahi tuna, filet sliders, grilled avocado and hand-tossed pizzas. If you cannot get a reservation for Downtown Disney locations, they often have space for walk-ins. More restaurants are under construction!

Disney Hotel Restaurants That Accept Dining Reservations

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - Girl eats brunch at Storytellers Cafe

There are some great restaurants in the hotels. One of our favorites for a nice, relaxing dinner (sometimes without Tad and Lily!) is Napa Rose at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. There is also Storytellers Café for a family meal. Two hotels offer character breakfasts/brunches, as well as a character dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen. The newest character dining to join the lineup is the Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures Experience. This brunch brings princesses to Napa Rose Thursday through Monday from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m.

 

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - Great Maple doughnut

Hotel restaurants that accept dining reservations include:

  • Napa Rose - For character breakfast and high-end dinner without characters.
  • Storytellers Café - Character dining breakfast/brunch buffet, and dinner buffet without characters. You can upgrade dinner to a World of Color dining package.
  • GCH Craftsman Bar - An outdoor poolside bar.
  • Goofy's Kitchen - Character breakfast and dinner.
  • Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar - You can sit outside with walk-up availability or reserve for inside.
  • New! Great Maple - Dine inside or outside at this new Pixar Place Hotel dining establishment with huge portions and signature maple-bacon doughnuts.
  • New! Palm Breeze Bar - enjoy the breeze and pool views as you sip a refreshing cocktail or enjoy a meal at the new Villas at Disneyland Hotel.

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - Salad at Palm Breeze Bar

Disneyland Character Dining Experiences

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations — Tiana (Character Dining)

Disneyland offers some fun character dining experiences available in the parks and some on-site hotels. We always recommend getting Disneyland dining reservations at the following locations:

  • Goofy’s Kitchen is located in the Disneyland Hotel. Goofy’s Kitchen offers buffet dining at breakfast (brunch fare served at breakfast) and dinner.
  • Mickey's Tales of Adventure is a buffet located in the Storytellers Café in the Grand Californian. Storytellers Cafe also offers a daily breakfast and brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Brunch includes the same breakfast choices, along with lunch specials.
  • Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures is the newest character breakfast at the Napa Rose in the Grand Californian. This option is available Thursday through Monday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Breakfast and brunch selections are served the whole time.
  • Plaza Inn in Disneyland has a Minnie and Friends character breakfast in the park.

If you happen to have Plaza Inn reservations (or Oga's Cantina reservations) before or at park opening, use the designated entrance to the left. Arrive early, bring proof of your reservation and you can enter the park to make your reservation on time.

Dining Packages That Accept Disneyland Dining Reservations

Reserved dining packages at Disneyland Resort restaurants provide a prix fixe meal or an on-the-go meal with a voucher for priority viewing of shows such as Fantasmic! and World of Color. At times, there are limited-time parade dining packages, so always be on the lookout for those. There are usually no refunds on dining packages should the shows get canceled or experience technical difficulties.

Fantasmic! Packages (Fantasmic! returns May 24, 2024)

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - hungry bear foodFantasmic! dining packages include:

  • Hungry Bear on-the-go meals that you can take with you or enjoy at the restaurant tables. You will receive a voucher for a viewing area. Reservations made from 3 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. have vouchers for the first show. Reservations from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. are for the second show. This is the most affordable package.
  • Blue Bayou Disneyland (three-course, prix fixe table service): At this time you can upgrade lunch or dinner to a dining package that gives you a voucher for a reserved viewing location.
  • River Belle Terrace has two options. You cannot reserve the standard package. Ask your server to upgrade lunch or dinner to a parade viewing package. Or you can reserve the Premium Package with seating at 7:15 p.m. to watch the 9 p.m. show from your table on the outdoor patio.

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - fantasmic voucherThe vouchers for Fantasmic! will list the viewing area, the time you should arrive and show performance time. Arrive earlier than posted if sitting in front is important. Seating is on the ground, but guests with disabilities will be accommodated. People in wheelchairs will be seated at the back but will be able to see above the guests seated in front of them. Guests in standby areas will be standing room only.

World of Color Packages

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - World of Color Dessert Party food and beverageWorld of Color has several different dining packages, including three-course menu dining packages, a buffet dinner and a seated dessert party. All dining locations are separate from the viewing area and give you a voucher to view the show from a reserved viewing area, except for the dessert party. The dessert party takes place at tables in the viewing area.

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - world of color macaronsHere are the World of Color dining package options:

  • Wine Country Trattoria: Lunch or dinner three-course, prix fixe menu.
  • World of Color Dessert Party: Dine at tables in a preferred viewing area with treats and a beverage while you watch the show. This is a pre-paid event.
  • Buffet Dinner at Storytellers Café (located in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa): All-you-care-to-eat buffet and nonalcoholic beverage (must have theme park admission to enter the park). Diners get a box of macarons to enjoy later or during the show.
  • Magic Key Terrace: Prix Fixe menu only for Magic Key Holders and their guests.

Plaza Inn Packages 

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - plaza inn package

At certain times, there are dining packages that offer reserved parade viewing or reserved dining for special events. The packages may vary. For parades, you can make a reservation to eat lunch at a quick-service restaurant to receive a voucher. The voucher gives you access to a reserved viewing area later. Plaza Inn most commonly offers parade packages and even a fireworks meal and viewing package for New Year's Eve and Fourth of July.

You can make it a magical day at Disneyland when you book the parade dining package at Plaza Inn. Each package comes with one lunch entree, dessert and drink, a voucher that provides access to the parade's viewing area and a Plaza Inn credential.

How to Make Disneyland Dining Reservations? Plus More Tips

The Ins and Outs of Disneyland Dining Reservations - Dale joins a guest at table at Storyteller's Cafe

I like the flexibility of the online system and the Disneyland app. They allow me to see what times are available or easily check different days.

Keep in mind that all Disneyland dining reservations require a credit card deposit. If you can’t keep your reservation, be sure to cancel with at least 2 hours notice. Otherwise, your card will be charged $10 per person. On the other hand, if you reserve a party of four and only three show up, you will not be charged. You will only be charged if the party doesn't show up. Most restaurants require 2 hours' notice of cancellation, but be sure to check the cancellation policy when you make the reservation. Certain restaurants (such as those during special events and holidays) may require up to 72 hours' notice.

If your restaurant has no availability, check for other party sizes. It's easier to modify a party size at the restaurant (to add or subtract people) than to get into a full restaurant when you don't have a reservation. But if you can't get in, you can always check in with the restaurant's cast members or join the Walk-Up List in the app. Lunch service usually starts at about 11 a.m. and dinner starts at 4 p.m. If you can eat during the off-times (such as a 3 p.m. lunch or early dinner), they may be able to fit you in better. That comes in handy if you have jetlag and are hungry at odd times.

Be willing to wake up to make reservations right at 6 a.m., 60 days before your visit. And keep checking if you do not see what you want. Remember to check walk-up availability in the parks if you can't get a reservation. We've had pretty good luck with it! This is all you need to know to successfully reserve your dining experience through the Disneyland dining reservation system.

Have a tip for making a Disneyland dining reservation that we haven't mentioned? Share in the comments below, then let us know your favorite Disneyland table-service restaurant!

Related: Best Disneyland Quick-Service Restaurants

Related: Uncovering the Disneyland Secret Menu Items

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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51–68 of 68 comments
Jan 9, 2017 at 6:57 p.m. SMC Says...

Hi, do you know if it is possible to book in advance (by phone) a table for two? I would like to make a marriage proposal there but would be a lot better if only my and my girlfriend are on the table.

Reply
Jan 9, 2017 at 2:49 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sergio,

If you already have the day in mind, call Disney Dining Reservations at (714) 781-DINE. Depending on the restaurant and time of year, they should not have a problem lining up a table for two. Good luck!

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog.

Reply
Dec 27, 2016 at 10:52 a.m. Karina Says...

I've just made a reservation online for breakfast at Goffy's Kitchen. Do I still need to buy the character dining sold at other websites or will I be charged there, at the restaurant? Are the prices the same? Thank you! Love all your tips!

Reply
Dec 27, 2016 at 11:50 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Katrina,

If you've already made a reservation, then you're good to go. You'll be charged for dining at the restaurant. Say "Hi" to Goofy for me.

Hoppy Planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 29, 2016 at 8:38 p.m. Claire Says...

Can I get harbour galley food to go?

Reply
Dec 12, 2016 at 11:52 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Claire,

Harbor Galley does not offer package food to go. They do not have boxes or bags. They can offer a plate to put over food, but that is it.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 29, 2016 at 12:54 p.m. Michelle Shaw Says...

Any idea why park hours for Disneyland in Jan 2017 are not posted yet. And i cannot make online reservations for plaza inn character breakfast. They changed time to 6 a.m. est, to book reservatiin for 60 daya out, the date came up but plaza inn won't let u reserve. I will call at 10 a.m. est

Reply
Nov 22, 2016 at 12:22 p.m. Kelly Says...

If I make a dinner reservation at downtown Disney, is that "outside" of the park, and if so can I get back in after to watch the fireworks and things?

Reply
Nov 22, 2016 at 7:19 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kelly,

Yes, that is outside of the park. Yes, you can get back in if you have valid admission.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 12, 2016 at 6:55 a.m. Vanessa Says...

Hi, we have a breakfast reservation at Goofys Kitchen before the park opens, but will not be staying at the hotels. Any advice for parking? Thanks!

Reply
Nov 16, 2016 at 11:06 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Vanessa,

You can park at the hotel and get your ticket validated at the restaurant.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 4, 2016 at 3:17 p.m. Jennifer Slater Says...

Can you order a to-go meal from Blue Bayou? I want a Monte Cristo since I've heard it is amazing, but everyone else in my group wants to dine elsewhere. I hate to make a reservation just for me. Thanks!

Reply
Oct 12, 2016 at 10:20 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jennifer,

They do not sell food to go as far as we know, but you can also get a Monte Cristo at Café Orleans.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 23, 2016 at 5:27 p.m. Francine Says...

I would fret a little, especially if you're wanting to Dine at a more popular restaurant. I've never had issues getting into Cafe Orleans or Storytellers Cafe with out a reservation, but to be honest thats not the restaurant most people are eying. If you're looking into more popular restaurants, such as Blue Bayou, Ariels Grotto, or anything in Disneyland Hotel, they sell out pretty quickly. So while I do agree it may not be necessary to wait out till 12am PST to book, you'll want to do it asap. Something that sells out in minutes are the Tea Times at Steakhouse 55, so if you're interested in that, I definitely recommend waiting till the stroke of 12, if not you'll be a sad pumpkin.

Reply
Aug 18, 2016 at 2:25 a.m. Bob Says...

It says it in the article itself, but for people used to WDW making a trip to the One True Original ... first, STOP FRETTING. One of the things I love about Disneyland is that you don't have to have every single moment of your trip planned out six months in advance.

Yes, use the online dining reservation system, but unless you're going for a special event (Christmas day, rollout of some major new attraction, or something like that) you shouldn't need to stay up until 3AM (assuming you're on the east coast) waiting for midnight Pacific time to roll around to be sure you get your reservation in.

I've generally had good luck getting reservations as late as a day or two before at most places, and on my birthday (which is in summer) last year I got seated for dinner within 20 minutes at Cafe Orleans without having a reservation at all.

Reply
Jul 27, 2016 at 7:33 p.m. Meghan Says...

I made reservations for Aladdin's Oasis and my reservation says 4 adults but we have 2 kids, 2 adults. There's not a spot to adjust this when reserving....do they charge us once we're actually picking up meals?

Reply
Aug 9, 2016 at 9:53 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Meghan,

There is a deposit to make any reservation (they only change it if you no show), but you pay for the meals themselves when you pick them up.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 22, 2016 at 9:10 a.m. Bob Says...

Was looking to book World of Color Dessert Party for 5 adults and 3 kids (all under 4). Do the kids need to pay for full adult price? Also, online only allows selecting # of guests, and doesn't allow us to specify how many little ones. What to do?

Reply
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:46 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Bob,

It seems that everyone pays the same price. You can try calling the reservations system to talk to someone to see if they can offer anything else for very small children. If the price is the same, you might plan on getting a FastPass for free, getting in place early, and bringing your own dessert (Ghirardelli ice cream parlor is just around the corner).

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 20, 2016 at 1:27 a.m. Erica Says...

If you are staying on property can you book for your entire trip, similar to the process at Disneyworld?

Reply
Jul 18, 2016 at 10:13 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Erica,

Whether or not you stay on property, you can book dining through the online reservations system for character dining and table service restaurants in the parks, Downtown Disney and the hotels.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 12, 2016 at 8:41 p.m. Bree Says...

What about same day reservations, are they doing those anymore? Would I need to call the restaurant directly, or can I do it through the online system? How does the $10/person hold work in that case? Thanks!

Reply
May 20, 2016 at 10:47 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Bree,

You can make same-day reservations online. The $10 hold would still apply, so be sure to keep your reservation. You can also visit a restaurant the day of to see if they have openings. You can also call the reservations system for a same-day reservation, but you cannot call a restaurant directly.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 22, 2016 at 5:43 p.m. Eean Says...

Will be staying at the Grand Californian for 3 days this July with hubby and 3 boys (ages 14, 11, and 8). What dinner and/ or lunch reservations do you recommend? This may be our one and only trip.

Reply
Apr 26, 2016 at 12:59 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Eean,

Your kids might be on the old end for a character dining experience, but if they are interested, then we recommend a lunch character dining. We don't like to spend the breakfast hours (which are the least crowded in the park) in a restaurant. The park starts to fill up at lunch time, so that is a great time to go take a break and have lunch with the characters. Dining reservations are not as critical at the Disneyland resort, and there are so many quick-service restaurants. For an adult meal out, I like Carthay Circle in California Adventure, but it is a bit fancy for the kids. In Disneyland we would say that Blue Bayou has the coolest atmosphere (inside of Pirates of the Caribbean). Both Napa Rose and Steakhouse 55 in the hotels are very nice and accommodate children.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 18, 2016 at 10:45 p.m. Kim Says...

I have reservations for breakfast at Ariel's Grotto. They are for 20 minutes after the park opens. Sometimes it takes longer to get into the park. Is there a special line or something for people with dining reservations?

Reply
Apr 26, 2016 at 12:56 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kim,

The park gates open 30 minutes before opening, so you should not have any trouble getting in. Let a cast member near the entrance know you have reservations, and they should be able to accommodate you and get you in quickly.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 18, 2016 at 1:02 p.m. sarah Says...

What time can I start making our Disneyland dining reservations online? 6am pst? Midnight?

Reply
Apr 25, 2016 at 1:46 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sarah,

It opens at midnight Pacific for the online system. If you want to call it is only open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Pacific.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 14, 2016 at 5:04 p.m. Elizabeth Says...

What time does the online disneyland dining reservation system open on that 60 day mark?

Reply
Apr 25, 2016 at 11:23 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Elizabeth,

It opens at midnight Pacific for the online system. If you want to call it is only open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Pacific.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 16, 2021 at 10:10 a.m. Madalyn Says...

Hi! I was just wondering, is this Pacific time 12am they unlock? So it would be 3am for me here on the east coast?

Reply
Jun 17, 2021 at 8:55 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Madalyn,

You can give it a try then, but lately, the times have been a bit unpredictable. If you don't see what you're looking for, just keep checking throughout the day as some restaurants get released later in the day.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 15, 2015 at 3:16 a.m. Randi Says...

How far out do you need to cancel a reservation so that you are not charged? We may have our plans change and I just want to make sure I cancel in time if I need to.

Reply
Dec 15, 2015 at 1:58 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Randi,

Each restaurant has its own cancellation policy, so it depends. For example, Reservations for the New Years meal at the Paradise Pier Hotel require 72 hours cancellation notice. Others may require 24 hours.

If you booked online, please refer to the cancellation policy provided at the time of booking and in your email confirmation. Otherwise, you can call (714) 781-DINE (3463) for information about the policy. But be sure to change your reservation before that window or you may face a per person cancellation fee.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
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Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

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