How To Book Disney Restaurants And Dining Reservations In The UK

Did you know that Disney World's top dining spots can get booked up within hours of reservations opening? If you're planning a magical trip from the UK, working out to book Disney restaurants might be one of the most stressful parts of your vacation prep.

Booking Disney restaurants as a UK visitor can be confusing, especially with time zone differences, and the Disney app's quirks. In this article we'll cover when to book, how to use the My Disney Experience app, and even which dining spots are worth the extra effort. If you want to jump into any specific sections you can click on the links below.

A practical note for UK travellers: My Disney Experience uses US date formatting (MM/DD/YYYY) and Eastern Time for booking windows. The 60-day window opens at midnight Eastern - which is 5:00 AM GMT in winter and 4:00 AM BST in summer. You don't need to be up at that hour for a dining booking, but if you're chasing a particularly sought-after slot, it's worth knowing.

Why Do You Need to Book Disney Restaurants in Advance

Booking Disney restaurants in advance isn't just a good idea; it's something you'll need to do if you want to be sure to experience the best dining Disney has to offer. Popular spots like Cinderella's Royal Table and Ohana often get snapped up fast. A lot of the time, you can't just walk-up to these restaurants and get a table.

You might be thinking, "Why the fuss?" Well, we agree to a point, but Disney dining is an experience in itself. From the chance to eat with beloved characters and get autographs to the incredible themed atmospheres, these are moments your family will remember for years.

The thing is, if you don't book early, you're likely to miss out on the best options or the options you want. It then just adds stress to your planning if you don't have the reservations you want or have promised. We always advise not to promise dining experiences until you have them booked.

When Can UK Visitors Start Booking Disney Restaurants?

Timing is everything when it comes to Disney dining reservations, and this is doubly true for all of us booking from the UK. Disney's 60-day booking window opens bright and early at 6 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). That means UK visitors can start booking Disney restaurants at 11 a.m. GMT 60 days before.

It is a time that is bang in the middle of the working day for most of us. It's also not something many of the other Disney blogging sites mention as they aren't UK based, so if it's your first trip don't make our mistake of getting up at 5.30am to be ready to book. And then panicking when you can't get your reservation. It isn't fun. So, again, UK visitors have an 11am start for their booking window for dining reservations 60 days in advance.

Set a reminder on your phone when you book your holiday so you can't forget when your booking window opens. It's easy to lose track of time and forget the date when you're planning a trip months, even over a year in advance.

Visitors staying in Disney Hotels

If you're staying at a Disney Resort, remember that you get a bit of extra time. You can start booking for your entire trip of up to 10 days, rather than day by day. This makes a big difference, especially if you're aiming for hard-to-get places like Space 220 or Victoria & Albert's.

Visitors Staying Off Site

For off-site visitors, it's a bit trickier since you have to book each day individually as it hits the 60-day mark. It's like playing a daily lottery, where the prize is breakfast with Mickey. But don't fret if you're staying off site, there are still ways to get those coveted dining spots, even if you can't get what you want. Keep reading to find out more.

Top Tip: Know Where You Want To Dine Before Your Booking Window Opens

Make a list of your top dining choices in order of priority, so you know exactly what to search for when the time comes. We have lots of information in our Food and Dining Guide pages. And remember, Disney dining reservations are free to make, but you'll need a valid credit card on file. Your UK credit card works to make the bookings in the My Disney Experience app and online.

How to Book Disney Restaurants Online from the UK

You'll be using the My Disney Experience app or the Disney website to book Disney restaurants online form the UK. Make it easy on yourself by setting up a Disney account well before your booking window opens. You'll need this to access dining reservations, and it's also where you'll link your park tickets and hotel reservations. I can't tell you how many times I've heard stories of people panicking because they hadn't linked everything properly in advance. It's a small step, but it cuts down the stress and makes a big difference to your booking experience.

Here's an easy step-by-step process to help you with your booking process:

Step 1: Put a reminder in your phone

Add a reminder in your phone for when your dining reservation window will open. This is especially important if you have the Disney Dining Plan.

Step 2: Set-up Your My Disney Experience App

Get your My Disney Experience account sorted. This app is going to be your best friend for dining reservations, and so much more. Make sure your entire party is linked to your account so you can make bookings for everyone at once. And add a payment method to your profile ahead of time.

Step 3: Know where you want to eat

Do a little research and know where you want to eat during your holiday. We have a pdf of all of Disney's Table Service restaurants and character dining you can download to add to your holiday planning. It's a great starting point for research. You can download it here.

Step 4: Booking opens 60 days before your trip starts

If you stay off site you will be able to book your Disney dining experience 60 days before your trip starts, but you will need to go through this process from step 5 when each day of your holiday hits 60 days before.

For UK visitors staying on site you have the Disney resort perk of being able to book all dining for up to 10 days of your stay when the first date you are on holiday is 60 days away. That means you can book 10 days of reservations in one go.

Step 5: Start Booking Right at 11 AM UK Time (6 AM EST)

It's a bit inconvenient if you're working or busy at that time, but it's worth making a cup of tea, getting comfy, and having the app and website both open, just in case one glitches. Be ready to start booking your reservations as soon as the window opens...

Step 6: Prioritize Your Hardest-to-Get and Most Wanted Reservations First

Not all reservations are created equal. Some are harder to get than others, so start with those. Here's the strategy: go for your top-priority reservations, regardless of when in the trip you want to dine there. Have a list of your must-do spots, in order of priority, and go down the list.

Step 7: Don't Panic If You Miss Out: There Are Still Options

So, you didn't get that dream reservation? Don't stress. There are still ways to make it happen. First off, keep checking back. People cancel all the time, especially as their plans change closer to their trip date.

Another option is to look for cancellations on the day of. Disney charges a fee for no-shows, so many people cancel the day before if they realize they won't make it.

Tips for Getting Disney Dining Reservations When They're Sold Out

So, you set your alarm, logged in right on time, and still, somehow, all the dining options you want are taken. It happens. But don't give up yet, there are plenty of tricks that can help you snag those hard-to-get tables, even when they seem sold out. Don't feel disheartened or sad, because it's surprising what becomes available closer to the time. We have got reservations standing in ride queues for top restaurants, just by checking the app.

Tip 1: Keep Checking Back - Especially at Key Times

Disney's dining reservation system updates constantly as people cancel or change their plans. And people change their minds more than you might think. There are a few key times to check:

The best times to look are 24 to 48 hours before your desired dining time. Why? Because Disney charges a no-show fee for missed reservations, and many guests will cancel the day before to avoid this.

First thing in the morning, around lunchtime, and late at night. Especially 24 hours before the date you want to dine. Many guests cancel at the last minute to avoid no-show fees, and that's when you can swoop in and snag a table.

Tip 2. Use a Reservation Alert Service

If you're desperate to dine at a popular spot like Cinderella's Royal Table or Space 220, there are third-party services like TouringPlans that can send you alerts when a table opens up. It's a bit like having a Disney concierge on standby. These spots go fast once the alert goes out so you have to act fast, and it is an extra cost, which you don't need to pay if you're happy to do the checking yourself.

Tip 3. Try Booking Separate Tables for Larger Groups

If you're traveling with a big group, it can be tough to find a reservation for everyone at once. It isn't ideal, but booking two smaller tables around the same time makes sure you get your experience. And Disney Cast Members are usually pretty accommodating if you let them know when you check in that you'd like to sit near each other. It's not a guarantee, but it's worth a shot if you're struggling to find space for a large party.

Tip 4. Consider Dining Outside Peak Hours and Be Flexible with Timings

The most popular times for dining are around traditional meal times:

Lunchtime (12-2 p.m.)

Dinner (6-8 p.m.)

If you're flexible with your schedule, try booking an early lunch at 11 a.m. or a late dinner after 8 p.m. Even better go for a late breakfast at around 11am. It costs less, you can have steak which is a lunch food not a breakfast food, it will cost you less, and you get a great experience. Outisde of the peak dining hours you also find fewer crowds, a quieter atmosphere, and you might even get more attention from the characters if you're doing a character meal.

Tip 5. Use the Walk-Up Waitlist Feature on the My Disney Experience App

If all else fails, you can still try your luck with the Walk-Up Waitlist feature. This can be found in the My Disney Experience app, and it's a lifesaver for last-minute planners. Its also a really good way to get dining experiences as a couple as they are more likely to have spaces for smaller groups.

With this feature you can check if there's availability at certain restaurants on the day of your visit and join the waitlist directly from your phone. Just be aware that this only works when you're physically near the restaurant, so it's best for when you're already in the park and willing to be flexible.

Tip 6: Be Open to Trying New Restaurants

I get it, you've got your heart set on dining inside Cinderella's castle or having a themed drink at Oga's Cantina. But part of the fun of Disney dining is discovering new places you might not have considered. Trying somewhere because your first three choices were booked solid is something you may have to do, especially if you buy the Disney Dining Plan. Don't be afraid to try something different, sometimes the hidden gems end up being the best part of the trip.

Tip 7: Don't Be Afraid to Call Disney Dining Directly

If you're really stuck, pick up the phone and call Disney Dining. The team at Dissney are amazing and really helpful. And sometimes a real person can help you find a solution that the app can't. I've had Cast Members go out of their way to accommodate a special request or help me find a reservation that didn't show up online. It's worth a shot, especially if you have a special occasion or dietary need that you want to discuss.

Conclusion

Booking Disney restaurant reservations from the UK can feel like an intense game of strategy, but with the right plan, you can book some incredible restaurants to enjoy on your holiday. Remember to take advantage of the 60-day booking window, set up your My Disney Experience account in advance, and prioritize your must-do restaurants. And most importantly, don't give up if you don't get your top choices right away. There are always last-minute cancellations and walk-up waitlists to try. At the end of the day, whether you're dining at a top-tier spot or discovering a hidden gem, the experience is what matters most.

So, what's your top tip for landing a Disney dining reservation? Have you ever had a last-minute success story (or a total disaster)? Share your experience in the comments below. We're all in this together, and who knows-you might just help another Disney fan have the meal of a lifetime!