8. Making Dining & Activity Reservations

Now that your resort and passes are all booked and ready to go, you've got to start thinking about where you want to eat all that yummy food everyone talks about at Disney World!  First, you've got to figure out roughly where you're going to be spending time each day -- if you're at the Magic Kingdom all day, but you have dinner reservations over at Epcot, you'll have to account for a fair bit of travel time to get there.  So it's sometimes a better idea to plan your restaurant selections around where you are going to already be that day... especially if you're not purchasing the Park Hopper option.  


Dining Reservations: 
I know what you're thinking... this is getting a little "too hard-core" into the planning world. Not many people want to plan out their vacations to this extent.  But hear me out. 
Just imagine it.  You've spent a long day at the parks, your feet are tired and your kids are starving.  But when you walk up to the entrance of the restaurant, they tell you they're already booked up for the night.  They're not taking any more walk-ins.
I've seen it happen to a lot of people who didn't think it was necessary to make dining reservations for their vacation.  In that case, their only option is to keep searching for a restaurant with some space, or to go to a counter-service place for some chicken nuggets.  
All table-service (think: "sit down dinner") restaurants take reservations, and they get booked up very quickly.  So don't wait.  You are able to make Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR's for short) within 180 days of your check-in at Disney World.  Yes, it does seem ridiculous that you can (and should) make dining reservations 6 months in advance.  But I'm telling you, DOOO IT.  Many people wait until that very 180-day window opens up and they scoop up all the popular dining times.  Then everyone else who has waited gets whatever times are leftover.
If you want something a little different than the restaurants at the 4 theme parks, you're more than welcome to visit the other Disney resorts (even if you're not staying there) to enjoy the restaurants and theming.


* * * TIME TO GET OUT THAT PLANNING WORKSHEET & FILL IT IN! * * *
The number to call to make your ADR's is 1-407-WDW-DINE, or you can make your reservations online at www.disneyworld.com under the "MY RESERVATIONS" tab.  (You will need to create a log-in to do it online)
Not sure where to dine, or what's available?
Check out Intercot's dining guide for a listing of all restaurants on Disney property, organized by location!  CLICK HERE.
If you want to see specific menus for each restaurant, CLICK HERE.


Character Meals:
One of the most popular dining options at Disney World are their Character Meals (and they tend to book up the quickest!).  At certain restaurants, you can get up close & personal with your favorite Disney characters while you dine.  They'll stop by each table to meet with everyone, pose for pictures, and even sign autographs! 
For Intercot's list of restaurants that offer this unique character experience, CLICK HERE.


Other Activities Requiring Reservations:
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique:  This is a wonderful experience for little Princesses.  There is one location at the Downtown Disney Marketplace, and one inside Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom.  Choose from a variety of packages that include hairstyling, nails, makeup, costumes, and even professional photo shoots!  Little Princes in the family can opt to have coloured hair gel and a sword as well.  For details, CLICK HERE.  To book at either location, call 407-WDW-STYLE.
The Pirates League:  Have an aspiring pirate in the family?  Sign up for The Pirates League at the Magic Kingdom.  Kids and adults will be transformed into pirates with makeup and costumes, and will receive their official Pirate Names!  For details, CLICK HERE.  To book, call 407-WDW-CREW.
Cirque du Soleil - La Nouba:  Cirque du Soleil is world-renowned for their incredible theatrical productions.  La Nouba is exclusive to Walt Disney World, and is located at Downtown Disney West Side.  For information and tickets, CLICK HERE. 
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party:  Each year in the fall, on selected evenings, you can attend a special private party that takes over the Magic Kingdom!  Trick or Treat around the park, experience a special Halloween themed parade and enjoy Hallowishes fireworks.  This exclusive party requires an additional ticket.  For details, CLICK HERE.  To purchase tickets, call Disney's Central Reservations at 1-407-W-DISNEY.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party:  Enjoy a private Christmas party at the Magic Kingdom on selected evenings in November and December!  You'll enjoy free hot chocolate and treats, special character greetings and a holiday parade.  This exclusive party requires and additional ticket.  For details, CLICK HERE.  To purchase tickets, call Disney's Central Reservations at 1-407-W-DISNEY.
Walt Disney World Tours:  A variety of specially guided tours are available around Walt Disney World.  Some take you behind-the-scenes of the parks & attractions and give you a really neat perspective on the incredible Imagineering that takes place!  For a list of available tours, CLICK HERE.  To book a tour, call 407-WDW-TOUR.
Richard Petty Driving Experience:  If you've ever wanted to take a test drive in a real Nascar race car, now's your chance!  Take a ride along, or drive your own stock car!  For details, CLICK HERE.  To book, call 1-800-BE-PETTY.


Have you filled out your planning worksheet?
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