One unfortunate thing that everyone has come to expect when it comes to Disneyland is waiting. The last thing that you and the kids will want to do after waiting all day in endless lines for the rides, is to wait some more for food. When planning a trip to Disneyland, it is always a good idea to plan ahead and make some Disneyland Dining reservations as soon as possible!
Here are 6 things you should know about booking Disneyland Dining Reservations.
Disneyland Dining Reservations – 5 things you should know
1. Book 60 Days in Advance
For all Disneyland dining reservations, you can begin booking 60 days in advance! You can use their online reservation system to reserve your spot at restaurants in Disneyland, Downtown Disney, California Adventures, and the on-site hotels.
You can also manage or create reservations through the Disneyland app on your phone or smart devices. Trust me, it is worth it to book in advance especially in the summer months when the crowds are high and you want to cool off from the heat.
Please Note: You will get charged $10 per person cancellation fees for no shows or Disneyland dining reservations that were cancelled less than 24 hours in advance
Disneyland Park Dining Reservations
All table service restaurants require reservations, those include:
Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square
Overlooking the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, features Cajun- Creole-style food. This is by far the most popular restaurant at Disneyland, so book right at the 60 day mark. A lot of Guests love this restaurant because it is one the best atmosphere and dining experiences right in the heart of the park!
Café Orleans
Also in New Orleans Square, has both indoor and outdoor tables views of the Rivers of America. They also feature Cajun-Creole food.
Carnation Café
Located on Main Street offers classic American dining.
Plaza Inn
On Main Street takes reservations during breakfast and character dining.
River Belle Terrace
Located in Frontierland offers delicious down-home cooking and southern hospitality!
California Adventure Park Dining Reservations
If you plan on heading over to Disney’s California Adventures Park, here are the California Adventure restaurants that take reservations in advance:
Carthay Circle
Carthay Circle is one of the restaurants that you’ll definitely need a reservation for. They book up pretty quick during the peak season, and books up about two weeks in advance.
Wine Country Trattoria
Reservations to this restaurant are recommended to dine at this Napa Valley meets Tuscany!
Restaurants at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Steakhouse 55 at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
Disney’s PCH Grill at the Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
Trader Sam & Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel
2. How to get Last Minute Reservations
If you find yourself scrambling for a Disneyland dining reservation, there is a great site which can help you find some amazing last minute reservations.
MouseDining.com
Mousedining.com is the best way to find last minute reservations. They have email alerts but also their calendar to book dining reservations is so much easier and faster than the actual Disneyland site.
They have a monthly calendar with a list of all the availability. Simply click on the time that is open and it takes you right to the Disneyland dining reservation booking page on the Disneyland website.
3. Specialty Dining & Entertainment Packages Are Available
One of my actual favorite things to do is the Special Dining and Entertainment Packages. Disneyland has a special menu that is packaged with preferred seating at several shows throughout the two parks.
One of my favorite parts is you do not have to camp out for hours to enjoy a show or parade, you can show up about 15-30 minutes before the show and have a great view.
The Fantasmic Dining Packages are available with two different dining and pricing options.
River Belle Terrace
Enjoy a picturesque view of the Rivers of America while eating a 3-course dinner (starter, entrée and dessert). The price for dinner plus a reserved viewing area voucher is $45 per adult and $25 per child (ages 3 to 9); tax and gratuity not included.
Blue Bayou Restaurant
Disneyland’s most iconic restaurant is also part of this package. Dine outside under a perpetual twilight sky—while indoors at the entry of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride! The price for dinner plus a reserved viewing area voucher is $69 per adult and $29 per child (ages 3 to 9); tax and gratuity not included.
Pro Tip* – Blue Bayou has the best of the three viewing spots, so if you are looking for the best view the Blue Bayou is the choice to be!
World of Color Dining Package:
Enjoy a delicious meal at Wine Country Trattoria and then enjoy preferred viewing of the incredible World of Color. My husband’s company did this for a few years as a part of their holiday party and everyone loved the meal and show. It is well worth it.
Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace
Are you interested in having a delicious dinner with a view? You might want to check out the Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace and enjoy your meal on a balcony in Tomorrowland. What is great with this package it is includes breathtaking views of the Disneyland Fireworks show.
4. Character Breakfasts must be booked in advance and book up quick
Character breakfasts are one of my kids’ favorite memories about Disneyland and Walt Disney World. There is just something so exciting about the characters coming around to your table, or it could just be the unlimited Mickey Waffles. The Disneyland resort has four different character breakfasts, one at each of the three Disney Hotels and one inside Disneyland Park.
Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel
Goofy’s Kitchen is probably the most popular of the four breakfast options and for good reason. While not guaranteed, every time we have been the iconic characters – Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, & Pluto have been there to play with the kids. I can still picture my little Owen playing on the ground with Pluto. Those memories are priceless.
Surf’s Up! Breakfast with Mickey and Friends at PCH Grill in Paradise Pier
Surfs Up Breakfast with Mickey is surprisingly the easiest of the four reservations to get. You will meet Mickey and friends and enjoy a pretty delicious breakfast buffet. Note – As of right now Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is under transformation and refurbishments are taking place. That said, we recommend visiting their website here for all the most up-to-date information.
Chip ’n Dale Critter Breakfast at StoryTeller’s Cafe
This is the most delicious of the breakfast buffets. They have incredible dishes, plus an amazing omelette bar, plus some delicious baked goodies.
Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park
The only character breakfast that is inside Disneyland is also my personal favorite. This character breakfast has Minnie Mouse, but then also a whole slew of characters. What I love about this place is it is not the traditional characters you normally meet. In the past, we have met the fairy godmother, Maleficent, Daisy Duck and so many more.
Princess Adventures Breakfast at Napa Rose
This is one of the most incredible character breakfasts I have been to. You will meet several princesses, enjoy an exclusive story time and so much more. Check out my full review here.
5. You Can Book Downtown Disney Restaurants as well.
Downtown Disney has some incredible restaurants and it is a nice reprieve from the parks. You can book your dining reservations at 8 restaurants in Downtown Disney.
These restaurants include:
- Catal Restaurant
- Ballast Point
- Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
- La Brea Bakery Cafe
- Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria
- Tortilla Jo’s
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Please note if you want to book lanes, you will have to do so on the Splitsville website)
6. Book Afternoon Tea, Dessert Parties, Cocktail Receptions & More
World of Color Dessert Party:
This is a fun and delicious way to watch the World of Color show! Enjoy desserts, beverages and the show from front and center!
Classic Afternoon Tea at the Disneyland Hotel
I recently fell in love with afternoon tea on my trip to Scotland and the Disneyland hotel brings the magic of an afternoon tea to California. Enjoy tea, savory sandwiches and delicious scones and treats in the Steakhouse 55 restaurant.
Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience
If you want to enjoy the fireworks from a relaxed setting this is the spot for you. Ticketed Guests receive a tasty boxed treat containing seasonal fruits, cheese and assorted sweets, plus a choice of hot or cold non-alcoholic beverages. It’s the ultimate way to cap off thrill-filled days at Disneyland Park! Prices are $50 per person.
If you need help planning and booking your magical Disneyland vacation, contact our friends at Tink’s Magical Vacations. They are truly Disney Experts, and not only are their services FREE, but they will save you both time and money.
Where is your favorite place to dine in Disneyland? Comment below!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Disneyland Dining Reservations
When can you make reservations for Disneyland dining?
You can make Disneyland dining reservations 60 days in advance.
How do you schedule a Disneyland Dining Reservation?
You are able to make Disneyland dining reservations through the My Disney Experience App. You simply click the plus button and check dining availability.
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