Can someone explain priority seating to me?

[momtotwolittleones]

I have always gone to Disneyland off season, and this year for the first time ever we will be there the first week of August. It will be me, dh and our two kids; my SIL, her dh and her daughter, and my MIL and FIL. I was thinking that this might be the time to make some dinner reservations, but I don't know how you do this . . . do you just pick a restaurant and make a random reservation and then work your day around it? Do you do this for lunch as well?

Any advice as to good places to eat, best ways to make reservations, etc. would be appreciated. We are staying at the DL hotel, and will be there 4 nights.

 

[Somegirl]

I'm sure there are people on here that can explain the ins and out of PS better than I can, but since I just got off the phone with Disney Dining I'll try to help you out.
You can book up to 60 days in advance. Not all restaurants take PS. I know the Carnation Cafe, Blue Bayou and Cafe Orleans do in Disneyland. Maybe the Plaza Inn does as well. In California Adventure I think the Wine Country Trattoria (sp?) and Ariel's Grotto take them, those are the ones I know of.
Disney also books PS for Downtown Disney, but not The Rainforest Cafe and House of Blues doesn't take them after 5pm.
Disney also books them for restaurants at the on-site hotels.
It's just like any other dining reservation, you request the time you think you'll want to eat and they take your name, cell # and the hotel you'll be staying at. I don't think it's a true reservation in that they set aside a certain table for you, but they just keep a certain amount of tables open for people that made PS reservations. This way you don't have to wait too long.
Trust me if you're going during a busy time you want them. The sit down restaurants get really busy.

The phone number for priority seating is 1-714-781-3463
I made my reservations for Carnation Cafe, Jazz Kitchen and Cafe Orleans.

 

[Lights_Out]

Priority Seating is just what the name says... you get priority over walk-ins!
I like to do this for Blue Bayou or Cafe Orleans (always always do it during peak season)

I've never made a lunch reservation though.