character dining res.

[alisonslp]

As our first trip home in April approaches, we are begin to think more about what we want to do. In general, how difficult is it to get reservations for the character meals? We aren't picky in terms of time of day. We probably would steer away from the princess ones but wouldn't care which others ones we see.

So, should we make reserv. several months in advance or are there usually res. available day of as long as you are flexible?

Also, does this change based on the season? We plan to go in July and again the week before (not of) Thanksgiving.

Thanks!

alison

 

[Dee77]

You should have all of your reservations made as soon as possible, especially the character meals. Keep in mind that the (new) normal booking ADR window is 90 days but some of the character meals are still 180 days. I believe Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary is one of those. I believe everyone will agree: walking in to any of the restaurants without reservations is taking a risk. From my own personal experience, the character breakfast at the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom was great. My DD LOVES Winnie the Pooh and friends, she still talks about that day.

 

[JPS439]

WELCOME HOME!

As previously stated, make reservations for character meals as soon as you know what you want to do as these restaurants fill up. If you're going to be there in April around the spring break time get all your reservations squared away as this can be a very busy time of year and you may find yourself eating turkey legs for dinner

Also, incase you were thinking of it, don't miss the character breakfast at the Tusker House in Animal Kingdom and if you can squeeze in the breakfast at Ohana in the Polynesian you won't be disappointed

 

[hellerjw]

One of the hardest to get is any meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) at Cinderella's Castle. When the booking window used to be 180 days it has booked up solid for several of our upcoming stays within the first hour or two.

 

[alisonslp]

Wow! Thanks everyone. O?K, I will have to firm up the plans. Thanks for the tips on the places too.

One more question - Can MS help with these reservations or do I call the restaurants individually?

Alison

 

[Lynn5700]

Hi Alison! You can make your ADRS through MS or you can call 1-407-WDW Dine. When you are at your 90 day mark call asap at like 7 am eastern time lol. Good luck and Welcome Home

 

[Dee77]

When you call the dining number listed in the above message, the CM's that answer those calls are great at looking at a few different character meals or even restaurants to figure what works out best with your schedule. For ex I will have an idea which parks on specific dates we will go to with some room for changes but not much when we only go to AK And Epcot once each trip. So I will say I want the breakfast with Winnie the Pooh again (really, it was such a hit last time we will go back) and give them the 2 or 3 dates we believe we will be in MK.
Also there aren't any photopass photographers at the character meals so make sure you have your camera ready. And of course keep track that you get face time with each of the characters scheduled there (sometimes you can be seated right at the time they pass your table area and they may not realize to come back) Good luck!!

 

[rubal0103]

You definitely want to book those as soon as you can. Especially if you have your heart set on a particular character.