Confused regarding Character Dining Reservations

[babiipiggiex3]

Hi guys~

I am trying to play our family's third Disney trip for sometime in 2015. This year, I do want to try character dining. But I am confused as to whether you must be staying on-site at a Disney resort to be able to do character dining? How about ADR? Are those only for those staying on-site as well?

 

[TDC Nala]

You do not have to be staying onsite to make restaurant reservations for ANY restaurant, or to eat at any restaurant on property (if you want a character meal, you need a reservation). Remember that if you wish to eat at a restaurant located inside a theme park, you must have valid admission to the park for that day.

You do not need to be staying onsite to make an ADR. Anyone can make an ADR if it is at least 180 days from the day you wish to dine.

You DO need to be staying at a Disney-owned resort to take advantage of 180 plus 10 ADR booking, to give you the ability to book all of your restaurant reservations at once (for up to 10 days) on the date which is 180 days from the first day of your visit.

 

[babiipiggiex3]

Thanks for your quick reply!
What about for the Fantasmic dinner package?

 

[TDC Nala]

Anyone can book that, too, at 180 days or later (assuming it loads into the system on time). Be sure you are specifically booking the package. You do need park admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

 

[babiipiggiex3]

Ok. We are staying off-site in a rental home, but will be visiting 2 parks, MK and DHS. Therefore, will be trying to do character dining @ Cinderella's Royal Table Breakfast at MK and Fantasmic! dining package at Hollywood Studios.

Are there anymore tips or advices that you or maybe other DISers can give me?

Many thanks!