Dining plan reservations

[Cenzo21]

Going to Disney in April during Easter week for the first time, since I'm purchasing the the dinning plan for a Deluxe resort - Do i need to make all my reservations for the Character Dinings and sit down meals - way in advance? The trip is almost 5 months away? If so, is it crazy to book everything sooner rather than later? Can I wait till I get there since its hard to plan that far in advance...

 

[havoc315]

The super popular meals need to be booked way in advance. CRT, Les Cellier, can fill up 5-6 months in advance. Less popular restaurants don't fill up so ridiculously early, but if you wait until you arrive, there will be pretty slim pickings. There certainly won't be any popular restaurants with popular times, available in the few weeks before your reservation.

 

[summermac]

That week, I would say that yes you want to have all your meals reserved, especially on DDP. You don't want to get there and not be able to find a place to eat, thus losing your money you paid for the plan.

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Going Easter week...definately make those ressies!

 

[Pinkgirl]

You should be making your ressies now

 

[clarkfamily]

Isn't it crazy!?

When I was planning our first trip last year, I was shocked to learn that we needed to book our dining so far in advance!? But, yes, to be able to choose the times and restaurants you want, you need to make all of your reservations as soon as possible.

The good news is: the planning is wonderfully fun!
Good luck! And feel free to post to tell us what you've chosen!

 

[nkereina]

That's one of the busier weeks of the year so not to be discouraging, but I wouldn't be surprised if some of the popular places are filled already. Make the reservations ASAP and keep checking for openings if you don't get everything you want. Also, be mindful of the new credit card and cancellation policy so you don't book reservations you may or may not keep.

 

[LilyWDW]

Going to Disney in April during Easter week for the first time, since I'm purchasing the the dinning plan for a Deluxe resort - Do i need to make all my reservations for the Character Dinings and sit down meals - way in advance? The trip is almost 5 months away? If so, is it crazy to book everything sooner rather than later? Can I wait till I get there since its hard to plan that far in advance...

Easter at Disney is one of the busiest times of the year. Some restaurants will already be booked since reservations can be made 180 days in advance and many will have some limited availability. It is much better to book sooner rather then later, especially if you are on the dining plan (don't want to waste those credits) OR there is anywhere you must do (such as character dining).

I just checked for dinner on April 8, 2012 (Easter Sunday, party of 4) for character meals. There is availability, but it is already starting to look limited at some locations. Same for breakfast, though they do seem to have a bit more available for breakfast (however, that keeps you from doing rope drop at the parks which is the best time to get the most done).

 

[TDC Nala]

If you want the popular or character meals at peak times then yes, you need to reserve them way in advance if you want to make sure you get them at the time you want.

On top of that, you are traveling at one of WDW's busiest weeks of the year. There is no priority at the restaurants for guests of deluxe resorts or those using a dining plan. It is not a good idea to wait until you get there. In fact, you should probably start looking NOW.