Need help securing dining at Disneyland

[TIGGERmetoo]

First time going to Disneyland and dining reservations are so different that WDW. What is the best (quickest to get hard to get) dining reservations? Step by step directions would be appreciated. Can make reservations this week. I know we can only make them 1 day at a time but trying to get Trader Sam’s. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[LKing]

Dining reservations aren't all that different. Most reservations open 60 days out at 6 am PST. The fastest reservation is Trader Sams because it is small and ADR opens at odd hours. River Belle Premium Fantasmic Dining Packages books quickly because there is very limited seating. It isn't the best view so research if it is something you want before you reserve it. Other than those two, Blue Bayou and Lamplight Lounge Restaurant usually fill 60 days out, but there are often cancellations. Carthay Circle Restaurant & Carnation Cafe fill within a week.

Reservations for parties of 1 & 2 are limited. If you are a small group, try booking for 3 or 4 and modifying the reservations afterwards.

 

[Aspencreek]

Reservations for parties of 1 & 2 are limited. If you are a small group, try booking for 3 or 4 and modifying the reservations afterwards.

Wow, learn something new every day! Thanks LKing for the insight. Just tested putting in a party of 2 for Blue Bayou and got ZERO available times over the next 60 days. Change it to party of 4 and suddenly there are bunches of options that pop up. Do you know how likely it would be for them to let you change from 4 to 2? Or will it more often just make you cancel completely if the party size drops?

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

Wow, learn something new every day! Thanks LKing for the insight. Just tested putting in a party of 2 for Blue Bayou and got ZERO available times over the next 60 days. Change it to party of 4 and suddenly there are bunches of options that pop up. Do you know how likely it would be for them to let you change from 4 to 2? Or will it more often just make you cancel completely if the party size drops?

I go to the parks solo. I have often booked for 2 people when 1 person shows no availability. I just let them know at the host stand when I check in that its just me, one person and theres no issue. Its a total no show that you get charged for.

Booking extra to secure the table does not impact the reservation and they just remove the extra table setting.

The restaurants either have 2 top tables which they join together for parties of 4, 6 or 8 OR they have 4 top tables and just seat 4, 3,or 2 people at the tables.

The issues happen when you book for 4 people and turn up with 5 people as they will have allocated a 4 top and might not have another empty table to add on.

 

[Wilcojoe]

I have been very OCD the last couple weeks and I probably check the dining page at least 40 times as day. I have yet to see Trader Sam’s pop up but BB will come up at least once a day. Was able to get an ideal Noon lunch reservation for our visit next week.

 

[Pluto468]

Log in to your Disney account around 5:50 am PST
Go to the Trader Sam's page and click "Check available days." https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland-hotel/trader-sams/
Choose your date at 5:59.45 seconds or so and if your day isn't available reload or go back and choose your day again. The only way I've gotten Trader Sam's is by being right there when the clock hits 6am.


For everything else I sign in and then go to the main "Make reservations" page. Most restaurants are available if you get there at 6am. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dine-res/availability

If all else fails you can set a dining alert and maybe get a reservation that way.

 

[Wedgeout]

First time going to Disneyland and dining reservations are so different that WDW. What is the best (quickest to get hard to get) dining reservations? Step by step directions would be appreciated. Can make reservations this week. I know we can only make them 1 day at a time but trying to get Trader Sam’s. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Trader Sam’s can be an interesting one. Also check after midnight pacific. That’s how I’ve gotten mine. Have no answer for it but been happening. Also as mentioned perfectly, search 3-4 persons opens up so much more. Then modify your reservation to 2, your original time will be in the options. (Works WDW also. They been having very limited 2 options).

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

Log in to your Disney account around 5:50 am PST
Go to the Trader Sam's page and click "Check available days." https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dining/disneyland-hotel/trader-sams/
Choose your date at 5:59.45 seconds or so and if your day isn't available reload or go back and choose your day again. The only way I've gotten Trader Sam's is by being right there when the clock hits 6am.


For everything else I sign in and then go to the main "Make reservations" page. Most restaurants are available if you get there at 6am. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/dine-res/availability

If all else fails you can set a dining alert and maybe get a reservation that way.

Thanks, we’ll try that.

 

[disneychrista]

Trader Sam’s fills up instantly. Be ready to go with your credit card information loaded into your account as to not waste time when making the reservation. As others have said be in the reservation page and refresh just before 6am. And keep doing so until the date is active. Don’t hesitate. Good luck!

 

[DizMe]

If it turns out you don't get Trader Sam's, depending on the size of your party, it's often pretty easy to get a walk-up reservation if you're willing to wait a little. You can also eat outside much more easily than inside, and it's very nice with the decor, music, and sometimes an island-vibe band will be playing. On the same lanai area but around the corner a little is Tangaroa Terrace and they often have walk up spots or a fairly short wait (they don't take reservations) and I believe the menu is the same. They also have an outdoor bar.

 

[BriannaRuth]

We've always had good luck walking up at Trader Sam's, or checking last minute for availability on the app. Especially at off times. I will say this has usually been for 2 people.

 

[Jnjtrio]

I am not sure what the issue is but I tried everyday for the past 7 days at midnight and 6am (checking 5:30 am all the way up to 6am) and never got a reservation to open at either time.

 

[disneychrista]

I am not sure what the issue is but I tried everyday for the past 7 days at midnight and 6am (checking 5:30 am all the way up to 6am) and never got a reservation to open at either time.

Trader Sam goes nearly instantly. It is very likely that all the reservations were booked.