What is Priority Seating & How Do I Get It?

[seasonality]

Ok, so I think I know what it is...seating that will give you more chances for a character interaction during a character dinner/lunch/bfast???

How do you snag something like this? I've been pouring over tons of helpful information for the last 8 months on The Dis in preparation for our upcoming trip and today is the first day I have seen priority seating mentioned.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[sanapunk]

As far as I know, a priority seating was the old term used for Advance Dining Reservation. I don't think they offer like "priority" seating, where someone gets more than another customer. The only thing like that I can think of is at dinner shows, they have tiered seating.

 

[pilferk]

Ok, so I think I know what it is...seating that will give you more chances for a character interaction during a character dinner/lunch/bfast???

How do you snag something like this? I've been pouring over tons of helpful information for the last 8 months on The Dis in preparation for our upcoming trip and today is the first day I have seen priority seating mentioned.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Priority seating is the "old" Disney term for Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR's). They used it because they felt uncomfortable using the term "reservation" because, really, you haven't actually RESERVED a table. You've given yourself priority to get the next available table...basically just put yourself ahead of walk ups, and those getting a Priority Seating time later than yours, in line.

But, ultimately, the term proved too confusing and they went with Advanced Dining Reservation.

 

[catne]

yep, just the old name for reservations.

You don't need any special table or anything for character interaction - that's the beauty of going to a character meal -- you will see characters no matter where you sit. At the character meals, all of the characters circle all the tables & stop briefly for pics/autographs (even at adult-only tables) Usually, the server will tell you which direction the characters are making rounds so you can time your trips to the buffet in-between visits. Everyone gets to see the characters at these meals...typical is for each character to make the room circuit once an hour.

 

[MariDisney]

I notice that your trip is just 2 months away. The PPs are right, Priority Seating is the "old" term for the current reservation system for dining. Since your trip is so close I want to encourage you to make your dining reservations ("ADRs") ASAP. Many restaurants get booked up well un advance.

 

[seasonality]

Thanks so much for all of your responses! Leave it to me to be confused by the more 'understandable' system!!

Thanks for explaining. I do have our ADR's made and am really happy to hear that special priority seating is not needed for the character interaction.

Appreciate the help!