Which character meals require payment when making reservation?

[AlyLynn]

We have 4 kids, so budgeting character meals takes some creativity, and advance planning! Which meals require payment in full when you make the reservations? Thanks!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

If you are on the DDP, you'll only have to give a CC # for hold the ADR. They don't charge you. I know that the dinner shows and CRT take CC #s for hold your ADR (or charge you if you are not on the dining plan). I don't think any of the others do.

 

[spicemom]

We're not on the DDP and I booked CRT-full meal price already charged to CC. I also booked Chef Mickeys and crystal palace and didn't need to leave cc # for either of those.

 

[Hopefully]

I think CRT is the only Character meal you need to pay for in advance. The dinner shows (HDDR and the Luau) also charge your credit card and I think some of the Signature Restaurants may.
Others will be able to help.

 

[ZoZo]

Be sure to pay attention to the cancellation period for things like the Poly Luau.

We tried to cancel our ADR the day before, but they wouldn't let us because they had a 48-hour cancellation policy. (This was even more frustrating because our ADR was scheduled for the day after a hurricane blew through -- we thought it might be cold and rainy for our ADR, so tried to cancel, but were told "NO!" WDW is not flexible on things like this.)

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

These are not character meals but I think the California Grill and Victoria & Alberts require a credit card when making ADR's there. I also want to include Jiko however I am not sure if you need to do that when making ADR's there.