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Last Minute Holiday Dining Reservations

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Credit: DisneyTips

We have reached the busiest time of the year at Walt Disney World. The Theme Parks are all at or near capacity, as many people have decided to spend part of their Christmas Breaks at Walt Disney World.

What is not to love about this time of year? The weather is most likely better than where you live, and you have vacation time that you want to use. The kids are out of school, and Walt Disney World decorates for the holidays unlike anywhere else.

Related: Central Florida Weather This Week

Since this time of year is so busy, it can be hard to get dining reservations. That doesn’t mean that it’s impossible.

The first and most important thing that you need to do when trying for a reservation is to keep checking. Reservations become available all the time because someone else will cancel. With the new omicron variant spreading quickly, many people are rethinking their plans and rebooking their trips for a later date.

Credit: Disney

One of the hardest to obtain dining reservations the past few weeks has been for the Candlelight Processional Dining Package. We checked this morning, and there was something available for Christmas Day! There were several other days available as well.

When a spot does open up, it will go quickly. You will not have time to think about it, so book it immediately. If you don’t, someone else will grab the reservation.

Related: Skip That Quick Service Restaurant, Eat Here Instead at Disney’s Magic Kingdom

Remember, if you have a reservation that you aren’t going to use, please cancel it. That will open the spot for someone else, and you will be charged if you have a reservation that you don’t show up for.

The holidays are also a great time to try something new. If you can’t get a reservation in the restaurant that you hoped for, see what else is open. All of the menus are available on the My Disney Experience App, so you can see what a new-to-you restaurant has to offer.

You might want to consider dining outside of the Theme Parks. The Disney Resort hotels have some fantastic restaurants, as does Disney Springs. It might take some time out of your day, but it will also give you a break from the Theme Park crowds.

Finally, Mobile Ordering at a quick service restaurant is also a possibility. Pick your time and place your order early, because times will fill up at some restaurants.

We hope that you are able to snag the reservation that you want, but if not, maybe you’ll find something even better. Dining at Walt Disney World isn’t just about the food, it’s the experience.

Related: Skip That Table Service Restaurant, Eat Here Instead at Disney’s EPCOT

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About Paula K

I grew up in Western Massachusetts. When I was nine my family went to Disneyland and I was hooked. I grew up, attended New England College in Henniker, NH and eventually moved to Virginia. I worked as a disc jockey, married and became a full time mom when our daughter was born. Fast forward several years. In 2010 we moved to Central Florida and my Disney obsession grew. I now work as a freelance writer and spend my spare time in the parks. Under the name Paula Brown I penned the novels Dream Wanderers and The Coffee Cruiser. I also am a co-author of Dining at Walt Disney World: The Definitive Guide. I'm obsessed with Star Wars, so this is a good time to live in Central Florida. I've been a vegetarian for well over a decade, a choice that my daughter eventually made as well. While my husband still hasn't joined us fully he has given up most meats except for seafood. I was relieved to find that vegetarian dining is not difficult at Walt Disney World.