Are you planning a visit during the Walt Disney World holidays? A Disney vacation during the Christmas season can be especially magical, filled with fun, festivity, and good food as well. This article will focus on what you should know about meals at Disney World during this time of year, and some strategies for the best way to plan a Disney vacation to make the most of your time and dining budget.
First of all, when making your dining plans….and if you are going between Christmas and New Year’s you MUST make dining plans….you need to realize that you will be at Walt Disney World during the busiest time of the year. While this does not mean that you can’t have a wonderful vacation, what it does mean is that you have to plan ahead, because you will be visiting with many, many, many other people.
So, think about dining in advance, and if your plans include any table service meals, make your Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) before you leave for Disney World. And if you are going during Christmas week, then make them now.
It is important to understand that, when it comes to ADRs, Disney policy allows people the chance to make Advanced Dining Reservations months ahead of time, currently’0 days in advance. So this means that folks have been making ADRs for Christmas week for a long time now. The most popular restaurants and times fill quickly, especially for the big days of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day. So it is not realistic to expect to just walk up and get a table during this week: you might get lucky, but why chance it? If table service dining is something you really want to do, then don’t delay on this.
What do you do if you can’t get ADRs for any of your restaurant choices? All is not lost, because while the most popular ones at the parks may be full, it is likely that the ones at the hotels are still available. The resort hotel restaurants are frequently quite good, and it is a great way to see some of the lovely Holiday decorations at the resorts. Plus, it can be very nice to get away from the crowds at the parks for a few hours.
Another good strategy, especially if you can’t get decent ADR times, is to consider eating meals at “off” times. Try having your main, table service meal for lunch instead of dinner. Eat early: lunch at 11, dinner at 5…or late: lunch at 2, dinner at 8. You may be able to get table service seating this way, and for counter service meals, the crowds tend to be a little lighter during these times.
Don’t overlook the standard advice about eating some meals in, especially if you have access to a kitchen. Breakfasts in the room are a given: great way to save time and money. And many folks who have a full kitchen like to do their entire holiday meal, turkey and all, in their room. This can be a nice way to create some very special memories…and save money in the process.
So if you have wondered about the best way to plan a Disney vacation when it comes to dining during the Walt Disney World holidays, it is simple: plan ahead! You will not regret doing so, and in fact, when you are at Disney and your meals are stress-free, you will be so glad you did! This is the perfect way to make sure your vacation is remembered for special holiday moments…and not waiting in endless lines for food.
Nancy Bobby has been visiting Disney World (and doing it frugally) for over ten years, and has experienced 11 (and counting) family trips to Walt Disney World. To discover how to plan an affordable Disney family vacation, and to receive a free Disney vacation planning bonus, visit www.theaffordablemouse.com.