When it comes to dining at Walt Disney World, the Magic Kingdom is home to some of the most in-demand restaurants on property, including Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest.

It’s time to eat!

Don’t fret, though, there are ways to better your odds of reserving dining at these eateries… as long as you know how to use the system to your advantage.

Book Those Reservations As Far Out as Possible

Whip out the calendar and figure out exactly 60 days until your arrival at Disney World, as that’s the first day you can begin making reservations, beginning at approximately 6:00 AM EST (though you can start refreshing at 5:45 AM EST) online and beginning at 7:00 AM EST over the phone.

However, also remember that if you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, you’ll actually be able to book for the whole duration of your trip (up to 10 days) from 60 days before your arrival, so you could conceivably book up to 70 days out if you plan a Magic Kingdom day for the backend of your trip.

Cinderella White Chocolate Slipper

Be Aware of Special Events.

When planning your trip and preparing to make reservations, be aware of special events at the park, and keep in mind any you may have tickets for.

For example, if you have tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can enter the park beginning at 4:00 PM. So, you can shoot for a dining reservation around 5:00-5:30, which may be available as day guests without party tickets need to leave the park at 6:00 PM.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

Continuously Check for Cancelations

If you’re not able to secure reservations as soon as they open, don’t give up. Consistently keep checking the app for cancellations and new openings that you can snap up. You should especially do this in the 48 hours before your visit, as most cancellations tend to happen during this period.

Skipper Canteen

Take Advantage of Walk-Up Waitlists

So, let’s say you make it to the Magic Kingdom and still don’t have a reservation. All hope is not completely lost. Both Tony’s Town Square and the Plaza offer walk-up waitlist availability. To add yourself to the waitlist, all you need to do is:

• Check availability at participating restaurants via the app—or by scanning a QR code located in the restaurant’s lobby. There’s no need to visit the host stand to check availability.
• Then, use the app to add your party to the walk-up list of an available restaurant. At this time, you can also confirm your party details, including special dietary requests.
• Once your table is ready, you’ll be notified to proceed to a specified location.

Tony’s Town Square

Using these “hacks” should give you a better opportunity of getting reservations for your restaurant of choice next time you visit the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” Stay tuned to DFB for more on Disney World dining.

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What’s your go-to Magic Kingdom dining location? Let us know in the comments below.