Walt Disney World has introduced significant updates to its dining reservation tools on both the website and the My Disney Experience app. These changes aim to streamline the reservation process, offering guests more control and improved flexibility in their dining plans.
From refined search options to broader availability displays, these enhancements are designed to cater to the diverse needs of park visitors. Whether you’re planning a family trip or an anniversary dinner, here’s what you need to know about these updates.
Updates to the Dining Reservation Search
Dining Availability Calendar
One of the major updates is the introduction of a dining availability calendar that mirrors the theme park reservation system. When checking availability for a specific restaurant, such as Space 220, users will now see green dots indicating open reservations on particular dates. Grayed-out circles signify unavailable dates. This feature offers a clear, visual representation of when dining options are accessible, making it easier to plan meals around your park visit schedules.
Time Slider for Specific Time Searches
A new, interactive time slider has been added to the dining reservation search, allowing guests to specify the exact hours they wish to dine. Previously, the system limited searches to broader categories like “morning,” “afternoon,” or “evening.” Now, users can refine their search to smaller windows of time, providing greater precision and control over reservation planning.
Expanded Date Range Searching
For guests open to exploring multiple dining options across a broader time frame, the updated system introduces date range searching. This feature enables users to view restaurant availability across several dates without limiting the search to a single dining establishment. It’s especially useful for visitors with flexible plans who prioritize finding available times over specific restaurant locations.
Enhanced Location Filtering
Another improvement includes a revamped location filtering system. While granular filtering options remain under the “Filter” button, the update places common locations such as theme parks, Disney Springs, and Disney Resort hotels at the top of the filtering page. This feature simplifies the process of narrowing down potential dining options by area.
Benefits for Guests
More Accessible Information
The enhancements provide guests with quicker access to critical dining information. Features like the availability calendar and expanded location-based filtering help users identify suitable dining options that match their criteria without navigating multiple menus or repeating searches.
Improved Planning Efficiency
By offering date range searches and a time slider, Walt Disney World addresses one of the common challenges faced by visitors – managing tight itineraries. These additions make it easier for guests to align meal times with fast passes, park entry schedules, and other activities.
Mobile-Optimized Convenience
All updates have been integrated into the My Disney Experience app, ensuring mobile accessibility for on-the-go planning. Whether you’re already at a park or planning from your hotel room, these tools simplify last-minute changes to dining plans.
How to Make the Most of These Updates
- Leverage the Calendar View: Start by identifying dining availability on specific dates based on your park visit schedule.
- Use Narrow Time Frames: The time slider feature can help secure times that align with entertainment or ride plans for a seamless day.
- Explore All Options: Broader searches using the date range functionality can reveal unexpected opportunities or hidden dining gems you may not have considered.
- Filter by Location Thoughtfully: If staying at a Disney Resort hotel, use the location filters to find dining options nearby, saving travel time within the property.
Final Thoughts
As more guests utilize these new features, the feedback will likely drive further refinements. But as of now, these updates represent a meaningful step forward in creating a simple, yet powerful booking process. With these advancements at your fingertips, planning your Walt Disney World adventure has never been more efficient!
For more updates on the latest Disney developments, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles delivered to your inbox.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
