Dining Reservation Question

[71dsp]

We are Disneyland newbies, so I have a question about Disneyland dining reservations. Are you only allowed to book DL dining reservations 60-days out, *regardless* of your arrival date?

We are staying on property at Disneyland and bought our package through a Disney Visa offer. We were told our reservation cannot be accessed online (and I've confirmed this), so the system would not let me book any dining reservations beyond our 60-day mark. I called this morning and finally made it through (was not able to call right at opening), and the cast member was in a real rush and told me that I cannot book reservations further than 60-days out - no exceptions. Ordinarily, I trust the CMs 100%, but this guy was in a huge rush and just seemed like he wanted to get off the phone - not what we ordinarily run into when we call.

So I wanted to confirm with those more knowledeable than I on this board!

 

[Travel Junkie]

I believe the CM is correct. You do not need to worry about rushing to reserve anything at DLR. We are a lot more chill on the west coast. Often you do not even need a reservation, but for peace on mind reserving a couple weeks in advance is more than enough.

You’ll find that DLR in general is much more relaxed about everything to the point that some WDW veterans get frustrated with how it operates out west.

Have a great trip.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

We are Disneyland newbies, so I have a question about Disneyland dining reservations. Are you only allowed to book DL dining reservations 60-days out, *regardless* of your arrival date?

We are staying on property at Disneyland and bought our package through a Disney Visa offer. We were told our reservation cannot be accessed online (and I've confirmed this), so the system would not let me book any dining reservations beyond our 60-day mark. I called this morning and finally made it through (was not able to call right at opening), and the cast member was in a real rush and told me that I cannot book reservations further than 60-days out - no exceptions. Ordinarily, I trust the CMs 100%, but this guy was in a huge rush and just seemed like he wanted to get off the phone - not what we ordinarily run into when we call.

So I wanted to confirm with those more knowledeable than I on this board!

What @VirtualInsanity said. If you want to eat at Blue Bayou, get a reservation as that will make your life easier. But don't fill your days with table service dining while visiting DLR - frankly, not all of the restaurants are that good and there are many fabulous quick service options in both parks. It's very different from WDW.

 

[Californian Elitist]

My fellow Disneyland comrades have already said it, but I'll repeat it. The CM was correct, 60 days out is max for the DLR. It's not hard getting reservations for the table service options at DL and DCA. Don't discredit quick service at either park. There are some really good options. You don't have to resort to table service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your entire trip.

Check out this thread on food at the DLR:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/dlr-food-where-to-eat-and-where-not-to.894442/

 

[westie]

Whatever your dining choices I'd recommend at least one with World of Color package. I've never been disappointed. (Carthay Circle)

 

[71dsp]

Awesome stuff. Thanks guys. I figured the CM was right, but man he was in a hurry to get off the phone. Bathroom emergency maybe?

westie that's the first thing we are doing, so I have that reservation in the bag.

 

[ght]

As others have mentioned, it isn't like WDW, getting reservations far in advance isn't much of a problem at DL. When we were there a few weeks ago we were able to get reservations at Blue Bayou the week before we left and at Cafe Orleans the day before we ate there. That was during spring break as well so it wasn't during the off-season either (though there isn't much of an off-season at DL these days).

As raven24 said, take advantage of the quick service options (The Plaza Inn fried chicken is a must for me) most are really good (though I don't know what has happened to Flo's Diner) and usually aren't too crowded.

 

[71dsp]

Thanks for the tips guys. Any other dining tips? I'll take all I can get!

 

[Miceberg]

There's a really great quick service restaurant way in the back of Paradise Pier in DCA called Paradise Garden Grill. I highly recommend it. They have delicious Mediterranean food including kabobs and a tasty Greek salad. The Cast Members there are some of my favorites in the resort, they're always so happy and friendly. They also have really good live music.

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Seconded. Paradise Garden Grill has the best quick service food in either park for my money.

 

[71dsp]

Great! Adding Paradise Pier to the list. Thanks for the help!

Also, does Catal fill up for dinner quickly? It's booked for our preferred day and the day before. I'm going to keep checking, but if this is the norm, we may have to shift some stuff around to get a reservation there.

 

[PacNWTigger]

My favorite quick service place is the French Market...better prices than Blue Bayou, better people watching, and even better live music entertainment.