I've just made my first ever dining reservation!

[pumpkin7]

Yipee! I've booked in to the San Angel Inn, and the Sci Fi Dine In!
I still need to make a reservation for the Liberty Tree Tavern but I'm not 180 days out yet so it won't let me.
I do have one question though. I'm booking all these reservations for 4 people as my parents are coming with us on holiday, but I'm not sure they'll be able to make every reservation. Will this be a problem because I probably won't know if they are coming or not until the day before.

 

[real mad hatter]

I believe signature restaurants take a Visa card and there is a charge for cancellations,but I would think a quick phone call to the restaurant if there was a change of party numbers.

 

[sgtmgd]

Congratulations..as hatter said...for some places they take your card number..you will need to downgrade the reservation by the appropriate time

 

[Prof Ecks]

Coming from so far away and staying such a long time maybe you should consider a signature dining evening, like Jiko's of Citrico's? Maybe just for the two of you if not the four?

 

[Figgy1]

Yipee! I've booked in to the San Angel Inn, and the Sci Fi Dine In!
I still need to make a reservation for the Liberty Tree Tavern but I'm not 180 days out yet so it won't let me.
I do have one question though. I'm booking all these reservations for 4 people as my parents are coming with us on holiday, but I'm not sure they'll be able to make every reservation. Will this be a problem because I probably won't know if they are coming or not until the day before.

Call Disney dining to check about cancellation policies. Someties 4 cannot be changed to 2 happened to a friend at Cindy's so please double check all policies.

 

[DisneyDelirious]

Part of me sincerely wants to tell you congratulations. Part of me also thinks it's terrible we have to plan out something as simple as a meal 180 days out. Nonetheless I hope you have a great time.

 

[pumpkin7]

Coming from so far away and staying such a long time maybe you should consider a signature dining evening, like Jiko's of Citrico's? Maybe just for the two of you if not the four?

Please, shoot me for saying this; what does that involve? cost/where/when/ are there others? Sounds good to me!

Part of me sincerely wants to tell you congratulations. Part of me also thinks it's terrible we have to plan out something as simple as a meal 180 days out. Nonetheless I hope you have a great time.

It is absolutely ridiculous. I'm sure I could get into some of these places a little closer to the date but I don't want to risk it. It's why I've never been to one before. My mom said to me; 'why don't you just walk up there on the day and make a reservation? Surely they have cancellations.' She didn't understand that it just doesn't work like that any more at Disney.

 

[dreamfinder]

If it required the CC guarantee, then you may get hit with the $10 per person charge unless you call 24 hours out to drop them. So if they are that much in doubt, I would suggest trying to book places that don't require the CC.

Please, shoot me for saying this; what does that involve? cost/where/when/ are there others? Sounds good to me!

Signature Dining is the higher end restaurants. They tend to be fancier menus, higher class of service, and some have a dress code. Most (all but V&A's) work off a normal a la carte menu, so the prices will vary. You can do signature for $20 a head if you are very thrifty, and can easily end up spending $150 a head if you do appetizers, wine, and dessert. Most are in the resorts, but there are a few in the parks. Le Cellier is now signature for dinner, The Brown Derby is signature as well, as is Monsieur Paul (used to be Bistro de Paris). You can go to the WDW restaurant listing here -> http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/listing/ expand dining experience, and select "Fine/Signature Dining" to see the choices and sample menus.

 

[Mrs Potato Head]

I would say make your reservation for 4 and as you get closer you can always adjust. We've never had a problem. I did notice while booking all my ADRs for our end Jan trip that most now take a credit card reservation. I think I even needed one for Crystal Palace and I never did before. It's not just the signature spots. We are going Jan 26th and I made quite a few changes yesterday and still had alot of choices. So I think you'll be ok if you have to switch around later.

 

[Prof Ecks]

Please, shoot me for saying this; what does that involve? cost/where/when/ are there others? Sounds good to me!

There are a set of signature dining restaurants located at different places throughout WDW. These count for two dining credits if you use the DDP because they are more expensive. But they offer very high quality dining experiences often with a theme of sorts. They also offer great wine lists and adult beverages. California Grill is located on top of the Contemporary Hotel and offers a great view as well as the chance to see Wishes from an amazing vantage point. That restaurant may actually be closed for renovation during your visit, I'm not sure when it reopens after January. Jiko's is located in the Animal Kingdom Lodge and offers very modern versions of South African/Africanfusion cuisine with a great South African Wine list. There are other similar quality restaurants in the Wilderness Lodge (Artist's Point), and the Grand Floridian (Citrico's) and a couple in EPCOT. I think the Brown Derby in DHS would also qualify. Anyway, there is a menus link at WDWmagic to all the restaurants, and you can probably read about them on the Disney Dining blog website. I am just thinking if you are coming all that way and spending all that money you might want to have at least one "fancy" dinner?!