Disney World Dining Reservations (ADRs) Explained for UK Families

Why Disney Dining Isn’t Just “Theme Park Food”

If you mention eating at Disney World to someone who’s never been, they’ll probably picture hot dogs and fries. The truth? Dining at Disney is on another level. From themed character breakfasts to fine dining in resort hotels, the food is part of the experience.

But here’s the catch: many of the best restaurants require advance planning.

What’s an ADR (and Why Should You Care)?

ADR stands for Advance Dining Reservation. It’s Disney’s booking system for table service restaurants — and it can make or break your trip.

Here’s the short version:

• You can book 60 days in advance.
• Onsite hotel guests get a big perk: they can book for the first 10 days of their trip at once.
• Offsite guests can book at 60 days too, but only one day at a time.

Yes, it sounds intense. And yes, the most popular restaurants really do book up within minutes.

Quick Service vs. Table Service

• Quick Service: Walk up, order at the counter, grab a table. No reservations needed (though mobile ordering helps at busy times).
• Table Service: Traditional sit-down restaurants, usually requiring an ADR. You might snag a same-day walk-up via the Disney app, but don’t count on it for the “must-do” spots.

When and How to Book

ADR booking windows open at 6am Orlando time (11am UK time). Handy for us Brits — no need for a crack-of-dawn alarm.

Pro Tip: Be logged into your Disney account before booking opens. Have payment details saved and your priority list ready.

Your booking strategy matters more than you think. For example:

• Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom) → almost always the hardest to get.
• Oga’s Cantina (Hollywood Studios) → tiny venue, limited slots.
• ‘Ohana (Polynesian Village Resort) → a family favourite, books fast.

So the order you book in isn't necessarily going to be chronological but in 'hard to get' order. 

Do You Really Need to Stress?

Honestly… yes and no. The ADR system can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. But the good news is:

• People cancel all the time (sometimes even on the day).
• You don’t need a reservation for every meal — quick service and snack options are plentiful.
• With the right prep, you’ll secure the meals that matter most to your family.

Want Step-by-Step Help?

This blog just scratches the surface. In my Complete Disney World Planning Guide, I share:

• My tried-and-tested ADR booking day checklist and step by step booking instructions
• Example restaurant lists (with UK-friendly booking strategies)
• A park-by-park breakdown of the best dining picks for every budget
• How to match your ADRs to your park plans for the ultimate smooth experience

Save yourself hours of stress and uncertainty — grab the Complete Guide here.