This May Be the WORST Possible Time To Book a Dining Reservation in Disney World

Is there ever really a BAD time to eat in Disney World? You’re probably shocked to hear us (the Disney Food Blog) say that the answer is YES!

Cinderella Castle

We know, we know — it’s basically scandalous for us to tell you NOT to book a dining reservation. Although there are so many table service restaurants that we truly love in the parks and hotels, there’s one time when we strongly recommend you skip reservations altogether.

If you’re going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Magic Kingdom, PLEASE don’t book a dining reservation during the party. Although some table service restaurants remain open during the event, this is possibly the worst time ever to book a sit-down meal.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary (2022)

Why is it such a bad idea? You only get a few precious hours of Halloween party time during the event, and sit-down meals can take up WAY too much of that limited time.

We usually tell people to budget one to two hours for a table service meal, and the party only lasts from 7PM to midnight (although guests with tickets can get into the park at 4PM). You only get five hours of spooky fun, and we’re begging you not to waste a single moment.

Mickey’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Fireworks

Instead, you should plan a longer, sit-down meal earlier in the day (before the party starts), and then get lots of tasty Halloween treats during the party! TONS of themed, limited-time treats and snacks show up for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary, and a lot of them are ONLY available during the event. Take the opportunity to try things that you can’t get any other time of the year!

©Disney

We’re especially excited to try the Terrifyin’ Twice Spiced Chicken Sandwich (at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe), the Pain and Panic Loaded Tots (at Friar’s Nook), and the Loaded Sweet Potato Fries (at Golden Oak Outpost).

©Disney

For dessert, we can’t wait to get the Black Velvet Whoopie Pie (from Liberty Square Market), the Apple Fritter Sundae (from Plaza Ice Cream Parlor), and the Tropical Graveyard (from Sunshine Tree Terrace).

Check out ALL the Halloween eats here.

It’s a good idea to have a longer meal early in the day because you’ll be up until midnight, so you’ll need a break and time to rest before the big party.

During the party, use your time to go on rides with Halloween overlays, visit the trick-or-treating trails, watch the popular Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, meet characters dressed in their spooky best, and see the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular and Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show. There’s more than enough to fill your time!

Boo to You Halloween parade at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (2022)

Here’s a quick look at all of the party-exclusive offerings:

Trick-or-Treating at designated spots throughout the Magic Kingdom (with allergy-friendly options available — Request an allergy-friendly treat bag from a Cast Member) , as well as Party-exclusive treats available for extra purchase;
Guest-only access to Magic Kingdom attractions (some with Halloween overlays);
Show: Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular;
Fireworks Show: Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular — Presented at 10:15PM;
Parade: Boo-To-You Halloween Parade — Presented at 9:15PM and 11:15PM (NEW this year: Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle will make appearances dressed up as the Sanderson Sisters in the Boo-To-You Parade!);
Disney Junior Jam Dance Party at Storybook Circus and more character-themed dance parties;
NEW Pop-Up Parties with Max Goof and his Powerline party pals throughout the park:
Exclusive entertainment such as the Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet;
Photo opportunities with Disney characters in their Halloween costumes and event-exclusive PhotoPass Magic Shots;
NEW in 2023, guests will have a chance to join a Virtual Queue for the new TRON Lightcycle / Run in Tomorrowland; this means that spots will be limited, so riding this coaster during the party isn’t guaranteed;
Party-exclusive snacks and merchandise available for extra purchase.

Click here to learn ALL about Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

If you simply MUST schedule a dining reservation during the party (again, we warn AGAINST this plan, but we won’t keep the information a secret if you’re really set on it), Be Our Guest Restaurant and Cinderella’s Royal Table are the only restaurants that will be open for Table Service dining. If you’re hoping to eat there during your time at the party (assuming you’ve got a ticket to attend the event), you may now make Advance Dining Reservations 60 days prior to your booked evening at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party via the Walt Disney World website.

Dining Room at Cinderella’s Royal Table

We’ll continue to watch for more news about Disney’s Halloween celebrations, so stay tuned to DFB for all the latest updates.

Click here to find out which Not-So-Scary party dates have already SOLD OUT.

IT'S SPOOK-TACULAR!

Get ready for the spookiest season of the year at Disney World with our guide -- Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide!

From the thrills of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to the enchanting resort decorations that'll send shivers down your spine, our guide is packed with tips and tricks to help you squeeze every ounce of ghoulish fun out of your visit. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on all the limited-time-only bone-chilling activities happening across the parks!

Get the Halloween at Disney World: DFB's Spook-tacular Guide to make your frightfully delightful adventure even more magical!