Disney priority seating tricks or secrets?

Question

I was recently informed that as long as I have a priority seating time set that I could go at almost any other time to the same restaurant and get a seat. Meaning that if I have a 9:15 seating time that I could actually go at 7:00 and still get a seat. Or if I have a 4:30 seat time I could show up at 6:30 and still have a seat. Anyone else hear of this happening? Or has anyone else tried this?

Answer 1

That is not true.  Disney changed their "priority seating" to "Reservations" a few years ago, and now your time, is your specific confirmed time.

If you were to show up earlier you would be treated as a 'walk in' and would be seated if there was availablity, or if there was no availability you would be placed in the queue of people waiting to be seated.

Answer 2

That is not the case.  Disney will work with you because they understand that there are so many things within the parks that can hold you up, but within reason.  They will not hold your seat for 2 hours.  You may have more luck showing up early if you arrive before any of the dinner crowds.

Answer 3

No if you miss your time by more than 10 or 15 minutes they will give up your table.  If it's not busy and there is open tables then it doesn't matter, but if there is a line out the door you MUST show up for your time or you won't be eating there that night

Answer 4

You absolutely need to show for the time you have selected.  This is a reservation.  Years ago you really didn't need reservations if you walked up you would normally get in and be seated.  Now with the DINING PlAN the restaurants are much busier an booked normally from open to close with numerous walk ups attempted.

Bottom line if you don't have a reservation now that the dining plan is in place DO NOT plan on eating at the restaurant.  If you have purchased the dining plan and do not have reservations it really is not going to be worth it as you more than likely won't get in anywhere to use the plan as designed.

Make your reservations as soon as possible and again do not plan on any walk ups without a backup.

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Answer 5

Nikki is RIGHT!

Answer 6

Years ago we just showed up at Chef Mickey's and they happened to have an opening.  We tried it again when we couldn't get a ressie, and they didn't have one.  We made a mistake on a ressie once and arrived at an incorrect time at Cinderella's Royal Table, but they worked us in, although they didn't have to.  It's just hit or miss, and I would not plan on it being a hit.  The many other times we've made sure we were early.  They will try to accomodate you if you make a mistake, but that doesn't mean you can show up at a wrong time and be seated.  You'll likely be turned away.    

Answer 7

I think you were misinformed, we have arrived early and were not seated until right at the time were were prearranged for or a few minutes later even.  The more popular the earlier they require you to show up.  I would not risk it if I were you.

Answer 8

Not true.  If you miss it by a few minutes, they will definitely work with you.  But by hours?  No way.  The restaurants are too busy, and that's not fair to all the other guests who have reservations. It is possible that if the restaurant is not busy that day that they might be able to take you at a different time, but now with the dining plan, all the restaurants are busy all the time, so don't count on it.