What if I Have to Cancel My Dining Reservation?

Something Happens

You’re at Walt Disney World, having a great time, the weather’s fantastic, and then it happens! Someone gets sick or maybe they’re hurt! You talk to the closest Cast Member to get their help to deal with your situation. They help you, and you start heading towards medical help. Once the situation is under control you take a deep breath. Then it hits you! You have a dining reservation in a few hours! Will they charge you? How much will they charge you?

The Good News

Most dining reservations can be canceled up to 2 hours in advance. Simply go to your My Disney Experience app, click in your reservation and click cancel. If you want to try to reschedule it you can click modify and see what is available.

So what if you didn’t make the cancellation window? You can still try to modify it, but there is a pretty big chance that won’t happen and it will give you a phone number to call. The Cast Member who answers will help you either cancel or reschedule. There is a charge, last I heard it was around $10/person, but that may have changed.

The Bad News

Some dining reservations require more than 2 hours cancellation. Those reservations, very often must be cancelled up to 24 hours ahead of time. If this is the case, you will likely be charged. How much? You will need to call to find out for certain. Once again, go to your MDE app, click on your reservation and it will give you the phone number. The Cast Member will assist you to either cancel or modify your reservation. They will also be able to tell you how much you will be charged.

How do I Know the Cancellation Window?

When you make the reservation it will tell you! It will also generate an email that will also tell you. Make sure you read the cancellation policy!

Why does Disney Charge you for a Cancellation?

If you cancel too late, you will likely be charged. Why? Not only are you missing your reservation, but also other guests might have booked that reservation had it been available for them sooner. The later you wait to cancel, the less likely anyone else will be able to book.

Should I Just do Walk Up Reservations?

That’s one way to make sure you won’t have to pay for a cancellation that is outside of the window. I don’t think it’s necessary though, nor do I recommend it! Many of the best restaurants at Disney are only available with a reservation! I think a better plan is probably to make the reservations you know you want at a time you are likely able to keep them!

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