One of the most magical parts of any Disney Cruise Line vacation is the dining experience. From beautifully themed restaurants to character meals and global cuisines, Disney brings its signature storytelling into every bite. While traditional cruise dining often follows fixed seating times, Disney Cruise Line adds a unique twist — a flexible approach called “My Time Dining” (officially known as “Rotational Dining with Flexibility”).
This system allows guests to enjoy dinner at a time that fits their personal schedule rather than being locked into early or late seating. However, like all aspects of a Disney cruise, “My Time Dining” follows certain rules and guidelines that ensure a smooth experience for both guests and crew. Understanding how this system works can help you plan your evenings better, maximize your onboard time, and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
In this guide, we’ll explore in detail how “My Time Dining” on Disney Cruise Line works, what the official and unwritten rules are, and how to make the most of this flexible dining option.
On Disney Cruise Line, the concept of “My Time Dining” allows guests to dine at more flexible hours instead of being assigned to a fixed time slot for dinner. Traditionally, Disney Cruise Line offers two main dinner seatings — Main Seating (around 5:45 PM) and Second Seating (around 8:15 PM). Guests are assigned one of these before the cruise, and they dine at the same time each night, rotating through Disney’s signature themed restaurants with the same serving team.
With “My Time Dining,” guests can enjoy the same rotational dining system but without a strict dining hour. Instead, they can choose dinner times that better suit their day — whether they’re enjoying shore excursions, pool time, or evening entertainment.
This flexible approach was first tested on select Disney ships and is gradually being refined based on guest feedback. While it provides more convenience, it also requires adherence to certain rules so the experience remains organized and efficient for everyone onboard.
“My Time Dining” still includes all the hallmarks of Disney’s signature dining: themed restaurants, high-quality cuisine, and attentive service. However, there are a few key differences in how it operates:
Reservation System:Guests with “My Time Dining” need to make dinner reservations through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. You can select available time slots each evening or choose your preferred dining time for the entire voyage if availability allows.
Rotational Dining Continues:You still rotate among the ship’s three main dining rooms — for example, Animator’s Palate, Royal Palace, and Enchanted Garden on the Disney Dream. The difference is that your reservation determines which restaurant you’ll visit each night and at what time.
Same Servers, If Possible:One of Disney’s most appreciated dining traditions is that your servers “rotate” with you. They get to know your preferences, favorite drinks, and dietary restrictions. With “My Time Dining,” Disney tries to keep you with the same team if scheduling permits, though flexibility means this isn’t always guaranteed.
Limited Time Slots:Unlike traditional fixed dining, “My Time Dining” operates within a set window — often between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM. Within this window, guests can choose available slots, but popular times fill quickly.
Dress Code and Theme Nights:Theme nights (such as Pirate Night or Formal Night) still apply to “My Time Dining” guests. Even if your dining time is later or earlier, the dress code and special menus remain consistent.
To ensure smooth service and fair access for all passengers, Disney Cruise Line has established certain rules and expectations for “My Time Dining.” Understanding these rules helps you enjoy your dining experience without confusion or missed opportunities.
While “My Time Dining” offers flexibility, it’s not a walk-in service. You must reserve your dining time in advance using the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App or by contacting Guest Services onboard.
Reservations can be made before your sailing through the My Plans section of your online Disney Cruise account. Once onboard, you can adjust your times daily based on your plans — such as port excursions or shows — but it’s always best to reserve early.
Because not all guests can dine flexibly, “My Time Dining” availability is limited. Disney Cruise Line designates a specific number of tables for this program, and once they’re booked, guests must join a waiting list.
If you’re set on having flexible dining, it’s best to choose this option during your cruise booking process or check availability as soon as you embark.
“My Time Dining” often uses smaller tables to accommodate varying party sizes and reduce waiting times. However, guests may sometimes share tables with others during peak times, especially if they haven’t reserved early.
You can request private or family-only seating, but this depends on availability. Disney staff do their best to honor such requests.
Even though you pick your dining time, you’ll still follow Disney’s restaurant rotation schedule. This means that over the course of your cruise, you’ll dine in each of the ship’s main restaurants at least once. Your server team and rotation details are displayed in the Navigator App and printed on your Key to the World card.
Disney is known for punctuality. Whether you’ve chosen 6:15 PM or 8:00 PM, arriving on time is essential. The kitchen and serving teams operate on strict schedules to manage multiple dining slots efficiently. Arriving late may result in shorter service or delayed seating.
The standard Disney Cruise Line dining dress code applies:
Cruise Casual on most nights (no swimwear or tank tops).
Formal or Semi-Formal on designated evenings.
Pirate Night costumes are allowed and encouraged on themed nights.
These dress codes help maintain the ambiance of Disney’s fine dining experience, even within a flexible system.
If your dining rotation includes a character-themed restaurant, such as Animator’s Palate or Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure on the Disney Wish, the character appearances and entertainment will still take place regardless of your selected dining time.
However, exact show timings within the restaurant might vary slightly depending on when you’re seated.
If you’re sailing with a large family or group, it’s crucial that everyone in your party has the same dining assignment. Disney cannot guarantee that different reservation holders will be seated together unless the bookings are linked before the cruise.
“My Time Dining” is especially convenient for families with young children who may need earlier or quicker dinners. However, parents are asked to ensure that kids remain seated during the meal and that strollers or carriers do not block aisles — keeping service smooth and safe for everyone.
Guests with allergies, vegetarian preferences, or religious dietary needs can still have these accommodated in “My Time Dining.” To ensure smooth coordination, note your dietary requirements when making your reservation and remind your server when seated.
The biggest advantage of “My Time Dining” is freedom. You can decide when you’d like to dine based on your day’s activities. For example:
If you’re spending extra time at a port, you can eat later without missing your meal.
If you have young kids who get hungry early, you can dine right after sunset.
If you prefer to see the evening show before dinner, you can plan your schedule accordingly.
Here are some additional benefits:
Less Rush and More Flexibility:You can dine leisurely without feeling bound to a strict schedule.
Better Control Over Your Day:You can coordinate dining with character meet-and-greets, fireworks, or pool time.
Ideal for Late Sleepers or Shore Excursion Lovers:Perfect for guests who don’t want to hurry back from a port to catch early seating.
Personalized Experience:You can request preferred times, smaller tables, and even favorite servers if available.
While “My Time Dining” is highly flexible, there are a few trade-offs compared to fixed dining:
Less Consistency with Servers:Since dining times vary, you may not have the same serving team every night, though Disney tries to arrange it if possible.
Potential Wait Times:If you arrive without a reservation or choose a popular time slot, you may experience a short wait before seating.
Less Group Coordination:If traveling with friends or family who have different plans, it can be tricky to synchronize dining times.
Character Dining Timing Variations:Some entertainment segments in themed restaurants might be missed or shortened if you arrive late.
Limited Availability:Since only a portion of tables are reserved for this system, it’s often full early in the voyage.
Disney makes it easy to manage your dining times through multiple channels:
Before Sailing:
Log into your Disney Cruise account and navigate to My Reservations.
Select “Dining Preferences” to choose “My Time Dining.”
Pick your preferred dinner window (early, mid, or late).
Once Onboard:
Open the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App.
Go to Dining Reservations and view available times.
Tap your desired slot to confirm or modify your booking.
Through Guest Services:If you prefer personal assistance, visit Guest Services once onboard. They can adjust your dining time or add you to a waitlist.
For Large Groups:If you’re sailing with family or friends, link all reservations under one group to ensure coordinated dining times.
Book Early:Secure your preferred slots as soon as the reservation window opens.
Use the App Daily:Check availability in the Navigator App each morning, especially if your schedule changes.
Communicate with Your Server:Let them know if you’d like to dine at similar times nightly so they can try to accommodate.
Arrive Promptly:Respect your chosen reservation time to ensure smooth rotation for everyone.
Plan Around Shows and Events:The Navigator App lists entertainment schedules — coordinate dining so you don’t miss major shows or deck parties.
Dress Appropriately:Even though flexible, Disney dining maintains its elegant family-friendly standard.
Don’t Forget Special Nights:On Pirate Night or Formal Night, reserve times that align with the evening’s entertainment or photo opportunities.
Enjoy Specialty Restaurants Too:If you plan to dine at Palo or Remy, make sure to adjust your “My Time Dining” schedule to avoid conflicts.
1. Can I switch from fixed dining to “My Time Dining” once onboard?
Yes, but only if space is available. You can check with Guest Services or the dining team on embarkation day.
2. Will I still get to enjoy all themed restaurants?
Yes. “My Time Dining” includes the same rotational schedule as traditional dining, so you’ll still experience all main dining venues.
3. Is there a dress code difference?
No, the same dress codes apply to both fixed and flexible dining.
4. Can I request the same server every night?
Disney will try to accommodate this, but it’s not guaranteed with varying times.
5. What if I miss my reserved dining time?
If you’re late, you may have to wait for the next available slot or dine at a casual venue instead.
6. Does “My Time Dining” cost extra?
No. It’s included in your cruise fare, just like traditional dining.
FeatureMy Time DiningTraditional Fixed Dining
FlexibilityChoose different times each nightSame time every evening
ReservationsRequired via appPre-assigned before cruise
Server ConsistencyPossible, not guaranteedAlways the same
Waiting TimePossible at peak hoursNone (fixed seating)
Best ForFamilies with changing schedulesGuests who like routine
Entertainment TimingSelf-managedPre-scheduled around shows
Group CoordinationRequires planningAutomatically consistent
Disney designed this system after hearing feedback from families who wanted more flexibility. Many guests found that fixed dining conflicted with port excursions or shows. Parents with small children also preferred early dining options without being locked into 5:45 PM every night.
The flexible model allows Disney to cater to both traditional cruisers who enjoy consistency and modern travelers who value freedom. It’s part of Disney’s broader mission to make every cruise as personalized and convenient as possible.
To help you visualize how “My Time Dining” fits into real cruise life, here are a few examples:
Scenario 1: Family with Small KidsThe family spends the afternoon at the pool and prefers to dine early before the kids get sleepy. They book a 6:00 PM dining time through the app. The next day, they visit a port until late afternoon, so they shift dinner to 7:45 PM.
Scenario 2: Couple on a Romantic CruiseA couple prefers to dine later after enjoying sunset cocktails on deck. They book different times depending on show schedules and avoid peak hours for a quieter dining experience.
Scenario 3: Multi-Generational GroupDifferent family members have different plans each day. The grandparents stick to earlier slots, while younger adults dine later. Each group can still enjoy the same restaurants without rigid scheduling.
Check your Key to the World card for your assigned rotation on embarkation day.
Visit the dining desk during open hours if you want to adjust your times.
Always confirm your reservations through the Navigator App to avoid confusion.
If celebrating a special occasion, mention it during your reservation — Disney may surprise you with themed desserts or songs.
Disney Cruise Line’s “My Time Dining” program combines the best of both worlds — the flexibility of modern dining and the magic of Disney’s world-class service. By understanding the rules and making use of the reservation system, you can enjoy every evening on your schedule without missing the magic of themed restaurants, character interactions, or family time.
It’s an ideal choice for travelers who prefer spontaneity, families juggling kids’ schedules, or couples seeking more control over their cruise experience. Just remember the golden rules: reserve early, arrive on time, and stay flexible.
With “My Time Dining,” your Disney Cruise Line journey becomes not just a vacation — but a truly personalized adventure at sea.
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