Prices are rising again in Disney World, as they do almost every year, for food, experiences, tickets, and more.

EPCOT

We also know that prices have already risen for 2025, so we’re planning accordingly. You’re already paying so much, that you don’t need to pay any unnecessary fees on your vacation, too. And yet, they still happen. So we narrowed down some unnecessary fees for you to avoid because we care. Here’s how you can avoid those unnecessary costs on your next Disney World vacation.

One of the biggest things people underestimate in Disney World is how long it takes to get around the property. For example, if you’re heading from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Magic Kingdom, you’ll want to budget AT LEAST an hour to get there, regardless of whether you’re taking Disney bus transportation or your own car (traffic is no joke). In fact, when you’re heading ANYWHERE in Disney World, we recommend giving yourself an hour to get there.

Sanaa

Does this seem excessive? Maybe a little, but it’s NOT. Not only can your car or bus run into traffic on the roads, but your Disney hotel bus could have more than one stop which might put you behind schedule. Even the Skyliner or Monorail may stop while you’re on them sometimes. Additionally, all modes of transportation could be so crowded that it takes you a little while to get on.

‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

So what does this have to do with saving money, you ask? If you’ve made a dining reservation at a table service restaurant in a Disney hotel or the parks, you’ll be charged if you’re over 15 minutes late (and haven’t called to inform them what’s going on), OR you’ll be charged a cancellation fee if you cancel your reservation too late.

Be Our Guest

What is too late for a dining reservation? Well, once you’ve booked a reservation at a table service restaurant, you must cancel at LEAST 2 hours before your dining time to avoid a cancelation fee. If you do need to cancel within 2 hours, you’ll be charged a $10 per person cancelation fee.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

However, the following restaurants have different rules, so if you book with them, keep these in mind!

• Cinderella’s Royal Table — must cancel at least 2 hours prior, or each guest will be charged the full price of the meal
• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue — must cancel at least 1 day prior, or each guest will be charged the full price of the meal
• Sangria University — must cancel at least 1 day prior, or each guest will be charged the full price of the experience
• La Cava Experience — must cancel at least 1 day prior, or each guest will be charged $50
• Takumi-Tei — must cancel at least 2 days prior, or each guest will be charged $100
• Monsieur Paul — must cancel at least 3 days prior, or each guest will be charged $100
• Victoria & Albert’s — must cancel at least 5 days prior, or each guest will be charged $100
• Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties — must cancel at least 1 day prior, or each guest will be charged the full cost of the experience
• Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise — must cancel at least 1 day prior, or each guest will be charged the full cost of the experience
• Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package — must cancel at least 1 day prior, or each guest will be charged the full cost of the experience
• Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package — must cancel at least 1 day prior, or each guest will be charged the full cost of the experience

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Dinner Show

Table service dining can sneak up on you quickly, and you may end up paying a cancelation or late fee you weren’t expecting to. This especially stinks if you’ve had to cancel the experience. Then you’re paying for something you don’t even get to do! However, this is why paying attention to your reservations and allowing enough time is so important. Tons of people want these reservations, and if you cancel yours early enough, another family may be able to experience it!

Chef Mickey’s Card

We recommend setting an alarm (or four) on your phone to remind you when you need to do any of the following:

• Leave where you’re at to head to your dining reservation
• Cancel your dining reservation if you know you’re not going to make it/have decided not to go
• Call the restaurant to inform them if you’re running behind. If Disney transportation is the reason you’re behind schedule, they’ll understand (aka you’re stuck on the Monorail).

Tusker House Restaurant

We hope this helps you avoid those unnecessary dining late fees and makes your trip even better. We’re always here to bring you the latest Disney dining tips and tricks, so stay tuned to DFB!

Learn all about booking dining reservations at Disney World here!

Have you ever had to cancel a reservation or been late to one? Tell us about it in the comments!