Let’s talk about it!

If you’ve ever booked a Disney Cruise and immediately spiraled into full parent panic when you saw “Second Seating,” take a deep breath with me. You’re not alone and your cruise is absolutely not doomed. In fact, so many families (mine included!) happily choose second seating on purpose. Yup. On purpose! And honestly? It can be a game changer for your evenings.

Here’s the thing: second seating isn’t just about a later dinner. It often gives families more flexibility to enjoy their day in the parks or on excursions without feeling rushed. You get to linger by the pool, grab a drink, or even take a nap before dinner. And yes, you get that magical Disney Cruise dining experience, just at a slightly later hour.

Now, is second seating a magical fit for every family? Not necessarily. Some adults just don’t love an 8:15pm dinner. Some kids aren’t night owls. And that’s totally okay. Zero judgement. Every family has its own rhythm (and its own meltdown schedule). But here’s the thing: a lot of parents don’t even give their kids the chance to try it.

One family told me they start shifting dinner and bedtime later two weeks before the cruise, just 10–15 minutes at a time, so by embarkation day, everyone is perfectly in sync and no one is turning into a cranky pumpkin at 9pm. Simple, small adjustments at home can make a huge difference. It’s like giving your kids a tiny rehearsal for the cruise, without all the drama.

If dining time is super important to you, I always recommend booking your Disney Cruise as early as possible so you can request the seating you prefer. Disney is great about trying to accommodate, but the earlier you book, the better your chances.

And if you get assigned second seating but that’s not your dream scenario, don’t panic. There are options:

Ask your travel planner (hi, that’s me!) to put you on the waitlist for first seating. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but it’s worth trying.
On embarkation day, check your Navigator app for the Dining Adjustments Location. Pop in and politely ask if there’s any availability to move you. Often, the Cast Members are happy to help where they can.
Still no luck? Try second seating the first night. Many families find that once they give it a chance, it actually works really well!
If it truly doesn’t work for your family, speak with your Head Server (not server, not assistant server). They are the ones with the power to help move you if possible. Just remember, this is a giant, floating puzzle, Cast Members are balancing dozens of tables, families, and schedules. Patience and kindness go a long way.

Second seating may just become your new favorite cruising routine, you never know until you try! And who knows? You might discover that a slightly later dinner gives your family more time for afternoon adventures, evening shows, or a peaceful sunset on deck.

At the end of the day, Disney Cruise dining is about making memories together. Whether you’re first or second seating, the magic is still on the plate and in the smiles of your family at the table.

And if second seating doesn’t work out, you’ll always have pictures to embarrass your kids with later in life.