Message update on 1-14-08

Due to an apparent glitch in the system Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's and Victoria and Albert's are still bookable now through June 19, 2009. December 22, 2008 was the last day these locations were bookable 180 days in advance, which has apparently left the booking window 180 days in advance of that date (June 19, 2009).

So:

Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's and Victoria and Albert's for dates now through June 19, 2009 can be booked now.

Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's and Victoria and Albert's for dates beyond June 19, 2009 can be booked 90 days* in advance.

All other locations can be booked 90 days* in advance of the the date.

* 90 days in advance of the first day of the trip for up to 10 days, for Disney Owned Resort Guests.

Message update on 12-23-08

It appears that the new reservation system launched effective today with the notable change to the booking window. See below for the official announcement regarding the change:
Quote Originally Posted by Walt Disney World Resort

With the growing pattern of Guests booking their dining, recreation and tour experiences closer to their travel dates as they finalize their vacation itineraries, we will be adjusting the booking window for those experiences to a 90-day period, effective December 23, 2008.

Disney Resort Hotel Guests may book 90 days prior to their scheduled check-in date for the first 10 days of their stay. Day Guests may book 90 days prior to the date they wish to dine.

Due to the unique components and special nuances of Grand Gathering experiences and La Nouba performances, reservations for these offerings can be made up to 180 days in advance.

All existing reservations will be honored as booked.
An anticipated launch date for the on-line booking abilty has yet to be announced.

Message updated on 12-21-2008

Although there has yet to be an official internal announcement regarding a new launch date, there have been several reports from Dining Reservationists that it is highly doubtful the 12/22 date will be upheld. The strongest reason behind this doubt is that, as of 12/19, training has yet to begin on the new system. Unless training is planned to be forgone, it is highly unlikely that the new system will be launched tomorrow.

Additionally, Dining Reservationsist have reported that the current system is preventing Advanced Dining Reservations from being made for the three non-affected restaurants beyond June 19, 2008. This boundary is currently restricting Guests whose 180 day window has opened for Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's and Victoria and Albert's.

It is expected (or hoped at least), that there will be an internal announcement tomorrow with a new launch date, new freeze window information, and a resolution to the current June 19, 2008 reservation boundary.

Message updated on 12-5-2008

Several Dining Reservations have been able to confirm that they have been officially notified that December 22, 2008 is the currently planned date for the launch of the new system and the return of the 180 day window.

Below are the updated details on the booking window freeze:

Effective 10/26/08 - 12/22/08, Advanced Dining Reservations are eligible to be made through March 22, 2009 for all Guests.

Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's and Victoria and Albert's will continue to operate on a 180 day in advance reservation policy during this period.

Effective 12/22/08, the 180 day booking window with "+10" benefit for on-property Guests is scheduled to be reinstated.

Despite the announcement, rumours are reportedly internally circulating that a further 2 - 3 week delay might be encountered for the new system launch.

Message updated on 10-22-2008

The Walt Disney World Resort has again modified the freeze on Advanced Dining Reservations.

As a result of this announcement the effect on Advanced Dining Reservations is as follows:

Effective 10/26/08-December 2008, Advanced Dining Reservations are eligible to be made through March 22, 2009 for all Guests.

Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's and Victoria and Albert's will continue to operate on a 180 day in advance reservation policy during this period.

Effective December 2008, the 180 day booking window with "+10" benefit for on-property Guests is scheduled to be reinstated.

Message updated on 08-30-2008

The Walt Disney World Resort has modified the freeze on Advanced Dining Reservations.

Effective 8/30/08-11/20/08, Advanced Dining Reservations are eligible to be made through February 22, 2009 for all Guests.

Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's and Victoria and Albert's will continue to operate on a 180 day in advance reservation policy during this period.

Effective 11/21/08, the 180 day booking window with "+10" benefit for on-property Guests is scheduled to be reinstated.

Message updated on 07-16-2008

The Walt Disney World resort has made the following announcement regarding enhancements of the new system:
In the future, Travel Agents and Guests will be able to make dining reservations online at disneyworld.com with this new reservation booking system. The launch date for this enhancement will be announced at a later date.
Message updated on 07-15-2008

The Walt Disney World resort has confirmed the change-over of the system and mostly confirmed the effects on booking. Below is their announcement to travel agents:
The Walt Disney World® Resort will release a new reservation booking system for dining, recreation and tour reservations in late October 2008. As a result of the system upgrade, effective July 29 through late October 2008, Guests will be able to book dining reservations up to Jan. 25, 2009 arrivals. In late October, booking processes will return to normal, allowing Guests to book up to 180 days of arrival.
The reported October 25th date appears to be tentative as the official release did not specify that date.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Message originally posted on 07-14-2008

Subsequent reports have emerged still supporting a change-over of the reservation system, but with some alternative dates and details.

According to current reports, the change-over will occur as follows:

~The 180 day booking window freeze will start July 29, 2008 and end October 25, 2008.

~The "up to 10 day" window for on-site Guests will freeze July 20, 2008 and end October 25, 2008.

~From July 21, 2008 till October 24, 2008 reservations will not be bookable beyond January 25, 2009.

~Starting October 25, 2008 reservations will be bookable for April 29, 2009 and all other dates less than 180 days advance. The 180 day in advance booking window will be reinstated from October 25, 2008 onward.

~Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's and Victoria and Albert's will continue to operate on a 180 day in advance reservation policy during these periods.

The purpose of this reservation system change is to reportedly combine Advanced Dining Reservations, Activity Bookings and Tour Bookings into a single reservation system.

These changes have still yet to be confirmed by the Walt Disney World resort nor any of its media agents.