Disney World restaurants appeared to suddenly increase their indoor dining capacity, but representatives say it was just a technical issue with online reservations

• Some Walt Disney World visitors and fans noticed an increase in reservation availability at restaurants across Disney's four Florida theme parks this morning.
• As Florida enters Phase 3 of reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants are able to decide whether they want to operate at less than 50% capacity.
• Though diners thought they were locking in coveted reservations, a representative for Disney confirmed to Insider the openings were actually a glitch in the system.

After months of closed dining rooms and shared recipes for some of Disney Parks' classic treats like the iconic Dole Whip, some fans thought the park was expanding its indoor dining capacity.

On Tuesday morning, several Walt Disney World news sites reported an increase in restaurant reservation availability through the My Disney Experience app. Reporters at WDW News Today and Inside the Magic shared screen grabs of their apps showing a slew of open reservations at popular restaurants like Chef Mickey's and Oga's Cantina.

Dine-in hopefuls referenced the September 25 executive order signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, which sent the state into Phase 3 of reopening from COVID-19 pandemic closures. The statewide order blocks local governments from restricting restaurant capacity to less than 50%.

The Phase 3 announcement gives autonomy to restaurants — which include sit-down dining establishments at Disney World — on what capacity level they want to operate at.

There has been no official announcement from Disney Parks regarding the expansion of reservation availability, but a park representative told Insider that reservations remain unavailable.

Inside the Magic reported this morning that a team member made the discovery of seemingly expanded reservations while attempting to change an upcoming booking. They said there were suddenly open tables at restaurants like Kona Cafe at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort, and the Whispering Canyon at Disney's Wilderness Lodge that weren't there the day before.

WDW News Today reported that their team was able to book day-of reservations at typically hard-to-get-into restaurants like Oga's Cantina and the iconic character breakfast at Chef Mickey's.

Though it seemed like reservations were open, the Disney representative told Insider that the rumors of expanded indoor dining capacity aren't true and that it was just a glitch.

For now, Disney fans looking to get their hands on some classic park dishes will have to keep their eyes out for recipes released by the park.

• Read more:
• I made Disney's Dole Whip recipe and found the key to the perfect texture is putting it in the freezer
• Disney, McDonald's, and other beloved brands are sharing recipes for their famous dishes online so you can make them at home
• Restaurant workers share 7 mistakes you're making when dining outdoors
• New York City's most exclusive restaurants with nearly impossible-to-get reservations are offering delivery and takeout