Let’s Talk Disney World Dining

You might have read my first post about Disney planning tips. In this follow-up post, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about planning the Disney dining experience. People are often surprised to find out that Disney World vacations involve a rather extensive planning process! Even if you have been to Disney World, processes sometimes change, so it is always good to check in and see what the current protocol is for dining and ride reservations and options.

Dining plans

For guests that stay at Walt Disney World resort hotels, dining plans were recently reintroduced. These plans are worth checking out for families who want to explore the many diverse restaurants at the various theme parks and in the broader Disney resort area. It is also a way for families to control their budget going into the trip. There is a quick-service dining plan for people who prefer fast meals and want to maximize their time on rides. This less expensive plan entails two quick-service meals per day and one snack/non-alcoholic beverage. The other dining plan offers one snack/non-alcoholic beverage, one quick-service meal, and one table-service meal each night that you stay at a Disney resort hotel. 

Regardless if you are on a Disney dining plan or not, guests can take advantage of mobile food and beverage ordering through the My Disney Experience app. This app is a must-have for many reasons, not limited to dining! You can truly plan your day using the app – from restaurant reservations to rides. You can also buy tickets, make or modify existing reservations, order merchandise, and view a tip board to enhance your experience. 

An image of the welcome screen on the Disney app (an absolute must-have)

Dining reservations

If you are staying at a Disney resort hotel, you can make dining reservations through the app or the website 60 days prior to your stay. This is 100% worth doing! Not long ago, I found myself online at 5 a.m. Tulsa time, reserving a restaurant for my family’s upcoming visit. Ten minutes later, every reservation for that particular restaurant on that particular day was taken. 

If you don’t get into your desired restaurant, keep checking back before your trip because there is a chance someone could cancel. You might even check on the app every few days. Not all restaurants are this hard to get into, but there are a select few gems that really are this difficult. 

The following table service dining experiences require every ounce of planning to make sure you get a reservation:

• At Magic Kingdom: Cinderella’s Royal Table inside Cinderella Castle and Be Our Guest Restaurant
• At Disney Studios: Oga’s Cantina and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
• At Epcot: Space 220 Restaurant and Le Cellier Steakhouse
• At Animal Kingdom: Tiffins Restaurant

Good-to-know

There are some amazing table service, quick service, and snacking opportunities throughout all Disney parks. Even if you don’t have a reservation – there will be food all around and at various price points! It also never hurts to go to a place and ask if there is availability even if it isn’t showing up on the app. I’ve been able to get in that way one time before. 

Close to Remy’s Ratatouille’s Adventure ride in Epcot, there is a delicious crepe place called La Crêperie de Paris.

For guests with certain dietary restrictions and/or adhering to a certain diet like me (gluten free!), you can note this when making a reservation and also tell your server. I have found Disney World does an excellent job at accommodating different diets. Guests can also bring in snacks and non-alcoholic beverages as long as they are not in glass containers.