Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Walt Disney World is a foodie’s paradise, offering an incredible variety of dining experiences that cater to every palate and occasion. There’s something for everyone, from quick-service spots to fine dining and themed restaurants to character meals. However, planning where to eat can feel overwhelming with so many options.
To help you make the most of your culinary adventures, here are ten tips and secrets for dining at Walt Disney World that every guest should know!
10. Book Dining Reservations Early
Walt Disney World’s restaurants are wildly popular, and many of the best spots fill up fast. Guests can make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance. Popular locations like Be Our Guest Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, California Grill, and ‘Ohana are known to book up quickly. Planning ahead ensures you secure your spot at these must-visit dining destinations.
Credit: Disney
9. Try Last-Minute Reservations
If you miss out on advanced reservations, don’t worry! Last-minute cancellations happen frequently, opening up opportunities for lucky diners. Check availability the night before or even on the same day. Disney’s app makes it easy to search for open reservations, so keep checking—you might just snag a table at your dream restaurant.
8. Discover Hidden Mickeys at Garden Grill
Nestled in the Land Pavilion at EPCOT, the Garden Grill Restaurant is a rotating eatery serving fresh, family-style meals. Guests dine alongside characters like Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto while overlooking scenes from Living with the Land. Keep an eye out for a Hidden Mickey in the mural featuring flowers and foliage. It’s a small but delightful detail that adds a touch of Disney magic to your meal.
7. Escape the Crowds at Columbia Harbour House
Liberty Square’s Columbia Harbour House offers a nautical-themed quick-service menu featuring options like shrimp, salmon, and sandwiches. While the first floor can get crowded during mealtime, many guests don’t realize there’s a second floor! Head upstairs for a quieter dining area with fantastic views of Liberty Square and the Rivers of America.
6. Listen Closely at Be Our Guest Restaurant
Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom transports guests into the Beast’s Castle for a meal straight out of Beauty and the Beast. This location offers quick service during breakfast and lunch, then transitions to table service for dinner. As you explore, pay close attention to the hallway with suits of armor.
If you listen carefully, you’ll hear the suits whispering to each other—a charming and interactive touch!
5. Look for Hidden Characters at Cinderella’s Royal Table
Dining inside Cinderella Castle at Cinderella’s Royal Table is a dream come true for many guests. While enjoying your royal feast, look up into the rafters where you’ll find Jaq and Gus from Cinderella peeking down at diners. This whimsical detail adds a sprinkle of Disney magic to your experience.
Credit: Disney
4. Request a Tank-Side Seat at Coral Reef
The Coral Reef Restaurant in EPCOT’s World Nature area offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience with views of a massive aquarium. Marine life, including sharks, turtles, and rays, serenely swims by as you dine. Arrive early and request a table next to the tank for the best views. It’s an unforgettable setting that will delight both kids and adults.
3. Take Advantage of Free Toppings Bars
Meals at Walt Disney World can be pricey, but some quick-service locations help stretch your budget. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café in Frontierland and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland both feature free toppings bars. Load up your meal with extras like tomatoes, onions, and more to create a customized feast without spending an extra penny.
2. Spot Hidden Mickeys at Le Cellier Steakhouse
Le Cellier Steakhouse in EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion is a cozy, cellar-inspired eatery known for its incredible steaks. While waiting for your table, take a close look at the wine racks near the check-in desk. You’ll find a Hidden Mickey cleverly incorporated into the design. It’s a small detail, but it’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
1. Save Room for Dessert
If there’s one golden rule for dining at Walt Disney World, it’s this: always save room for dessert! From the Grey Stuff at Be Our Guest Restaurant to decadent treats like bread pudding at ‘Ohana, Disney desserts are the perfect way to end your meal. Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge your sweet tooth with these iconic creations.
Credit: Disney
Final Tips for Dining at Disney
Walt Disney World’s dining options are as magical as its attractions. To get the most out of your culinary adventures, make reservations early, keep an eye out for last-minute openings, and don’t forget to explore the little details that make each location unique.
Whether it’s spotting Hidden Mickeys or enjoying a meal with a view, Disney dining is an experience you’ll never forget. Bon appétit!
