Disney Dining Tips No One Talks About

With over 400 dining options spread throughout Walt Disney World Resort, knowing where to eat and how to maximize your dining experience is crucial for a magical vacation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, there are a few dining secrets that often fly under the radar.

Ready to make your next Disney dining experience even more enchanting? Let’s dive into some lesser-known tips and tricks that will have you dining like a Disney insider!

1. Dine Upstairs for a Quieter Meal

Ever ordered your food through Mobile Order on the My Disney Experience app, only to struggle to find a table among the crowded quick-service spots? Here’s a little-known secret: dine upstairs! Some of the best quick-service locations like Columbia Harbour House, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, and Pinocchio Village Haus have upstairs seating that is often overlooked.

These upper-level dining areas are usually much quieter and less crowded, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling park below. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, PizzeRizzo is another gem where the upstairs seating is a hidden oasis.

Next time you’re balancing a tray full of Mickey-shaped treats, head upstairs for some well-deserved dining bliss!

2. Order from the Kids’ Menu (It’s Not Just for Kids!)

Feeling a little too full for a full-sized meal but still want a little something to curb those cravings? Don’t be shy—order from the kids’ menu! At quick-service restaurants, adults are free to choose items from the kids’ menu with no issues at all. It’s a great way to enjoy a smaller portion without the full price tag of an adult meal. For table-service restaurants, you can always ask a friendly cast member if ordering from the kids’ menu is allowed, and most of the time, the answer is yes!

Keep in mind that this tip doesn’t apply to pre-paid or prix-fixe meals like the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, where prices are set based on age. But for most other dining spots, this trick can help you save some Disney dollars while still satisfying your appetite!

3. Save Big with Breakfast Reservations

Related: The Disney World Restaurants Every First-Time Visitor Should Experience

Dining at Disney doesn’t have to break the bank, especially if you plan your meals strategically. Breakfast at Walt Disney World’s table-service restaurants is often significantly cheaper than lunch or dinner, making it the perfect way to start your day with a magical meal without the hefty price tag.

Not only can you indulge in Mickey waffles and other breakfast delights, but you’ll also have extra spending money for Dole Whips and churros later in the day!

4. Space 220 Lounge: The Best Deal in Space

Space 220 at EPCOT’s World Discovery neighborhood is an out-of-this-world dining experience that has guests “traveling” 220 miles above EPCOT via a space elevator. While many Disney fans know about the main restaurant, fewer realize that Space 220 also offers a lounge with a more flexible (and budget-friendly) dining option.

Both the restaurant and the lounge accept reservations 60 days in advance, but here’s the key difference: the main dining room charges a fixed price per person, while the lounge allows you to order a la carte. That means you can enjoy just an appetizer, sip on a signature cocktail, or go all out with a full meal—it’s totally up to you!

For those wanting the Space 220 experience without committing to a full-course meal, the lounge is the way to go.

5. Book the Last Reservation for VIP Park Vibes

Did you know you can snag dining reservations even at the same time the park is closing? Booking the last reservation time slot at popular spots like Be Our Guest or Cinderella’s Royal Table can turn into an unforgettable, almost VIP experience.

Imagine finishing your meal and stepping out into an empty park—perfect for taking magical photos with Cinderella Castle or Main Street, U.S.A., minus the crowds! It’s like having your own private Disney photo shoot, and trust us, the memories will be priceless.

6. Too Late to Cancel? Try This Reservation Hack!

Related: Restaurants To Avoid on a First-Time Visit to Disney World

If you’ve ever tried to cancel a Disney World dining reservation on the day of, you know how tricky it can be. The My Disney Experience app won’t let you cancel on the day of the reservation without a penalty, but don’t give up just yet. Here’s a sneaky trick: use the “Modify” option instead. Move your reservation to another day, and once it’s changed, you can cancel it without the same-day restriction.

This simple hack can save you from no-show fees and keep your plans flexible, even on the fly!

7. Refillable Alcohol at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

If you’re planning a day at Disney Springs, don’t miss Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, where they offer a refillable bottle program for select alcoholic beverages. Purchase the refillable bottle and enjoy your first fill, then get refills at a discounted rate—cheers to that! The best part?

You can bring your bottle back on future visits to enjoy those discounted refills time and time again. It’s a budget-friendly way to sip your favorite cocktails while exploring the Springs!

8. Alcohol Now Available at Magic Kingdom

Once known as a “dry” park, Magic Kingdom has evolved to include alcoholic beverages at all of its table-service restaurants. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at Liberty Tree Tavern or watching fireworks from Cinderella’s Royal Table, you can now pair your Disney dining experience with a glass of wine or a specialty cocktail.

And if you’re attending the Fireworks Dessert Party, get ready for unlimited alcoholic drinks as part of the experience!

9. Stay Hydrated with Free Water Everywhere

Florida’s sun can be relentless, and staying hydrated is essential for a fun day at the parks. Don’t waste your money buying bottled water! Head to any quick-service restaurant and ask for a free cup of water—you can even ask for multiple cups if your family needs a cool-down. It’s a refreshing way to beat the heat without breaking the bank!

10. Join the Landry’s Select Club for Priority Seating

Related: Underrated Disney World Restaurants That Deserve Way More Attention

Dining at Rainforest Cafe, T-REX Cafe, or Yak & Yeti Restaurant without a reservation? No problem if you’re a Landry’s Select Club member! For a one-time fee, you can join the club and enjoy priority seating at any Landry’s location, including those at Walt Disney World.

Just walk up, show your membership, and you’ll be bumped to the front of the waitlist. It’s a dining perk that Disney fans will love, especially during busy times when reservations are hard to come by.

11. Affordable Castle Views at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café

Related: The Underground Secrets of the Magic Kingdom’s Utilidors

Want to enjoy Cinderella Castle views without booking an expensive reservation? Head to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café at Magic Kingdom. While many guests flock to see Sonny Eclipse serenade them at this popular quick-service spot, the real magic is in the back corner. Here, you’ll find some of the best castle views at quick-service prices. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy your meal with a side of Disney magic!

These are just some of our favorite dining tips that can make your Disney vacation even more special. From secret upstairs seating to hidden budget-friendly options, these tips are sure to add some extra pixie dust to your next trip.

Keep following along for more Disney dining secrets, tricks, and tips. Happy eating, Disney fans!

Do you have any secret dining tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!