Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Walt Disney World is home to an incredible array of dining options, from quick-service favorites to full-service fine dining. A great way to elevate your Disney vacation is by exploring the unique table-service restaurants scattered across the resort. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family meal, a romantic night out, or a culinary adventure, these top dining spots are sure to impress.
To secure your spot at these popular restaurants, be sure to make an Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR) up to 60 days in advance. Here are the seven Disney dining locations that you absolutely can’t miss on your next trip!
7. California Grill
Location: Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Perched atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, California Grill offers breathtaking views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Magic Kingdom, and neighboring resorts. The menu showcases California-inspired flavors, with appetizers like Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli and a range of sushi options prepared fresh. Entrees include mouthwatering dishes like Grilled Colorado Lamb Rack and Oak-Fired Filet of Beef.
For an extra magical touch, book a reservation timed with Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After fireworks show. The restaurant pipes in the soundtrack, allowing you to enjoy the dazzling display from the comfort of your table or the outdoor viewing deck.
Credit: Disney
6. ‘Ohana
Location: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
‘Ohana brings a warm, island-inspired atmosphere to your Disney vacation. Breakfast is a lively affair featuring a character meal with Lilo, Stitch, and other Disney friends. Guests can enjoy Hawaiian-style staples like island-style potatoes alongside classic favorites like Mickey waffles.
Dinner at ‘Ohana is an all-you-care-to-enjoy feast served family-style. Start with their famous pineapple coconut bread and a refreshing salad before diving into skewered meats, teriyaki noodles, and stir-fried vegetables. Don’t forget the iconic ‘Ohana Bread Pudding topped with banana caramel sauce—it’s a dessert you’ll dream about long after your trip.
5. Be Our Guest Restaurant
Location: Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland
Step inside the Beast’s enchanted castle at Be Our Guest Restaurant for a dining experience like no other. This visually stunning location serves quick-service breakfast and lunch, but dinner is where the magic truly shines.
Dinner includes French-inspired dishes such as Center-Cut Filet Mignon and Pan-Seared Sea Scallops. For dessert, indulge in “The Grey Stuff”—a nod to the famous line from Beauty and the Beast. The enchanting ambiance, complete with snowfall visible through the ballroom windows, makes this a must-visit, especially during the holidays.
4. Le Cellier Steakhouse
Location: EPCOT, Canada Pavilion
Tucked away in EPCOT’s World Showcase, Le Cellier Steakhouse recreates the charm of a Canadian wine cellar. Start your meal with the rich and creamy Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, a fan favorite.
For the main course, the Le Cellier Filet Mignon is the star of the menu, served with wild mushroom risotto and truffle butter sauce. Other delicious options include Pan-Seared Red Snapper and the Dry-Aged Rib-Eye. Pair your meal with a Canadian wine or craft beer for a dining experience that will leave you planning your next visit.
3. Victoria & Albert’s
Location: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
For an unparalleled dining experience, Victoria & Albert’s offers the epitome of elegance. This AAA Five Diamond Award-winning restaurant features a sophisticated Victorian ambiance and a seven-course tasting menu.
While the menu changes frequently to reflect the freshest ingredients, guests can expect culinary masterpieces like Caviar, Maine Lobster, and Miyazaki Wagyu Beef. For an even more exclusive experience, consider booking the Chef’s Table, where you can watch the magic unfold in the kitchen. Reservations are highly coveted, so book as early as possible.
Credit: Disney
2. The Hollywood Brown Derby
Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Step into the golden age of Hollywood at The Hollywood Brown Derby. This upscale yet approachable restaurant is known for its signature Cobb Salad, a tribute to the original Brown Derby in California. Other standout entrees include the Charred Filet of Beef and Roasted Half-Chicken.
The vintage decor, complete with caricatures of Hollywood legends, sets the stage for a glamorous meal. This is the perfect spot for fans of Old Hollywood charm and classic American cuisine.
1. Coral Reef Restaurant
Location: EPCOT, The Seas with Nemo & Friends
For a unique dining experience, Coral Reef Restaurant offers an underwater escape. Located in EPCOT’s World Nature area, the restaurant provides panoramic views of a massive aquarium featuring sharks, rays, and colorful fish.
The menu highlights fresh seafood, with entrees like Seared Mahi Mahi and Grilled Sustainable Salmon. Non-seafood options, such as Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast, are also available, ensuring something for everyone. Don’t forget to try the Chocolate Wave dessert for a sweet ending to your meal.
Credit: Disney
Tips for Securing a Reservation
- Plan Ahead: Dining reservations open 60 days in advance for all guests. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can book for the entire duration of your stay (up to 10 days) starting at the 60-day mark.
- Be Flexible: Popular dining times (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM) fill up fast. Consider early or late dining slots for better availability.
- Use the My Disney Experience App: This app is your best friend for booking, modifying, and checking availability for dining reservations.
Honorable Mentions
While these seven restaurants are standout choices, there are plenty of other incredible dining experiences to explore at Walt Disney World. Consider adding Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort to your list for future visits.
Dining at Walt Disney World is as much an adventure as the parks themselves. Whether you’re savoring fine dining or enjoying family-style feasts, these restaurants will make your Disney vacation truly unforgettable.
