Dining Reservations and Mobile Ordering at Walt Disney World
Planning your dining experiences at Walt Disney World can be one of the most exciting parts of your trip. With a wide range of restaurants offering everything from quick bites to fine dining, it's important to know how to secure reservations and make the most of your culinary adventure. Here’s a detailed guide on Walt Disney World’s dining reservation policies, strategies, and the best dining options across the parks and Disney Springs.
Dining Reservation Policies: Eligibility and Booking Windows
Eligibility for Dining Reservations:
Guests Staying at Disney Resort Hotels and Other Select Hotels: You can make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance, plus the length of your stay (up to 10 days). This gives you a significant advantage in securing spots at the most popular restaurants.
Guests Not Staying at a Disney Resort Hotel: You can make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance, but only on a day-by-day basis, which can make it more challenging to book popular spots.
How to Make Dining Reservations
Using the My Disney Experience App:
Open the app and sign in with your Disney account.
Select "Dining" from the home screen.
Choose your desired date, time, and party size.
Browse available restaurants and make your selection.
Confirm your reservation, and it will be added to your plans.
Reservations can also be made on the official Walt Disney World website or by calling Disney’s dining reservation line, but the app is the most convenient and allows you to see real-time availability.
Top Dining Locations in Each Park
Magic Kingdom
Table Service:
Be Our Guest Restaurant: Dine in the Beast’s enchanted castle with French-inspired cuisine.
Cinderella’s Royal Table: Enjoy a royal feast inside Cinderella Castle with character appearances by Disney Princesses.
Liberty Tree Tavern: Experience a classic American meal in a colonial-themed setting.
Quick Service:
Columbia Harbour House: Offering seafood and American fare in a New England-themed setting.
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe: Enjoy Tex-Mex favorites like fajitas and nachos.
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café: A variety of burgers, chicken, and plant-based options with a fun, space-themed atmosphere.
EPCOT
Table Service:
Le Cellier Steakhouse: A fine dining experience with Canadian specialties like filet mignon and cheddar cheese soup.
La Hacienda de San Angel: Savor Mexican cuisine with views of the World Showcase Lagoon.
Chefs de France: French cuisine in a charming, Parisian café setting.
Quick Service:
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie: French pastries, sandwiches, and more in the France Pavilion.
Sunshine Seasons: Fresh, seasonal dishes in The Land Pavilion.
Katsura Grill: Enjoy Japanese quick bites like sushi and teriyaki in the Japan Pavilion.
Hollywood Studios
Table Service:
50’s Prime Time Café: American comfort food with a nostalgic, 1950s home-kitchen vibe.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant: Dine in classic cars while watching vintage sci-fi clips.
The Hollywood Brown Derby: Fine dining with a touch of old Hollywood glamour.
Quick Service:
Woody’s Lunch Box: American classics like grilled cheese and totchos in Toy Story Land.
Ronto Roasters: Unique wraps and snacks in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
ABC Commissary: Variety of American fare with plenty of indoor seating.
Animal Kingdom
Table Service:
Tiffins Restaurant: Fine dining with African, Asian, and Latin flavors, celebrating the spirit of adventure.
Yak & Yeti Restaurant: Pan-Asian cuisine with unique dishes like honey chicken and beef lo mein.
Tusker House Restaurant: Buffet dining with African-inspired cuisine and character appearances.
Quick Service:
Satu’li Canteen: Creative, customizable bowls in Pandora – The World of Avatar.
Flame Tree Barbecue: Smoked ribs, chicken, and pulled pork with outdoor seating by Discovery River.
Pizzafari: A variety of pizzas and Italian-inspired dishes in a vibrant, animal-themed setting.
Top Dining Locations in Disney Springs
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a dining destination in itself, with a variety of world-class restaurants and unique eateries. Here are some of the most popular spots:
The BOATHOUSE: Waterfront dining with a seafood-heavy menu and the option to take an Amphicar tour.
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’: Southern comfort food made with farm-fresh ingredients.
Morimoto Asia: Pan-Asian cuisine by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, with sushi, dim sum, and more.
Wine Bar George: A wine lover’s paradise with a wide selection of wines and small plates.
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant: Traditional Irish fare with live music and entertainment.
Gideon’s Bakehouse: Known for its massive, freshly baked cookies that have gained a cult following.
Benefits of Mobile Ordering
Mobile ordering is a game-changer for quick service dining at Walt Disney World. By ordering through the My Disney Experience app, you can skip the lines and pick up your food at a designated time, making your park day more efficient. Here’s how to use it:
Open the My Disney Experience App: Select “Order Food” from the main menu.
Choose a Restaurant: Browse available quick service locations in your current park.
Customize Your Order: Select your food and beverage options.
Pick a Time: Choose an available time slot for pickup.
Check-In When You Arrive: Tap “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” once you’re at the restaurant.
Pick Up Your Order: Head to the designated mobile order pickup area.
Dining at Walt Disney World can be as magical as the attractions themselves. By understanding the reservation policies, utilizing the My Disney Experience app, and knowing the top spots to eat, you’ll ensure a deliciously memorable experience during your visit. Whether you’re sitting down for a signature meal or grabbing a quick bite between rides, planning ahead will help you make the most of your culinary adventure.