Dining at Walt Disney World has become more complex and competitive over the years, especially when it comes to snagging popular Table Service restaurant reservations.
So, I’m here to give you 11 Disney World dining tips to make your trip that much more successful.
You might not think there’s much to figuring out dining at the most magical place on earth, but there actually is.
Here are 11 Disney World dining tips you need to know!
In this article
Walt Disney World Dining Tips
When to make reservations
Disney World Resort hotel guests can make dining reservations for the entire length of their stay 60 days prior to their arrival day (up to a total of 10 days!).
Guests who don’t have a Disney World Resort hotel reservation can also book dining 60 days in advance — BUT, they will only be able to make those reservations one day at a time, exactly 60 days out from each day they want to book dining.
There are 3 ways to do this:
- In the My Disney Experience app
- On the Walt Disney World website
- Calling (407) WDW-DINE
I don’t recommend calling, because reservations open up online and in the app before the phone lines open. You can book in the app or online starting at 6:00 a.m. ET (sometimes earlier at 5:45 a.m. ET). Phone lines don’t open until 7 a.m. You should only call directly if you have issues.
Keep in mind that reservations may open up on the app before the website or vice versa, so you’ll want to check both simultaneously.
Book dining in order of popularity
You never want to book your dining reservations in chronological order. You should book in order of popularity to make sure you get the hard-to-snag dining reservations first.
This isn’t always a guaranteed method, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
If you book starting with your first day, but you have a more popular restaurant you want to eat at towards the end of your trip, it doesn’t make sense to book it last.
Here are a few popular restaurants that usually have hard-to-snag reservations:
- Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom)
- Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom)
- The Beak and Barrel (Magic Kingdom)
- GEO-82 (EPCOT)
- Space 220 (EPCOT)
- Space 220 Lounge (EPCOT)
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ (Hollywood Studios)
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (Hollywood Studios)
- Topolino’s Terrace – Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends (Riviera)
- ‘Ohana – Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch (Polynesian)
- Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Beach Club)
- California Grill (Contemporary)
- Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary)
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White (Wilderness Lodge)
- Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Disney Springs)
If you can’t get a reservation for the restaurant you want, there are different services where you can set up Disney dining alerts for when reservations become available. I recommend trying MouseDining.
Use mobile check-in
When it comes to checking in for most dining reservations, you don’t have to go directly to the restaurant. You can do so 20 minutes prior to your reservation time directly in the My Disney Experience app.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open the My Disney Experience app
- Tap the hamburger button (the 3 lines on top of each other) in the bottom right corner of the screen
- Click “Today’s Plans”
- Find your reservation and select “Check-In”
- Click “Start Check-In”
- Follow the on-screen prompts, which include party size, mobility accessibility, special dietary requests, and if you’re celebration a special occasion
- You can also choose to be notified if your table is ready via text or in the app (if the latter make sure you’re notifications are turned on for the My Disney Experience app)
After you receive an alert that your table is ready, you can go directly to the host stand and let them know.
If there’s an issue or you’d rather check in directly at the restaurant, you can also do that.
Always utilize Mobile Order
Mobile Order is one of the best features in the My Disney Experience app — and one I can’t recommend enough.
This service allows you to order food and drinks directly in the app at select Quick Service locations across the Walt Disney World Resort — without waiting in line.
Mobile Order is a huge time saver, especially when lines at Quick Service restaurants get long.
Here’s how it works:
- Open the My Disney Experience app
- Tap the “+” sign at the bottom of the screen
- Click “Order Food”
- You can then browse Mobile Order locations across Disney World, along with checking times that are “Available Now” or for times that you want to “Schedule for Later”
- Once you’ve settled on a location, click “Begin Order”
- Select the time you want
- Then, click the items you’d like to purchase and “add” them to your cart
- Once finished, hit “View My Order”
- If you’re happy with your selection, click “Review Order Summary”
- You’ll then scroll to the bottom, select your payment, and “Purchase”
When it’s time for your Mobile Order and you’ve arrived at the location, you can select that you’ve arrived and they will begin preparing your order. You’ll get a notification alerting you that your items are ready, along with which Mobile Order window to pick up your order.
You can also search for the restaurant you want to Mobile Order from and then click “Order Food” and follow the same steps.
You also need to know that you can place a Mobile Order at any time of the day — you don’t need to order dinner at exactly 5 p.m.
For example, if you want to make sure to secure a Mobile Order for one of the more popular Quick Service locations (like Woody’s Lunch Box at Hollywood Studios), you can place a Mobile Order for dinner at breakfast time.
Join a walk-up list
If you want to dine at a Table Service restaurant and you don’t have a reservation, you can try joining the walk-up list directly in the My Disney Experience app.
Go to the restaurant in the app and see if there is availability. If so, you can click, “Join Walk-Up List.” If not, you’ll see an alert that reads, “Walk-up list is currently unavailable to join due to high demand.”
Having this feature in the My Disney Experience app saves you time from having to go directly to the restaurant to see if you can get a table.
But, if you’re passing by the restaurant or want to double check, it also doesn’t hurt to ask at the host stand about the current wait time or if you can be put on the wait list.
Eat at off-peak times
I’m someone who likes to snack at Disney World and avoid long lines, which is one of the many reasons I like eating at off-peak times.
This applies to Quick Service restaurants, which can get busy at lunch and dinner times, like 12 p.m. and between 5-6 p.m. So, if you want to try to avoid lunch and dinner crowds, I suggest eating lunch at 11 a.m. and dinner at 4 p.m.
By eating earlier compared to when you normally would for lunch or dinner, you’ll have more chances to snack and maybe even get some dessert in the evening. What’s better than that?
Take advantage of discounts
It’s always nice when you can save some money at Disney World.
If you’re an Annual Passholder, a Disney Vacation Club Member, or a Disney Visa Cardholder, you might be able to save a small chunk at select Table Service restaurants.
Usually, it’s about 10%, which isn’t a lot, but it’s better than nothing. If your server doesn’t say anything about discounts, be sure to ask if they offer any. And if you’re paying with your Disney Visa, you’ll only get a discount if you spend $50 or more.
I would also like to share that Passholders who don’t want to pay full price for bottled beverages (they are pricey and add up at the parks), you should go to a gift shop instead, where your Passholder discount applies!
Oh, and if you’re a Passholder who loves coffee, I recommend skipping the Starbucks line and heading straight to Joffrey’s, where you can get a 20% discount on the regular price of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Look into dining packages and dessert parties
Dining packages and dessert parties are expensive and not for everyone, but they can be nice for those who want to make sure they have reserved seating for nighttime spectaculars and shows during EPCOT festivals.
It’s like you’re getting dinner and a show. But, again, these aren’t always worth it, so make sure you do your research before booking (and paying the hefty price).
You can also read my review about the Spice Road Table dining package that I booked during the 2023 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, along with my experience at the Seats & Sweets Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom in 2024.
Here are the current dining packages and dessert parties offered at the parks:
Magic Kingdom
- Pre-Party: have desserts at the Tomorrowland Terrace before watching the fireworks in the Plaza Garden viewing area
- $99 to $109 per adult and $59 per child (tax included); pricing varies by date
- Post-Party: watch fireworks in Plaza Garden viewing area and then have desserts after the show at the Tomorrowland Terrace
- $99 to $109 per adult and $59 per child (tax included); pricing varies by date
- Seats & Sweets: enjoy desserts as you sit and watch fireworks on the Tomorrowland Terrace
- $119 to $129 per adult and $75 per child (tax included); pricing varies by date
You can also usually book a dessert party for the fireworks during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
I don’t recommend paying for the dessert party during these specially-ticketed events, because it’s an additional price on top of what you already pay for your ticket. You also want to make sure you squeeze in everything you want. Plus, it’s normally pretty easy to find fireworks viewing during these events without a dessert party.
EPCOT
There are two fireworks dining packages (you watch fireworks from the restaurants):
- Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package: One appetizer, one entrée, one dessert, selection of unlimited beverages (non-alcoholic or alcoholic)
- Pricing: $92 per adult and $41 per child (tax and gratuity included)
- Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package: 2 small plates, one shared tagine, one dessert platter, unlimited beverages (non-alcoholic or alcoholic)
- Pricing: $81 per adult and $31 per child (tax and gratuity included)
Each EPCOT festival has dining packages available to book that all offer reserved viewing each respective show:
- Candlelight Processional during Festival of the Holidays
- Disney on Broadway during Festival of the Arts
- Garden Rocks during Flower & Garden Festival
- Eat to the Beat during Food & Wine Festival
Festival dining packages are usually offered at the following locations (pricing will vary):
- Biergarten Restaurant (Germany pavilion)
- Chefs de France (France pavilion)
- Coral Reef Restaurant (World Nature)
- Garden Grill Restaurant (The Land pavilion in World Nature)
- La Crêperie de Paris (France pavilion)
- La Hacienda de San Angel (Mexico pavilion)
- Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada pavilion)
- Nine Dragons Restaurant (China pavilion)
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse (America pavilion; usually available as same-day dining package)
- Rose & Crown Dining Package (United Kingdom pavilion)
- Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya (Japan pavilion)
- Spice Road Table (Morocco pavilion)
- Teppan Edo (Japan pavilion)
- Tutto Italia Ristorante (Italy pavilion)
- Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria (Italy pavilion)
Unlike Spice Road Table, which includes 2 small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter, and a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage, all of the other participating restaurants include an entrée and dessert or one full buffet/family-style meal (where applicable), as well as a non-alcoholic beverage or alcoholic beverage.
If you’re not sure you want to book one of these, you can always wait and try a same-day dining package that is usually offered at Quick Service restaurant Regal Eagle Smokehouse. These are limited and not always guaranteed. You can check at Regal Eagle to see if there is any dining package availability on the day you’re visiting.
The Disney Dining Plan can be used for festival dining packages. One Table-Service meal will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at most of the restaurants previously mentioned. Two Table-Service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at Le Cellier Steakhouse. One Quick Service meal will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at Regal Eagle.
Hollywood Studios
There are several restaurants that offer Fantasmic! Dining Packages:
- 50’s Prime Time Café (Echo Lake)
- Hollywood & Vine (Echo Lake)
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (Commissary Lane)
- The Hollywood Brown Derby (Hollywood Boulevard)
Each package includes an entrée and dessert at select full-service restaurants or one full buffet (where applicable), along with a non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 and older). You also get guaranteed seating in a reserved area for the nighttime show.
The Disney Dining Plan can be used for Fantasmic! Dining Packages. One Table-Service meal will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at 50’s Prime Time Café, Hollywood & Vine, and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. Two Table-Service meals will be redeemed from the dining plan for each person dining at The Hollywood Brown Derby.
Ask for to-go drinks
If you want to take a beverage from a Table Service restaurant after you’ve finished your meal, you can!
You can take water, coffee, and fountain drinks to go. You can even get a to-go cup of alcohol — but not everywhere. Of course, you can’t take an alcoholic beverage to go at Magic Kingdom, since alcohol can only be consumed at Table Service restaurants.
However, if you’re dining at a Table Service restaurant at EPCOT, you can take beer, wine, or a cocktail with you. This also applies to bars and lounges at Disney World.
Get free cups of water
The purchase of bottled beverages adds up, but did you know you can get free cups of water at select Quick Service locations?
If a Quick Service restaurant serves fountain drinks, they can give you cups of water — and you won’t be charged!
All you have to do is ask! A few tips when doing so:
- If you stand in line to order or Mobile Order, ask the Cast Member who gives you your tray for cups of water (they will either fill the cups for you or give you cups to fill if there is a self-serve beverage station).
- If you check out at a hotel food court, ask the Cast Member at the register for however many cups you need for water and then you can fill them yourself at the self-serve beverage station.
- If you don’t have a food order at a Quick Service restaurant, you can still get cups of water. Just walk up to the counter (I usually go in the Mobile Order line, but make sure you don’t cut anyone already in line) and ask.
This really is an easy wave to save some money.
Check cancellation and modification policies
Not all dining cancellation and modification policies are created equal.
More often than not, you can cancel/modify a dining reservation within 2 hours of the reservation time. Most restaurants also charge a $10 per person fee if you don’t cancel at least 2 hours prior to your reservation time.
That said, there are some exception to this rule…
Modifications are not allowed for:
- Cinderella’s Royal Table
- Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review
- Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party
- Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Post-Party
- Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Seats & Sweets
- Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise
- Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package
- Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package
- GEO-82 Fireworks Experience
- Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle
- Top of the World Lounge – multiple products
There are also some restaurants that require an earlier cancellation to avoid a fee and/or have higher fees:
| Restaurant/Experience | Cancellation Fee | How to Avoid Fee | |
| Cinderella’s Royal Table | Full cost of the experience (per person) | Cancel at least 2 hours prior to reservation time | |
| Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue | Full cost of the experience (per person) | Cancel at least 1 day prior to reservation time | |
| Sangria University | Full cost of the experience (per person) | Cancel at least 1 day prior to reservation time | |
| La Cava Experience | $50 (per person) | Cancel at least 1 day prior to reservation time | |
| Monsieur Paul | $100 (per person) | Cancel at least 3 days prior to reservation time | |
| Victoria & Albert’s | $100 (per person) | Cancel at least 5 days prior to reservation time | |
| Takumi-Tei | $100 (per person) | Cancel at least 2 days prior to reservation time | |
| Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party | Full cost of the experience (per person) | Cancel at least 1 day prior to reservation time | |
| Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Post-Party | Full cost of the experience (per person) | Cancel at least 1 day prior to reservation time | |
| Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Seats & Sweets | Full cost of the experience (per person) | Cancel at least 1 day prior to reservation time | |
| Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise | Full cost of the experience (per person) | Cancel at least 1 day prior to reservation time | |
| Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package | Full cost of the experience (per person) | Cancel at least 1 day prior to reservation time | |
| Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package | Full cost of the experience (per person) | Cancel at least 1 day prior to reservation time | |
| GEO-82 Fireworks Experience | Full cost of the experience (per person) | Cancel at least 1 day prior to reservation time | |
| Bourbon Steak – A Michael Mina Restaurant | $10 (per person) | Cancel at least 1 day prior to reservation time |
Have any questions? Ask away in the comments!
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