Taking the Guesswork out of Disney Dining

Walt Disney World has quickly become a haven for those who want a magical experience without compromising quality dishes.

Somewhere between early morning rope drops, lightning lanes and fireworks, you’ll want to refuel so you have the energy to reclaim the family record on Toy Story Mania.

Luckily, Walt Disney World can be a foodie paradise if you know where to look.

Whether you want a quick snack between rides, or a multi-course fine dining experience, we’re breaking down the various types of Disney dining so you can spend less time guessing, and more time tasting.

Quick Service dining at Disney is the most flexible option for those who don’t want to be tied to reservation times.

Quick Service includes counter ordering, snack carts, food trucks, and other grab-and-go establishments where you can walk up or mobile order without a reservation. Simply place your order, pick up your food and head to nearby seating or eat on the move. You may also be given a pager or table flag while you wait for your food to be prepped.

Don’t be too quick to discount these restaurants as “fast food.” Many Quick Service spots have become fan-favorites, offering exclusive snacks or sit-down quality eats without the price tag or time requirement. You’ve probably even seen many of these chart-toppers across social media, including the cheeseburger spring rolls and Cheshire Cat Tails in Magic Kingdom, carrot cake cookie in Hollywood Studios, or Pongo Lumpia in Animal Kingdom.

Walt Disney World lounges are often considered their own category. Since they don’t require reservations, they can be an excellent way to dine without much advance notice, and they often boast menu items right from their partner restaurant, or similar.

Lounges are separate closed or open spaces attached to a table service restaurant where you can walk up for a drink or quick bite. They typically have seating options and a bar or side tables where you can congregate. Most, if not all include a full bar, along with a selection of small plates or appetizers, and a great atmosphere. They’re well-themed, and a non-committal way to relax and refuel in or out of parks. Since they’re first-come, first-serve, you may have a bit of a wait, but for most, it’s well worth it.

Table Service at Walt Disney World involves a sit-down meal with a server and, typically, a reservation. These restaurants live across all parks, most resorts, as well as Disney Springs. We love the variety you can find between Table Service menus, from casual to formal, and all types of international or domestic cuisine.

While some headliners monopolize reservations from sunup to sundown, like Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest, many of our clients and agents swear by sometimes lesser-known gems tucked away at Disney resorts. We love watching the animals roam as we dine on Sanaa’s bread service at Animal Kingdom Lodge, or taking in the island flavors of Sebastian’s Bistro at the Caribbean Beach Resort. Plus, if you happen to be driving yourself around property, dining reservations let you park on-site, making it that much easier to get to your next meal.

For those who want a more upscale dining experience, Disney offers around two dozen signature and fine dining restaurants across property. These establishments bring to the table distinctive menus and theming, and provide a culinary experience versus a simple meal – such as the award-winning Victoria & Albert’s or California Grill at the Contemporary, where you can dine on premier steaks before watching Magic Kingdom fireworks from the terrace.

Signature dining is a great way to celebrate a special occasion, or simply treat yourself while on vacation. Be sure to check the Disney Dining website if you opt for one of these restaurants, as some do have dress code or may still be unavailable as part of the COVID-19 phased reopening.

Last but most-certainly not least in the Table Service genre is Character and Themed Dining. These meals have always been popular with families and individuals-alike, and are almost all back after a hiatus during COVID-19.

Character dining allows guests to see, meet and mingle with various characters throughout their meal. They typically revolve around buffet or family-style menus, or a themed, prix fixe selection of courses. Choose from Winnie the Pooh and Friends at the Crystal Palace, Chip ‘n’ Dale at EPCOT’s Garden Grill, Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs at Artist Point, Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch at ‘Ohana, or various iterations of Mickey and Friends across several other restaurants on property. These reservations can book up quickly, so be sure to set your alarms for your Advanced Dining Reservation window.

A newer offering to Disney guests is Mobile Check-In. Not all restaurants offer the feature, but it’s certainly worth checking the My Disney Experience App when you’re nearing your reservation. This way, your host or hostess knows you’re on your way and will likely have your table ready and set once you walk in the door. Plus, if you happen to be traveling with infants or young children… you know how valuable those few minutes of wait time can be.

Walt Disney World can be a haven for culinary connoisseurs, but it can also be overwhelming if you’re new to the process and not sure where to start. If you have questions or need recommendations, our agents have plenty of firsthand experience to help guide you through the Disney Dining planning process. Ask us today to help you get started!