Planning any meal reservations for your family's vacation can be intricate but it is even more so when visiting Walt Disney World. Check out my top 10 Disney World dining tips for making the most of your dining experiences on your next dream vacation
1. Make dining reservations! To fully appreciate the delicious array of Disney Dining offerings, you must make advance dining reservations. And it’s not enough to just book these a few weeks before your trip. Walt Disney World table service dining reservations can be made 180 days in advance at 6 am EST. If you wait to make your dining arrangements, you very well may miss out on your top picks.
2. Research your dining options. There are an exorbitant amount of options to choose from in making your dining plans for your Disney vacation. Disney offers a restaurant and menu for everyone - from incredibly Disney-themed restaurants to upscale cuisine. Take some time to really research what would be the best fit for your family.
3. Consider how quickly you want to eat while dining. Some restaurants have a more relaxed environment which means your meals may take longer as you enjoy the restaurant’s ambiance. A slower-paced meal may be exactly what you’re looking for in a date night, but if you’re dining with young children, you may want to consider a restaurant that is a bit more tailored to them.
4. Try underrated restaurants! Sure, there are some spots that are must-visits but don’t be afraid to try a few that you’ve never heard of. Some of my family’s favorite meals have been at these not-so-well-known restaurants. Check out this blog article for my list of restaurant hidden gems in Walt Disney!
5. Disney is amazing in working with food allergies and sensitivities. Make sure to have it noted on the reservation when you book your dining and then mention it again at the podium when you check-in. The restaurant’s chef will personally see to it that you are taken care of.
6. A tip I give my clients is to save on dining costs by eating a big, late breakfast. You can stretch those Disney dollars by considering a table service meal later in the day. As a whole, breakfast is less expensive than lunch or dinner dining at Disney so you’ll save by combining your breakfast and lunch into brunch, and then having a delicious dinner later. Pack a box of granola bars and have one in the morning as you start your day if you need something to fuel you up before your Disney "brunch"!
7. Consider “snacks” in place of meals. With young children, our family can easily make a snack credit in the Disney Dining Plan into a small meal. One of our favorite uses of a snack credit for a meal is at Gaston’s Tavern in Magic Kingdom. The Cinnamon Roll not only will serve one of our children - but two, that’s how large it is! It’s a fun treat and a delicious way to start your day.
8. Consider a resort for your meal. The parks can get so crowded during the day. Sometimes it’s a nice reprieve while at a park, like Magic Kingdom, to hop on the monorail and head to one of the resorts on its loop for a delicious meal. These specific three resorts boast everything from fine dining to character meals to poolside hamburgers!
9. Book a Character Meal! If your children are interested in filling their autograph books, the best way to meet those lovable characters is by dining with them at either breakfast, lunch or dinner. As they come to your table, you’re able to sit back and enjoy your meal while your little ones enjoy some one-on-one time with everyone from Mickey to Winnie the Pooh to Prince Eric, depending on the restaurant!
10. Skip the Line! Many of Walt Disney World’s quick service locations offer Mobile Ordering. Use this to order your meal through your My Disney Experience app, then simply let the restaurant know when you’ve arrived via the app. You’ll get to pick up your food up at a special window, usually with no or a very minimal wait!
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