Thinking about travelling to Walt Disney World? No idea where to start? Then this guide to Disney dining is for you!
Let’s talk about ADRs (Disney advance dining reservations) – they’re absolutely crucial for a successful and fun Disney trip. Without them, you’ll find yourself wandering around and stressing out over where to eat. And trust me, this is incredibly important during busy times… which is basically every month from January through December!
While most restaurants can be booked within weeks or even days of your vacation, some require serious planning. Here are the reservations you should definitely try to snag at 7am, 180 days before your vacation:
Cinderella’s Royal Table
This experience completely changed how I look at Walt Disney World. As a die-hard Disney fan, eating in Cinderella Castle is simply magical – and yes, it’s absolutely worth it – once!
Here’s my personal experience: We arrived 15 minutes early but were asked to return exactly at 5:15pm. Cinderella herself greeted us in the foyer for a private meet-and-greet before we ascended the staircase. The dining room is incredibly intimate, with only about 50 tables. And don’t worry if you don’t have kids – we saw plenty of couples celebrating anniversaries and even twenty-somethings Disney-bounding as princesses!
‘Ohana
‘Ohana means family, and this is hands-down one of the hardest ADRs to get! My advice? Check out the menu, read reviews, ask friends – but book it! It’s way easier to cancel a reservation than to try snagging one 3-4 months before your trip.
Steakhouse 71
Located in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, this place is a hidden gem that many first-timers overlook. The sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for both special occasions and casual dining. What makes it even better is its convenient location – just a quick walk or monorail ride from Magic Kingdom. The menu features classic steakhouse fare with modern twists, and the prices are actually reasonable by Disney standards. Pro tip: Their lunch menu is equally impressive and typically easier to book than dinner.
Tusker House
This was BY FAR one of the best buffet meals we’ve had at Disney World. We lucked out by arriving at 11:05am during the changeover and got to enjoy both breakfast and lunch. But even without that bonus, we were impressed by how the food went well beyond typical “theme park fare.”
The restaurant is surprisingly huge, but don’t let that worry you – it’s broken up into multiple side rooms that keep the experience intimate. Unlike Be Our Guest’s three enormous themed rooms, Tusker House feels cozy. Oh, and did I mention it’s a character experience too?
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Crystal Palace
I can’t count how many times I walked past this stunning building in the Hub before finally eating here! While the food isn’t the star of the show, hanging out with Pooh and Friends makes it totally worth it. Pro tip: Go for a late lunch/early dinner – you’ll find fewer kids and more food options.
Coral Reef Restaurant
While EPCOT’s World Showcase gets all the foodie attention, don’t overlook this hidden gem in Future World. Dining with fish, sharks, and turtles swimming by your table? Unforgettable! Just remember to request a window seat when you check in.
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50’s Prime Time Café
With Disney’s Hollywood Studios undergoing its transformation, you’ll want a great place to rest and refuel between riding Tower of Terror and checking out Galaxy’s Edge. The food here is consistently good, and the themed experience will have you coming back for more.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Another Hollywood Studios option – where else can you eat in a car while watching old sci-fi movies? Fair warning: check the menu first. This one can be hit-or-miss, but the atmosphere is always fun.
Remember: These reservations can make or break your Disney experience, especially during busy seasons (which, let’s be honest, is pretty much always). When in doubt, book it – you can always cancel later if your plans change!