**Update March 2017**

Dining reservations for Walt Disney World resort restaurants open 180 days in advance. 

 If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort, you can book your entire stay at that time. 

 If you are not staying at a Walt Disney World, you'll need to check each day to make your reservations. 

 You can start making a reservation via the My Disney Experience App or online at Disney Dining at 6:00 am or via phone (407-WDW-DINE) at 7:00 am. 

 If you have food allergies, be sure to let them know at the time of booking. Disney World is fantastic with food allergies. They offer special menus that indicate which items can be made according to your needs. Plus a chef can come out and discuss and your options. 

 For more tips on planning on your Disney vacation, click here to request my free Escape the Crowds at Disney World guide. 

 The Hard to Get Reservations


 California Grill - California Grill is a fine dining restaurant on the top floor of the Contemporary resort. The views are amazing. You can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks shows from open air decks on either side of the restaurant. Click here for the dinner menu. 
Filet Mignon with a Corn Risotto at California Grill 
Cinderella Royal Table - This is a great experience for those Princess fanatics. You eat inside the castle and get to meet classic Disney Princesses.  Click here for the breakfast menu. 

Be Our Guest - Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom offers reservations for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast and lunch are quick service. Dinner is table service. The castle is very well one on theme and a meet and greet with the Beast is available. Click here for the menus. 
The Grey Stuff at Be Our Guest Magic Kingdom 
Character Dining 

Character Dining gives you the chance to interact with the characters in a more relaxed setting. The characters will come to each table to greet your family versus having to stand in line to see them. 
Tusker House


Select Classic Disney Characters, like Mickey, Donald, and Goofy are available:
  • Tusker House in Animal Kingdom,
  • Garden Grill in Epcot,
  • Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Resort,
  • 'Ohana in the Polynesian Resort,
  • Cape May Cafe in the Beach Club,
  • Garden Grove on weekends in the Swan/Dolphin,
  • Minnie is available at lunch and dinner at Hollywood and Vine in Hollywood Studios, and
  • Goofy's breakfast at Ravello in the Four Seasons. 

 Select Princesses are available: 
  •  Cinderella's Royal Table,
  • Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot,
  • Trattoria al Forno will offer a Couples Bon Voyage breakfast starting in late Spring 2017,
  • Perfectly Princess Tea at the Grand Floridian,  and
  • Cinderella is available at dinner at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian. 
Disney Junior Characters are available at Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios



  • Pooh and Friends are available at Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. 
  • Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, Tigger, Winnie the Pooh and the Mad Hatter are available at 1900 Park Fare for breakfast.


For the Foodies 

I personally love creative interesting meals. Here's my go - to list when dining at Disney World: 
Sanaa at Kidani Village Animal Kingdom Lodge - A great menu of North African cuisine. I love their Naan bread service. Click here for the menu. 
Naan bread service at Sanaa
Todd English's bluezoo at Swan Dolphin resorts. This is the best meal I've had on Disney property. Great service, great food. They even provide 2 hours of free child care if you are seeking an adult night out. 

Narcoossee's at Grand Floridian - This is a great seafood restaurant. If it's just adults, you can eat the bar and then head out to the deck to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Click here for the menu. 

Raglan Road at Disney Springs - This is the best gluten free restaurants in Disney World. Almost the entire menu can be made gluten free. We like going for brunch and enjoying the Irish dancers. 

Yak and Yeti at Animal Kingdom - Another great find with interesting menu items from Nepal, Tibet and India. 
in Even the hamburgers at Yak and Yeti are interesting. 
In general, the restaurants in the World Showcase are going to be interesting as they highlight that country's cuisine. Spice Table in Morocco is great. Both the restaurants in France are good. 

If you are looking for a great steak house - The Yachtsman Steakhouse in the Yacht Club and Shula's at Swan Dolphin are great options. 

Dinner Shows 

Hoop-Dee- Doo Revue is an Old West variety show with family style dining at the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. 
The Revue takes place in Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds 

The Spirit of Aloha features dancers from across the Pacific with family style dining. 
Fire Dancing is a highlight of the show.



Mickey’s Backyard BBQ is a fun country dance party with a barbecue buffet. This is a great option for kids (and adults) who have a hard time sitting still. 

 Dining Packages
Reserved seating is available as part of a dining package for:
  • Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom
  • Fantasmic! at Hollywood Studios
  • Special event concerts at Epcot such as the Eat to the Beat series during the Epcot Food and Wine Fest, the Candlelight Processional during the Winter holidays or Garden Rocks concerts during Epcot's Flower and Garden Show.
The dining packages are  2 table service credits or a pre-fixed price and menu. You'll eat at the restaurant you've selected and then your server will give you a sticker to show that you had the package so you can have access to the reserved section. The dining package is a must-do for the Candlelight Processional as most of the theater is reserved for dining package participants.


Dessert Parties

From time to time, Disney World also offers dessert parties that include special viewing areas for parades or fireworks. Tiana’s Riverboat party is an ice cream social where you watch the afternoon parade at the Magic Kingdom from the Liberty Square Riverboat.


For more tips on planning on your Disney vacation, click here to request my free Escape the Crowds at Disney World guide.