Guide to Walt Disney World Dining

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Walt Disney World serves a vast amount of food, an overwhelming amount of food. There are over 6,000 food items available at more than 475 different locations. The number of dining choices can be bewildering for the first-time Walt Disney World Visitor. Our Guide to Walt Disney World Dining contains helpful information to plan your Disney Dining Experience.

Steakhouse 71 Guide to Disney World Dining
Steakhouse 71 Guide to Walt Disney World Dining

Walt Disney World Dining Locations

Walt Disney World offers a variety of restaurants to suit a range of budgets and tastes. The following are the most common terms used to describe dining options:

Table Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World

At Table Service restaurants, you are seated at a table and have an allocated waiter. There is a wide variety of Table Service Restaurants, including à la carte, buffets, character meals, and family-style meals (food served on large platters to your table).

Tipping of staff at most table service restaurants is customary. An 18% gratuity is automatically added for parties of 6 or more at most table-service restaurants.

Space 220 Table Service Dining at EPCOT Walt Disney World
Space 220 Table Service Dining at Walt Disney World

Disney World Fine/Signature Dining

These are the most expensive options, aiming for top-tier cuisine with a focus on Michelin-level quality. The Michelin Guide now covers Florida, and Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian holds one Michelin star (in addition to its AAA Five Diamond). Surprisingly, several more Disney World Restaurants haven’t yet been awarded the distinction, as there are plenty of candidates.

The majority of Signature Dining Restaurants outside of the theme parks have a dress code:

  • Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans or dress shorts, and collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.
  • Women: Capri pants, skirts, dresses, jeans, or dress shorts.
  • Not permitted in Signature Dining Rooms:  tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing, and t-shirts with offensive language and graphics.
California Grill Contemporary Resort
California Grill is one of the most popular Signature Dining locations

Quick Service Locations at Walt Disney World

Quick-service or Counter Service is Walt Disney World’s fast-food locations. However, don’t think of just burgers and fries, as many different types of cuisine are available.

Meals are usually cheaper than at table service restaurants, and you order your food and typically collect it at a counter. Tipping is not required at Quick Service venues.

Most Quick Service locations support Mobile Order in the My Disney Experience app.

Mobile Ordering Walt Disney World for Quick Service Restaurants
Satu’li Canteen Shrimp is a quick-service meal!

Dinner Shows at Walt Disney World

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness is currently the only dinner show operating at Walt Disney World.

Character Meals at Walt Disney World

Meeting a character while dining could be your worst nightmare or a fantastic treat. Character Meals are very popular, so it’s recommended to make your reservation in advance.

Character Meals are located throughout Disney World and are offered at each theme park, as well as in several resorts. Whether it is Mickey Mouse, a Disney Princess, or Winnie the Pooh, there will likely be a character meal where you can meet your favorite character.

While they may not always offer the best food, character meals are always a great deal of fun. Our Guide to Walt Disney World Character Meals provides further information.

Ohana at the Polynesian Village Resort. This is a great character meal. Meeting Stitch
Ohana Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch

Dessert Parties

These unique events offer premium viewing for parades or shows, along with a buffet of desserts and snacks. Some of the parties also provide alcoholic beverages.

Magic Kingdom currently offers three “Happily Ever After” fireworks dessert parties: Pre-Party, Seats & Sweets, and Post-Party (pricing varies by date; typically around $99–$129 adult, $59–$75 child). Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise on Seven Seas Lagoon is another option on select nights. Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a luxurious option.

EPCOT does not offer a standard dessert party for “Luminous”, but it does have fireworks dining packages (Rose & Crown and Spice Road Table) and select add-ons that may appear seasonally.

Always check My Disney Experience for current availability and prices.

Celebration at the Top - Sip, Savor, Sparkle. Luxury Dining Experience at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Sushi Station at Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle

Dining/Show Packages

At EPCOT, Luminous: The Symphony of Us fireworks dining packages are available at Rose & Crown and Spice Road Table; at Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic! Dining Packages offer reserved seating.

Kiosks & Carts

Walt Disney World serves food everywhere.

Stalls and carts serve snacks and even small meals throughout the resort. The temporary kitchens also serve unique culinary treats if you visit EPCOT during one of its festivals.

However, we have noticed that the selection of snacks available in Walt Disney World has reduced significantly in recent years.

Walt Disney World Dining Flower and Garden Festival serves great small meals/snacks
Our food from the Berry Basket at the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

The Disney Dining Plan

The Disney Dining Plan is a prepaid meal plan offered at Walt Disney World for guests booking a Disney Resort Package, and it is occasionally offered as a complimentary benefit.

Read our Guide to the Disney Dining Plan to learn more.

Toledo - Tapas Steak & Seafood at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort at the top of Gran Destino Tower
Toledo – Tapas Steak & Seafood Guide to Disney World Dining

Disney’s Advanced Dining Reservations

The most popular dining locations at Walt Disney World tend to book up quickly. Don’t expect to get a favorite dining location on the day.

All table service restaurants at Walt Disney World accept Advanced Dining Reservations. Guests can book reservations for Disney restaurants up to 60 days in advance of their visit.

Guests of Disney Resort Hotels and the Disney Vacation Club have an extended window for making dining reservations. Starting 60 days in advance of your arrival date, you can book up to 10 days of reservations.

Theme park reservations are no longer required for date-based tickets (the most common type), but some ticket types (e.g., Annual Passes) may still need a park reservation—dining reservations don’t guarantee park entry.

We have created a guide with more information about Disney’s Advanced Dining Reservations.

Tiffins Restaurant Animal Kingdom - Butter Chicken
Tiffins Restaurant Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World & Food Allergies

Walt Disney World used to be one of the best places to visit for those with food allergies or intolerances. 

However, we have noticed a significant reduction in the number of allergy-friendly meals offered at Walt Disney World during our recent visits. However, you should be able to find appropriate choices in most venues. Please note your allergy at the time of booking and inform the host/server upon arrival.

Our Guide to visiting Walt Disney World with Dietary Conditions contains helpful further information.

Tables in Wonderland

Tables in Wonderland was exclusive to Florida Residents, Passholders, and Disney Vacation Club Members. The card gave a 20% discount on food and alcohol at over 100 restaurants. Currently, the scheme is suspended and appears increasingly unlikely to be reinstated.

Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen Walt Disney World Dining tips
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen

Mobile Ordering

Most Quick-Service restaurants at Walt Disney World, as well as some snack locations, have started allowing you to order your food ahead of your visit.

The process is simple: via the My Disney Experience App, you can order your food, set your arrival time, and prepay using various methods, including credit cards and Apple Pay. Once you arrive at your restaurant, click the “I’m here” button, and you will be notified where to collect your order.

Guide our Guide to learn more about Mobile Ordering at Walt Disney World.

Pick your food for Mobile Ordering. Screenshot from My Disney Experience
Pick your food for Mobile Ordering

Tipping at Walt Disney World

Tipping when visiting Walt Disney World can cause guests confusion, especially for guests visiting countries where tipping isn’t customary. However, tipping is expected in several situations, including most table-service restaurants, and should be factored into your vacation planning.

Tipping is not expected at the majority of counter-service restaurants. However, at a few locations, your meal will be brought to your table; in this situation, staff will usually accept tips.

Read our Guide to Tipping at Walt Disney World for further information.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival showing the brilliant Lamb Chop
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Walt Disney World Dining Tips & Tricks

  • The most popular restaurants tend to fill up quickly. However, cancellations often do happen. Keep regularly checking on My Disney Experience if you fail to get your booking.
  • Some Disney Springs Restaurants also offer reservations through OpenTable if you struggle to book a table.
  • When you arrive at a restaurant, let them know you have arrived by using My Disney Experience.
  • Obtaining reservations is usually more manageable if you are prepared to eat your main meal at lunch or outside peak periods.
  • Lunches used to be cheaper at Walt Disney World than evening meals. This is now less common, but some venues offer cheaper lunch menus.
  • Walk-up waitlists are often available, but you’ll usually join via the app rather than in person at the podium.
  • Meals at Walt Disney World are massive. If you don’t have the most enormous appetite, consider sharing an entrée. Quick-service meals can easily be shared among several family members.
  • Ensure the restaurant is aware of any upcoming celebrations and birthdays.
  • Before deciding where to book, read reviews on Walt Disney World Restaurants. Most Walt Disney World Restaurants are excellent, but the food served will not suit all tastes at every venue.
  • If you follow a special diet, be sure to check menus carefully, as some venues may have limited options.
Signature Dining Bone in Ribeye at Yachtsman Steakhouse - Guide to Walt Disney World Dining
Steak at Yachtsman Steakhouse – Guide to Walt Disney World Dining

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Our Guide to Walt Disney World for Beginners is a fantastic place for more information to help plan your Walt Disney World Vacation.

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This overlook features a statue of Walt Disney called “Walt the Dreamer.” Walt the Dreamer statue at EPCOT Spaceship Earth is one of the most recognizable structures in any theme park. Inside is a 15-minute ride that shows the advancement of human communication. A post-ride exhibit is called Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future. Spaceship Earth was to transform, but this transformation has been postponed. However, at the time of writing, it is undergoing a multi-month refurbishment, but no changes have been announced. GEO-82 is a new adult-only lounge that has opened at the exit of Spaceship Earth. Spacehip Earth EPCOT Figment, the mischievous cartoon dragon, stars in Journey into Imagination with Figment. This is a fun dark ride experience. However, my children have found Figment to be a little scary when young. ImageWorks: The What-If Labs is an interactive area you can explore after the ride. The labs are an area most adults will happily skip, but kids do enjoy them. Figment currently meets in this area. The Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival is held in the former Captain EO & Honey I Shrunk the Audience Theatre. While these 3D films are pretty good, they can be seen elsewhere. Is this an excellent use of your Walt Disney World ticket money? Journey into Imagination with Figment World Discovery Test Track has recently been reimagined, and it is rather good. The finale hasn't changed, and it remains the fastest ride in Walt Disney World, but the show scenes have been significantly altered. Test Track is great fun, and it remains one of the most popular attractions in the park. The ride has a Single Rider Line, which you should consider using to save time. Test Track also closes whenever there is inclement weather, and in storm season, it is advisable to ride early. The new Test Track at Epcot. Mission Space is a simulator ride that is meant to replicate what an astronaut might feel in space. I don't get Mission Space—It just feels a bit odd and not very enjoyable. I am happy to give it a miss if the time is tight. Space 220 is a relatively new addition to the park adjacent to Mission Space. I'm pleased to say the restaurant is significantly better than the ride, and you should not miss it. Dining at Space 220 EPCOT Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, in the Wonders of Xandar Pavilion, is my favorite current attraction in Walt Disney World. It was initially slated to open in 2021, but eventually opened on May 27, 2022. The indoor coaster stars the Guardians of the Galaxy cast, including Rocket and Groot. The fast-spinning coaster has fantastic effects and a sensational random soundtrack. The ride is popular for a good reason, and unless you want a lengthy wait, you might need to buy a Single Pass. The very popular Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind World Nature Guests ride Clamobiles and take an underwater trip in The Seas with Nemo & Friends. The ride includes views of a massive aquarium, which you can explore further after the ride. Turtle Talk with Crush is an interactive animated show where guests can ask questions to Crush from Finding Nemo. I find the animation of Turtle Talk very impressive, and the entire family seems to enjoy the show. The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT There are three attractions inside the Land Pavilion in the World Nature area. Soarin' Around the World is a hang gliding motion simulator that takes guests over various regions of the world. The attraction used to be one of EPCOT's most popular, but waits are usually fairly manageable on most days. Soarin' at The Land Awesome Planet is a 10-minute film partly created by Industrial Light & Magic. The film explores the spectacular beauty, diversity, and dynamic story of Earth. Living with the Land is a narrated boat ride where you will visit various greenhouses and learn about future agriculture innovations. Unfortunately, many of these future agricultural innovations have been highlighted for over 20 years. Presumably, the future should be here by now, or it just isn’t happening. Perhaps many of these innovations are the agricultural equivalent of the Sinclair C5? Actually, we did the Behind the Seeds Tour, and I now have a whole new perspective on this agrarian innovation. Living with the Land Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, opened in 2023. This interactive outdoor trail offers a chance to play and interact with water as it travels from the sky to the oceans and back again. It isn't the reasons why you visit EPCOT, but actually, it is great fun. Worth visiting during the day and after dark. Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana World Showcase World Showcase is a permanent world fair containing 11 pavilions, each representing a country. The pavilions surround the World Showcase Lagoon, where the nightly Luminous The Symphony of Us occurs. The show features fireworks, fountains, music, and lights. I'm not a massive fan, but many people love it. The pavilions contain architecture, attractions, shops, and restaurants you would typically find in that country. Cast Members are usually citizens of the respective countries. Theoretically, there is space for a further nine pavilions at World Showcase, but despite rumors, there has been no confirmation of additions to World Showcase. EPCOT's International Gateway, between the United Kingdom & France, provides a less hectic additional entrance and exit for the park. It can be reached from the EPCOT Resorts by walking or by boat. In addition, there is a Disney Skyliner stop. It is a great entrance if you want to be one of the first guests to ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. World Showcase Guide to Epcot For Beginners Mexico The Mexico pavilion includes the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, a "Small World-type ride" featuring Donald Duck. There had been rumors that this attraction might be updated with a new Coco theme, but it seems to have gone very quiet. The majority of the pavilion is located inside the impressive pyramid. The central indoor area of the pyramid is themed as an outdoor twilight-lit Mexican village and marketplace. Norway The Norway Pavilion is the most recent nation to be added to World Showcase in 1988. The outside of the pavilion is a reproduction of Oslo's Akershus Fortress. Norway includes the popular Frozen Ever After dark ride. This ride is exceptionally popular, and waits can be long if you do not use a Lightning Lane. Frozen Ever After Norway is also the only place at Walt Disney World to meet Anna & Elsa. China You enter this pavilion through a large triple-arched gate. An impressive replication of the Temple of Heaven is the dominant feature. China includes "Reflections of China," a Circle-Vision 360° movie exploring China's history. A new film called “Wondrous China” had previously been announced, but it seems to have been canceled. The Outpost The Outpost isn't an official EPCOT pavilion but has been around since 1983. The original EPCOT plans highlighted a future Equatorial Africa Pavilion in this area, but it was never developed. The Outpost contains some African-themed shopping and refreshment stops. However, there isn't much to see here. Germany Germany is designed to look like a German town, but with architecture from various regions. When the pavilion was initially designed, the Unification of Germany seemed a remote possibility. Many small shops sell traditional German goods. There is an impressive Model Village on the pavilion's exit towards Italy. Italy Italy features a plaza surrounded by a collection of buildings inspired by hallmarks of Italian architecture. The centerpiece is the superb reproduction of St Mark's Campanile, which is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica in Venice. The pavilion includes several shops that sell costly gifts, including Armani products, fine crystal, wines & porcelain. The American Adventure The United States pavilion is actually called The American Adventure. The highlight is an audio-animatronic show detailing American history. Overall, there is little to see in this pavilion, but the show is rather good, although perhaps a bit too patriotic! The American Adventure Epcot World Showcase Japan Japan is made up of buildings surrounding a courtyard. The entrance to the courtyard features a 5-story Japanese Pagoda. Several Japanese gardens and pools decorate the pavilion. In many of the pools, you will find colorful Koi Fish. It is home to the only remaining Mitsukoshi Department Store in the United States. Morocco You can't haggle in Morocco, or I don't think you can. Otherwise, this pavilion is laid out to look like a traditional Moroccan market. It is one of my favorite pavilions in the World Showcase. However, the pavilion has undergone a sad decline in recent years after its operator hit financial difficulties. There are now few options, and the excellent Restaurant Marrakesh has been closed since 2020. Disney desperately needs to do something to revitalize this formerly brilliant pavilion. France France is themed to look like a Parisian neighborhood pre-World War 1. A replica of the Eiffel Tower is the highlight of the pavilion. The Eiffel Tower was reconstructed at a 1/10 scale of the original and stretches 103 feet into the air. Imagineers used forced perspective to make it look bigger than it is. There are plenty of shopping and dining opportunities in this pavilion. A panoramic film titled Impressions de France can be viewed in the pavilion, which has been recently upgraded to 4k. Running in tandem in the same theater is a Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opened in Epcot on October 1st, 2021. The attraction is in 3D and uses a trackless ride system. During the ride, you shrink to the size of a rat and cause mayhem in Gustav’s kitchen. The ride is great fun, and a personal favorite since I first rode the Disneyland Paris version. However, it will become 2D in November. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure United Kingdom The United Kingdom is designed to look like a traditional English village, which never existed. There are some interesting gardens and several shops in the pavilion. In addition, there are usually some live bands entertaining guests. However, there is little to do in this pavilion apart from relaxing. A future Mary Poppins attraction was planned but has now been canceled. Canada The Canada pavilion is designed to remind guests of the Canadian outdoors. The outstanding landscaping includes a canyon, a waterfall, gardens, and totem poles. Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 debuted in January 2020. The film features narration by Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy. Dining and Drinking at EPCOT If you are a foodie, then EPCOT is probably the park for you! EPCOT has the most extensive selection of dining options at Walt Disney World. From snack carts to signature dining, unique dining experiences will suit any budget. There are multiple Quick Service Locations and Food Carts throughout EPCOT. Those located in World Showcase serve traditional food from the country you are in. During the various EPCOT Festivals, additional counters are serving different specialty treats. Unlike the Magic Kingdom, where alcohol is limited, EPCOT serves specialty drinks in many locations. Drinking Around the World is a popular way many adults enjoy World Showcase. There are a large number of table service restaurants at EPCOT. Check My Disney Experience for the latest information, and note that there are reviews for the majority of restaurants on this site. EPCOT's restaurants fill up, and standby lines, if they exist, can be very long. Obtaining an Advance Dining Reservation is highly recommended. Our Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World has further information. Seasonal Festivals at EPCOT Perhaps one of the very best things about visiting EPCOT is the annual festivals. No visit to EPCOT is the same, and throughout the year, the park develops a temporary new look for the yearly festivals. Increasingly, there are very few weeks that do not hold a festival at EPCOT, but over the last year, dates have shortened slightly. There are four annual festivals, each offering unique entertainment, food, and drink. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival is an annual celebration of food and drinks worldwide. The Food & Wine Festival is one of the yearly highlights at Walt Disney World and draws big crowds of locals, especially on the weekends. Located throughout EPCOT are Marketplaces serving specialty Drinks and Food. The festival used to be limited to World Showcase, but is now throughout the park. Eat to the Beat is a series of free concerts held nightly throughout the Food & Wine Festival. Acts who appear regularly include Billy Ocean, Tiffany, and Starship. Here is our review of the 2024 festival. EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Epcot International Festival of the Holidays The final celebration of the Epcot year features the holiday traditions of the 11 World Showcase nations. Live musical productions plus seasonal food & drink make this a not-to-miss event. Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the biblical tale of Christmas in the Candlelight Processional. A 50-piece orchestra and choir accompany the narrator. Epcot International Festival of the Arts The Epcot International Festival of the Arts starts the Epcot year by celebrating food, art & entertainment. The festival is the newest of the Epcot Festivals, and previous highlights have included: Food studios celebrate the culinary arts. The popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series. International musical and variety acts. Performing artists, including acrobats. Workshops led by professionals will teach different artistic techniques. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Held annually in the spring is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Highlights include: Outdoor kitchens encircling World Showcase offer exciting food choices plus accompanying drinks. The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series Themed gardens and wildlife habitats, including a butterfly house. Disney-themed topiaries throughout the park. Annual highlights include Belle in France along with Beast, Snow White in Germany with the Seven Dwarfs, and Anna and Elsa in Norway. You can read more about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival in our review. Figment Epcot Flower & Garden Festival Read More To learn more about Walt Disney World, visit our Guide to Walt Disney World. Guide to EPCOT for Beginners
Our Guide to Animal Kingdom for Beginners contains the latest information to plan your Walt Disney World Vacation. Our family-focused tips and tricks will ensure a great vacation, whether a first-time or repeat visitor. Our Guide to The Animal Kingdom has been updated and includes all the latest information for 2025 and 2026.

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