Disney Dining! More than just a Quick Service
When it comes to planning your Walt Disney World vacation, dining might not be the first thing on your mind—but it should be. With two official Disney Dining Plans, early booking perks for resort guests, and a variety of unforgettable sit-down restaurants, mealtime can be just as magical as your park adventures.
The Two Disney Dining Plans: Quick-Service vs. Disney Dining Plan
Walt Disney World offers two main dining plans to suit different vacation styles:
1. Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
Perfect for guests who want to maximize park time with minimal stops. This plan includes:
2 Quick-Service meals per night
1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night
A resort-refillable drink mug
Quick-service meals are fast, casual, and convenient—ideal for grabbing a bite in between rides.
2. Disney Dining Plan
For those who enjoy relaxing over a meal, this is the more traditional option. It includes:
1 Quick-Service meal
1 Table-Service meal
1 snack/nonalcoholic drink per night
A resort-refillable drink mug
The table-service meal can be used at character dining experiences or signature restaurants—perfect for creating lasting memories (and getting off your feet for a bit!).
Early Booking Advantage: 60 Days for Resort Guests
One of the biggest perks of staying at a Disney Resort hotel is early access to dining reservations. Resort guests can book dining 60 days in advance of their check-in date for the entire length of their stay (up to 10 days). This means better chances of snagging a table at hot spots like ‘Ohana, Cinderella’s Royal Table, or Be Our Guest Restaurant.
Why Dinner Should Be a Sit-Down Experience
The Florida heat, long lines, and sensory overload can wear you down fast. That’s why we highly recommend planning at least one sit-down dinner per day, especially during your Magic Kingdom visit. Here’s why:
Relax and recharge: Sit down in air conditioning, enjoy a refreshing beverage, and let someone else do the work.
Reflect on the day: Share your favorite moments so far, laugh over funny stories, and plan your evening adventures.
Great food, great memories: Disney’s table-service restaurants are more than just meals—they’re experiences in themselves.
Escape the Magic Kingdom Crowds: Resort Dining Gems Nearby
Magic Kingdom can get overwhelming, especially mid-day. The good news? Some of Disney’s best restaurants are just a monorail or boat ride away. Here are a few fan favorites that offer both ambiance and a break from the hustle:
🏰 ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
A family-style feast with tropical flavors, overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon. The view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks is a bonus!
🥩 Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Modern American cuisine in a sleek setting—perfect for a quieter, upscale meal just steps away from the park.
🍽️ Grand Floridian Café at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
A hidden gem with elegant yet approachable fare. It’s an ideal spot to cool off without the crowds.
🌅 Geyser Point Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
A laid-back, open-air lounge with lakeside views. Bonus: the boat ride there is a peaceful escape in itself.
Final Tips for a Magical Dining Experience
Use the My Disney Experience app to manage reservations, check wait times, and even join walk-up lists.
Stay flexible—sometimes the best meals are the unexpected ones.
Try something new—Disney's international cuisines offer tastes you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to fuel up between fireworks and parades, Disney Dining can add a whole new layer of magic to your vacation. Plan smart, eat well, and don’t forget to sit down, cool off, and savor the memories being made around the table.
