Dining at Walt Disney World
When Can I Make My Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World?
When planning a visit to Walt Disney World, dining is one of the most common topics that comes up — and for good reason! With kids in tow, meals become part of the experience. The good news? There’s no shortage of dining options across Walt Disney World Resort, whether you’re eating in the parks, at your resort, or at Disney Springs.
Every resort features at least one quick-service dining location, while moderate and deluxe resorts also offer table-service restaurants. Each of the four theme parks provides a wide variety of both, so even the pickiest eaters are sure to find something they’ll enjoy. You’ll also find snack carts everywhere — popcorn, pretzels, churros, and, of course, Mickey Ice Cream Bars are never far away!
Table Service vs. Quick Service Dining
Table Service Dining
Table service locations offer seated dining with waiter service. Meals may be served à la carte, family-style, buffet, or prix fixe.
👉 Reservations Required: To guarantee a table, you’ll need to make an Advanced Dining Reservation (ADR). More on that below.
You’ll find table service dining throughout Walt Disney World — in all four parks, at moderate and deluxe resorts, and at Disney Springs.
Note: All character meals are table-service experiences, so if meeting characters is on your list, you’ll definitely want to book ahead.
This dining style is perfect for families who want a break from the heat or a little downtime between attractions.
Quick Service Dining
Quick service dining allows you to eat on the go without being tied to a specific reservation time. You can mobile order through the My Disney Experience (MDE) app, pick up your food, and find your own table.
These locations are found at every park, resort, and Disney Springs — and many offer surprisingly diverse menus! Quick service is ideal for families who prefer flexibility or don’t want to interrupt their park day with a long meal.
When Can You Book Dining?
For Disney Resort Guests
Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can book 60 days prior to check-in — for the entire length of their stay (up to 10 days).
This gives you an advantage, as you’ll have access to more availability than offsite guests booking day by day.
🕕 Booking opens at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time via your My Disney Experience account (desktop or app).
For Offsite Guests
If you’re staying offsite, you can still book dining 60 days in advance, but only one day at a time (rather than for your whole trip).
You’ll use the same process through the My Disney Experience app or desktop site starting at 6:00 a.m. Eastern.
Dining with Children Under 3
Children under 3 do not need park admission, but they do need to be included in your dining reservations. This is for capacity and fire code purposes, not for billing.
✨ Bonus: Kids under 3 eat free — as long as they share from an adult’s plate!
If you order them their own entrée, you’ll be charged, but at buffet or family-style restaurants, they can enjoy the full selection at no extra cost.
Pro Tip: At prix fixe or à la carte restaurants, you can ask your server to add an extra side (like mac & cheese or pasta) to share with your toddler.
Character meals are especially great for this age — they’re buffet or family-style, so little ones can eat freely while meeting their favorite characters.
Taking Tots to Disney: Favorite Table Service Restaurants
Magic Kingdom:
Be Our Guest • Skipper Canteen • Liberty Tree Tavern • Cinderella’s Royal Table
EPCOT:
Teppan Edo • Via Napoli • Coral Reef
Hollywood Studios:
Sci-Fi Dine-In • 50’s Prime Time Café • Hollywood & Vine • Mama Melrose
Animal Kingdom:
Yak & Yeti • Tusker House
Disney Springs:
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ • The Boathouse • Raglan Road • T-REX
Resort Favorites:
Topolino’s Terrace (Riviera) • ‘Ohana (Polynesian) • Beaches & Cream (Beach Club) • Ale & Compass (Yacht Club) • Trattoria al Forno (BoardWalk) • Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge) • Kona Café (Polynesian) • Toledo (Coronado Springs)
Signature Dining:
Yachtsman Steakhouse (Yacht Club) • Narcoossee’s (Grand Floridian) • California Grill (Contemporary) • Topolino’s Terrace Dinner (Riviera)
Taking Tots to Disney: Favorite Quick Service Spots
Magic Kingdom:
Pecos Bill • Casey’s Corner • Columbia Harbour House
EPCOT:
Anything in World Showcase during festivals! Try Fish & Chips (United Kingdom), La Cantina (Mexico), or Pizza Taglio (Italy).
Pro Tip: Hot dogs can be found at the Refreshment Outpost in Africa.
Hollywood Studios:
Woody’s Lunch Box • PizzeRizzo • Docking Bay 7
Animal Kingdom:
Yak & Yeti Local Foods Café • Flame Tree BBQ
Disney Springs:
The Polite Pig
Tips for Booking Dining Reservations
✅ You’ll need a Park Pass Reservation for any in-park restaurant.
✅ Include everyone in your reservation (yes, even infants).
✅ For large parties, try splitting into smaller groups with similar times (within 15 minutes). When you arrive, ask to be seated together.
✅ Plan popular restaurants toward the end of your trip for better availability — resort guests checking in earlier will have already had access to earlier dates.
✅ Save your credit card info in your MDE account before booking to speed up the process.
✅ Stay flexible — if your top choice isn’t available on your desired park day, try switching your park reservation.
✅ Ask for off-menu options for picky eaters — many restaurants can accommodate simple kid-friendly requests.
Final Thoughts
Dining is such a big part of the Disney experience — and with a little planning, it can become one of the most memorable parts of your trip. Whether you’re sharing Mickey waffles at breakfast or catching fireworks after dinner, these are the moments that make your family’s Disney story truly special.
Ready to plan an stress-free Disney vacation for your toddler? Let’s chat! REQUEST A QUOTE
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