This week's topic is dining in WDW. Before I give you my top picks for dining with little ones, families, or adults only, I have a few tips to get you started with your dining plans.
It is never too early to begin thinking about where and when you would like to eat at WDW. In fact, I would recommend making some of these decisions fairly early as many dining locations strongly recommend Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs). If you are staying on property, you can make ADRs at many locations up to 90 days in advance. And a word to the wise, they WILL fill up. So, the sooner you make these decisions, the better the chance of getting the times and places that work best for your schedule and family.
You call (407) WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463 to make ADRs. You will want to have your selections/time frames handy with some back up choices (in the case of a totally booked restaurant).
***Hot Tip: if you would like to dine at Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's, or Crystal Palace, you will need to book these at the very least 90 days in advance. These are some of the hottest tickets in town. Very often, Cinderella's Royal Table will book up within the first hour that you can call exactly 90 days out from your vacation arrival date!
I usually suggest to those asking for my help in planning a WDW vacations to first plan out your schedule on which days you would like to go to specific parks. From there, you can decide on the restaurants you would like to hit in those parks or a very nearby hotel. This makes traveling from park to restaurant very smooth and prevents you from wasting valuable Disney magic time! For example, if you plan to go to Magic Kingdom, don't choose a restaurant for lunch at Animal Kingdom Lodge. You would want to choose a restaurant in Magic Kingdom or one of the surrounding resorts like Contemporary or Polynesian. By planning this in advance, your days should run more smoothly.
Another tip is dining time. The restaurants will be the busiest from 11:30 am-1:30 pm and from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Therefore, if you have small children who might not be able to wait for their food, plan on an earlier dining time like 11 am for lunch or 5 pm for dinner. On the other hand, if you have older children or are traveling as adults only, you might choose a later dining time such as 1:45 pm for lunch (have a late breakfast) and 8pm for dinner.
Now, keep in mind only the full service dining spots take ADRs. Counter service restaurants are typically open all day, so you can make a more spontaneous choice on dining times and places.
Another thing to remember is that ADRs are a reservation, but that just puts your name at the top of the list once you check in. You may have to wait about 5 to 15 minutes once you check in before you are seated. So, it is always better to arrive a little before your actual ADR time.
Now, are you wondering where to eat, but not sure if you would like the menu choices? Check out the menus at AllEars.net (in the column to the left click on Menus). This is a great resource and is updated frequently!
Many of the restaurants offer healthier side options for kids such as carrots or apple slices in place of french fries. This appeals to a lot of parents, like me!
Now, for my top picks in several different categories. Again, these picks are based on my opinion and personal experience only!
Best Character Meals:
It is never too early to begin thinking about where and when you would like to eat at WDW. In fact, I would recommend making some of these decisions fairly early as many dining locations strongly recommend Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs). If you are staying on property, you can make ADRs at many locations up to 90 days in advance. And a word to the wise, they WILL fill up. So, the sooner you make these decisions, the better the chance of getting the times and places that work best for your schedule and family.
You call (407) WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463 to make ADRs. You will want to have your selections/time frames handy with some back up choices (in the case of a totally booked restaurant).
***Hot Tip: if you would like to dine at Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's, or Crystal Palace, you will need to book these at the very least 90 days in advance. These are some of the hottest tickets in town. Very often, Cinderella's Royal Table will book up within the first hour that you can call exactly 90 days out from your vacation arrival date!
I usually suggest to those asking for my help in planning a WDW vacations to first plan out your schedule on which days you would like to go to specific parks. From there, you can decide on the restaurants you would like to hit in those parks or a very nearby hotel. This makes traveling from park to restaurant very smooth and prevents you from wasting valuable Disney magic time! For example, if you plan to go to Magic Kingdom, don't choose a restaurant for lunch at Animal Kingdom Lodge. You would want to choose a restaurant in Magic Kingdom or one of the surrounding resorts like Contemporary or Polynesian. By planning this in advance, your days should run more smoothly.
Another tip is dining time. The restaurants will be the busiest from 11:30 am-1:30 pm and from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Therefore, if you have small children who might not be able to wait for their food, plan on an earlier dining time like 11 am for lunch or 5 pm for dinner. On the other hand, if you have older children or are traveling as adults only, you might choose a later dining time such as 1:45 pm for lunch (have a late breakfast) and 8pm for dinner.
Now, keep in mind only the full service dining spots take ADRs. Counter service restaurants are typically open all day, so you can make a more spontaneous choice on dining times and places.
Another thing to remember is that ADRs are a reservation, but that just puts your name at the top of the list once you check in. You may have to wait about 5 to 15 minutes once you check in before you are seated. So, it is always better to arrive a little before your actual ADR time.
Now, are you wondering where to eat, but not sure if you would like the menu choices? Check out the menus at AllEars.net (in the column to the left click on Menus). This is a great resource and is updated frequently!
Many of the restaurants offer healthier side options for kids such as carrots or apple slices in place of french fries. This appeals to a lot of parents, like me!
Now, for my top picks in several different categories. Again, these picks are based on my opinion and personal experience only!
Best Character Meals:
- Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort (fun atmosphere with Mickey and friends)
- Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom (best buffet)
- Cinderella's Royal Table (amazing, unforgettable atmosphere)
- Tusker House (unique food choices)
Best Family atmosphere:
- Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge (hoot-hollerin'-knee-slappin' good time and don't forget to ask for ketchup)
- Coral Reef in Epcot (delicious food and unique atmosphere, not a bad table in the place)
- Beaches and Cream at Disney's Beach Club Resort (fun old-fashioned soda shop with burgers and hot dogs, and if you can, get the "Kitchen Sink")
- Biergarten (dining entertainment is lots of fun)
- 50s Prime Time Cafe at Disney's Hollywood Studios (throwback to dining in grandma's kitchen)
Best Quick Service (counter service/fast food):
- Pinnochio's Village Haus in Magic Kingdom (good selection and LOTS of seating, there are even tables that overlook It's a Small World ride)
- Casey's Corner in Magic Kingdom (fun hotdog joint with a baseball theme)
- Sunset Ranch Market in Disney's Hollywood Studios (wide selection and outdoor seating)
- Yak and Yeti in Animal Kingdom (good Asian selections and outdoor seating, the full service restaurant is inside)
- Pepper Market at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort (LOTS of variety and seating, there is a 10% gratuity automatically added to bill since there is waitstaff seating you and serving your drinks, but food is worth it)
Best Restaurants for adults only or with older kids:
- Artist Point in Wilderness Lodge (wonderful views and amazing food)
- Jiko in Animal Kingdom Lodge (ecclectic menu and extensive wine selection)
- Victoria and Alberts in Grand Floridian Resort (very romantic restaurant, only seats 60 people, you get a personalized menu at the end of your meal with the selections you chose, we went there on our honeymoon)
- Le Cellier in Epcot's Canada (delicious food and neat ambiance)
- Yachtman's Steakhouse at Disney's Yacht Club Resort (best steaks)
Unique and my personal favorite menu items:
- New England Clam Chowder at Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom
- Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream (see above)
- Cedar Plank Salmon at Artist Point in Wilderness Lodge
- Filet Mignon with Mac and Cheese at Jiko in Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Cheddar Cheese Soup (made with Moosehead Beer) at Le Cellier in Epcot's Canada
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake at 50s Prime Time Cafe in Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Beignets at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter (this is where I worked during my WDW College Program internship)
So, are you hungry yet?
For more great tips, click on the button at the top of the post or in the sidebar to the right and come back next week for more of my personal tips.
Disclaimer: These tips are soley based on my personal experience and opinion and are in no way endorsed by the Walt Disney Company!
For more great tips, click on the button at the top of the post or in the sidebar to the right and come back next week for more of my personal tips.
Disclaimer: These tips are soley based on my personal experience and opinion and are in no way endorsed by the Walt Disney Company!
3 comments:
Allison - love your choices!
There's a few others we love, like the Garden Grill and 'Ohana.
And Dole Whips. Lots and lots of Dole Whips...
Great tips Allison, our favourite charcter buffet used to be Crystal Palace but has recently changed to 1900 Park Fare. Try it next time you're there :)
Now that my kids are older, we love the new "The Wave" at the Contemporary. We can jump on the monorail, enjoy 1.5 hrs of A/C, have an uber cool, healthy, relaxing meal, and be back at the park in a jiffy! Their menu has just changed for the summer and they have a FREE birthday dessert that is actually 3 mini desserts. And if it's an adult night, they have trendy cocktails with antioxidants mixed in. We recommend the lettuce wraps and seafood linguini.
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