Dining at Walt Disney World

Tusker House Animal Kingdom Dining at Walt Disney World can be an experience in and of itself. From pot roast to pot luck, from luxurious fine dining to eating on the fly -- Walt Disney World has it all. Feeling exotic? The restaurants Boma and Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge might be to your tastes, or maybe you'd like the Middle Eastern experience at Marrakesh in Epcot's Morocco pavilion. Need to treat someone special to a fancy "event"? That's what the Grand Floridian resort's Victoria and Albert's is for. Want some good, old-fashioned home cooking? Try the fried chicken or pot roast at the '50s Prime Time Cafe at the Disney's Hollywood Studios. In a hurry? Then grab a burger at the Backlot Express or a grilled cheese at Beaches and Cream. All the ins and outs of Disney dining can be found here! We even have an assortment of your favorite Walt Disney World restaurant recipes!

WHAT'S ON THE MENU?
One of the best ways to tell if the restaurant is right for you is to take a look at the menu. Luckily, this AllEars.net has current menus with the prices, from almost every eating establishment on Disney property to help you make your decisions. All of the major sit-down restaurants are represented, as well as most counter service and quick service spots. For your added convenience, the menus are also available in a format that can be downloaded on your personal digital assistant or Palm Pilot!

WHAT KIND OF RESTAURANT IS IT?
Want to know a little bit more than just what's on the menu? You can find restaurant reviews that include ideas for making your Disney dining experiences memorable. You'll also find pictures here of the restaurants interiors, and some exteriors, so you can get a feel for the place's ambience. And, even though nearly every place at WDW loves children, we also offer advice on spots that are especially kid friendly.

DO I NEED ADVANCE RESERVATIONS?

At one time you only needed reservations for busy/ peak seasons, that is no longer true. With the Disney Dining Plan, it has become very difficult to get walk up or even same day reservations at the majority of the restaurants (especially in the theme parks).

For most restaurants, Walt Disney World offers Advance Reservations. You are told to check in at the restaurant's podium at least 5-10 minutes prior to your seating time, and will receive the next available table for your party size. To find out more about Advance Reservations, read the FAQ. Make your Advance Reservations for Disney restaurants by calling 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463) 180 days in advance. Disney's Central Reservation Office, or CRO (407-W-DISNEY), can also make your Advance Reservations, as can Lobby Concierge at your Disney hotel. Phone lines open at 7 a.m. Eastern time. (Swan and Dolphin Restaurant reservations can also be made through WDW's Dining number at 407-WDW-DINE.)

NOTE: All Disney Restaurants are NONsmoking.

Other Disney restaurants and special dining events require reservations that must be guaranteed with a credit card. For more details, refer to the Advance Reservations FAQ.

WHAT IS THE DISNEY DINING PLAN?

Many restaurants now participate in the Disney Dining Plan, which is part of a vacation package offered by Walt Disney World. Periodically this is offered as a "Free" add-on during off peak times (January, September) For a detailed explanation of the program, and a list of the restaurants that participate, visit our Magic Your Way Dining Plan page. Read what others say about the Disney Dining Plan!

WHERE ARE THE CHARACTERS?
Children (and adults!) love dining with the Disney characters. We highly recommend Advance Reservations for character meals to avoid disappointment. To find out where Mickey makes an appearance, and where the rest of your favorite characters are, refer to these pages:

Character Meals
Character Dining Locations

CAN MY KIDS EAT FOR FREE?
Walt Disney World Resort Restaurants consider a child to be ages 3-9. Most restaurants have a separate children's menu with selections geared to children's tastes. Most entrees on children's menus are priced under $6, although some restaurants may have higher priced offerings.

At table service restaurants, there is no charge for children under 3 who share from an adult's plate. However, if you order from a menu for a children under 3, you will be charged the menu price.

At buffet and "all-you-care-to-eat" restaurants, there is also no charge for children under 3 who share from an adult's plate. However, if you order from a separate children's or ala carte menu for a child under 3 (rather than eating from the buffet or all-you-care-to-eat offerings), you will be charged the price reflected on the menu.

At counter service restaurants, you will be charged the menu price if you order a meal for a child under 3.

NOTE: When making your Advance Reservations, be sure to include all children in your count of members of your party, even if they will be seated in a highchair.

ARE THERE SPECIAL DINNERS OR DINING EVENTS?
Whether you want a fun-filled evening of hootin' and hollerin' or an exotic Polynesian luau, WDW offers several different dining experiences. Check out some of these pages:

Afternoon Tea at Grand Floridian
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Mickey's Backyard BBQ
My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party
Spirit of Aloha (Polynesian Luau) Dinner Show

Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival

Valentine's Day
Easter
Mother's Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas
New Year's Eve

WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS? When you make your Advance Reservations be sure to indicate what special dietary needs you have. Read up on a variety of ways that your special needs can be met at Walt Disney World. We also have a range of guest comments as well as suggestions by noted vegetarian authors:

Special Dietary Needs
At the Parks
--Counter service
--Table service
Guest Experiences
--Celiac Sprue
--Food Allergies
--Kosher
--Low Carb
--Other special diets
Vegetarian Issues
--A Vegetarian at Mickey's Table - I
--A Vegetarian at Mickey's Table - II
--Strategies for Vegetarian Dining at WDW
--Meet the Authors of Vegetarian WDW

CAN I GET ANY DISCOUNTS?
There aren't many, but there are a few programs or memberships that can save you a few dollars when you're dining at Walt Disney World:

Annual Passholders
Disney Dining Experience
Disney Vacation Club
WDW Discounts

WHAT IF I FORGOT TO ASK FOR THE RECIPE? You just had the most wonderful meal at your favorite Walt Disney World restaurant... but you forgot to ask how to make it! Check our recipe section to see if we've picked up that special recipe for you!