9 Of The Hottest Dining Experiences At Disney World Resort

3. Dine on safari

Another wildly delightful resident restaurant you will find at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is Jiko—The Cooking Place. Open for dinner daily, this signature option boasts an elite upscale menu of the very best of the best in African, Indian, and Mediterranean fare. What’s more, diners can see their sizzling, savory dishes being prepared right before them onsite via the open show kitchen.

And while an enticing meal here is memorable on its own, guests ages 10 and up may enjoy an even more premium experience when they pair dinnertime with the available Wanyama Safari Dinner Package. This means that in addition to refined restaurant dining, you and your select party of up to 12 will also be treated to a privately led 90-minute safari excursion spanning 46 acres of savanna and offering unique views of the resort’s resident exotic animals.

2. Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night

In keeping with the incorporation of animal encounters into family fun and feasting, another epic epicurean excursion to consider is Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night. Still a relatively new experience, having just started last summer in conjunction with the release of Disney’s The Lion King live-action movie, this fun-for-the-whole-family dinnertime experience takes place most Wednesday nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, by reservation. A memorable mealtime event, your culinary quest begins at Harambe Train Station for a commencement reception featuring live authentic music, light refreshments, and a chance to meet cast members, who will enlighten guests on fun facts about the featured “Big Five” animals—leopards, African elephants, rhinos, the Cape Buffalo, and the lion, of course.

Then it’s off to Rafiki’s Planet Watch via the Wildlife Express Train for more snacks, lighthearted fun, and mingling with friends from the Lion King for photo ops and more. You will then once again board the train for a ride back to Harambe Village where the ultimate food flight will begin throughout Harambe Market. Enjoy a bustling time with stops at various stations all while enjoying lively ongoing entertainment in music, dance, storytelling, and so much more.

1. Dining at Cinderella Castle

Dining at Cinderella Castle is perhaps the most magical mealtime experience that everyone hopes to do at least once in a lifetime. The uppermost epicurean epitome for kids and adults alike, you’re in for a feast straight out of a fairytale, with some of your favorite Disney Princesses in attendance, including the one and only Cinderella herself, there to greet you upon entry. Cinderella’s Royal Table is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Due to high popularity, we strongly suggest making advance reservations to secure your spot.

There are numerous other hot dining options throughout Walt Disney World Resort as well as at nearby venues like Disney Springs—hailed for a wealth of great themed dining picks and world-class restaurants. And new options are always being added into the mix, including Epcot’s new highly anticipated Space220 Restaurant, slated to open this March. Just remember, with any highly sought-after dining Walt Disney World dining experience it’s always best to book dining reservations well in advance no matter what. And do note that some hot-ticket venues and dining events do not participate in the Disney Dining Plan. All the same, any dining experience at Disney is magical.