An Overview of Dining At Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World dining opportunities really enrich a vacation. Enjoying Disney Dining is one of my family’s favorite ways to chill out and have fun after a day in the park. Visiting new restaurants, enjoying seasonal menus at our tried and true favorite eateries and enjoying the ambiance at restaurants around the property are always highlights of our vacation. There is no need for learning about Disney Dining to be daunting. This article provides a beginners overview to Disney Dining and can help you jump start the dining portion of vacation planning.

1. Restaurant Types

There are an array of cuisines and dining styles across Walt Disney World. Numerous international cuisines are served at restaurants and different dining styles offer a fit for nearly every guest preference. Restaurants are classified broadly as Quick-Service (short order counter style) and Table-Service (sit down service). Both Table-Service and Quick-Service restaurants are dispersed throughout the property with Quick-Service being the more budget friendly dining option and Table-Service costing a bit more. Table-Service options often require an Advanced Dining Reservation.  

2. Locations

Disney restaurants are located in Parks, Resorts, at Disney Springs and on other parts of the property. With so many great dining options across the property it’s simple to find a meal your family will love in the Park or Resort you will be visiting during each day of your trip. Dining at restaurants located in Disney Resorts are especially fun because you have the chance to experience a new resort and explore an area of the property you may not ordinarily frequent. Nothing beats a dinner at Chef Mickey’s at The Contemporary Resort and spending time riding the monorail after dinner or time spent viewing the animals on the savanna at Animal Kingdom Lodge before a dinner at Boma.

3. Advanced Dining Reservations

Frequent Walt Disney World visitors tend to forget that Disney has a language all its own. This especially proves true for Disney Dining. Lucky for you we have lots of detailed articles about Disney Dining and lingo here on the blog. ADR or Advanced Dining Reservation is a term that is mentioned often. Advanced Dining Reservations are reservations you make prior to your vacation. You can book a dining reservation by calling a Disney booking agent or even more easily on the Disney website. Advanced Dining Reservations are a must for nearly all Table-Service dining experiences and booking windows open 180 days in advance of your scheduled vacation.