Disney Dining Tips & Tricks

At the Walt Disney World Resort there are over 500 different types of Disney Dining experiences to enjoy. Sample everything from fine dining and dinner shows to counter service and Character dining. The variety of flavors stretches across the globe. If adventurous, savor the trendiest cuisines and try something new. For the finicky eaters, enjoy homestyle favorites with special Disney touches. And don’t forget the signature Disney Character dining. It is a great way to meet favorite friends “up-close and personal” as the Characters visit tables for autographs, photos and laughs.

Types of Disney Dining Services

There are three types of dining service at Disney World including:

Quick-Service Dining – Includes counter service, food courts, lounges and bars. Reservations not accepted.
Full-Service Dining – Includes all table-service restaurants, dinner shows and other special dining experiences. Table-service restaurant dining styles includes In-Room Dining. Advance dining reservations are highly recommended at all full-service locations and may be required at some locations..

Disney Dining Advanced Reservations

You may make Disney Dining reservations for most full-service dining locations up to 180 days in advance (certain exceptions apply). Many Disney full-service restaurants are quite popular and book quickly. Advance dining reservations may be made online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). Guests with a confirmed advance dining reservation will be seated at the next available table that will accommodate their party size after the confirmation time.

At most locations, the entire party must be present before seating will occur. Guests should arrive with their entire party at least 10 minutes prior to their confirmation time. Reservations are generally held for up to 10 minutes past the confirmation time. Confirmed Guests who do not check in within this time frame may be subject to additional delays before seating, up to cancellation. See “Payment Requirements” for more information.

Disney Dining Same Day Reservations

You may make Disney Dining reservations for your Clients for most full-service dining locations up to 180 days in advance (certain exceptions apply). Many Disney full-service restaurants are quite popular and book quickly. Advance dining reservations may be made online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).Guests with a confirmed advance dining reservation will be seated at the next available table that will accommodate their party size after the confirmation time.

Dining Party Size

All children (including infants) must be counted as members of the party when making reservations even if the infant will be seated in a highchair, carrier or adult’s lap, and even if not ordering a meal or eating off an adult’s plate. Incorrect party size numbers due to infants may delay seating time. See also “Dining with Children” for more information.

For parties of six or more, an 18% gratuity will be automatically added to the bill.

For parties of more than 10 Guests at most full-service dining locations, reservations must be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). At some full-service dining locations, reservations for parties of more than 13 Guests must be made through the Group Dining department (407-939-7707) to ensure the best possible dining experience for the entire party. (Reservations for parties of more than 10 Guests made through the regular process by splitting the party into multiple reservations may not be seated at the same time or near each other).

Disney Dining Payment Methods

All Walt Disney World® Resort restaurants accept major credit cards (Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Disney Rewards Card, JCB, MasterCard), travelers’ checks, Disney Gift Cards, chargeable Key to the World Resort room key cards and cash as forms of payment. Personal checks are NOT accepted.

Disney Dining With Children

For dining purposes, a child is classified as a Guest between the ages of 3 and 9. A child within this age group will be presented with a child’s menu unless otherwise requested. Some restaurants where the inclusion of children is not recommended (including but not limited to: Bistro de Paris) do not offer a children’s menu. Guests must be 10 years of age or older to dine at Victoria & Albert’s. Most buffet locations offer a children’s buffet area with children’s favorites.

For children under the age of 3 please note the following:

Table Service: Children under age 3 may share from an adult’s ordered plate at no charge. However, children under age 3 who choose to order a separate meal from the children’s or adult’s menu will be charged the price as noted on the menu. Free refills are available on child beverages including juices, milk, chocolate milk, bottled water and soda. This refill policy does not apply to specialty drinks.
Buffet/All-You-Care-To-Eat: Children under age 3 may share from an adult’s ordered plate at no charge. If a child under age 3 orders a meal from a separate a-la-carte menu or children’s menu in lieu of the buffet or all-you-care-to-eat menu at that location, they will be charged the price as noted on the menu.
Quick Service: The Kids’ Picks menu at many Quick Service locations gives Guests ages 9 and under their choice of two side items (carrots, grapes or applesauce) and one beverage (water, milk or juice) along with their selected entree. Sugar-free Jell-O will also be available as an add-on option. French fries and fountain beverages are available upon request.