Walt Disney World is home to more than 390 dining options ranging from sit down restaurants (casual to fine dining) to kiosks and lounges. This impressive number of eatery’s is spread across all 4 Main parks, 2 water parks, ESPN, Boardwalk, Disney Springs and Disney Resorts. It is easy to understand why guests feel overwhelmed during planning. Take out the guess work and avoid these common Disney Dining mistakes.
1. Not Knowing What ADR Is
Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR) have become a must at popular Disney restaurants. Guests staying on Disney World property are allowed to make ADR’s starting at the 180 day mark. The 180 day mark starts from your arrival date and you may book reservations for whole stay from this point. Be ready for 6am (EST) the day of your 180 mark for the hard to get and most desirable time reservations.
2. Not Having A Plan
Not every meal will likely be a reservation, therefore plan out some Kiosks for snacks or Quick Service for meals is needed. Plan your Fastpass+ reservations around the area you plan on eating for a time saver tip. Consider the 30 Snacks You Must Try At Walt Disney World.
3. Eating at Peak Times
Guests going with a flexible plan is ok, however the best way to do this pleasantly is to avoid eating at peak times. This means avoiding lunch (average 11am-1pm) and dinner (average 5-7pm) at peak times. Plan an early lunch, or large breakfast and late lunch. Then either an early or late dinner depending on when lunch was eaten. This is a great tip to avoid long lines while dining.
4. Not Making Credits Count
For those on the Disney Dining Plan, your meals are pre-paid. However, making them count means your money was spent wisely. Breakfast is often not a good use of a dining credit. Consider:
- 5 Best uses of a Table Service CreditÂ
- 7 Best ways to use a Quick Service CreditÂ
- 226 Best Snack Credits At Disney World
5. Not Checking Menus Prior To Making A Reservation
You have booked your reservations and should be good to go! However, it is always a good idea to look at the menu before committing to a dining reservation. All Disney menus are available online for guests to view or search Couponing To Disney. Take a minute or two to review the items, are foods available that you and everyone in your group will eat? Does it accommodate any dietary needs? Do they offer kids meals? These can all be answered by a quick search.
6. Not Downloading My Disney Experience App
My Disney Experience App is a free smart phone app and it is amazing. Not only does it now keep track of your Dining Credits (Disney Dining Plan), it also keeps track of all your Dining Reservations and more. Another reason to grab this app, make dining reservations from the app. This is perfect for snagging last minute dining reservations, you never know what just might open up if you keep checking. Some one else’s cancellation could be your happy dance.
7. Not remembering The Tip
Tipping on the Dining Plan is a good thing to plan for in advance, and a mistake many make by not. Especially, if you are a party of 6 or more, an 18% gratuity will automatically be added. This includes buffets as well. Keep this in mind when making dining reservations and calculating costs.
8. Not trying Mobile Ordering
Mobile Ordering (also available through My Disney Experience App) is now available at more than a dozen Walt Disney World restaurants. This feature allows guests to order and pre-pay for their meals, all from the app (Dining Plans not accepted). This means guests can utilize time waiting in line for an attraction and also order their meal at the same time. Saving time at Disney means saving money. Learn how to use Mobile Ordering.
Learn more about Walt Disney World Dining and get suggestions for where to eat, how to use the Disney Dining Plan and more.
Erin Giannelli says
Where can I find those Stitch pancakes?!?!?
Tara says
O’Hana
Chris says
When I went this year it was just mickey waffles no pancakes at Ohanas