After Resort and flights, another major part of a Disney vacation is dining. Between meals and snacks at Disney, special dining experiences, character meals and more, there is a lot to know. Below are my best tips to know about Disney Dining prior to their trip. Is there anything you would add?
Everything You Need To Know About Dining At Disney:
Advanced Dining Reservations
Guests may book advanced dining reservations up to 180 days before your arrival date (for up to a 10 days in advance from then). Be Our Guest and Ohana’ are top choices. If there are restaurants you really want, mark the 180 day on your calendar and be ready at 6am (EST) to book ADRs online or at 7am (EST) when the phone lines open for ADR.
Split Meals
Splitting meals at Disney World is a great way to save money, plus some portions are huge. The Ultimate Split these meals list contains more than 20 meals guests can split at Disney World.
Buffets at Disney World
Buffets at Disney World are a great time to spend time with friends or family while enjoying all-you-care-to-eat foods and a break from the parks. Choose between different locations and cuisines, plus some meals with Characters. Learn the 15 Best Buffets at Disney World.
Ice Cream
What is vacation without an ice cream treat? Disney World has the best ice cream treats. Such as The Kitchen Sink Dessert from Disney’s Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Here are 9 ice cream treats at Disney World you must try!
Starbucks
Starbucks is located at each of the 4 main parks and 2 at Disney Springs. Perfect for a morning coffee & breakfast sandwich or an afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, guests can earn Free Starbucks Gift Cards to use at Disney. Complete List Of Starbucks Locations At Disney World.
Quick-Service Meals
Counter Service meals are a great way to try Disney World food, without the average 2 hour commitment of a sit-down restaurant. More than the convenience of a meal, taste is important too. Here are the 12 best quick service restaurants at Walt Disney World when considering taste and overall experience.
Table-Service Meals
Prefer to have a relaxing dining experience? A table-service meal allows guests to take their time and enjoy their meals. Read the Best Table Service meals by Park, and get some ideas for which Advanced Dining Reservations you may want.
Vegan
Disney World is one of the best vacations to take for those with special dietary needs or allergies. Since, they are more than willing to work with you. If you follow a Vegan diet, you are also in look with these 10 Vegan Friendly Options At Walt Disney World.
Pack Snacks
Packing snacks for your Disney World vacation can save time and money. Having snacks on hand means avoiding long lines just for a small snack. Consider this list of 10 Favorite Snacks to Pack for a Disney World Vacation. Basically, anything that wont melt or easily be crushed is great to pack. Disney allows guests to bring in a small, non wheeled cooler.
Check Menu’s Before you Dine
Download the My Disney Experience App as well to easily access Disney Dining locations and menus. Take some time either on the App or on the Disney World website to explore menus. This will save guests from going somewhere people in their group wont like, saving wasted money. Also, learn where the locations of the restaurants you may want to dine at, try to score Fastpass+ in advance in the same general area as well, as saving time at Disney is saving money.
Mobile Ordering
Mobile Ordering allows guests to order and pre-pay for their food at select participating restaurants. Skip the line and pre-order your food. Check to see if a restaurant participates on the My Disney Experience App.
Disney Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan at Walt Disney World is a pre-paid option that allows you to get (1) Quick-Service Meal, (2) Snacks and (1) Table-Service Meal per person per night of your stay. Plus each person receives one Resort refillable drink mug. Cost is $75.49 per day for Adults (10 and up) and $25.75 per day for Children (3-9 yrs old). Disney also offers a less expensive option, Quick Service Dining Plan and a more expensive option, Deluxe Dining Plan.
Snacks
For those on the Dining Plan, look for the pricey snacks to Get the most out of your snack credits. Read the 15 most expensive snacks eligible as a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan. For those paying out of pocket look for frugal and delicious snacks such as the 20 Best Food Finds for under $5.00 through out Disney World.
Dessert Party
Have you ever tried a Dessert Party at Walt Disney World? Enjoy some sweets and VIP treatment including exclusive views to Disney’s most popular nighttime shows. Here are 6 Disney World Dessert Parties compared by cost, views and special experiences.
Character Meals for Boys
Have a boy and heading to Disney World? Great! It is not all Disney Princesses. Here are the 5 Best Restaurants for Boys at Disney World. These includes meeting the Fab Five, dining with dinosaurs and more.
Free Ice Water
Disney World is hot, and requires much walking, stop by a counter-service restaurant for free ice water. Starbucks gives a nice large cup of cold ice water.
(Thanks, Sara)
Learn more about Walt Disney World Dining and get suggestions for where to eat, how to use the Disney Dining Plan and more.