So you’re heading to Disney World for the first time? Congrats! But if you don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb when it comes to dining, we’ve gotta talk!
Disney dining isn’t just as simple as strolling up to a restaurant and grabbing a table like you would back home. There’s a strategy involved, and it’s one that seasoned Disney-pros have mastered. Whether it’s making the wrong reservations, underestimating quick service, or paying way too much for water, these rookie restaurant mistakes could make your trip more stressful (and expensive) than it needs to be. Here’s how to avoid them!
Not Making Reservations for Table Service Restaurants
Thinking you can just walk up to a popular Disney World restaurant and get a table? Disney’s best table service restaurants book up weeks (sometimes months) in advance. If you show up to ‘Ohana, Be Our Guest, or Cinderella’s Royal Table without a reservation, you’ll probably be met with a polite but firm “Sorry, we’re fully booked.”
The fix is to book your dining reservations as early as possible – up to 60 days in advance if you’re staying on Disney property. If you missed the booking window, keep checking the My Disney Experience app for cancellations or try for a last-minute Walk-Up List spot.
Booking a Reservation for a Park You’re Not Visiting That Day
Disney World requires park reservations, which means if you’re planning to dine inside a park, you need a valid ticket and reservation for that park. Yet, first-timers often make the mistake of booking a restaurant inside a park they don’t actually have access to that day. (Cue the sad trombone sound.)
Want to eat at Space 220 in EPCOT but you’re spending the day at Magic Kingdom? Unless you have a Park Hopper ticket, you’re out of luck. Be sure to double-check your park reservations before booking those dining spots!
Thinking All Quick Service Restaurants Are Bad
Look, we get it – when you hear “quick service,” you might picture sad burgers and soggy fries. But Disney has seriously leveled up its fast food game, and skipping quick service spots entirely is a rookie mistake.
Take Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom, for example. They serve fresh, flavorful bowls with customizable toppings that put most theme park food to shame. Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom has hearty seafood options like lobster rolls and grilled salmon.
Even Hollywood Studios – where food used to be an afterthought – now has gems like Docking Bay 7, serving creative Star Wars-inspired dishes.
Bottom line is don’t sleep on Disney’s quick service options. They can rival some of the best table service meals!
Skipping the Lounges
When people think about Disney dining, they usually picture big sit-down meals or quick bites on the go. But if you’re ignoring Disney’s lounges, you’re missing out on some of the best eats (and drinks) in the parks and resorts.
Lounges like Nomad Lounge in Animal Kingdom, Sanaa Lounge at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Tambu Lounge at the Polynesian Resort offer fantastic food without requiring a reservation.
You can grab small plates, cocktails, and some seriously underrated meals without the hassle of booking a table. Bonus: They’re also a great way to take a break from the crowds and cool off in the AC.
Buying Bottled Water
If you’re spending $4–$5 every time you need a bottle of water at Disney, we have some bad news – you’re throwing away money that could be spent on other things (maybe a DOLE Whip)!
Here’s what you’re going to want to do instead: You can get free cups of water at any quick service restaurant. Just walk up to the counter and ask for a cup of ice water. No purchase necessary!
If you prefer having a bottle on hand, bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at the many water stations throughout the parks. Stay hydrated and keep your cash for more important things.
Not Using Mobile Order
Standing in a long line at a quick service restaurant when you could have just ordered ahead on your phone? Yeah, that’s a rookie move.
Disney’s Mobile Order system lets you order food in advance via the My Disney Experience app and skip the wait. This is especially crucial during peak meal times when lines can get ridiculously long.
As a “pro tip”, make sure to order your food before you’re hungry. Some popular quick service spots like Woody’s Lunch Box can have wait times even for mobile orders. Placing your order ahead of time ensures you get your food when you actually want it.
Don’t forget to keep following AllEars for even more from Disney!
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What restaurant “mistakes” have you made in Disney World? Tell us all about them in the comments!
Unfortunately, waiting in line at a quick service location to place your order is sometimes inevitable (for example, needing to pay with cash or wanting to customize your order beyond what the app allows).