I Asked 5 Disney World Experts Which Restaurant They Book First — They All Said the Same Thing

When it comes to planning a Disney World vacation, one of the first things seasoned Disney fans (and the AllEars Cast!) will tell you is that dining reservations can make or break your trip. That’s why I had to ask them their top Disney World restaurant to book!

The AllEars Team

Sure, spontaneous snacks are fun, but when it comes to the really popular restaurants, you’ll want to plan ahead. We asked five of our Disney World experts which reservations they always grab first, and believe it or not, they all agreed on one thing.

Character Dining

Alright, so the AllEars team couldn’t necessarily all agree on ONE restaurant at Disney World that they would book first, but they did agree on a TYPE of restaurant they will get up at 6 AM to book — character meals! That’s right, character dining is one of the most popular options at Disney World, and with a few standout restaurants, these reservations will go fast!

Emma and Mickey at Garden Grill

Why Character Dining Fills Up So Fast

Character dining experiences combine two of the most magical parts of a Disney trip, meeting your favorite characters and eating great food, all without waiting in long lines. That combo makes these reservations extremely popular, especially for families with young kids. Spots at these restaurants can disappear in minutes once the 60-day window opens. The AllEars team all agreed that securing a character meal early ensures you’ll have one of those peak Disney moments without the stress of trying to meet characters in the parks later.

Minnie at Chef Mickey’s

How to Make Advance Dining Reservations

It can be hard to narrow down where to spend your time and money at Disney World, but once you decide where to eat, the hard part comes next! Grabbing a dining reservation for a Disney World restaurant can be challenging. Because some restaurants have become so popular, those reservations can be gone the morning they become available!

Hollywood & Vine

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can book your Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) up to 60 days before your check-in date, plus up to 10 days into your trip. That means resort guests get a bit of a head start on snagging those hard-to-get spots! If you’re staying off-site, you can book 60 days before the day you plan to dine. The best strategy? Be ready the minute reservations open at 6 AM Eastern. Be sure to set that alarm and have your My Disney Experience app or Disney website pulled up and ready to go.

AllEars Tip: Start with the hardest reservations first, like character meals, and work backward. You can always come back for the easier ones later in the day!

Fry and Daisy!

Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera

Atop Disney’s Riviera Resort, Topolino’s Terrace offers a stunning rooftop view and a truly unique character dining experience: Breakfast à la Art with Mickey & Friends. Here, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy show off their artsy sides in painter, poet, and sculptor-inspired outfits you won’t see anywhere else! Not only is the food delicious, but it’s one of the most relaxed, high-quality breakfasts you’ll find on property. Only breakfast here is character dining, so be sure to book those morning reservations!

Breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace

Cinderella’s Royal Table — The Classic Castle Experience

If dining inside Cinderella Castle isn’t on your Disney bucket list, it should be! Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of the most sought-after reservations in all of Disney World. You’ll meet Cinderella and other beloved princesses while dining in the castle that is complete with stained glass windows and sweeping views of Fantasyland. The AllEars team recommends booking this one first out of all your reservations, if it’s on your list, because it’s that popular.

Quincy and Ariel at Cinderella’s Royal Table

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall — A Princess Feast in EPCOT

Located in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is another favorite among AllEars experts for character dining. This cozy, castle-inspired restaurant offers a meal with several princesses, which rotate. It’s a great alternative if you can’t snag Cinderella’s Royal Table or if you’re exploring EPCOT for the day and want to add some royal flair to your trip. We love the breakfast here because it is a traditional breakfast, so don’t let it intimidate you!

Emma and Tiana at Akershus

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, securing a character dining reservation can be the highlight of your trip. Our AllEars experts agree that it’s not just about the food, it’s about the memories you’ll make while sharing a meal with your favorite characters. Plan ahead, book smart, and let the AllEars team guide you to the best dining experiences Disney World has to offer. For more, be sure to follow our AllEars team on YouTube for more tips!