Dining options at Walt Disney World in Florida seem endless. From Dinner Shows to Snack carts and dozens of options in between. It can be hard to decide where to eat.
There are several different types of dining at Disney World. Dinner Shows like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. Signature Dining like Victoria & Alberts. Table Service like Liberty Tree Tavern. Character Dining like Chef Mickey’s. Counter Service like Satu’li Canteen. Snack Carts like Cheshire Cafe. There are dozens of each of these types of food options, so where to begin?
First, you must understand what each category of Dining is and figure out which type of dining you want to experience. Dinner Shows are just that, you sit at a table where food is brought to you and you eat while watching a fun stage show. Signature Dining is top of the line “fancy shmancy” sit down restaurant, some even with a dress code. Table Service is your typical sit down type restaurant, no frills but usually cool theming. Character Dining is a table service meal option. It is either a buffet style or table service style meal, but you get characters coming around to meet and greet you. Counter Service (aka Quick Service) is like your fast food option. You order from a window and they give you a tray with food that you take to a table yourself. Snack Carts are those little carts tucked here and there around the parks and some permanent structures that offer things like pretzels, ice cream, fresh fruit, hummus snack cups, etc.
Now, think about your budget. Dinner Shows and Signature Dining are going to be your most expensive options. You are looking at about $75.00-$185.00 per person for these experiences. Table Service and Character Dining are going to run you about $40 per adult. Counter Service can be anywhere from $10.00 per person to $28 per person, depending on the venue. All those snack carts have the widest range from $3.00 to $12 per snack. So how much do you want to spend on food? There is also the Dining Plan to consider… see the blog about that here. You could also consider sharing plates. Some places give you so much food it is definitely enough for two people. However, other places, like the all you can eat, dinner shows, signature dining and character dining, will not allow sharing.
Also consider your picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions. Do you want to spend the money on a signature dining experience when your picky eater only wants mac and cheese? Disney is actually really good about allergies and dietary restrictions and in some cases, you will get the chef to pay you a visit to your table to clarify your restrictions and make you something off the menu.
Research is key. To know before you go will make your life so much easier. When you get there, you will already have in your mind what restaurant will fit your expectations. Read reviews online and get to see the recommendations of others. There are quite a few blogs and vlogs out there that strictly talk about dining. My favorite is the DFB! Disney Food Blog! Check them out. 🙂 And Check out our dining reviews page for our thoughts and experiences with Disney Food!
Now here are your COVID-19 UPDATES:
*Not all restaurants are open at Disney World at this time! (Ohana – my personal favorite, is one that is still closed)
*Dinner Shows are not currently running – (I did see that Beirgarten in Germany Pavilion – Epcot, is running their stage show, but they are bringing food to your table and is not a buffet)
*There are NO buffet style dining options at this time, but some have switched to all-you-care-to-enjoy and are bringing food to your table.
*Characters are NOT stopping at your table and signing books or taking photos (but will walk by and wave)
*You cannot walk around the parks and eat – you MUST find a place to “park it” before removing your mask and eating.
*Dining Plan is currently NOT available
*Dining reservations cannot be made 180 days in advance as you could Pre-covid. The current dining reservation timeline is 60 days in advance.
*You must utilize mobile ordering for counter service restaurants. This is found on your MyDisneyExperience App.
I know that Disney Vacation Planning can be a daunting and overwhelming task and dining decisions can sometimes be the biggest headache. I truly feel that you will find some good food at EVERY single restaurant at Disney. (Except maybe not at Tony’s in Magic Kingdom…) Feel free to ask me any questions about dining in the comments below.
Don’t forget to like and share below. Thanks for reading! Cheers!
The Mouse Traveler 