Get the most out of your Disney vacation by planning one of the most important parts of your trip in advance - eating!
1. Make dining reservations.
This is the number 1 piece of advice. In order to take advantage of the full range of delicious dining options we highly recommend making Advance Dining Reservations, and the best advice is to make reservations as early as possible. For most restaurants, that’s 180 days prior to the date you’re seeking. If you’re staying in a Disney hotel, you can book all of your reservations for up to 10 days beginning exactly 180 days before the first day of your trip. If you wait til you arrive to book you could miss out on many of your top picks.
2. Plan your must-eat items!
Everyone has their own favourites but Disney Food Blog has put together a list of the 'must-eat' foods, which includes cult favorites like Dole Whip Floats, Zebra Domes, School Bread, and Mickey Bars. Do some research and make a list of the foods you want to try so that you don't miss out on any.
3. Eat during off hours.
Not a big fan of crowds, or looking to get into a booked up restaurant? Consider eating during off hours. Booking an early or late meal, or trying out a counter service spot between traditional meal times can definitely reduce your wait, and you might even get to try a few restaurants that you thought you’d have to skip.
4. Consider hitting up resorts for meals.
While it’s a lot of fun to eat in the parks, booking meals at nearby resorts can also be a good option. Spots like Kona Cafe at the Polynesian or The Wave at the Contemporary are a convenient monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom, and can be a nice break from the heat and crowds.
5. Book a character meal.
If you're looking to get character photos and autographs then be sure to book a character dining experience. Instead of waiting in long lines, the characters come to you. And don’t skip this option if you’re kid-free — lots of adults-only parties have an awesome time at character meals!