UPDATED: October 4,2018
This is a follow up on my earlier post:
Here is a list of recommended dining locations:
First, I will list the most popular choices and why folks like them so much. Please note that if you REALLY want to dine at these locations, you must be prepared to book exactly 180 days ahead of your trip. Following these, I will list some restaurants that are easier to get late reservations and also worth your consideration if you are unable to get your first choices.
The Character Meals:
Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom is a 2 Table Service (TS) entitlement meal. In my opinion, this is a good choice for little children who are very into Disney princesses. It is located inside Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom makes for a wonderful and unique atmosphere. Each visiting Princess is Royally announced and then she makes her way to visit each table for photos and autographs. The food, while ok, is secondary to the character greetings and theme, in my opinion. It is nice to experience once, but my daughter and I are not repeat customers here.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion of EPCOT, on the other hand, is a 1 TS entitlement meal. It also has a nice atmosphere and features several Disney princesses who visit you at your table for photos and autographs. As a picky eater myself, I only opt to make reservations for breakfast. This menu is very food friendly with unlimited scrambled eggs and bacon served table side as well as a buffet of pastries and fruits. I highly recommend this option for the princess lover in your party.
O’Hana Breakfast at the Polynesian Village Resort is a 1 TS entitlement meal which features Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch. The food is delicious, mostly traditional but with some tasty twists and the atmosphere is great. It’s location along the monorail make it a great choice for a day at Magic Kingdom.
Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort is another 1 TS entitlement meal featuring Mickey and friends. This buffet is very comprehensive with wonderful options for everyone. Located within walking distance from Magic Kingdom, the location is great as well. I recommend this meal option.
Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios is a 1 TS entitlement meal which features different characters throughout the day. Sophia the First, Doc McStuffins and Jake from the Neverland Pirates will meet you at your table for autographs and photos for breakfast and lunch at this wonderful buffet. At dinner you will be greeted by Minnie and friends. I especially highly recommend the breakfast meal for any Disney Junior fans.
Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom is a 1 TS entitlement meal featuring Winnie the Pooh and friends. This tasty buffet includes a parade for children to participate in with Tigger and all. It’s bright atmosphere full of windows looking out into the park make for a lovely setting. I am a repeat customer of this meal!
1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort is a 1 TS entitlement buffet that offers several different character experiences at each meal. At breakfast, the Supercalafragilistic Breakfast features characters including Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter. At lunch, children age 4-12 can enjoy a Wonderland Tea Party with games, stories and cupcakes. And later in the day, Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner brings Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Anastasia and Drizella. This is located along the monorail, making it a good choice for your day at Magic Kingdom.
Garden Grill at EPCOT is a 1 TS entitlement meal served family style at your table. This is a rotating restaurant that overlooks scenes from the Living with the Land attraction and features food grown in the Land greenhouse! Characters typically include Mickey, Chip and Dale, and Pluto.
Tusker House in Animal Kingdom is a 1TS entitlement meal featuring an African inspired buffet with traditional American fare as well and features Donald and Daisy, Mickey and others.
The Bon Voyage Breakfast Celebration at Trattoria al Forno at Disney's Boardwalk Resort is a brand NEW character meal opened in April 2017. This 1 TS entitlement breakfast features Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as well as Ariel with Prince Eric. Early reviews of both the menu and character interactions have been fantastic. Note: characters are only featured at Breakfast. From most resorts, the Boardwalk resort isn't exactly easy to travel to, having to switch at either EPCOT or Hollywood Studios first. Some have reported it to be easier and faster to call an Uber or use the new Minnie Van service.
Storybook Dining with Snow White at Artist Point located in Wilderness Lodge is now open for reservations for dates beginning Dec 16,2018. Slated to be be an "immersive character experience", here you will be able to meet the Evil Queen, Snow White, Grumpy and Dopey while you enjoy a fanciful meal set in an magical forest-like setting. This is a 1 TS entitlement that will be offered during the dinner period only.
Unique themes: Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom is a 1 TS entitlement meal inside the Beast’s castle (dinner only- breakfast and lunch are Quick Service and do not feature the Beast). Elegantly themed, a French inspired menu is sure to please most everyone. Tip- the French fries come dusted with an onion flavor- you can request that they arrive without that for those wanting “regular” fries. Also offered is “the grey stuff” for dessert, and it really IS delicious! Upon completion of your meal, you may have your photo taken with the Beast (note- he does not sign autographs).
50’s Prime Time Café at Hollywood Studios is a 1 TS entitlement meal at which you are served by “relatives” in a throwback to mom’s kitchen back in the day. A playful experience, this is a very popular and highly recommended choice.
Sci-Fi Dine-In at Hollywood Studios is a 1 TS entitlement meal themed as a drive in. You will dine in a “car” facing a drive in, running classic black and white drive in movie scenes. The food is good and atmosphere wonderful. This is another very popular choice and reservations go quickly.
T-Rex at Disney Springs is a 1 TS entitlement meal which as the name implies is dinosaur themed featuring American fare. This is very popular with younger children.
O’hana Dinner at the Polynesian Village Resort is a 1 TS entitlement meal in which you are served family style by “cousins” with freshly grilled meats brought tableside on skewers. If opting for a later reservation time, you may be able to watch Wishes, the fireworks display from Magic Kingdom while you dine.
Dinner shows: Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review at Fort Wilderness is a 2 TS entitlement meal during which you eat a delicious meal served family style as you watch a funny Western musical show. One draw here is that the meal includes unlimited beer for those so inclined. Accessible by boat from the Magic Kingdom, this is another good choice for a day you plan to spend at that park.
Spirit of Aloha at the Polynesian Village Resort is a 2 TS entitlement open air, covered luau complete with leis and hula dancers and features Polynesian Cuisine. This resort is located along the monorail and thus a good choice for a day you plan to spend at Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s Backyard BBQ at Fort Wilderness is a 2 TS entitlement, all you care to enjoy music filled buffet. With Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale as well as a cowboy performing rope tricks, the entertainment is wonderful. This meal also includes complimentary wine and beer for those of age. Accessible by boat from the Magic Kingdom, this is another good choice for a day you plan to spend at that park. **NOTE: This diniexperience is set to permanently close Dec 13, 2018.
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Those listed above are by far the most coveted locations and reservations will go quickly. If you find yourself unable to obtain reservations during your stay at these locations, below are all 1 Table Service entitlement locations which are somewhat easier to obtain reservations closer to the date of travel, and are worthy of consideration.
Rose and Crown Dining Room at EPCOT features British food and is known for its fish n chips. Located along the lagoon, it is possible to time your meal with the Illuminations show if booked far enough in advance.
Trails End at Fort Wilderness features a breakfast and dinner buffet and a la carte options at lunch. With its reasonable prices, this is a good value when you are not on the dining plan. You can also time your meal with the free Chip and Dale’s Campfire and Sing-a-long which is very near Trails End.
Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge is a VERY fun meal with great food that has lots of little surprises. We are repeat customers here!
Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano at Hollywood Studios is a lovely option for Italian food. Mama’s has a fire brick oven for flatbreads and wonderful pasta dishes. Earlier seating times often come with preferred seating at Fantasmic.
Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom is another meal served family style. Traditional foods with a colonial American theme, you will surely be happily stuffed after dining here!
Cape May Café at Beach Club Resort is a wonderful character breakfast and lunch buffet featuring Minnie, Goofy and Donald, and for dinner becomes a great location for seafood lovers. Note, dinner does not feature characters. This location is easily accessible from EPCOT- within walking distance in fact, so this is a great option on a day you plan to visit EPCOT.
Teppan Edo at EPCOT is a hibachi grill located in the Japan pavilion. Very entertaining, if you like any of the Japanese steakhouses, you will love Teppan Edo.
The Plaza Restaurant at Magic Kingdom is another fine choice when you are not on the dining plan. Reasonable prices and excellent sandwiches and a bright atmosphere make for a relaxing meal during a busy day at Magic Kingdom.
Tony’s Town Square in Magic Kingdom is another Italian dining option. Still a popular choice, it is a bit easier here than other locations within the park to get reservations closer to your travel date.
In summary- it is easy to see here that you have PLENTY of options when it comes to Table Service Dining at the Walt Disney World® Resort! We offer personalized recommendations and reservation assistance to our clients.
"Put our service to the test!" Call UNIGLOBE for your free, no obligation quote at (304) 232-5171 or (800) 825-7314.
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