Types of Restaurants

Quick Service

This category includes restaurants with fast food and counter service—we’d call them fast food spots.

This category can be further divided into:

• Food trucks
• Kiosks
• Restaurants

Food trucks can be found at Disney Springs, the commercial area of Disney, and at some Disney Resorts.

Kiosks are scattered all over the parks, sometimes mobile, or set up for special events like the Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT.

Quick service restaurants are available in all six parks and often save the day when you’re looking for a quick meal—without sacrificing the immersive theming of each location.

Quick Service locations do not require reservations, but choose wisely—some offer unique, exclusive dishes that are worth a try.

Table Service

This category is divided into two types:

• Character Dining
• Themed Dining

Character Dining restaurants are the most popular (and expensive) at WDW. In addition to amazing theming, you’ll get to meet and interact with characters during your meal.

You won’t need to get up—they’ll come right to your table, take photos, and sign autographs for the kids.

Themed Dining is my personal favorite.

The combination of food quality, themed atmosphere, and price makes these restaurants top-tier in my ranking.

Since there are no characters, the real highlight is the food quality—and if I say it, you can trust it 😅

Reservations for Table Service restaurants are strongly recommended, although not always required.

How to Book

Currently, reservations can be made 60 days in advance.

To book, you’ll need to create a My Disney Experience account on the official website or via the app.

Creating an account is free, and you do not need to have park tickets yet in order to make restaurant reservations.

Once registered, search for your desired restaurant by selecting the park, date, meal time (lunch or dinner), and number of guests.

The site will only show restaurants that meet your search criteria. If the one you’re hoping for doesn’t appear, it means there’s no availability.

Once you find the restaurant, choose the time, enter the guests’ names, add your credit card details for a deposit hold, and complete the booking.

If successful, you’ll find the reservation in the MY PLAN section of your account.

Tips

Don’t forget to cancel at least 24 hours in advance—otherwise, you’ll lose your deposit.

To access the restaurant, you must have a valid park admission ticket, arrive at least 20 minutes early, and show your reservation either through the app or by using your Magic Band.

Take your time and carefully choose your restaurant. On the official website and app, you’ll find menus for all restaurants, prices, and charts for possible food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Dining at a Table Service restaurant is a true experience that can last up to two hours—plan your day carefully, or you might end up rushing and not enjoying the meal to the fullest.

My TOP 10

This list includes dining experiences that, in my opinion, offer the best value for money and overall experience.

#10 Space 220

Announced with great fanfare over a year ago, this restaurant is expected to open at EPCOT during 2021.

The level of immersive theming is expected to be out of this world—literally!

The restaurant will be “located” 220 miles above the skies of Orlando, and guests will reach it via a special elevator simulating a journey to the edge of the atmosphere.

There are still no details about the menu, but it’s sure to be stellar 😅

#09 Cinderella’s Royal Table

I know, I know! You’re probably calling me crazy for placing the most luxurious restaurant in all of WDW in ninth place—but I have a good reason.

There’s no doubt that dining inside the iconic castle at the world’s most visited theme park is magical, but considering the price, it may not be worth it for everyone.

#08 Gaston’s Tavern

Gaston’s Tavern is located in Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom and is a must-stop on every one of my trips.

Enjoying a cinnamon roll while sipping the (non-alcoholic) beer named after one of Disney’s most infamous villains is absolutely delightful.

#07 50’s Prime Time Café

You don’t go to the 50’s Prime Time Café just to eat—you go to follow the rules!

This restaurant is all about entertainment and interactive dining with your “host mom.”

To truly enjoy the experience, you’ll need to play the role of a classic 1950s American teenager—so don’t be surprised if you’re asked to help clean the kitchen, mop the floor, or explain how school went to “mom.”

The setting is incredibly immersive. Your table will be inside a fully themed 1950s kitchen, complete with vintage TVs showing classic sitcoms from that era.

#06 San Angel Inn Restaurante

This large Mayan pyramid, the symbol of the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT, hides several attractions inside—including the San Angel Inn Restaurante.

Sitting at your table here will make you feel like you’re really in a Mexican village square. The colors, the music, the scents—everything is designed to transport you there.

I’ve dined here several times, and each visit was better than the last.

I recommend asking for a table by the river—you’ll also get a great view of the attraction dedicated to The Three Caballeros.

#05 Columbia Harbour House

If you enjoy the seafaring atmosphere of the northeastern United States, this restaurant is for you.

At Columbia Harbour House, you can enjoy grilled or fried seafood dishes while taking in the view of Liberty Square.

It’s a quick service location, but since it’s one of the few of its kind in this area of the park, it’s often quite crowded—despite being rather hidden, perfectly blending in with the colonial-themed surroundings.

#04 Oga’s Cantina

Okay, I cheated a little here.

This may not technically be a restaurant, but at Oga’s Cantina there’s not much food—yet since reservations are required, I’m counting it as one.

If you’re a Star Wars fan—or even just a casual admirer like me—you absolutely must stop for a drink at the legendary Oga’s Cantina.

While the immersive level at Galaxy’s Edge is already high, stepping into Oga’s will truly make you feel like a galactic traveler.

During your 50-minute time slot, you can sip on wild cocktails with even wilder names while grooving to the interstellar beats of DJ REX.

And if the hyperdrive malfunctions—no worries—the bartenders will know what to do.

#03 Sci-Fi Dine-In

If you love 1950s cars and old sci-fi movies, the Sci-Fi Dine-In will win you over.

While food may not be the main attraction here, the atmosphere is pure retro magic. You’ll be transported to an era of pompadours and muscle cars.

This place is always in high demand, so booking in advance is a must.

I also recommend showing up 30 minutes early—sometimes I’ve been seated well before my reservation time.

#02 Be Our Guest Restaurant

The Be Our Guest Restaurant is simply amazing!

It’s not just beautiful on the outside—the interior truly cranks the magic up to 1000.

The main dining hall is stunning, but the library holds some hidden gems that alone justify eating here.

The one time I visited, I was speechless—my food arrived at the table without anyone asking where I was sitting.

It was all thanks to the magical rose I was handed when I ordered.

#01 Teppan Edo

Inside the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT lies one of my must-visit restaurants.

Teppan Edo offers the perfect blend of great food and engaging entertainment, which earns it the top spot on my list.

There isn’t much Disney “magic” here—but that’s not the point. The World Showcase is all about cultural immersion, and Teppan Edo delivers that perfectly.

You’ll sit at an 8-seat table with a hot grill in the center, where your personal chef will cook everything fresh while telling stories and performing impressive tricks.

Beef, seafood, noodles, veggies—everything is delicious, especially with a cold Japanese beer!

Final Thoughts

As you’ve seen, the dining experience at Walt Disney World is always top-notch.

As I always say—try to eat right at 12:00 noon. It might sound a bit strict, but it’s a tip that has saved me tons of time during my visits.

Have fun discovering all the restaurants in each park, create your own favorites list, and start practicing the reservation process on the official website—so you’ll be ready when your 60-day booking window opens.

Did I make you hungry?

Do you agree with my ranking?