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In any trip to Disney World in Orlando, crowds are going to be a concern. It’s a simple fact that this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and even in the world, and as such it’s packed with people most of the time. Naturally this can mean long lines, long waits, and other annoyances that, for things like theme park rides, are to be expected. However, when it comes to dining during your trip to Disney, you can get around the swarms of tourists simply by planning a bit in advance.
Keeping that in mind, here are a few tips on where to eat, when to book reservations, and how to beat the crowds at popular Disney restaurants!
How Long In Advance Can You Make Reservations?
The answer to this question might help you to realize just how competitive the seating can be at Disney’s most popular restaurants. But, as noted by the Disney Food Blog, dining reservations are available up to 180 days in advance for those staying at Disney resorts. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that booking 150 days in advance will be a problem, but this is one vacation for which it’s always a good idea to plan early. You’ll need to have your resort already booked, but you’ll be able to make up to 10 separate reservations this far in advance.
When & Wear To Eat At Magic Kingdom
There are of course various responses to this, and to a certain extent it will depend on basic factors like when you’re hungry and what type of food you like! But for travel recommendations to layer on top of my own, I took a look at the DialAFlight “Theme Park Survival Guide” for Disney parks in Orlando. It was there that I found some pretty solid answers. The key tip is to avoid eating your park lunch between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., because that’s when the crowds eat! The “Be Our Guest” restaurant is particularly recommended at Magic Kingdom as the only location that serves alcohol, which can be nice alongside a 3 p.m. lunch, and the Columbia Harbor House is noted for great seafood.
When & Wear To Eat At Universal?
At Universal parks, the same general guideline regarding the hot lunch period stands. As for where to eat, Universal is actually packed with excellent options. The hottest lately has got to be Three Broomsticks, a Harry Potter-themed restaurant. It’s actually a blast and has decent food, too. Mythos Restaurant probably has the park’s best reputation, though, for its food choices.
Which Restaurants Should You Aim For?
Outside of the parks, many people don’t actually realize just how great the restaurants in and around Disney are. Let’s just say there’s a reason 180-day advance reservations are an option! The best restaurants in town are probably Victoria & Albert’s, which is a high-end fine dining experience at the Grand Floridian, and the Yachtsman Steakhouse. However, as the Disney Tourist Blog recommends, it’s also wise to eat at “less popular” restaurants. This is where you’ll find outstanding food without the hassle of reservations and crowds. Trail’s End, Captain’s Grille, and even The Wave (near Magic Kingdom) all fall into this category.
The truth is, it’s hard to go wrong eating at Disney. The food, just about everywhere, is exceptional. And by adhering to these basic tips and guidelines, you can at least avoid the lines, crowds and waits!
This is a guest post by Travis Murray. Travis is a freelance writer and travel junkie who counts Disney World among his most-visited destinations.
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