The 10 Best Disney Dining Reservations to Make for Your Trip • WDW Vacation Tips (2024)

There are so many amazing restaurants across the Walt Disney World property it can be hard to pick which restaurants you want to eat at. You have more than 356 restaurants to pick between at Walt Disney World resort. In this article, we are just going to focus on the 100 or so that accept reservations. This is what is also dubbed as a sit-down restaurant in Disney planning speak. It is also important to note that not all restaurants are the same at Disney World, you have fine dining, character meals, and more.

What We Think are the Best Disney World Restaurants

California Grill

This is our personal favorite on Disneyproperty, due to the fact so many memories were shared here, including our wedding! There is no ticket required to dine here as it is outside the four Disney World theme parks. The California Grill sits on the very top floor on the Contemporary Resort and has views that wrap around most of the resort. If you are seated in the main dining area though you look down into the Magic Kingdom, the most prized view at this resort.

California Grill doesn’t just top our list for its stunning real estate location it also serves top-notch cuisine. It’s a mix of contemporary Californian dishes along with some classics. Our favorite dish here is the Oak-fired Filet of Beef, if you are unsure go with this item! That and pork tenderloin are their top two dishes. Note that they are only open for dinner during the week, then on the weekends they also serve a brunch with unlimited mimosas.

If you are utilizing the Disney Dining Plan this signature dining spot will set you back two credits making it less of a great deal for you using it. Paying out of pocket? Entrees range from $37 – $59 which is on the pricey end. You can do a fun meal hack here and enjoy some entrees and their divine sushi and save yourself a little cash. Reservations here are a must due to its popularity, though we find 48-24 hours some last-minute cancellations can be scooped up.

For a complete breakdown of what to expect at this location read our review.

‘Ohana

Head to the Polynesian Village Resort to join the ‘Ohana (family) when you are seating you are welcomed as cousins. At ‘Ohana you are seated at big long tables with other families for a communal meal. The atmosphere at this restaurant is truly immersive.

Pro-tip on dining at ‘Ohana is to arrive hungry and ready to eat a big meal. There is no bad course here and it’s tempting at every course to fill up and not have enough room for the next. The food is served on large trays and you are free to pick and choose what you like to eat. The most famous dish here is the bread pudding that comes out at the end of the meal. So again I stress to save room! This style of dining is very similar to Whispering Canyon if you have eaten there (but better food and no screaming over ketchup).

The atmosphere will get you up off your seat to join in with the Polynesian entertainers and makes this a great one for kids! The competition gets fierce with broom and coconut runs. My personal favorite is the singer who walks around serenading tables and playing the ukulele. It’s just what I always imagine a luau in Hawaii would be. Hang around late enough and you can actually catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks here. The views aren’t the same as California Grill but still a show nonetheless. During the firework show, the lights will dim and they even play the audio live from the park for the full effect.

For more information and pictures read our full review.

Victoria and Alberts

This is considered the most exclusive Disney World restaurant. Why? Victoria & Albert’s is an AAA 5-Diamond award-winning restaurant in the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World. It also marks the top dining spot on many’s lists and with that title, it is by far and away, the most expensive meal you can eat at Disney World.

The main dining room 7-course prix fixed menu will set you back $185 per guest ($250 with wine pairings). Doesn’t seem rich enough? Well, they also have a 10-course meal ($235), Queen Victoria’s Room ($235), and Chef’s Table ($250). Note that all that pricing does not include tax and gratuity. It also can seem impossible at times to get a reservation. The tablespace is very limited here so spots do go quickly. If you find a reservation to Victoria and Albert’s you will want to scoop it right up.

Here you will find a unique fine-dining menu of contemporary American cuisine. Here you should expect a series of perfectly paired small plates that will sum up the greatest meal of your life. The menu here is constantly changing as they serve what is in season and they can source locally. So if you are out hunting for reviews be warned that most likely your selection of food will be totally different.

Please be aware that this restaurant has a dress code. It also doesn’t participate in the dining plan nor does it offer any discounts to its diners.

Le Cellier Steakhouse

A.K.A. the restaurant commonly referred to as Canada! This restaurant at the Canada Pavillion in the World Showcase at Epcot. It’s tucked in by the garden and conveniently on the way to movie inside this country.

Here you are going to want to munch down on some steak or salmon. Don’t forget the pretzel bread… you will dream of it for days after! Oh, did I mention the cheddar cheese soup? If you need some more convincing head over to the Canada booth at the food and wine festival to sample some of the soup for yourself.

If you are on the Disney Dining Plan this restaurant requires two table service credits. The menu entree items range from $33 – $57. This restaurant is very small and popular, so beware that the reservations go quickly and are hard to find.

For even more insight and more pictures from our meal here read our full review on Le Cellier Steakhouse.

Yachtsman Steakhouse

Located in the Yacht Club Resort, you can view the fresh-cut steaks before you even sit down! The wait staff is very knowledgeable and will make you feel like you are at an upscale steakhouse right in the heart of New England. They have a great selection of different steaks as well as an extensive wine list to complement your choice.

Having a bad meal here is something we really have yet to do. I do recommend going to eat here early as it is much quieter. When the restaurant starts to fill as it gets later I do find that it can get a little on the loud side. If you are coming here I highly recommend sticking to their specialty, steak. If it isn’t your thing the seafood is also great! Plus have we talked to you about the onion rolls they serve here? They are also a must!

If you want to eat here note that this steakhouse is only open during dinner (5:00 – 9:30 PM). The good news is getting a reservation here isn’t as cut-throat as some of the other spots on this list. There has been plenty of occasions where we can grab a reservation a week or day before. If you are using the Disney Dining Plan this restaurant will set you back two table service credits. Paying out of pocket? Entrees here range from $34 – $135.

We have concluded this is the best spot to get a steak on Disney property to find out why read our full review.

Topolino Terrace

Here you can take in panoramic views of Disney World property and eat some of the best food served up at Disney World. Around the entire resort, you will find many nods to Walt Disney himself and his adventures in Europe. You maybe wonder how the name all ties into the story, Topolino’s Terrace is actually Italian for “baby mouse terrace”.

The service here, well we were blown away! Our waiter, Christopher, made it into a grand dinner full of story and history. If you get the chance for him to be your waiter you are in for a treat. Pictured above was the filet, it blew us away! We will have to return for further research but this just maybe takeover for the best steak at Disney World!

If you are using the Disney Dining Plan dinner will set you back 2 table service credits. While the character breakfast/brunch they do is only one table service credit.

For more dig into our Topolino’s Terrace Dinner review.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Dining inside Cinderella’s Castle! Need I say more? Every princess deserves to dine in a real castle at least once, and I have been lucky enough to dine here several times. Due to its small size, Cinderella’s Royal Table also offers a nice intimate atmosphere. Don’t forget to get your picture with Cinderella and Prince Charming.

As for the setup here, it’s the most unique. In order to book a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table, you must pre-pay in full for your meal! Yes, even if you are on the Disney Dining Plan or have the Tables in Wonderland Discount you will be pre-paying upfront and get reimbursem*nt at the end of your meal.

Now that the logistics are out of the way, let’s talk about the food. Now, this is a character dining spot but it surprisingly serves up an impressive menu. But you are restricted to a prix fixe menu here and unlike ‘Ohana no you may not ask for any extras or refills.

In large, the spot makes the list for the location and experience. This 3-course meal is $75/per adult or $45/per child which is pretty steep you can dine for less over at Be Our Guest and still enjoy a unique atmosphere and even try the gray stuff.

For more read: Our Cinderella’s Royal Table Dining Review

Narcoossee’s

Located right off of the boat dock at the Grand Floridan resort, this spot gives you an amazing view overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom. The fresh fish options will not disappoint. Make sure to stick around for fireworks, they dim the lights and play the music, just like if you were inside the park.

Narcoosee’s is known as a top-notch seafood spot on Disney World property. But I must say their steak is pretty top-notch as well. I highly recommend going with the surf and turf options if you end up eating here. The waitstaff was very helpful in taking care of our picky eater with suggesting alterations to items on the menu. The chocolate bar dessert was out of this world. We love this restaurant for special occasions and its great location, since you don’t a park ticket to eat here.

For those using the dining plan, it will require two table service credits to eat here. If you are paying out of pocket entrees range from $34 to $70.

Read our full review of Narcoossee’s.

Shula’s

This award-wining steakhouse is located in the Dolphin Hotel. Covered in traditional wood-panel this restaurant offers enormous steaks served a la carte with many sides served family-style, you won’t go home hungry. I highly recommend ordering the chocolate souffle at the start of your meal for a truly delicious finish.

If you are a big football fan, don’t forget to check out the football memorabilia. In case you didn’t already know, Shula’s Steak House was established in 1989, and began with the legacy of Coach Don Shula. For those who are not up on their sports knowledge, like me, Coach Don Shula is an American sports legend, best known for leading his team, the Miami Dolphins, to the only perfect season in NFL history. Their goal was to build a reputation to match the standards set by one of the greatest and most celebrated coaches in NFL history. They have since taken this goal and ran with it, launching a range of restaurants and social venues under the Shula name.

If you are paying out of pocket entrees range from $29 – $130. Note that these dishes do not include sides, all extra are purchased separately. So this definitely makes it one of the priciest options on this list. The Disney Dining Plan is not accepted at Shula’s Steak House.

Flying Fish

Located on the Boardwalk and fully refurbished in 2016, this restaurant boasts an open view of the kitchen with some counter seating available to see your meal prepared right before your eyes. In addition to their standard menu, they always offer seasonal specials with the freshest seafood that is available. We are also so excited to see they brought back the best strip steak you will EVER have!

While you can’t go wrong with ordering any fish items off the menu, I am not joking when I say the Flying Fish has the best strip steak, really that I have ever had, this isn’t exclusive to Disney World. The atmosphere here was perfect for celebrating our anniversary! It’s a cozy restaurant and the staff here goes above and beyond to make sure you have a perfect meal as well as take the time to get to know you.

Check out our full review of dining at the Flying Fish.

Citricos

Located in the Grand Floridian Resort, this restaurant boasts a warm, old-world design. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the ingredients that are the freshest. The cuisine is American with a definite Mediterranean twist. Don’t make the same mistake we did the first time we dined here, ordering something other than the filet off the menu. They really shine when it comes to their other dishes.

If you are using the Disney Dining Plan this restaurant does require two table service credits. Paying out of pocket? Entrees range from $33 – $53 here.

Read our full review of our latest experience at Citricos.

Best Reservations by Disney Theme Park

If you are just looking for the list of the best by location we have broken it down by park with a few bonus Disney World Resort locations.

Magic Kingdom Best Dining Reservations

1. Be Our Guest
2. Cinderella’s Royal Table
3. Skipper Canteen
4. Liberty Tree Tavern
5. Plaza Restaurant

Epcot Best Dining Reservations

1. Le Cellier Steakhouse
2. Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria
3. Teppan Edo
4. Biergarten
5. Space 220

Hollywood Studios Best Dining Reservations

1. Brown Derby
2. Sci-Fi Dine In
3. Mama Melrose

Animal Kingdom Best Dining Reservations

1. Tusker House
2. Yak and Yeti

Disney Springs Best Dining Reservations

1. Homecomin’
2. Boathouse
3. Splitsville
4. Raglan Road

Making a Disney World Dining Reservation

The most important thing to remember if you want to try out any of these locations we highly recommend booking your reservation 60 days out (new reservations open up around 6 am EST) from when you want to eat! The good news is if you are staying on property, at the 60-day mark they will let you book every day of your trip, it gives you a slight edge up. Believe it or not, since these are considered some of the best dining locations on Disney property they can completely book up right at opening. Book online or call (407) WDW-DINE.

What’s your favorite dining experience at Walt Disney World? Have you gotten a chance to dine at any of our favorite Disney World Restaurants? Let us know in the comments below or join the discussion over on our Facebook page!