One of the most important aspects of a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is the dining. After all, plenty of energy is needed for all the fun in store!
We've put together this article to explain the type of food available at Walt Disney World Resort, along with suggestions on where to eat based on the type of traveller, plus the biggest dining changes for 2026 that are worth knowing before booking.
Feast your eyes on the info below and find out where to satisfy any appetite during a holiday at Walt Disney World Resort.
Key takeaways - what’s new for dining at Walt Disney World Resort in 2026/2027?
- There are three Disney Dining Plans to choose from: the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, the Table-Service Dining Plan, and the Deluxe Table Service Dining Plan (available for 2027 arrivals).
- Free Disney Dining & Drinks is back for select 2027 arrivals, giving you a free dining plan matched to your resort tier when you book a qualifying Disney Resort hotel and ticket package.
- Signature dining, Character Dining favourites like Cinderella's Royal Table, and dinner shows use two table-service credits per person, so it's worth planning entitlements around these in advance.
- Special dietary requirements can be added when booking a table-service or buffet reservation, and it's always worth speaking to a chef or manager on arrival too.
- New dining options have opened across the resort, including La Poutinerie at EPCOT, FØØD by Swedish Chef at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and LEVEL99 at Disney Springs.
- The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival returns from 27 August to 21 November 2026, included with park admission.
Free Dining and Drinks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
The legendary Free Disney Dining & Drinks offer is back for select 2027 arrivals. Book a qualifying Disney Resorts Collection hotel and ticket package for Walt Disney World Resort and you'll get a free dining plan matched to your resort tier:
- A free Quick-Service meal plan at Value Resort hotels
- A free Quick-Service Dining Plan at Moderate Resort hotels
- Or a free Table-Service Dining Plan at Deluxe Resort hotels and Deluxe Villas
You’ll also have the option to upgrade to a higher tier if you fancy it! It's a brilliant way to save on your holiday, with estimated savings running into hundreds of pounds per adult depending on where you stay. The offer applies to selected 2027 arrival dates and comes with its own minimum stay and booking window, so it's worth checking the details before you book.
Head to our full guide to Free Dining and Drinks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for the complete breakdown of what's included at each resort tier, eligible hotels, qualifying dates, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Types of restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort
There are several different types of dining locations at Walt Disney World Resort located across the Theme Parks, Water Parks, Disney Resort hotels, and Disney Springs. From somewhere to grab a quick snack to a fine dining meal, the restaurants are arranged into categories to help you choose where to eat.
These categories are:
Type of restaurant | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
Quick-Service | You’ll order at the counter and then wait for your food and find a table. | Families with children, casual bites to eat, smaller budgets |
Table-Service | When you arrive, you’ll be seated at a table and waited on by servers. Your food will be brought to your table. | Couples, groups of friends, or a relaxed meal after a busy day exploring |
Character Dining | Meet the Disney Characters while you enjoy buffet-style dining or table service meals. | Young children and Disney fans |
Fine Dining | The highest quality restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort. | Date night for couples or a celebration meal |
Snacks | Large and small snacks are available to pick up from various kiosks throughout Walt Disney World Resort. They are taken away and can be eaten on the go. | Grabbing something when you’re feeling peckish in between attractions |
Best places to eat at Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is home to some of the best restaurants in Orlando. There are way too many places to eat to list them all - there are over 200 places to eat at Walt Disney World Resort - so we've pulled together a list of favourites.
Restaurant | Location | Food | Top pick |
|---|---|---|---|
Adventureland at Magic Kingdom Park | Casual dining with African, Asian, and Latin cuisine | Nile Nellie's Noodle Bowl | |
World Discovery at EPCOT | Casual prix-fixe dining with American classics | Vegan carrot cake dessert | |
Commissary Lane at Disney's Hollywood Studios | 1950s drive-in movie-themed diner serving American classics | Oreo cookie ice cream milkshake | |
Discovery Island at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park | Fine dining with dishes from around the world | Korean barbecue mushroom bao buns | |
Disney Springs | Upscale restaurant with seafood and steaks | Mahi Mahi tacos | |
Disney's Contemporary Resort | Fine dining contemporary cuisine | Sonoma goat cheese ravioli | |
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa | Fine dining American and Mediterranean flavours | Guava-barbecued short ribs | |
Disney's Wilderness Lodge | All-you-care-to-enjoy skillets | Braised pork belly skillet | |
Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park | Character Dining with Disney Princesses. A regal banquet in stunning surroundings | Banana-stuffed French toast | |
World Showcase at EPCOT | Authentic Italian food including pasta, salads, and pizzas | Traditional Neapolitan pizza |
What’s new? Dining openings and closures at Walt Disney World Resort in 2026
Walt Disney World Resort's dining line-up keeps evolving, and several new spots have opened in 2026 that are worth flagging if you’re researching where to eat.
- La Poutinerie - EPCOT, Canada pavilion. Opened 1 July 2026 in place of the former Refreshment Port, this quick-service window serves Canadian poutine, with dishes from $10.99.
- FØØD by Swedish Chef - Disney's Hollywood Studios. A Muppets-themed snack kiosk that opened alongside the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets in May 2026.
- LEVEL99 - Disney Springs. A large interactive gaming venue with scratch-made food, including Detroit-style pizza and wagyu burgers, that opened in the former DisneyQuest/NBA Experience building in June 2026.
- Six Ravens - Disney Springs. A grab-and-go savoury bakery concept from the team behind Gideon's Bakehouse, known for its "Coffyns" savoury hand pies.
Some venues have also closed for refurbishment or permanently in 2026, including Restaurantosaurus at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park (closed for the Tropical Americas expansion) and Yachtsman Steakhouse (closed for refurbishment).
Dietary requirements at Walt Disney World Resort
The restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort can provide meals for anyone with food allergies or dietary requirements, including vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free diets. Walt Disney World Resort also caters for halal, kosher, low-FODMAP, and diabetic-friendly diets on request.
It's worth knowing that the way allergies are noted at Walt Disney World Resort has changed recently. The option to add allergy details when booking a dining reservation online or in the app has been removed, so instead, simply let a server or Cast Member know as soon as you sit down.
This means a special-diets-trained Cast Member or the chef can talk everyone through the menu and help find something delicious and safe to enjoy. For more complex or medically restrictive dietary needs, Disney's Special Diets Team can also be emailed at least 14 days before a trip for extra peace of mind.
Healthy food at Walt Disney World Resort
Eating well at Walt Disney World Resort is easier than it might seem. Alongside all the classic Theme Park treats, there are plenty of fresh, wholesome options to help keep a balanced diet throughout a stay in Orlando.
Look out for the Disney Check symbol on children's menus (previously known as the Mickey Check). Dishes marked with this symbol have been created as a healthy option for kids and must include at least three of the following:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Low-fat dairy
- Whole grains or lean protein
- Beans
- Eggs
- Nuts
Adults can order from the children’s menu at Quick-Service restaurants if a smaller portion is preferred, though it’s best to check with a server first at Table-Service locations.
Food delivery at Walt Disney World Resort hotels
If you want to enjoy some food from the comfort of your hotel room, you can do just that by ordering a food delivery.
You can arrange to have groceries delivered if you’re staying in accommodation with self-catering facilities by companies like Garden Grocer, Instacart, or Amazon Prime. These are delivered to Bell Services at your hotel, and they’ll keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to pick them up. They can also deliver the food directly to your room for an additional charge.
You can also order meals from local restaurants via food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. These will be delivered to the main lobby of your hotel.
Taking your own food into the Theme Parks
Did you know that you can take your own food into the Theme Parks and Water Parks at Walt Disney World Resort? Pack up your sandwiches and snacks and pop them in your backpack for when you’re feeling peckish.
This is a fantastic option if you’re travelling on a budget, as it can save you from spending too much on food in the parks. It’s also good if you have small children who need snacks or specific food throughout the day, or if you’re travelling with a fussy eater.
There are a couple of restrictions to be aware of:
- No glass containers
- Food must not require heating, reheating, or refrigeration
- Food or drink must not have pungent odours
Iconic snacks at Walt Disney World Resort
If you've been researching your Walt Disney World Resort trip, you've probably already spotted some of the iconic snacks on offer on Instagram or TikTok. These are among our must-try list, including a few newer additions for 2026/2027:
Snack | Description | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
Dole Whip | Creamy pineapple-flavoured soft-serve dessert | Aloha Isle at Magic Kingdom Park |
Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar | Vanilla ice cream coated in chocolate shaped as Mickey's silhouette | Various snack kiosks throughout the Theme Parks, Water Parks, and Disney Resort hotels |
Turkey leg | Large handheld turkey leg | Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT |
Jumbo pretzel | Warm, savoury pretzel | Germany Pavilion at EPCOT |
Mickey Beignets | Fluffy New Orleans-style doughnuts | Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter |
New chicken strip flavours | 13 new flavours introduced in late 2025, including buffalo and lemon pepper parmesan | Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café at Magic Kingdom Park |
Coffyns | Savoury hand pies | Six Ravens at Disney Springs |
Character Dining
When it comes to dining at Walt Disney World Resort, there's nothing more special than enjoying a meal with Disney Characters. You can enjoy breakfast with Mickey or meet the Disney Princesses over lunch, whatever your age.
It's one of the easiest and most relaxed ways to meet Disney Characters, and a great way to create memories together.
Character Dining locations at Walt Disney World Resort
Here's where you can eat with the Disney Characters:
Restaurant | Location | Meal | Characters |
|---|---|---|---|
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa | Breakfast and dinner | Disney Characters including Aladdin, Cinderella, Mirabel, and Princess Tiana | |
EPCOT | Breakfast, lunch, and dinner | Disney Princesses | |
Disney's Beach Club Resort | Breakfast | Minnie Mouse and friends | |
Disney's Contemporary Resort | Breakfast | Mickey and friends | |
Magic Kingdom Park | Dinner | Disney Princesses | |
Magic Kingdom Park | Breakfast and dinner | Winnie the Pooh Disney Characters | |
EPCOT | Breakfast, lunch, and dinner | Chip 'n' Dale, Mickey Mouse | |
Disney's Hollywood Studios | Breakfast, lunch, and dinner | Disney Junior Characters, Mickey and friends | |
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort | Breakfast | Lilo & Stitch | |
Disney's Wilderness Lodge | Dinner | Disney Characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | |
Disney's Riviera Resort | Breakfast | Mickey and friends | |
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park | Breakfast, lunch, and dinner | Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, and friends |
Dining Plans
Walt Disney World Resort Dining Plans are one of the most budget-friendly and seamless ways to enjoy exceptional food and drink during your Walt Disney World Resort holiday. Exclusive to those staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, they're a flexible way to enhance your holiday experience, whichever style of dining suits your party.
If you're staying at a Disney Resort hotel, there are three dining plan options to choose from:
- Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan
- Table-Service Dining Plan
- Deluxe Table Service Dining Plan (available for 2027 arrivals)
Top tip: If you have the Table-Service or Deluxe Table Service Dining Plan, it's highly recommended that you make a reservation for the Table-Service restaurants you want to experience. If you're staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can make your dining reservations up to 60 days before check-in, for up to 10 days at once, via the My Disney Experience app.
Special Table-Service experiences
- Character Dining - most Character Dining meals use just one Table-Service credit per person, such as Tusker House Restaurant, Garden Grill Restaurant, and The Crystal Palace. A handful, including Cinderella's Royal Table, use two credits per person.
- Fine/Signature Dining - special-occasion restaurants such as Yachtsman Steakhouse, Tiffins Restaurant, and Citricos use two Table-Service credits per person. Signature restaurants have a "Resort Casual" dress code: no tank tops, swimwear or cover-ups, hats, cut-offs, torn clothing, or clothing with offensive language or graphics.
- Dinner Shows - experiences like the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue use two Table-Service credits per person in exchange for a meal and live entertainment.
- Dining Packages - the Table-Service Dining Plan can also be used to book guaranteed seating for Fantasmic! or an EPCOT Festival concert, paired with a meal. The number of credits used depends on the restaurant chosen.
For the full entitlement breakdown, participating restaurants, and how Signature dining and dinner show credits work, take a look at our complete guide to Walt Disney World Resort Dining Plans.
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
If you're planning a trip in autumn, the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is one of the biggest dining events at Walt Disney World Resort. The 2026 festival runs from 27 August to 21 November, and is included with your EPCOT admission (a park reservation may also be required, depending on your ticket type).
The festival features Global Marketplace booths serving small plates from around the world, typically priced between $5 and $13 each, along with returning activities such as the Eat to the Beat concert series and food-themed scavenger hunts. It's a good time to try dishes and drinks you won't find at EPCOT the rest of the year.
Frequently asked questions
Should I make dinner reservations in advance at Walt Disney World Resort?
You can make reservations for the table service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort. Although you don't have to, and walk-in tables may be available, we'd recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
You can book tables at Walt Disney World Resort restaurants up to 60 days in advance. If you're staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can make reservations for your whole stay (up to 10 nights) in one go, 60 days before check-in.
If Character Dining is on your bucket list, we'd recommend booking as early as possible. Demand is high, and reservations book up quickly.
Which Walt Disney World Resort restaurants take reservations?
Table-Service and fine dining restaurants take reservations in advance. Quick-Service restaurants don't take reservations and accept walk-ins.
Do you have to pay in full for Disney dining reservations?
Some restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort may require advance payment. For most restaurants, you'll just need a credit card to make a dining reservation. This won't be charged before your booking unless you don't show up for your reservation.
What happens if I don't have a dining reservation?
You can walk into Quick-Service restaurants without a reservation, and some Table-Service restaurants may accommodate walk-ups if space allows. The My Disney Experience app also has a Walk-Up Waitlist feature, which you can use to find same-day availability at popular restaurants including 'Ohana and Topolino's Terrace.
Is tipping expected at Walt Disney World Resort restaurants?
Yes. At Table-Service restaurants, you should tip 18-22% as standard, and an 18% gratuity is automatically added if you're in a party of six or more - it's worth checking your bill to avoid tipping twice! At bars, tip $2-3 per drink or 18-22%. You don't need to tip bus, boat, or monorail drivers.
What is the drinking age at Walt Disney World Resort?
The legal drinking age across Florida, including at Walt Disney World Resort, is 21. You'll need photo ID to purchase alcohol, and staff may decline a sale if anyone under 21 is in your party, even if they aren't the one ordering!
Now that you know everything there is to know about eating at Walt Disney World Resort, it's time to get planning the trip of a lifetime. Check out Walt Disney World Resort tickets to get started.
