Planning your dining experiences ahead of time is essential when visiting Walt Disney World Resort. With so many delicious options to choose from, securing your dining reservations before you arrive will help ensure that your vacation is as magical and stress-free as possible. Many table-service restaurants, especially the character dining experiences, tend to book up months in advance.
With the popularity of Disney dining experiences, reservations will likely become even more challenging to secure.
But don’t worry! If your desired reservation is already booked, there are some excellent alternative options that might even become your new favorites. Here are some great alternatives to help you plan a magical dining experience at Disney, even if your first choice isn’t available.
Cinderella’s Royal Table vs. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
If dining with Disney princesses in a castle setting is on your Disney vacation bucket list, Cinderella’s Royal Table is the go-to choice for many guests. Located inside Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom, this experience is as magical as it gets. However, it can be a difficult reservation to snag, and the price tag might be a bit steep for some.
A fantastic alternative is Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, located in the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT. This dining experience also offers the chance to meet several Disney princesses, including Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Aurora, and Ariel. The medieval-style castle with soaring archways is just as grand, and the atmosphere is perfect for any little prince or princess.
Unlike Cinderella’s Royal Table, which offers a prix-fixe menu, Akershus serves family-style platters with Norwegian-inspired dishes alongside more traditional options. This makes it a great choice for adventurous eaters as well as those who prefer familiar flavors.
Since Akershus typically has more availability than Cinderella’s Royal Table, it’s an excellent alternative for a royal dining experience with Disney princesses.
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop vs. The Fountain
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is famous for its playful retro atmosphere and mouth-watering ice cream creations. It’s a favorite for many families, but even with the dining area’s recent expansion, reservations are still tough to come by.
Enter The Fountain at the Dolphin Hotel, located just a short walk away at the Swan and Dolphin Resort. Like Beaches and Cream, The Fountain offers a similar menu with delicious ice cream treats, shakes, and comfort food. The best part? It’s easier to secure a reservation here due to its larger dining space.
If you’re spending the day at EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, both of these dining spots are conveniently located and easily accessible by boat or foot. The Fountain is a hidden gem that might just become your new favorite stop for a refreshing treat after a day in the parks.
Chef Mickey’s vs. Garden Grill Restaurant
Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of the most popular character dining experiences at Walt Disney World. Guests love the fun atmosphere where they can meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto while enjoying a buffet meal. However, reservations can be hard to come by.
For an equally charming character dining option, consider Garden Grill Restaurant at EPCOT. This rotating restaurant, located inside The Land Pavilion, offers a family-style meal with fresh ingredients and classic comfort foods. The best part? You can meet Chip, Dale, Mickey (dressed as a farmer), and Pluto while enjoying views of the Living with the Land attraction below.
Garden Grill is a more relaxed alternative to Chef Mickey’s, and since it’s also available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it offers plenty of opportunities to fit into your schedule. If you’re looking for a unique character meal, Garden Grill is a fantastic option.
Topolino’s Terrace (Breakfast a la Art) vs. Cape May Café (Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast)
Topolino’s Terrace – Breakfast a la Art with Mickey and Friends at Disney’s Riviera Resort is one of the hardest-to-get character dining reservations at Walt Disney World. Guests are drawn to the stunning views, incredible food, and the chance to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy, all dressed as artists. While it’s a must-do for many, it’s often fully booked well in advance.
If you can’t snag a reservation at Topolino’s, consider Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort for a delightful character breakfast. Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast offers a fun, laid-back atmosphere where you can meet Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy dressed in their beach gear. The buffet includes fan-favorite breakfast items like Mickey waffles and other classics, making it a great start to your day.
Cape May Café is typically easier to reserve and offers a more relaxed dining experience compared to Topolino’s. Plus, its proximity to EPCOT makes it an ideal choice for breakfast before entering the park via the International Gateway.
Other Tips for Securing Disney Dining Reservations
Finding dining reservations at Walt Disney World can be overwhelming, especially when popular spots book up quickly. But with a little flexibility and a few alternatives, you can still enjoy a memorable meal. Here are some extra tips to keep in mind:
- Book Dining Early: Reservations for Walt Disney World dining open 60 days in advance. Set a reminder and book as early as possible to secure your desired spots.
- Be Flexible with Timing: Consider dining at off-peak times (like late lunch or early dinner) for a better chance of snagging a reservation.
- Keep Checking for Openings: Cancellations happen frequently. If you didn’t get the reservation you wanted initially, check back regularly for last-minute availability.
- Try Mobile Ordering: For quick-service meals, use the My Disney Experience app to mobile order your food. This can save time and help you avoid lines during busy periods.
Dining is an integral part of any Walt Disney World vacation, and having a plan in place before you arrive will make your experience more enjoyable. Even if you can’t get your top choices, the alternative options at Walt Disney World are just as magical. With a little flexibility, you’ll be able to discover new favorites and create delicious memories with your family.
With these tips and alternative restaurant suggestions, you’re well on your way to enjoying the best of Disney dining. Happy eating!
