One of the most exciting aspects of planning a trip to Walt Disney World is choosing where to dine. With so many fantastic dining experiences available, it can sometimes be overwhelming to narrow down your options.
While table-service restaurants are always a popular choice, some are notoriously difficult to book due to their high demand. If you’re hoping to snag one of these coveted reservations, it’s essential to plan ahead and be ready to book as soon as your 60-day window opens.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the hardest dining reservations to secure at Walt Disney World and provide alternative options if you’re unable to book your first choice.
Space 220 – EPCOT
One of the most talked-about dining experiences in EPCOT is Space 220. This immersive restaurant takes guests on a culinary journey 220 miles above Earth, offering breathtaking views of space. The adventure begins with guests boarding a space elevator that transports them to the dining area, where they can enjoy prix-fixe meals for both lunch and dinner while marveling at the aerial views of Earth and occasional space visitors.
Given the popularity of this one-of-a-kind experience, it’s no surprise that Space 220 is one of the hardest reservations to get. But if you can’t secure a reservation, there are a couple of options to consider.
Alternative: If you’re over 21, you can try to grab a spot at the Space 220 Lounge, which offers a smaller, more casual menu in the same out-of-this-world setting. Alternatively, head to Coral Reef in EPCOT, where you’ll enjoy a meal under the sea with stunning views of the marine life inside the giant aquarium.
Topolino’s Terrace – Disney’s Riviera Resort (Breakfast)
For character dining with a touch of elegance, Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort has quickly become a fan favorite, particularly for breakfast. This experience includes interactions with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy, all dressed in stylish, art-inspired outfits. Guests can savor a prix-fixe menu featuring a variety of delicious breakfast options, making it one of the hardest reservations to secure.
Alternative: If you can’t book Topolino’s Terrace, you can still enjoy a delightful character breakfast at other Disney resorts. Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a classic, where you can meet the “Fab Five.” For a more tropical experience, ’Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers a character breakfast with Lilo and Stitch, which is set to return soon.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
At Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests step back in time to an old-school drive-in movie theater. Diners sit in classic cars while enjoying burgers, fries, and milkshakes, all while watching vintage sci-fi clips on the big screen. This unique dining experience has become increasingly popular, making it one of the most challenging reservations to get.
Alternative: For another immersive experience in Hollywood Studios, check out 50’s Prime Time Café, where you’ll dine in a retro 1950s kitchen setting, complete with old-fashioned comfort food like meatloaf and fried chicken. The fun interactions with “cousins” (your servers) add a playful element to the meal.
Oga’s Cantina – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Oga’s Cantina is a must-visit for fans of the Star Wars saga. This vibrant, bustling cantina serves up creative beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) in an immersive setting, with DJ R-3X spinning tunes. Due to its small size and high demand, Oga’s Cantina reservations are extremely difficult to come by.
Alternative: If you can’t snag a spot at Oga’s, consider the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge or Baseline Tap House in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Both offer fantastic beverages and small bites and though they may not have the same Star Wars flair, the quality of the food and drinks is still top-notch.
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop – Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort is a nostalgic favorite for its delicious ice cream treats and comfort food like burgers and grilled cheese. Known for its famous Kitchen Sink sundae, this tiny soda shop has remained one of the hardest reservations to book, even after its recent expansion.
Alternative: For a similarly quaint and relaxed dining experience, try the Grand Floridian Café at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This charming restaurant offers a variety of options, including breakfast all day. It’s a peaceful spot and conveniently located near Magic Kingdom.
Tips for Getting Disney Dining Reservations
Dining reservations can be tricky, especially for these popular locations, but there are a few strategies that can help:
- Book Early: Reservations for Disney dining open 60 days in advance. Mark your calendar and be ready to book as soon as that window opens.
- Try Off-Peak Times: If you’re flexible, try booking outside of peak dining times, such as an early lunch or late dinner. You may have better luck securing a reservation.
- Use the Walk-Up Waitlist: Some restaurants, including Oga’s Cantina and Space 220, offer walk-up waitlist options via the My Disney Experience app. It’s worth checking on the day of your visit.
- Check Frequently: People’s plans change, and reservations often open up closer to your visit. Keep checking for availability, especially the day before or the day of your desired reservation.
- Consider Alternatives: As mentioned above, there are fantastic alternatives to all of the hard-to-get restaurants. Don’t be afraid to try something new—you might discover a hidden gem.
Conclusion
Securing dining reservations at Walt Disney World can be challenging, especially for the most popular spots. However, with a little planning and some flexibility, you can still enjoy a magical meal. Whether you manage to snag a table at Space 220 or opt for a delicious experience at Coral Reef, there’s no shortage of great dining options at Disney World.
Happy planning, and may your dining adventures be as magical as your time in the parks!
