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Most Difficult Disney World Restaurants to Book Right Now

A huge part of the Walt Disney World magic is the incredible dining experiences available across the resorts and parks. With immersive themes, character dining, and unique cuisine, many Disney restaurants are high on the must-visit list for guests, making it tough to secure a reservation. To ensure you don’t miss out, here’s everything you need to know about reserving a table at Disney’s most popular dining spots.

When to Book Your Disney Dining Reservations

Disney allows guests to start booking dining reservations 60 days before their trip. That might sound early, but for Disney’s top restaurants, it’s essential! Here’s a look at some of the most sought-after Disney dining experiences that often book up right away.

1. Roundup Rodeo BBQ – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Location: Toy Story Land, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s latest dining adventure, Roundup Rodeo BBQ, brings Andy’s backyard creations to life with family-style barbecue options in a fun, toy-themed environment. The restaurant serves up tasty classics like ribs and chicken alongside plant-based options, making it perfect for everyone in the family.

If you’re excited to dive into Andy’s world, be ready to reserve your spot at the 60-day mark. If you’re simply craving barbecue without the wait, consider Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Regal Eagle Smokehouse at EPCOT—both offering great BBQ flavors with quicker access.

2. Chef Mickey’s – Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Location: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, near Magic Kingdom

A Disney classic, Chef Mickey’s combines buffet dining with character meet-and-greets featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald. This all-you-care-to-enjoy restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, with favorites like Mickey waffles and carved meats.

Minnie and Little Girl at Chef Mickey's
Credit: Disney

Chef Mickey’s close proximity to Magic Kingdom makes it a convenient option for park-goers but also one of the hardest reservations to snag. To secure your place with the Fab Five, log in early on your reservation day.

3. Oga’s Cantina – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Location: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Not technically a restaurant, Oga’s Cantina is still one of the toughest reservations at Disney. This Star Wars-themed lounge serves unique, pre-mixed cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks like the Fuzzy Tauntaun and Jedi Mind Trick, while DJ R-3X keeps the energy high with intergalactic tunes. Just note that Oga’s Cantina enforces a 45-minute limit and two-drink maximum to accommodate demand, and seating is limited.

4. Space 220 – EPCOT

Location: Near Mission: SPACE, EPCOT

Dining at Space 220 is an out-of-this-world experience. Guests take a “space elevator” 220 miles above Earth to dine with views of the galaxy, making it one of EPCOT’s most exciting dining options. The prix fixe menu for both lunch and dinner includes unique, space-themed dishes and desserts.

A futuristic restaurant interior with large windows displaying a view of Earth from space. The seating includes black tables and chairs, and the ceiling features blue lighting accents that add to the modern, sci-fi ambiance. Perfect for Disney Dining Reservations, the floor is carpeted in a blue pattern.
Credit: Disney

Space 220’s exclusivity and immersive atmosphere mean reservations are in high demand. If you can’t score a table, try booking a spot at the Space 220 Lounge, which offers small bites with the same incredible views.

5. Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom

Location: Inside Cinderella Castle, Magic Kingdom

Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table is an iconic Disney experience. Located inside Cinderella Castle, this character dining experience includes visits from beloved princesses like Aurora, Jasmine, and Rapunzel, making it perfect for fans of Disney royalty.

The prix fixe meal features beautifully presented dishes, with the stunning castle ambiance adding to the experience. Since it’s the only way to dine inside the castle, this reservation is incredibly competitive. If you’re unable to secure a spot, try Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT for a similar princess-themed meal.

6. Be Our Guest – Magic Kingdom

Location: Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom

Step inside Beast’s enchanted castle at Be Our Guest, where guests can dine in one of three stunning rooms: the Grand Ballroom, Castle Gallery, or the eerie West Wing. With French-inspired cuisine served in a prix fixe format for lunch and dinner, Be Our Guest is a favorite for both Disney fans and foodies.

A grand dining hall with elegant chandeliers, ornate columns, and a painted sky ceiling. The room is filled with diners seated at decorated tables. Large arched windows line the walls, and festive wreaths add a holiday touch. Cozy, warm lighting enhances the ambiance.
Credit: Disney

With only two mealtimes daily, reservations fill up quickly. If dining in the Beast’s castle is on your Disney bucket list, make sure it’s one of your first reservation priorities.

Tips for Securing Disney Dining Reservations

To maximize your chances of booking these popular restaurants, follow these tips:

  1. Start at 6 AM ET on the 60-Day Mark: Reservations open early, so set an alarm and log in on time.
  2. Use the My Disney Experience App: The app often provides faster access than the website, especially during high-traffic times.
  3. Book the Hardest Reservations First: Start with the toughest-to-get spots, like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Space 220.
  4. Consider Lunch or Off-Peak Times: Dining during less popular hours might increase your chances.
  5. Check for Cancellations: As your trip approaches, keep checking for open spots. Guests frequently adjust their plans, and you may find a last-minute reservation.

With a little planning and a lot of excitement, these tips will help you secure your dream Disney dining experiences.

Happy eating, and may your Disney vacation be filled with magical meals!

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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