If you like to travel last minute or you can’t really decide where you’ll want to eat 180 days in advance, then advance dining reservations at Disney World are probably not your thing. But if you like to plan your Disney vacation down to the last detail, then making advance dining reservations can make eating a pleasant and stress-free experience.
But, when you do get down to booking meals in advance, you may find that your favorite restaurants are already fully booked. So, what are the hardest reservations to get at Disney World? The ones that you will want to book as far in advance as possible?
Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom, Le Cellier and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at Epcot, Oga’s Cantina at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Tiffins and Yak and Yeti at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Boathouse at Disney Springs, Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort are some of the hardest reservations to get at Disney World.
Continue reading for a lowdown on the 10 most popular table service restaurants at Disney World. These are the locations where its well worth making advance dining reservations as early as possible because they sell out months in advance.
Cinderella’s Royal Table at Magic Kingdom
If you’ve got a little girl in your family who idolizes Disney Princesses, then Cinderella’s Royal Tablet is your chance to make her dreams come true by knocking out several princesses in one setting. But dining in the iconic Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World is an experience to remember even for adults. That’s why this dining experience is consistently one of the hardest to get reservations at Disney World. Expect to be set back by $60 per adult or 2 table service dining credits.
Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom
Named after the Beast’s castle from Beauty and the Beast, this is listed as a quick service restaurant for breakfast and lunch, but reservations are highly recommended. Dinner is more of a formal affair with table service at the Be Our Guest Restaurant. The cuisine here is French with a range of delectable pastries and desserts to finish up the meal. This is one location that’s on everyone’s must-do list, so be sure to book early. Dinner costs $35 per adult.
Le Cellier Steakhouse at Canada Pavilion in Epcot
Hands down the most sought-after reservation at Epcot, Le Cellier is the perfect venue for a romantic night out for couples. The elegant chateau-style atmosphere with flickering candles, the delicious seafood and steaks, combined with an extensive wine selection make a meal at Le Cellier one you’ll remember for years to come. A meal here will set you back by $59 per adult or 2 tablet service dining credits.
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at the Norway Pavilion in Epcot
If you want a coveted breakfast table at this iconic location, then advance reservations are highly recommended. You’ll be able to enter Epcot one hour early and enjoy a delightful continental breakfast with many American favorites as well. Expect to run into Cinderella, Snow White, and Ariel as they make the rounds and pose for pictures. Costs range from $35 to $59 per adult depending on the meal or 1 table service dining credit.
Oga’s Cantina at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Located in the newly opened Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Oga’s Cantina is the galaxy’s infamous watering hole. It features an expansive menu of exotic concoctions and fantastical drinks as well as bold musical entertainment. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Note that Oga’s Cantina is mostly standing room with very limited seating, plus you are not guaranteed seating with your reservation. Also, there’s a time limit of 45 minutes per party. Costs range from $15 to $35 per adult.
Tiffins Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Discover a world of flavors and exotic mouthwatering cuisines from lands far away at this popular table service restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From charred octopus to spiced chickpea falafel and tamarind-braised short rib, this is the place to get adventurous and try something new from the exotic menu. Not to mention the restaurant’s renowned wine list. No surprise then that a tablet at Tiffins Restaurant in Disney World is next to impossible without advance reservations. Cost for lunch and dinner is $35 to $59 per adult.
Yak and Yeti Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Serving pan-Asian flavors, this popular eatery has a beautiful Nepalese setting that instantly transports you to a quaint village in the Himalayas. The family-friendly restaurant at the base of Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom has great options for vegetarians, delicious chicken, pork, and beef dishes, as well as a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages served from a full-service bar. Same-day reservations are occasionally available, but advance reservations are recommended if this is a must-do for you. Cost $15 to $35 per adult for lunch and dinner.
The Boathouse at Disney Springs
This upscale waterfront dining location in Disney World serves the freshest fish and exceptional pasta, steak, chops, and other all-time favorites. But if you want something more casual, there’s sandwiches, burgers, and lobster rolls on offer as well. Don’t miss the decadent deserts, including a mouthwatering Baked Alaska. A great place to relax with a cocktail or a glass of rare vintage wine while soaking up some coastal charm in the three outdoor bars. Reservations highly recommended. Cost $15 to $35 per adult
Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Reservations are gone in the blink of an eye for both breakfast and dinner at this popular restaurant in Disney’s Polynesian Village. Ohana serves up a family-style breakfast and a Hawaiian-themed dinner with specialties like lo mein noodles, sweet and sour chicken, and oak-grilled shrimp. In the mornings, you might run into Lilo and Stitch. In the evenings, there’s island-style storytelling. Either way, it’s an experience your family won’t forget in a hurry. Cost $35 to $59 per adult.
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
A front-seat view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the private viewing deck and an enchanting romantic ambience make California Grill the perfect spot to unwind after a hectic day in the parks. This signature dining location in Disney World is a crowd puller with food that consistently impresses. It’s one of the hardest reservations to get at Disney World, so advance dining reservations at the 180-day mark (or as soon as they open) are recommended. Cost $39 to $59 per adult or 2 table service dining credits.
Tips to snag the hardest reservations in Disney World
There’s no other way around it – you’ll have to book as soon as reservations open (180 days usually, but there may be a shorter window due to Covid). We suggest you get up at 6 am (no kidding) and jump straight to the hardest and most coveted reservation on your list. You can always book less popular restaurants later. Also, be flexible on dates. If you’re willing to move around your theme park days based on the reservations you can get, you’re more likely to snag a tablet at these popular dining venues in Disney World. And if you don’t get what you want initially, keep checking back. Availability often opens up after guest cancellations. With a little bit of persistence and a dash of luck, you should be able to get even the hardest reservations at Disney World.