Sharing weekly tips that will save you time, money or simply make life easier on your upcoming Walt Disney World vacation.
When helping people plan their Disney World vacations, I always recommend that families plan one table-service-meal-a-day, securing Advanced-Dining Reservations up to 180 days prior to arrival. I’ve found that guests are often unaware of this tip and are left with limited choices. The chance to sit down together after a long, hot Park day, share memories and re-cap experiences is priceless. Our family has several traditions that involve “must-do” restaurants. Many of our treasured memories involve Disney Dining, these meals are always highlights of our trips.
Walt Disney World has so many incredible restaurants. Character Dining is one of their most popular options. You can view the various options here .
A few of our favorite Character Dining Experiences are:
Breakfast at The Crystal Palace – Fantastic character interaction and delicious food make this a “must-do” for us on every trip.
Kasi's first visit with Tigger, 3 months old - The Crystal Palace 10/2004
The Crystal Palace - 10/2007
Group hug from Tigger - 10/2010
Cinderella’s Royal Table – Lunch is our favorite meal there. We love the “Major Domo’s Favorite Pie”.
My Princesses with Princess Aurora - Cinderella's Royal Table - 10/2007
Chef Mickey’s – For Dinner – Great selection and the “Make Your Own Ice-Cream Sundae’s” are great!
Kasi - Chef Mickey's - 4/2009
Donald’s Safari Breakfast at Tusker House – Great food and fun atmosphere. The characters are adorable in their safari gear. Be sure to try the “Jungle Juice”.
Shawn and Goofy at Tusker House -Â 4/2009
Other non-character meals that we really enjoy are:
Boma – Flavors of Africa – Delicious, unique food in a beautiful resort. Be sure to try the “Zebra Domes”.
Malia shows her desserts at Boma (the Zebra Domes are white) - 8/2008
‘Ohana – Super fun atmosphere – complete with coconut rolling, limbo and hula dancing lessons. Great chance for Mom & Dad to relax while the kids have fun.
Food is cooked over an open fire and served family style - 'Ohana 4/09
The kids parade around the dining room - 'Ohana - 4/2009
A parade of cuties shaking their maracas - Kasi's having a ball! Â Â 'Ohana - 4/2009
Even teenagers get into the hula dancing lessons                                        (Sierra and her best friend - - 'Ohana - 4/2009)
All tuckered out and wrapped up in a pile of lei's -'Ohana - 4/2009
Malia being silly after a fun dinner at 'Ohana - 10/2007
Le Cellier Steakhouse – By far the best steak I’ve ever had, and their chocolate moose (misspelling intentional) is delicious as well.
Chocolate Moose (Mousse) - Le Cellier Steakhouse - 4/2009
There are just a few of our favorite places to dine at Walt Disney World. Due to the popularity of the Table Service restaurants, you’ll want to book your Advanced Dining Reservations as soon as possible (up to 180 days in advance).
You can do this online here beginning at 6:00am est on your 180 day mark or beginning at 7:00am est by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Be sure to have your resort confirmation number handy if you are staying on property. By doing this as soon as possible, I’ve been able to book Cinderella’s Royal Table, Le Cellier, ‘Ohana and other hard to get meals on every trip.
Not sure what your 180 days in advance date is? Call 407-WDW-DINE – they’ll help you figure it out with their handy calculator!
Recently I shared a little bit about The Crystal Palace on the Chevy Queen of the Road Blog. Click that link to check it out!
Wishing you a delicious Disney vacation!
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