Hi, Bethany!
Thanks so much for sending this question to Disney Parks Moms Panel. A lot of folks have the same sort of question, so I am so glad that you asked!
One of the many great features of
Walt Disney World is that some truly magical dining, shopping, and entertainment venues are located
outside of the four theme parks and two water parks. This means that you can enjoy so much of what they have to offer
without purchasing a park ticket.
For example,
Chef Mickey's--a classic buffet with Mickey & Friends--is located at
Disney's Contemporary Resort. Although this resort is located right
next to Magic Kingdom Park, making it a family favorite, it is not located
in the park, so Guests do not need a park ticket to dine at any location there.
To find more ticketless ways to enjoy the magic of Walt Disney World, check out all of the
Walt Disney World Resort hotels as well as
Disney Springs. You can book Advanced Dining Reservations at most of those Table Service restaurants at 180 days prior to arrival,
without having a Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservation.
Happy planning, Bethany! Be sure to send us more questions as you think of them. We love to help!
Andrea