Hiya Annette,
Welcome to planDisney! Some people visit Theme Parks to ride the latest attraction, but I’m all about the dining! My husband and I aim to eat at every table service location at Walt Disney World Resort, so we always try to squeeze as many as possible on our itinerary for each trip.
If I had Fairy Godmother’s wand, Annette, I would definitely make it so I could head into the Theme Parks to enjoy a dining reservation without needing a ticket. Unfortunately, Guests wanting to enter the Theme Parks need a valid ticket and a
Disney Park Pass reservation, even if it is to dine.
I know that is disappointing, Annette, but I have a solution for you. We also enjoy kickstarting our vacation with a dining reservation, but to avoid purchasing an extra ticket, we like to make reservations at one of the locations at the Walt Disney World Resort Collection Hotels. Some of the best dining is outside of Theme Parks! If you like
The Hollywood Brown Derby, you will love
Grand Floridian Café or
Citricos. My Prince Charming swears that the Buttermilk-fried Chicken at Grand Floridian Café is the best thing he has ever eaten, and the Heirloom Apple Salad is spectacular. If you want an extraordinary experience, get a reservation for Citricos! Like the Hollywood Brown Derby, they have a beautiful Sweet Corn Bisque! The star of the meal for me, though, is the desserts! The Blackberry Tartlette has made my top list of favorite bites, and I can’t wait until I get to have it again!
I hope this was helpful, Annette and you have the most magical vacation. Please come back and see me if you need anything else!
Happy Planning,
Ashley F.