Hi Esther, welcome to planDisney!
There is more to see than can ever be seen at Walt Disney World Resort, more to do than can ever be done. I've been visiting Walt Disney World every year since I was a little girl and there are still attractions I haven't experienced (
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind), restaurants I haven't dined in (
Beaches and Cream Soda Shop), and characters I haven't hugged (
Chewie).
I completely support your decision to enjoy EPCOT at a slower pace. The only prerequisites for an in-park dining reservation are valid admission, a
theme park reservation, and a
method of entry (MagicBand, MagicBand+, Disney MagicMobile pass, or admission card). You do not have to have any of these to make an advance dining reservation, but these things have to be linked to your
My Disney Experience account in order for you to access in-park dining locations.
Dining reservations can be made
online up to 60 days in advance. Guests staying at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel can make reservations for their entire length of stay (up to 10 days) 60 days in advance of their check-in date. All others may make reservations as each date reaches the 60-day mark. My top three recommendations for table service restaurants in EPCOT are
La Hacienda de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion,
Via Napoli Restaurante e Pizzeria in the Italy Pavilion, and
Le Cellier in the Canada Pavilion. My mouth is watering just thinking about that Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup!
A late January visit means you will likely be visiting during the
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts; keep an eye on the
Disney Parks Blog for an official announcement about the dates for this artful extravaganza. Definitely consider leaving room for a few tastes of the culinary arts from the Festival food studios located throughout the park. They're masterpieces for your mouth!
Thanks so much for letting planDisney help you plan Disney. We're hEAR all yEAR!
Choose magic,
Jennifer