Hi, Clarissa! Welcome to planDisney!
Don't you worry for one minute about not having dining reservations for your vacation, Clarissa! My family lives only an hour away from Walt Disney World, so we're always heading to the theme parks on the fly. Now I'll help you dine like a local in the parks!
First, let's find out exactly what's available without a reservation. Head over to the
Dining page on the Walt Disney World website and look for the blue bar labeled "Filter By." Click on "Dining Experience" right next to that and scroll down the menu to "Quick Service." Check the boxes next to "Counter Service" and "Fast Casual," and you'll get a list of dining spots that you can walk right up to. Look at all those restaurants! You see how many choices you have, even without a reservation? There's another menu on the right labeled "Sort by" that allows you to arrange your results by location, which will help you narrow down your options based on where you'll be each day.
Okay, here are my non-reservation picks in each theme park:
Magic Kingdom ParkCosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe' - I picked this one for the kids! It's basically a burger-and-fries joint, but Sonny Eclipse rocking the tunes in the dining room is a must-do for the little ones.
Disney's Hollywood StudiosDocking Bay 7 Food & Cargo - Bright Suns! With menu items like Tip Yip (which tastes like chicken - because it's chicken!) and Batuuan beef, you'll think you're dining in a different galaxy!
Disney's Animal Kingdom ParkSatu'li Canteen - Head over to
Pandora - The World of Avatar and order hearty bowls that you'll love as much as the kids do.
EPCOTGlobal Marketplaces at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival - A few plates from the kiosks at the festival will fill you up, I promise! It's a culinary adventure for all ages and tastes, so you'll literally find something for everyone.
Your My Disney Experience mobile app is a great dining tool! You can use the
Mobile Ordering feature to order and pay for your meals right on your phone, and to check for
walk-up availability at table service restaurants. And this summer, try Disney's fun new Family Night Dinner takeout deal! Learn more about it on
this post from the Disney Parks Blog.
I hope this helps your family enjoy a tasty trip to Walt Disney World, Clarissa! Have fun, and please come see us again if you have any more questions!
Keep Disney Dreaming,
Kathy K.