Hi Elizabeth,
Welcome to planDisney! Disney dining is one of my favorite topics, so I'm excited to offer you some suggestions for planning your meals during your Walt Disney World vacation.
Guests can make
advanced dining reservations up to 60 days in advance, whether you are staying in a Disney resort or not. Your vacation is within that window, so now is the time to make your choices for your entire visit.
During my family's Disney vacations, I like to have one dining reservation per day and vary that reservation time based on the day's activities. If we're planning a rope-drop-to-fireworks day at Magic Kingdom, for example, I book a late afternoon meal at somewhere like
Crystal Palace or
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen. We take a break, soak up some air-conditioning, relax and refuel for the rest of the evening.
At Epcot, we like to snack around the World Showcase until later in the evening, then book a table at
Spice Road Table or Rose and Crown to watch the Luminous fireworks show. Maybe you'd like to join Andy's toys for a family-style lunch at
Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Hollywood Studios. Or, at Animal Kingdom, choose between breakfast, lunch or dinner with Disney characters at the African-inspired
Tusker House or lunch or dinner of international cuisine at the more upscale
Tiffins.
If we're planning a day outside the parks, we may choose a late morning breakfast buffet at
Boma or brunch at the elegant
Grand Floridian Cafe before an afternoon of resort hopping and pool time.
Or we visit
Disney Springs for waterfront dining at The Boathouse, Jaleo or Summer House on the Lake.
You have so many wonderful choices. I find it relaxing and comforting to know that I have made plans each day for one place to sit with my family together for a meal.
If your plans shift while you are at Walt Disney World, Elizabeth (and they very likely will), it's easy to modify or cancel your dining reservations, based on availability, in the My Disney Experience Mobile App. Please note that you should cancel at least two hours in advance to avoid a no-show fee.
I hope that's helpful. Please let us know if you have any other questions as your vacation nears. You'll be dining in the magic before you know it.
Enjoy,
Wilma